Darin J. Dugenske

Sandi,
This is a good question. You can see people or signs market their home stating they are below market value or below appraised value and think that will make the home sell. They will also disclose that if the home is sold using a realtor the price of the home will be increased. This increased price will cover the costs of a professional commissions. As a seller this can backfire and would encourage you to market your home at the best value that would include professional fees, just like when you go to the doctor.

There is a bigger questions that you have asked which is market value. Market value is determined by what a buyer will pay for something and what is the best price a seller can get for what they are selling. This is the exact same concept that is used with the stock market. At this time we are in a buyers market and buyers are determining much of the prices. This is also cyclical as it will swing back to a sellers market in the future... and again back to a buyers market over time.

Many real estate professionals will not take on the responsibility of listing a home if they believe it is above market value or over priced. There are some agents that will take on a listing based on what the homeowner dictates regardless of their knowledge of the area. In these cases this increases the inventory of homes in the area as well as the amount of time a home will remain for sale. In our experience homes will sell if priced right and marketed correctly.

When buying and selling a home it is an emotional decision and recommend you reach out to a professional that can and will help. They can help provide guidance as to a price range that your home may sell. And when buying they can provide you assistance with what the homes in the area of your search or being offered at, ameneties and sold. If you decide to do it on your own know your market, know your competition and be realistic.

Know before you buy or sell... and you will be able to get the best value for your home on either side of the closing table.

Best of fortune with your experiences. If you have any questions please let me know.
Darin - Sun Oct 14 2007, 18:02

Mr. Humphrey,
There are so many wonderful places to consider in Georgia and Florida. They all offer some spectacular communities as well as conveniences. I would recommend that you reach out to people that are on the ground in the respective areas you are looking to make your new home.

Our team specializes in the Tampa Bay area. This includes areas such as Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota to name a few. We have some of the most beautiful beaches, gulf coast waterways, professional sporting teams and entertainment. There are homes that are new builds to historic areas available depending on your desires. You can live on a multi hundred acre ranch or downtown in the heart of one of our great cities. All of these areas are centrally located to internaltional airports and fabulous shopping and entertainment.

If you look at some of the articles in Forbes, Newsweek, New York Times they have recently written articles about how this area is one of the best places to live. There are good schools, from elementary to college in the area if needed.

There is so much to offer, just let us know what you are looking for and if we can't help we will be happy to refer you to a specialist in the area you are looking for.

Kind regards,
Darin - Sat Sep 15 2007, 08:06

Gary,
Congratulations to you and your family and wish you all the best in finding the right area. There are a number of relocation specialist that can help you make a very smooth transition. Depending on where is Florida you decide you relaocate will determine if I can provide someone I am comfortable referring to you. If you decide to relocate to the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota area I can provide you with some names that you can interview. Please let us know how we can help. - Tue Jul 10 2007, 17:48

Since the time I submitted my first response we are seeing inventory is still high but things are also moving. When seller's price their home correctly and are actively marketed we are seeing them move. This means in many cases homes more agressively priced as selller are motivated. When the priced in this manner there may be less room for negotiation, but by knowing what the neighborhood supports will help you make an educated decision on what to offer.

On new builds, builders are giving great incentives on homes that are their "Showcase" or "Completed" homes in an effort to reduce inventory and begin new builds. This is effecting existing home sales and prices. This will potentially change in the new year as proposed impact fees to builders may increase future costs and mandate increase in sales prices.

There are great deals to be made on purchasing a home and there are some awesome communities, exisiting and new, just keep your eyes and ears open and ask someone who knows the market, especially if you are new to the area. - Mon Aug 20 2007, 17:27

Yes, Now is a good time to buy. There are investment/income properties as well as residential properties available. There are still more seller's than buyers, therefore the truly motivated sellers are willing to work with the offers. In many cases though homes are now being priced right and there is less negotiations and in some cases we are seeing multiple offers. - Tue Jul 10 2007, 18:33

There are good and some questionable schools it depends on the school as well the neighborhood. There is more good than questionable areas. If you are looking in a more specific area please let me know and can provide some detailed information as to the schools and crime rates. There are a number of new communities being built that cover all the price ranges. - Tue Jul 10 2007, 18:36

Downtown Tampa was expected to be one of the next expansion area. There are a number of reasons it did not take place at this point, however the potential is still there. There is still areas that are seeing improvement and met with a builder who is positioning a community to be completed in 2009 in an effort to capatialize. Tampa is a great place to live and invest and when the time does come be careful that you have not missed any part. Good fortune. - Tue Jul 10 2007, 18:21