If you are looking for a home in The Villages.

[graciegirl]

And if it is a resale and you wonder how much it sold for in the past;

You can find the price on Sumterpa.com or Marion County Property Appraiser's site or Lake County Property Appraiser's site.

It is good to know.

But do NOT type in last part of address, such as Loop, Boulevard, Street, Avenue. It won't take you to the right place. So if you are looking for 298 Bradford Court. Leave off the "court" part.

[graciegirl]

Also. sumterpa.com shows how a home is situated on a lot in relation to view etc.

[Cisco Kid]

I am waiting for the price collapse , because of the 1/3 expansion, the third GEN developers, and all the Finnegans run a muck, cut backs on the cheese.

[dewilson58]

Also. sumterpa.com shows how a home is situated on a lot in relation to view etc.

IS THAT A "P" IN SUMTER????

Oh wait, guess not.


:ohdear:

[graciegirl]

IS THAT A "P" IN SUMTER????

Oh wait, guess not.


:ohdear:

Whew.

[Plowboy]

Hire your own appraiser unless your buying new. There are realtors out there willing to take advantage of gullible old folks that come from the north where homes cost and sell for a lot more.

[graciegirl]

Hire your own appraiser unless your buying new. There are realtors out there willing to take advantage of gullible old folks that come from the north where homes cost and sell for a lot more.

:yuck:

No age bias please.

Older buyers are far more savvy than younger ones. This isn't our first rodeo.

[GoodLife]

And if it is a resale and you wonder how much it sold for in the past;

You can find the price on Sumterpa.com or Marion County Property Appraiser's site or Lake County Property Appraiser's site.

It is good to know.

But do NOT type in last part of address, such as Loop, Boulevard, Street, Avenue. It won't take you to the right place. So if you are looking for 298 Bradford Court. Leave off the "court" part.

You can find the same info on Zillow, in fact it is better because it will show all the sales prices paid since home was built, plus tax history. Just type in full address for property and scroll down and click on price/tax history and you will see everything.

[GoodLife]

Hire your own appraiser unless your buying new. There are realtors out there willing to take advantage of gullible old folks that come from the north where homes cost and sell for a lot more.

Realtors want to sell their listings as fast as possible, that's how they get paid. If a listing is way over market value its usually due to an over zealous owner and a weak agent that couldn't talk sense into them.

[Plowboy]

You can find the same info on Zillow, in fact it is better because it will show all the sales prices paid since home was built, plus tax history. Just type in full address for property and scroll down and click on price/tax history and you will see everything.

Good point, and easy is what us old folks need to ease the stress.

[manaboutown]

You can find the same info on Zillow, in fact it is better because it will show all the sales prices paid since home was built, plus tax history. Just type in full address for property and scroll down and click on price/tax history and you will see everything.

:agree:

I use Zillow frequently. Don't know if Trulia, Redfin, Ziprealty or Realtor dot coms have all of the bells and whistles Zillow has.

[manaboutown]

Realtors want to sell their listings as fast as possible, that's how they get paid. If a listing is way over market value its usually due to an over zealous owner and a weak agent that couldn't talk sense into them.

:agree:

Happens all too often. Listing goes stale. Price comes down...

[dewilson58]

I have found fewer errors on the County sites, vs. Zillow's site.

[samhass]

I agree. I have put just about as much into my home as I paid for it.

[GoodLife]

I have found fewer errors on the County sites, vs. Zillow's site.

Zillow is not perfect, but I checked several properties I own or have owned and it was accurate.

The one thing I do not trust on Zillow is their "zestimate" on what a property is worth. They use a very simple algorithm that does not take into account upgrades in the home nor lot/view.

[Madelaine Amee]

I guess I am missing something here .... why would you want to know what the house sold for last time, or the time before? Surely those numbers have nothing to do with what the house is listed for now - which is what you are going to pay, and if you know what you are doing, you are only going to pay what it is worth to you now!

Someone enlighten me please because this makes no sense to me at all.

[retiredguy123]

You can find the same info on Zillow, in fact it is better because it will show all the sales prices paid since home was built, plus tax history. Just type in full address for property and scroll down and click on price/tax history and you will see everything.
Zillow is not better for that reason. The Sumter web site also shows past sales and tax information, just like Zillow. In fact, Zillow gets that information from the Sumter web site.

However, Zillow will show the mls listing information and past listings. Real estate agents will often not tell you about previous listings for the property.

[retiredguy123]

I guess I am missing something here .... why would you want to know what the house sold for last time, or the time before? Surely those numbers have nothing to do with what the house is listed for now - which is what you are going to pay, and if you know what you are doing, you are only going to pay what it is worth to you now!

Someone enlighten me please because this makes no sense to me at all.
You are definitely missing something. I always want to know what the seller paid for the property and when they bought it. If they bought it less than a year ago, made no upgrades, and now want to sell it for $100 K more, I am going to make a much lower offer. Many of these sellers are trying to get the buyer to pay for the real estate commission when they should be paying it. Also, real estate agents always use comparable sales to value and price their listings. Why shouldn't a buyer use the same kind of information to determine the value of a property?

[Madelaine Amee]

You are definitely missing something. I always want to know what the seller paid for the property and when they bought it. If they bought it less than a year ago, made no upgrades, and now want to sell it for $100 K more, I am going to make a much lower offer. Many of these sellers are trying to get the buyer to pay for the real estate commission when they should be paying it. Also, real estate agents always use comparable sales to value and price their listings. Why shouldn't a buyer use the same kind of information to determine the value of a property?

