TRISHA LEE

Raechel -
I also say be very careful using Zillow. Some of their information is accurate but some is WAY off. Our market currently does not publish home sale values outside the MLS so I'm not quite sure where they're getting their numbers. If something looks very high or very low compared to other comparable properties, the numbers are probably wrong or there is some extenuating circumstance. That's why numbers aren't always the most important guide...could have bad foundation (low number) amazing amenities, closing costs included in sale (high number). You're not in my area so I'm not asking for your business but would love to point you to a qualified professional who could assist you. If you're interested my information is included.

Trisha Lee REMAX Boone Realty, Columbia, MO
573-999-1000 TrishaLee@Remax.net

Past President Women's Council of REALTORS, Columbia,
Accredited Buyers Representative
Graduate Realtors Institute
Certified Residential Specialist
Certified New Home Specialist
e-Pro - Sun Nov 16 2008, 17:35

Dale is absolutely right...with great difficulty.

All the information you need is available but not readily accessible to lay websites. There are so many variables and pricing is a constantly moving target. If you're a home buyer your best avenue is to work with a buyers agent. They have more and better information available to them and are constantly evaluating home pricing so they can do it faster and better than the lay person. We're in the trenches every day.

The most important piece of information is that everything has a price that is determined by the marketplace. Every seller has a bottom line that they will accept when selling, and every buyer has a top price they will pay before walking away and buying something else. That's why they call it "negotiating".

If you'd like some recommendations for truly qualified buyers agents, I'd be happy to send you a couple of names or, if you're in St. Louis, just call Dale Weir.

Trisha Lee, REMAX Boone Realty, Columbia, MO
573-999-1000 TrishaLee@Remax.net - Fri Nov 14 2008, 16:14

Ricky -
We're not doing those kinds of auctions on houses here yet but are on property IN the houses. They are handled differently by different people but I agree with Dale there must be some sort of urgency built in to get the highest price. Live auctions seem to be getting better results but the items must be large and pricey enough to warrant the work. Auctioneers have been bundling smaller things and you have to bid on the entire package to get what you want. The big key seems to be making sure people have to bid up in large enough denominations to make the endeavor worthwhile. Use your best judgement given your circumstances and it should work out okay. Good luck.
Trisha Lee REMAX Boone Realty, Columbia, MO
573-999-1000 TrishaLee@Remax.net - Sun Nov 16 2008, 16:33

Matt -
I agree with Sherri this is FYI and the cost estimates I've seen have been pretty accurate in the past. Once you've had someone paint over the offending paint the problem is fixed but you will have to disclose that testing was done and you remedied the situation when you go to sell.
Trisha Lee REMAX Boone Realty, Columbia, MO
573-999-1000 TrishaLee@Remax.net
PS - I am on the HUD website and you could go through me for any homes in the mid-Missouri area (around Columbia) if you're looking at property here. - Fri Nov 14 2008, 11:41

Ruth -
I highly recommend you use the resources and links sent to you then get the guidance from a real estate lawyer to find out how it works in your particular situation. There are just too many variables for there to be one solid answer for your situation without more information. Wish you all the best.
Trisha Lee
REMAX Boone Realty, Columbia, MO
573-999-1000 TrishaLee@Remax.net - Wed Nov 12 2008, 17:56

Jessica -
There are a few other factors in play here. Certain areas of town, neighborhoods and square footage require upgrading in flooring products. If you're talking about a $350,000 home in an upscale neighborhood that you got for $300,000 and will be there for a few years (assuming the market returns which it will eventually), then you absolutely should go with hardwood. It is more durable and sends a more expensive, classier message to the buyer. If you're in a small starter home in a tract housing neighborhood, you could be putting too much money in hardwood and might consider a laminate. There is not, unfortunately, a mathematical formula showing which way to go. It is a judgement call in most instances but wood and tile rather than carpet and vinyl flooring should be used as you move up in square footage and price.

Many agents will come and give their opinion for free if you just make the call. I would always want to have someone ask me what I thought BEFORE they made the decision as I can tell them whether their neighborhood will support the extra expense. If you have pets and children, carpet doesn't last as long and Pergo or some other wood laminate wears well (dog nails) sometime actually better than wood. That said I wouldn't put laminate in an expensive house. Even if you aren't going to sell for several years, the right kind of agent would love to talk with you now knowing you'll be loyal and call them again when it's time to list.

Hope this helps.
Trisha Lee Broker/REALTOR, REMAX Boone Realty, Columbia, MO
573-999-1000 TrishaLee@Remax.net - Thu Oct 23 2008, 12:00