Whatever you call it, it's GREAT NEWS for Buyers! It has been a long, long time since buyers have had so much inventory at continuously shrinking prices. So what have you been waiting for?
Ok, so you are ready to buy...how are you going to do your research? Let's take a local buyer and some steps they can take to gain knowledge of a particular area:
- Call a Realtor - a realtor will take your requirements, such as size, amenities, place of employment, schools, etc., and find some areas that would best suit you.
- Drive - take a weekend and drive to the areas that may interest you. Drive through the neighborhoods that you like and take notes of the ones you DEFINITELY do not want to live in.
- Wikipedia.com - a great way to get snapshot views on the history, make-up, and details for cities in and around your search area.
- Web resources - websites such as Zillow.com and Trulia.com can give you recent comparable sales, homes for sale, and a visual pictures of values in areas of interest.
- Most county agencies have gone to a GIS method of mapping their area. GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems and maps such items (based on GPS measurements) as zoning, lot lines, flood plain, road capacity, schools, and much more. Pinellas County offers the ability to overlap an aerial image on top, as well.
- Call your realtor for showings! The only way to truly dtermine value (as each person has a different opinion of value) is to get INTO each home that fits your criteria. You will quickly see one homes value as compared to another and another...
- Pull the Trigger! Make that offer and start your move.
Obviously, house-hunting takes time and effort and an open mind - keep at it, do your due-diligence, and you will be an EDUCATED buyer.
Cheers!
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