[mmclover]

I am wondering how the market is at TV is as far as real pricing. I have found that up North here the realtors overprice the houses to start, then claim the market is bad and instead of knocking off 10K they knock off 50K. I know that a house is only worth what somebody is willing to pay, but I notice that new Coutryard Villas are running approx 215K with discounts and the VLS resales are much higher. Are they overpricing the resales to sell the new and are lower offers accepted, or is one better off to get an outside realtor?

[Dutchman]

It's not only the VLS listings but the FSBO and MLS that seem high priced, unless the sellers haven't started to drink the 'regular' water yet. Looking at several of the mfg homes which, according to most sources, will never appreciate as fast as a stick built, some
prices are 500% over the initial valuation. And yes, I know they have been upgraded and have mature landscaping, etc. but are they up to latest code for insurance purposes.

Sellers will need to price with their heads rather than their hearts in the declining market.
I've put off any further looking until later in the year and actually next year at this time may be even better. Baby boomers are not the answer to the current economic problems.

[jeffy]

Some reasons that new are cheaper than resales is:

Probably a higher bond on the new.
You pay all closing costs on new.
Seller pays most of closing costs on resales.
You have better chance of getting a lower offer accepted on resales.
Resales usually have better landscaping and interior mods.

All that being said I would certainly shop both. The deals on new homes are great.
/
Jeffy

[mmclover]

Jeffy,

I am hoping to be doing some shopping soon, and plann to look at a few new, but it looks like all of the new (Hadley) are right under the power lines. Also plan to look at resales with VLS, MLS and FSBO. Just a lot to think about .

[Lil Dancer]

We were looking at some pre-owned homes that sold recently, and the sale price seemed to be around $15,000 less than the asking price. One home, for example, they asked $300 K and sold for $285. When you factor in the upgraded and mature landscaping, lower bonds and lower closing costs, other upgrades such as enclosed lanai or driveway pavers, etc., the prices can become comparable. The main thing, in my opinion, if the prices are within range of each other, is location. A home within a short golf cart ride of the town square, for example, would probably be worth more than a home far away from the square. Corner lots with fewer neighbors tend to be worth more, and so on. Lots under a powerline would not be premium lots, in my opinion.