OK ... you can determine the value of the property to you, but it is still not going to make someone sell you his home if he wants his price and if you don't pay it, believe me someone will! To me, complete waste of time.

[dewilson58]

Some do, some don't.

Chevy, Ford.

Gas, Electric

Dog, Cat.

Save Seats, Don't.

;)

[Polar Bear]

OK ... you can determine the value of the property to you, but it is still not going to make someone sell you his home if he wants his price and if you don't pay it, believe me someone will! To me, complete waste of time.
Sounds like you’re saying someone will pay a seller’s price regardless of what that price might be? Really??!!??

[retiredguy123]

OK ... you can determine the value of the property to you, but it is still not going to make someone sell you his home if he wants his price and if you don't pay it, believe me someone will! To me, complete waste of time.
Are you serious? Doing a market analysis is a complete waste of time? I have purchased a lot of properties and have never paid the asking price. Knowing what the seller paid is very valuable information to determine how much to offer for it. This is also the basis used by every real estate agent who determines how much to list the property for. It is also important to know how much other houses on the same street sold for which is also available on the Sumter web site. Also, how long has the seller been trying to sell the property and why they are selling it are important things to know.

[Madelaine Amee]

Sounds like you’re saying someone will pay a seller’s price regardless of what that price might be? Really??!!??

No, not quite ................ If a home is priced according to the going rate in the neighborhood the house will sell when the right buyer comes along. Also, I may have a different perspective on this - We moved to TV from the Boston area. When we originally moved to the suburbs of Boston you could pick up a house for peanuts, but as the area became a high tech corridor from the suburbs to Boston and on to NY City, the price of homes skyrocketed. We moved just twice and both times we sold for above asking value and within a matter of days of the house going on the market. When I am carried feet first out of this one my son's can do what they want with it.

I have friends in California in a beautiful area just outside of San Francisco; they moved there about 35 yrs ago and paid in the low $20,000s for their home, he cannot afford to move now because his house is valued at $1.6M, and so are the other homes in the surrounding area. So, once again, what does it matter what the house sold for last time - its what it is valued at now not then?

[dewilson58]

People, People, People............again:



Some do, some don't.

Chevy, Ford.

Gas, Electric

Dog, Cat.

Save Seats, Don't.

;)


:rant-rave:

[retiredguy123]

No, not quite ................ If a home is priced according to the going rate in the neighborhood the house will sell when the right buyer comes along. Also, I may have a different perspective on this - We moved to TV from the Boston area. When we originally moved to the suburbs of Boston you could pick up a house for peanuts, but as the area became a high tech corridor from the suburbs to Boston and on to NY City, the price of homes skyrocketed. We moved just twice and both times we sold for above asking value and within a matter of days of the house going on the market. When I am carried feet first out of this one my son's can do what they want with it.

I have friends in California in a beautiful area just outside of San Francisco; they moved there about 35 yrs ago and paid in the low $20,000s for their home, he cannot afford to move now because his house is valued at $1.6M, and so are the other homes in the surrounding area. So, once again, what does it matter what the house sold for last time - its what it is valued at now not then?
Houses in The Villages are not skyrocketing in value and there are a lot of quick turnovers. If the seller just bought a house this year, it is extremely important to know how much they paid for it. They may be trying to flip the house and get the buyer to cover their real estate commission. The real estate commission is supposed to be paid by the seller, but some sellers seem to think that the buyer should pay that cost. As a buyer, I am not willing to do that. Also, many sellers bought their house in 2005 or 2006 when there was a real estate bubble. Be careful not to overpay for these properties because some people think they should recover for a bad timed purchase.

[GoodLife]

Are you serious? Doing a market analysis is a complete waste of time? I have purchased a lot of properties and have never paid the asking price.

From this we can conclude you have never purchased a very desirable property that had multiple offers at or above the asking price.

Knowing what the seller paid is very valuable information to determine how much to offers for it. This is also the basis used by every real estate agent who determines how much to list the property for.

Wrong, competent Realtors/Appraisers do not compute market price by what owner paid, they look at current comparables, upgrades done to home, lot and view etc. Price paid by owner has nothing to do with comparative market analysis.

It is also important to know how much other houses on the same street sold for which is also available on the Sumter web site. Also, how long has the seller been trying to sell the property and why they are selling it are important things to know.

Prices paid for similar properties in the area are important, but not the end of story. The same exact floorplan next door might have sold for x amount, but the property for sale might have $100k in desirable upgrades. You are not going to buy them for the same price. Reason seller is selling is irrelevant to market price. Do you think price should be lower if sellers wife got cancer and he no longer needs bigger home?

I am going to take a wild guess here, and bet that when you are the seller all this goes out the window.

[retiredguy123]

Are you serious? Doing a market analysis is a complete waste of time? I have purchased a lot of properties and have never paid the asking price.

From this we can conclude you have never purchased a very desirable property that had multiple offers at or above the asking price.

Knowing what the seller paid is very valuable information to determine how much to offers for it. This is also the basis used by every real estate agent who determines how much to list the property for.

Wrong, competent Realtors/Appraisers do not compute market price by what owner paid, they look at current comparables, upgrades done to home, lot and view etc. Price paid by owner has nothing to do with comparative market analysis.

