[e-flyer]

Zillow is a good website for general info., how long it's been on the market, taxes, previous owners, selling prices, etc. Typically, Zillow's estimated value of the house is too low. Zillow had our house back north estimated too low, we sold it in a week for $80K more. Then Zillow adjusted the estimated value to our selling price. They may be more accurate here in TV, not sure? When we were looking at used homes in June, we told our Real Estate agent that we wanted to see a new listing when we arrive at TV in 3 days. She told us to make an offer sight unseen pending our walkthrough when we arrive. I said to her, "are you nuts, make an offer without seeing it first?" She said, "I don't think it will last" She was right, the next day, they accepted an offer and boy did I have get an ear full from my wife.....we ended up buying new, because there just wasn't much available used in our price range that we liked. Best of luck in your search.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Schaumburger

What would be considered a "lowball" / insulting offer on a resale home? Or would this depend on how long the home has been on the market, or the reasons why it is for sale?

It would depend on how close the list price is to market value. Some people price their home to sell quickly, and hopefully to generate multiple offers. Others may price a similar home $30,000 higher to test the market. Presumably if the home has been on the market for a few months, and if it was initially over listed, it may have experienced a series of price reductions, and it may now be priced well.

It's up to the purchaser to research similar houses, take all upgrades into account, add on an appropriate amount if it's a view lot, etc. A good agent can be invaluable in providing information on comparable solds. Or a buyer can do the work themselves by using Internet sites which have already been mentioned, and by attending as many open houses as possible. Also talking to neighbors about what they like and dislike about the location can be invaluable.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by njbchbum

try doing a web search on something like 'recent home sales in the villages florida' and you will get hits - some better than others. my favorite is The Villages Recent Home Sales - Sumter County Florida

thanks for the site

[swrinfla]

Just to relate a little about my friend's recent experiences.

She long ago decided that she wanted a pre-owned, mostly because of its assumed 'mature landscaping." After nearly 18 months, she closed on the sale of her house up north. Two days later, she was here and we visited at least a dozen houses, both VLS and MLS.

Her desires and budget (under $200k) limited her options more than they would have a year ago, but, in the end, after 2 days of looking, she knew where she wanted to be. The place was a little run-down (the wife had died 3 years ago, the husband gave up caring for it as much as he should, plus he began to go downhill, too), so it was pretty easy to offer $6k less than asked.

Sellers agreed immediately. Buyer arranged for almost $7k of improvements, upgrades, etc., and we believe has added $15k to the value.

All accomplished in 2 weeks, too!

Stressful 2 weeks, to be sure, but she's now settled in and has embraced The Villages lifestyle for sure!

SWR