Zillow Advice RSS: Question-Discussion-Guide,Rent vs. Buy,

Should I buy now or wait?

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:48:00 GMT

201 replies

It's Black Friday...

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:17:00 GMT

Start the season right...we have some incredible deals that are cheaper than renting...a few without offers!

9 replies

Is it a good time to buy a condo in Portland, Oregon?

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:09:00 GMT

Because of overdevelopment, the condo market has really tanked in the past year. Last summer, we were going to buy a small, 1 bedroom condo in a location that wasn't our favorite for $230k (listing price a bit higher). Having remained renters, I'm really glad we didn't buy that place; right now it's listing for $170k. We've watched the condo buildings in our neighborhood turn into rentals.

We've thought several times, over a year of searching, that the close-in Eastside condo market was really ripe and that we should pounce on it before values go back up. We thought that about the $230k place, in fact. At the time, it really was the best deal.

I don't want to be kicking myself a few years down the road if condo prices in the neighborhoods we like climb back up and rents do too. Tax credit is awesome. I also don't want to buy if prices still may drop or if there are arguments against condo ownership in times like these. Neither my husband nor I are thrilled about looking for condos again. We've had so much fall through that we hate, hate, hate the whole process (we've taken a 5 month break so far). If you do think there's a good deal to be had (preferably 2 bedrooms), on either the Belmont/Hawthorne/Clinton corridor or the Mississippi area, let me know that, too!

16 replies

Las Vegas! Foreclosure Capital - A buyers market?No...(read)..

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:23:00 GMT

Nice one from Diana

Here are some key points..

- This market is crazy and many things are just not going to make any sense.

- I can guarantee you 99.99% of the listings emailed to you will no longer be available by the time you get here.

- Properties are selling in the blink of an eye.

- Properties are getting multiple offers within a few days of being on the market, the most offers I've heard a house had recently was 44 offers (I know, crazy).

- This market is crazy and many things are just not going to make any sense.

- 40% of all transactions are cash purchases, which makes it harder for the buyers who are financing to get their offers accepted.

- We have 1/2 the inventory we had a year ago and 4 times as many buyers as we did a year ago.

- Chances are we will have to submit several offers to have the chance of getting 1 accepted.

- This market is crazy and many things are just not going to make any sense.

- You will probably leave not knowing if you have a house or not because banks take 2 to 3 weeks to respond, because this market is crazy… you know the rest.

8 replies

should i buy it ?

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:14:00 GMT

1) 4bed/2bath, 1996 sq feet, lot 7,170 Sq feet - built in 2002(Miami)
2) New appliances and hard-wood floor...
3) New hospital is being build one block from the home(january/2011)
Cost:250K,
Investiment: 20% down, 15 years fixed term.NOTE: Will probably leave the house in 5/6 years - moving to another country.

Good deal ? Wait ?

5 replies

How can a single person afford a home?

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:33:00 GMT

Hello All,

I am single and would like to purchase a townhome. I make a decent income, have great credit, a good down payment and no real debt besides regular living expenses (rent, utilities, food, etc). I live in Miami FL and that is where I am looking to buy. I have been preapproved for 175k and know with taxes, insurance, and hoa's that is all I can afford. How does anybody do this? The taxes, insurance and hoa more than doubles the complete mortgage payment. I though the housing market had crashed but I guess not where I want to buy. It's not about the down payment at all. It's all the fees tacked on to the mortgage. I don't want a stand alone house because the upkeep on that is even higher than a townhouse. A condo doesn't offer enough ownership for me. I guess I will continue renting. Thankls for reading.

26 replies

What is the value of my home now?

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:51:00 GMT

The address is 13470 Margate Street
Van Nuys, Calif. 91401

4 replies

Any real estate tax to be paid when unit is unoccupied as unable to rent and owner working overseas.

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:12:00 GMT

2 replies

Why Rent When You can own for less than renting???

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:05:00 GMT

Why are people in todays market still choosing to rent even with les than perfect credit or little to no money down? I would be more than happy to answer anyones home buying question or concerns in todays real estate market.

Amanda Alejandro
[content removed by moderator for being self promotional]

394 replies

would like to know what this house and property are worth. 12596 60th st south,afton mn

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:19:00 GMT

built in 1980. 1 1/2 bath 3 br 2400 sqf 1200 sqf unfinished basement. new roof.

1 reply

how much down?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:04:00 GMT

3 replies

I did not get any quotes on my loan request (ZR-SDGMBKM). Can someone help me figure out why?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:36:00 GMT

2 replies

Everything First-Time Homebuyers Need to Know About $8,000 Tax Credit

Mon, 18 May 2009 06:09:00 GMT

The $8,000 tax credit expires December 1, 2009 - it can be claimed on the amended 2008 tax return, or 2009 tax return, or used as a downpayment as per the latest regulation - contact the lender for details.

[content removed by moderator for being self promotional]

62 replies

In Seattle high-end rentals, is it customary for the tenant or the landlord to pay for utilities?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:56:00 GMT

9 replies

What is the value of the house at 1824 Stearns Drive, Los Angeles

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:49:00 GMT

2 replies

how do i get started on buying a house off of zillow

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:02:00 GMT

6 replies

I need some information and how to help my parents they want to move by march2010

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:35:00 GMT

I need some information and how to help my parents. They want to move by march
please call me at 864-399-9827

2 replies

I would like to transfer this home to my spouse how can I do that can u help me

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:10:00 GMT

8 replies

Why doesn't zillow allow for comments or questions about issues with their website?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:50:00 GMT

Zillow keeps sending me information on a property that I am not interested. I'm just going to turn on my spam filter.

1 reply

Waiting to buy in Bay Area CA, man when can we buy?? I want to hear your opinions.

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:49:00 GMT

The price looks stabilizing and some areas increasing(Lack of invenory). I am still betting on it will fall due to a lot(huge inventory coming) of home defaulted, under load Mod or in some stage of foreclosure process.

I am thinking if I am doing the right thing to wait now, The banks holding the inventory and only slowly releasing them(playing game since accounting rule change, mark to market). Can they hold it like this for couple of years? If that's the case, home price probably increase due to lack of inventory.

I want to hear your opinions.

16 replies