It is also important to know how much other houses on the same street sold for which is also available on the Sumter web site. Also, how long has the seller been trying to sell the property and why they are selling it are important things to know.

Prices paid for similar properties in the area are important, but not the end of story. The same exact floorplan next door might have sold for x amount, but the property for sale might have $100k in desirable upgrades. You are not going to buy them for the same price. Reason seller is selling is irrelevant to market price. Do you think price should be lower if sellers wife got cancer and he no longer needs bigger home?

I am going to take a wild guess here, and bet that when you are the seller all this goes out the window.
Yes, I have never paid asking price because I don't think it is a good idea to buy a house in a seller's market where there are multiple offers.

Agents price houses based on current comparables, but that analysis can include the house being sold if the seller has not lived in it for a long time.

Most experts will tell you not to buy the most expensive house on the street, so it is important to know what the other houses on the street sold for. I have seen some houses in The Villages that are priced $200K above any house on the street because of too many upgrades that are overvalued by the seller.

You are correct that why the seller is selling does not affect comparable market value. I don't mean to be insensitive regarding your cancer comment, but when a seller needs to sell for any reason, they are more likely to accept a lower offer. That is just the way the market works, and knowledge is power.

And, yes, when you are a seller, you try to get a high price, and when you are a buyer, you try to get a low price. This thread is about using the Sumter County public information to buy a house, not to sell one.

[manaboutown]

I only once paid the asking price on a house. I had been looking in the neighborhood for a year and knew what houses there were selling for. I got in an hour or two after it was listed and three hours later had a signed purchase contract. The next day two cash offers came in from other agents but the listing agent through whom I was buying held onto my deal as she was getting both sides of the commission. It was the best deal I have ever obtained on a house. I bought it in 1996 at the bottom of the market in SoCal. It is now worth 4- 5 times what I paid.

When new areas are released in The Villages and other developments the situation is similar for the best/view lots. As GG expressed in another thread using a Latin phrase the early bird gets the worm.

[GoodLife]

Yes, I have never paid asking price because I don't think it is a good idea to buy a house in a seller's market where there are multiple offers.

So, you like to buy in "buyers markets" right? Markets are not monolithic. Within The Villages there are homes that are hot, and sell quickly for asking price or more. Other sit for months, on these you can offer less but as usual you get what you pay for. Homes that sell quickly are the same ones that appreciate more, and are easily sold in the future.

Agents price houses based on current comparables, but that analysis can include the house being sold if the seller has not lived in it for a long time

Time of ownership has nothing to do with current value or price.

but when a seller needs to sell for any reason, they are more likely to accept a lower offer. That is just the way the market works, and knowledge is power.

LOL. Sellers always sell for a reason, they want the money! A very large percentage of homes in The Villages are bought with cash, so I would say there are not many who are desperate to sell, unless their home has been sitting for a long time, in which case it's probably not a desirable property and a lowball offer may work.

And, yes, when you are a seller, you try to get a high price, and when you are a buyer, you try to get a low price. This thread is about using the Sumter County public information to buy a house, not to sell one

Buying and selling are two parts of the same equation. I am just responding to your posts. I rest my case for now.

[Mleeja]

You can find the same info on Zillow, in fact it is better because it will show all the sales prices paid since home was built, plus tax history. Just type in full address for property and scroll down and click on price/tax history and you will see everything.

Uh...where do you think Zillow gets its information? Probably from the SumterPA website. It shows all of the information you have listed.

[GoodLife]

When new areas are released in The Villages and other developments the situation is similar for the best/view lots. As GG expressed using a Latin phrase the early bird gets the worm.

The situation is similar for best view/lots for resales just like it is for new construction. There are lots of buyers who would prefer to buy in established areas with all amentities established, cart access to everything, established shopping/restaurants, no $30k bond, mature landscaping, and no construction noise/dust etc.

Smart birds get the worm because they are smart, not early.

[GoodLife]

Uh...where do you think Zillow gets its information? Probably from the SumterPA website. It shows all of the information you have listed.

Duh...of course that's where Zillow gets the info, and they also include all previous MLS listings and it's much easier to read than the PA websites. PS, not everyone here lives in Sumter County. :thumbup:

[graciegirl]

Duh...of course that's where Zillow gets the info, and they also include all previous MLS listings and it's much easier to read than the PA websites. PS, not everyone here lives in Sumter County. :thumbup:

There is a handy dandy one called Marion County Property Appraiser and also one called Lake County Property Appraiser. Be sure to look under Florida.

[GoodLife]

There is a handy dandy one called Marion County Property Appraiser and also one called Lake County Property Appraiser. Be sure to look under Florida.

Yes Dear, we know, but Zillow is much more user friendly. And has previous MLS listing history which is very useful for buyers. Everyone is free to use whatever site suits their needs.

[graciegirl]

Yes Dear, we know, but Zillow is much more user friendly. And has previous MLS listing history which is very useful for buyers. Everyone is free to use whatever site suits their needs.


As you say. But it doesn't show you the placement in the neighborhood and where the streets are close to it and just exactly where the view is. (If any)

[GoodLife]

As you say. But it doesn't show you the placement in the neighborhood and where the streets are close to it and just exactly where the view is. (If any)

Google maps satellite view is the best way to see a home's placement/view and everything else you need to know about a particular neighborhood. You can zoom in and out and see much more than any County PA site.

