Angie Goodman

Hello Marianne,
You've been given some good responses to your question and are absolutely correct in wanting to compare. That's the whole idea behind comparables. If the home you are considering per square foot is higher than an "identical one" that sold recently, then you might consider offering a lower price. Finding that "identical" is the hard part. As previous answers mentioned, the condition of the one you are considering may be superior to the "identical" one that sold, with upgraded kitchen, bath and floors. Also, the extra footage you may be looking at, may serve your needs best and be worth a little extra to you.

It's a buyer's market and this may play a part in your offer, but know that if this home works well for you and is priced competitively, someone else may find it fits their needs well too. An experienced Realtor will be able to help you through the negotiation process. In fact, if you have another property you are interested in, it helps to give you some "emotional distance" for selecting another property if this deal doesn't happen. Buying a home is emotional though, so don't let a few dollars keep you from getting the home you want. With interest rates so low, a few dollars should not make much difference in your note.

Congratulations on your decision to purchase a new home. It's a GREAT time to buy!
Angie - Sun Jun 1 2008, 08:24

Dear Worried,
Tallahassee is a great place to live! With our moderate climate, you will see people out exercising all over the city at all times of the day. Bad individuals exist everywhere and personal safety should be a concern to everyone-even Realtors have to be mindful of our safety. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has a website to search for sexual offenders at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/sexual_predators. Perhaps this site will be of assistance to you. As Realtors, it is illegal for us to "steer" anyone to any particular area in which to live. Based on the amount of money you wish to spend, if your daughter desires to be near work, schools, shopping, churches or recreational facilities, I will be able to help her find something, somewhere she will be happy to be living. Let me know if you would like me to send additional information about our fabulous city. I can be reached at 850-321-4666, http://www.agoodmove.us. Angie Goodman, CRS, SRES Keller Williams Realty - Mon Mar 10 2008, 06:06

Hello Ms. Nic,
Good question and a great time for buy. Interest rates are still very low and there are some great bargains on the market.
You've been given great answers by the other Realtors on this question too. Talking with lenders and finding out what amount you could qualify for is the first step. Yes, the Lenders Consortium does have programs to help, but they are not the do all/end all of assistance. A number of the banks in town provide programs for first time homebuyer downpayment assistance. It's based on a number of things, including how much money you make and of course interest rate is partially determined by your credit rating. I recommend calling several of the local banks and asking about their first time home buyer programs and assistance. If you are ready to buy, I recommend checking with them all during the same period of time, get their rates and see what they can do for you. You really have nothing to lose by talking with them and if for some reason you cannot purchase, most lenders will provide you with suggestions on helping you get there financially.

Good luck. Of course, call me for any assistance, contact names for lenders or any other questions you may have.

Angie Goodman, Broker Associate, Keller Williams Realty, 850-321-4666, angieg@kw.com - Wed Dec 19 2007, 16:01

Anne,
The answer lies in your lease agreement. You should have a copy of the lease you signed, if not, then the landlord has one with your signature they can provide. Whatever is in the lease determines what your requirements are. Be sure and read the entire thing because just one clause may not be enough to tell you if there is another way out.
Good luck and congratulations on your new home. Buying a home is very emotional and having rental/landlord problems doesn't help.

Angie Goodman, Keller Williams Realty, http://www.agoodmove.us, angieg@kw.com - Wed Dec 19 2007, 15:41

Hello Thomas,
Planning a move to Tallahassee? Welcome! We've got many areas in town that are great for whatever it is you enjoy. Whether it's the outdoors, movies, shopping, culture or government, most places are conveniently situated around the city. I agree with Kim, the northeast and southwest are probably the most popular, but there are locations in the northwest that are great too. The question is how much money do you plan to spend and what are your interests. You can reach me through my website, www. agoodmove.us or call me at 850-321-4666 or email, angieg@kw.com. Good luck. Angie Goodman - Thu Nov 8 2007, 05:02