[Wiotte]

If everyone used all these tools who would buy the less desirable houses ? I say let ignorance take it’s course.

Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[manaboutown]

When new areas are released in The Villages and other developments the situation is similar for the best/view lots. As GG expressed using a Latin phrase the early bird gets the worm.

The situation is similar for best view/lots for resales just like it is for new construction. There are lots of buyers who would prefer to buy in established areas with all amentities established, cart access to everything, established shopping/restaurants, no $30k bond, mature landscaping, and no construction noise/dust etc.

Smart birds get the worm because they are smart, not early.

:agree: the house I mentioned buying in 1996 was built in 1962. I bought it for its ocean view lot. I walked around the house and saw the view. I knew I wanted the house before I ever went inside. In its neighborhood it is all about the view!

Many older homes in any town were built in the best located area on large lots and on wide streets, etc..

[GoodLife]

If everyone used all these tools who would buy the less desirable houses ? I say let ignorance take it’s course.

Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The best thing that my dad ever taught me was

"Everything is obvious to everyone"

People that buy homes in the Villages are not stupid, doesn't matter if they were Plumbers or Lawyers. Actually I know plumbers with net worths that many lawyers dream of.

Less desirable homes is entirely in the eyes of the beholder. You do realize that someone who buys a non view kissing lanai patio cottage for $150k gets the same lifestyle amenities and privileges here as a $1 million Premium home buyer?

[Mrs. Robinson]

Hire your own appraiser unless your buying new. There are realtors out there willing to take advantage of gullible old folks that come from the north where homes cost and sell for a lot more.

Realtors want to sell their listings as fast as possible, that's how they get paid. If a listing is way over market value its usually due to an over zealous owner and a weak agent that couldn't talk sense into them.

It's ridiculous to spend money (about $300.00 or so) for an appraiser when looking to buy a house!
Realtors aren't out there to take advantage of "gullible old folks" because if they do that, they could lose their license.
Your comment makes no sense!

Of course Realtors want their listings to sell fast; so does the home owner!
Most often, a too-high price is because the home owner thinks he is siting on a pot of gold when in fact, he's made a mountain out of a molehill.
It has nothing to do with a weak agent, in most cases.
A well-seasoned Realtor will have paperwork to back up a recommended price while the homeowner pulls a figure out of the sky.

[Mrs. Robinson]

I have found fewer errors on the County sites, vs. Zillow's site.

You are correct!
The county sites are 100% accurate.

Zillow is an interesting site but much of it is pipe dreams for the owner or seller, in addition to much of the information being provided by the seller.
Take a lot of what you read with a grain of salt.

[graciegirl]

You are correct!
The county sites are 100% accurate.

Zillow is an interesting site but much of it is pipe dreams for the owner or seller, in addition to much of the information being provided by the seller.
Take a lot of what you read with a grain of salt.


Many enjoy watching home prices here. I know I do. . Most homes that are clean, staged well, and competively priced don't last long on the market here in The Villages.

There are still sellers looking to hit a home run and price their homes way too high even with improvements which are often highly personal.

The bottom line. Overpriced homes don't sell. Most people of our age have bought and sold a few homes in their lifetimes and are pretty savvy buyers...and sellers. Much information is available on their computers that wasn't readily available in the past.

Never been a realtor. Not looking for business. Just enjoy watching the market.

[graciegirl]

I guess I am missing something here .... why would you want to know what the house sold for last time, or the time before? Surely those numbers have nothing to do with what the house is listed for now - which is what you are going to pay, and if you know what you are doing, you are only going to pay what it is worth to you now!

Someone enlighten me please because this makes no sense to me at all.

If a home sold for 100K less three years ago than it is listed for today, even figuring in improvements and 20K bond paid, ............Or 200K less..........I would have some hesitancy as a buyer.

[Chi-Town]

As you say. But it doesn't show you the placement in the neighborhood and where the streets are close to it and just exactly where the view is. (If any)Download the Zillow app. It shows you the street view, satellite view, and lot lines of the home. With the street view you can travel up and down the street to look at neighboring houses, and with the satellite view you can zoom in on an areal view of the house or back out to see the whole village. And that's just the beginning.




Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[graciegirl]

Download the Zillow app. It shows you the street view, satellite view, and lot lines of the home. With the street view you can travel up and down the street to look at neighboring houses, and with the satellite view you can zoom in on an areal view of the house or back out to see the whole village. And that's just the beginning.




Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Thank you Chi.

[Topspinmo]

I guess I am missing something here .... why would you want to know what the house sold for last time, or the time before? Surely those numbers have nothing to do with what the house is listed for now - which is what you are going to pay, and if you know what you are doing, you are only going to pay what it is worth to you now!

Someone enlighten me please because this makes no sense to me at all.


I agree want it sold for in the pass has nothing to do with market value now. IMO the market is flooded right now and prices are lower than few years ago. Unless it's great location and price it will set for awhile.

[Topspinmo]

Download the Zillow app. It shows you the street view, satellite view, and lot lines of the home. With the street view you can travel up and down the street to look at neighboring houses, and with the satellite view you can zoom in on an areal view of the house or back out to see the whole village. And that's just the beginning.




Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk


Zillion google earth view not working on my computers, quite working few weeks ago. Anybody else experiencing this?

[graciegirl]

I agree want it sold for in the pass has nothing to do with market value now. IMO the market is flooded right now and prices are lower than few years ago. Unless it's great location and price it will set for awhile.

I strongly disagree. If you are talking about homes in The Villages. STRONGLY. DISAGREE.

And respectfully too.

[dewilson58]

IMO the market is flooded right now and prices are lower than few years ago.

Might want to look at Lyle's historical sale prices..........values have been going up.

The economy is predicted to remain strong thru 2018, as should housing prices. Beyond 2018, it's a guess........but we are due for a change in the cycle (nationally).

[GoodLife]

You are correct!
The county sites are 100% accurate.

Zillow is an interesting site but much of it is pipe dreams for the owner or seller, in addition to much of the information being provided by the seller.
Take a lot of what you read with a grain of salt.

Hmmm Zillow shows 332 homes for sale in The Villages with 50 FSBOs and 282 listed by Realtors and a few foreclosures. The info they give on each home is easily verified, price/tax history, previous listings etc.

[GoodLife]

Of course Realtors want their listings to sell fast; so does the home owner!
Most often, a too-high price is because the home owner thinks he is siting on a pot of gold when in fact, he's made a mountain out of a molehill.
It has nothing to do with a weak agent, in most cases.
A well-seasoned Realtor will have paperwork to back up a recommended price while the homeowner pulls a figure out of the sky.

In so many words, you just repeated my point.

[Miles42]

like a home make an offer. as long as you don' t lowball it could be a starting point.

[EPutnam1863]

:yuck:

No age bias please.

Older buyers are far more savvy than younger ones. This isn't our first rodeo.

I am not so sure about their being more savvy. It is surprising how many folks, young and old, out there who are not aware of websites such as Zillow, Trulia, realtor.com, etc.

We sold our house in Melbourne just one hour after we posted it in Zillow for only one dollar. His wife happened to be Internet-savvy and accidentally came across Zillow.

[EPutnam1863]

Zillion google earth view not working on my computers, quite working few weeks ago. Anybody else experiencing this?

One great thing about Zillow is that it shows property taxes paid each year and gives the price when sold the last time.

[EPutnam1863]

As you say. But it doesn't show you the placement in the neighborhood and where the streets are close to it and just exactly where the view is. (If any)

No offense intended, but the houses in The Villages in same price ranges look pretty much alike. It is impossible (at least for me) to tell what the Villages look like. I do not know if For Sale signs are allowed. If not, then realtors are a must.

The best way to start looking is to attend open houses to get a feel for the village, neighborhood, and price.

[graciegirl]

No offense intended, but the houses in The Villages in same price ranges look pretty much alike. It is impossible (at least for me) to tell what the Villages look alike. I do not know if For Sale signs are allowed. If not, then realtors are a must.

The best way to start looking is to attend open houses to get a feel for the village, neighborhood, and price.

The Villages are very much alike, but generally speaking they are older as they go Northeast with the exception of areas added on near 466 about seven years ago. (Bridgeport at Laurel Valley and the Haciendas at Mission Hills) Now there is a new area being built near Nancy Lopez Golf course.


There are areas that do not allow any yard art without permission from the Architectural Board and they are South of 466. There is one village, Harmeswood, North of 466 off Buena Vista that has very very large lots. There are clusters of a few two story homes. There was a suit brought by some people about eight years ago and those areas have different ways of handling things than the rest of the Villages.

The Villages is a CDD. A Community Development District and a census designated destination and it is not run like a city with a mayor etc. The Villagers do NOT make the decisions. Many like that very much and some do not. It is clean as a whistle and has very low crime and as I say, it is hugely successful. The fastest growing area of it's size in all of the United States according to Forbes Magazine.

NO. I don't sell property and I have never met the Morses. But I would like to. I would hug them.

[GoodLife]

I am not so sure about their being more savvy. It is surprising how many folks, young and old, out there who are not aware of websites such as Zillow, Trulia, realtor.com, etc.

We sold our house in Melbourne just one hour after we posted it in Zillow for only one dollar. His wife happened to be Internet-savvy and accidentally came across Zillow.

Various websites to search for a home

MLS and Realtor.com - These are homes listed by a Realtor working for a licensed brokerage. These home owners will pay a 6% commission, half to listing agency and half to the buyers agency. But now there are companies that will charge you from $100 to $500 to list your property on MLS and Realtor.com, you as a seller pay only 3% commission to buyers agency. Obviously Realtors don't like this.

Zillow- Here you can see both FSBOs and MLS listings. Listing your home on Zillow costs you nothing and you can offer Realtors a commission or choose to only deal direct with buyers. Savvy buyers can check out FSBOs without an agent and negotiate a discount by dealing directly. Very easy to set up contracts and escrow with a reputable Title company.

VLS - This is The Villages site for resales of homes in the Villages. These also include a 6% commission, I think they only charge 5% if home sells quickly.

There are many others like Redfin, Trulia, FSBO.com etc that allow owners to list their homes for sale.

As a buyer, I like to look at all of them.

[Gpsma]

If you are looking to buy a house here listen to the negatives...there are a lot. Try to ignore those that drank the Kool-aid years ago.

Nothing wrong with TV if you are willing to accept it is a city now and will have tye problems associated with it

[EPutnam1863]

From this we can conclude you have never purchased a very desirable property that had multiple offers at or above the asking price.

We offered 20,000 above the asking price in one place...and lost.

We paid the full price for our current house because when we went to the open house, there was a lot of traffic, and we overheard several people talking about making offers on this house.

We sold one house at the full asking price.

The famed real estate columnist Robert Bruss said that if the house sells in less than 3 weeks, it is underpriced. Three weeks, it is priced just right. If over three weeks, it is overpriced. The longer it takes, the more overpriced it is. Of course, this is when the market is normal.

[graciegirl]

From this we can conclude you have never purchased a very desirable property that had multiple offers at or above the asking price.

We offered 20,000 above the asking price in one place...and lost.

We paid the full price for our current house because when we went to the open house, there was a lot of traffic, and we overheard several people talking about making offers on this house.

We sold one house at the full asking price.

The famed real estate columnist Robert Bruss said that if the house sells in less than 3 weeks, it is underpriced. Three weeks, it is priced just right. If over three weeks, it is overpriced. The longer it takes, the more overpriced it is. Of course, this is when the market is normal.

Our realtor told us that you had the best shot in the first ten days a house is on the market. We did all of the things she suggested and we had three offers and a bidding war at nine days and it sold above the asking price. This is our home in Ohio that we left when we moved here.

[Mrs. Robinson]

If a home sold for 100K less three years ago than it is listed for today, even figuring in improvements and 20K bond paid, ............Or 200K less..........I would have some hesitancy as a buyer.


Why would you be hesitant as a buyer three years later, when assuming you know the improvements have value and knowing the bond is paid off?
You make no mention to the current market value, which is the real clue to what the price should be.
And with knowing all the pertinent information regarding the property which is within the realm of being well-priced, you would be hesitant?

[zmarkp]

I paid over market purely for location. Very happy where I am and doubt I'll ever move again.

[dewilson58]

I paid over market purely for location. Very happy where I am and doubt I'll ever move again.

You did not over pay............With an arm's length transaction, you made Market Value by definition.

Congrats on your home!!

[Allegiance]

I paid over market purely for location. Very happy where I am and doubt I'll ever move again.Location, location, location. Sometimes it's priceless.

Congratulations.

[l2ridehd]

What someone paid is nice to know, but has very little to do with current market value. If they paid more than what it on the market for, does that mean you will offer more? I doubt it.

I have flipped a few homes over the years. Once I bought a lake cottage for 125K on June 15. I spent about 10K to fix a serious problem with a set of stairs going down to the lake. Home set on a high bluff overlooking the lake. On September 1 I sold the home for 250K. I had a buyer who really wanted this place. But they refused to pay market value because they found out what I bought it for. I met them a few years later and they were so sorry they had not bought that cottage. Said it was their biggest regret in real estate. Think about the cottage in the movie "On Golden Pond" This was a replica of that place on a nearby lake.

Market value is market value is market value. Has nothing to do with purchase price. Maybe good information to have but don't base your purchase decision on it. You might lose the perfect home because you are influenced by what the current owner paid.

[Allegiance]

What someone paid is nice to know, but has very little to do with current market value. If they paid more than what it on the market for, does that mean you will offer more? I doubt it.

I have flipped a few homes over the years. Once I bought a lake cottage for 125K on June 15. I spent about 10K to fix a serious problem with a set of stairs going down to the lake. Home set on a high bluff overlooking the lake. On September 1 I sold the home for 250K. I had a buyer who really wanted this place. But they refused to pay market value because they found out what I bought it for. I met them a few years later and they were so sorry they had not bought that cottage. Said it was their biggest regret in real estate. Think about the cottage in the movie "On Golden Pond" This was a replica of that place on a nearby lake.

Market value is market value is market value. Has nothing to do with purchase price. Maybe good information to have but don't base your purchase decision on it. You might lose the perfect home because you are influenced by what the current owner paid.Very true. Also, Sometimes the price paid on record is not an arms length transaction, for various reasons.

[kstew43]

If you are paying cash, price is really irrelevant, if you really want it pay whatever they are asking.....

But, if you are paying with a mortgage, you are subject to a appraisal, and the bank will not finance more than the home is worth, unless you come up with the difference in cash.

just a little information.

[l2ridehd]

If you are paying cash, price is really irrelevant, if you really want it pay whatever they are asking.....

But, if you are paying with a mortgage, you are subject to a appraisal, and the bank will not finance more than the home is worth, unless you come up with the difference in cash.

just a little information.

And in most cases the banks appraisal will be at or very close to market value. At least it should be.

[graciegirl]

We fell in love with this place and bought our first home in Hadley. The only time we ever bought real estate emotionally, frivolously and without careful and long consideration.

Excellent choice.

Four years later, we shifted our life from snowbird to year 'rounder and bought our next house here.

Excellent choice.

This place and it's people fit us fine. We have found many, many, folks here who were raised like us and still have the same attitudes and values and sense of fun.

It isn't for everyone. But it is for us.

[EPutnam1863]

Uh...where do you think Zillow gets its information? Probably from the SumterPA website. It shows all of the information you have listed.

They get most of their info from county property records and transfer records. It amazes me how few people know that they can see property records of others simply by going to the county website.

[EPutnam1863]

And in most cases the banks appraisal will be at or very close to market value. At least it should be.

Correct. The appraiser tries not to screw up the sale, so he is careful not to under-appraise.

[EPutnam1863]

You did not over pay............With an arm's length transaction, you made Market Value by definition.

Congrats on your home!!

I think he meant he paid more than the asking price.

[EPutnam1863]

Our realtor had what was called an office tour. All the agents in his office came through and came up with what they thought we should ask for.

[Wiotte]

Our realtor had what was called an office tour. All the agents in his office came through and came up with what they thought we should ask for.



Realtors typically refer to this as a caravan.


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[EPutnam1863]

like a home make an offer. as long as you don' t lowball it could be a starting point.

This reminds me of one offer that was such a lowball offer ($200,000 less) that it made us angry enough to fire our realtor. That town had such a glut of houses for sale that buyers come in, thinking they could steal properties.

[retiredguy123]

This reminds me of one offer that was such a lowball offer ($200,000 less) that it made us angry enough to fire our realtor. That town had such a glut of houses for sale that buyers come in, thinking they could steal properties.
Lowball offers should never make a seller angry. Whenever I have sold a house, I told the realtor to bring all offers to me regardless of how low it is. If it is too low you can just say no or make a counteroffer. There is no reason to be angry. An offer is an offer. That is a good thing.

[ColdNoMore]

Lowball offers should never make a seller angry. Whenever I have sold a house, I told the realtor to bring all offers to me regardless of how low it is. If it is too low you can just say no or make a counteroffer. There is no reason to be angry. An offer is an offer. That is a good thing.

:agree:

And getting angry enough to fire your own agent, given that they are required by law to present you with every offer...seems a little strange.

There HAS to be more to that story...there just has to.

[CFrance]

You did not over pay............With an arm's length transaction, you made Market Value by definition.

Congrats on your home!!
Is that you, dewilson58?

[dewilson58]

Is that you, dewilson58?

Is what me???

It's me, no one else will be me.

:thumbup:

[CFrance]

Is what me???

It's me, no one else will be me.

:thumbup:
The avatar. Quite dashing, I say!
(oops... off topic:D)

[dewilson58]

The avatar. Quite dashing, I say!
(oops... off topic:D)

My mug on Bonita Beach.

:0000000000luvmyhors

[champion6]

Interesting ad in today's Daily Sun for Properties of The Villages:
Pre-Owned Homes Closed in 2016
2,029 - Properties of The Villages
413 - Realty Exec.
242 - Remax
164 - ERA
Statistics based on Public Record January 1 - December 31, 2016.

I'm surprised to see it so dominated by TV.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Interesting ad in today's Daily Sun for Properties of The Villages:
Pre-Owned Homes Closed in 2016
2,029 - Properties of The Villages
413 - Realty Exec.
242 - Remax
164 - ERA
Statistics based on Public Record January 1 - December 31, 2016.

I'm surprised to see it so dominated by TV.

Does TV's statistics include new construction, and if it does, the figures are not a fair comparison.

[GoodLife]

Interesting ad in today's Daily Sun for Properties of The Villages:
Pre-Owned Homes Closed in 2016
2,029 - Properties of The Villages
413 - Realty Exec.
242 - Remax
164 - ERA
Statistics based on Public Record January 1 - December 31, 2016.

I'm surprised to see it so dominated by TV.

I was told by a friend who used to sell for The Villages and now is very successful Realtor here that The Villages counts both sides of transaction (the listing and then the sale) thereby doubling their numbers. 2029 dived by 52 equals 39 listings/sales per week.

I check their website several times per week and do not see that kind of activity.

[graciegirl]

I was told by a friend who used to sell for The Villages and now is very successful Realtor here that The Villages counts both sides of transaction (the listing and then the sale) thereby doubling their numbers. 2029 dived by 52 equals 39 listings/sales per week.

I check their website several times per week and do not see that kind of activity.

Rumors abound. I see that there were NO HOMES south of 466A a little more than six years ago. NOW look at it.

Many local realtors really resent not being able to sell new homes here and there are many stories in the naked city about the developers by the disgruntled realtors.

The Villages has a huge list of people waiting to buy as for the next 14 years there will be ten thousand Baby Boomers a DAY retire. Not all of them will move here, but they would if they were smart. My source is Pew Research.

[GoodLife]

Rumors abound. I see that there were NO HOMES south of 466A a little more than six years ago. NOW look at it.

Many local realtors really resent not being able to sell new homes here and there are many stories in the naked city about the developers by the disgruntled realtors.

The Villages has a huge list of people waiting to buy as for the next 14 years there will be ten thousand Baby Boomers a DAY retire. Not all of them will move here, but they would if they were smart.

Not a disgruntled Realtor, he made a lot of money selling for The Villages and then decided to become Realtor. He closed 59 homes last year. Anyway, I just don't see 39 new resale listings on TV website every week, which is what they would have to average to make their number.

[graciegirl]

Baby Boomers Retire | Pew Research Center (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2010/12/29/baby-boomers-retire/)



Current resales listed on The Villages site;

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (http://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/)

[champion6]

Does TV's statistics include new construction, and if it does, the figures are not a fair comparison.New construction would not be included because it states "Pre-Owned Homes."
I was told by a friend who used to sell for The Villages and now is very successful Realtor here that The Villages counts both sides of transaction (the listing and then the sale) thereby doubling their numbers. 2029 dived by 52 equals 39 listings/sales per week.
I check their website several times per week and do not see that kind of activity.There is only one closing in a transaction. It states "Pre-Owned Homes Closed in 2016." I don't think you friend's "counts both sides" explanation applies to these numbers.

[GoodLife]

New construction would not be included because it states "Pre-Owned Homes."
There is only one closing in a transaction. It states "Pre-Owned Homes Closed in 2016." I don't think you friend's "counts both sides" explanation applies to these numbers.

You can believe what you want. I don't see 39 new listings per week on Villages website.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Rumors abound. I see that there were NO HOMES south of 466A a little more than six years ago. NOW look at it.

Many local realtors really resent not being able to sell new homes here and there are many stories in the naked city about the developers by the disgruntled realtors.

The Villages has a huge list of people waiting to buy as for the next 14 years there will be ten thousand Baby Boomers a DAY retire. Not all of them will move here, but they would if they were smart. My source is Pew Research.

Local Realtors "resent" not being able to sell new homes here for two reasons:

1. It is against the industry standard when an office (TV, in this case) will not cooperate with all brokers.
2. This is how Realtors make a living. No one being shut out of doing their job would like a situation such as this, as TV does to all outside brokers.

TV is hardly the size of the "naked city" and Realtors are not "disgruntled."
They are however, bothered by the fact that sellers are not being given the service they deserve because TV will not cooperate with them, allowing them to show and sell their listings.
Sellers in TV are not receiving the full service they deserve

The Villages does not have a "huge list of people waiting to buy."
They have a list of interested potential buyers.

The Pew information you cite is 7-year old information (2011).
I didn't read it but it has to be obsolete and partially out of date going by today's standards.
Some of the baby boomers are already in their 70s and I don't think that in the 14 years you mention, they will be buying here because at that point, they would already be 80 something.

[graciegirl]

Local Realtors "resent" not being able to sell new homes here for two reasons:

1. It is against the industry standard when an office (TV, in this case) will not cooperate with all brokers.
2. This is how Realtors make a living. No one being shut out of doing their job would like a situation such as this, as TV does to all outside brokers.

TV is hardly the size of the "naked city" and Realtors are not "disgruntled."
They are however, bothered by the fact that sellers are not being given the service they deserve because TV will not cooperate with them, allowing them to show and sell their listings.
Sellers in TV are not receiving the full service they deserve

The Villages does not have a "huge list of people waiting to buy."
They have a list of interested potential buyers.

The Pew information you cite is 7-year old information (2011).
I didn't read it but it has to be obsolete and partially out of date going by today's standards.
Some of the baby boomers are already in their 70s and I don't think that in the 14 years you mention, they will be buying here because at that point, they would already be 80 something.

In 2011 the Pew Research said that there would be ten thousand baby boomers retire every day for the next 20 years.

This is 2017 so there will ten thousand baby boomers retire every day for the next 13 years. (It is almost the New year) The first to retire will be eighty as time goes on but the others will be younger...now you see. (Every day ten thousand more Boomers; today, tomorrow, and on and on)

Not all of them will come here. But I would if I were them looking to retire in a nice place where it didn't snow and there was a lot of golf and other nice Boomer and better folks.

[gap2415]

Very true. Also, Sometimes the price paid on record is not an arms length transaction, for various reasons.

How true. What the house last sold for can veil a myriad of unknowns. If you go by this, you can overlook many exceptional homes. I always look at current sales, then consider additions and benefits to living there. Then I visit my top five and see how they compare. I consider new but they can be stripped down to essentials without costly expenditure not to mention the well-known hassles with tradespeople coming and going all the time.

I know some just look for price for a particular model but that most often doesn’t get me what I most desire. Less in some areas can be more overall and I don’t want to look back with regret too many times.

[Erika]

It's ridiculous to spend money (about $300.00 or so) for an appraiser when looking to buy a house!
Realtors aren't out there to take advantage of "gullible old folks" because if they do that, they could lose their license.
Your comment makes no sense!

Of course Realtors want their listings to sell fast; so does the home owner!
Most often, a too-high price is because the home owner thinks he is siting on a pot of gold when in fact, he's made a mountain out of a molehill.
It has nothing to do with a weak agent, in most cases.
A well-seasoned Realtor will have paperwork to back up a recommended price while the homeowner pulls a figure out of the sky.

I don't believe that the sales reps that The Villages uses are licensed realtors and therefore there is no license to risk losing.

[Wiotte]

I don't believe that the sales reps that The Villages uses are licensed realtors and therefore there is no license to risk losing.



Of course they have a Florida real estate license. It would be illegal to sell real estate otherwise.


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[bimmertl]

[QUOTE=Wiotte;1484601]Of course they have a Florida real estate license. It would be illegal to sell real estate otherwise.


Really, so all the home owners selling homes on their own without realtors are illegally selling real estate. Better build more prisons!

[Wiotte]

[QUOTE=Wiotte;1484601]Of course they have a Florida real estate license. It would be illegal to sell real estate otherwise.





Really, so all the home owners selling homes on their own without realtors are illegally selling real estate. Better build more prisons!



Are you serious ? Of course a homeowner can sell their OWN home.
Do I really need to explain this ?

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[Mrs. Robinson]

I don't believe that the sales reps that The Villages uses are licensed realtors and therefore there is no license to risk losing.

To be a Realtor, a salesperson must belong to their local board and also pay dues to the National Association of Realtors.

Salespeople who work for The Villages are simply agents, although they are licensed.