Samantha Mitchell's Q&A

Depending on what you need the value for, I suggest contacting a local agent and asking for a comparable sales analysis of your home. You can visit our website to request one or check out recent home sales in your area.

I hear this question a lot from potential buyers.  Regardless of the property, you need to talk with a lender to first determine your buying power. A lender will give you options based on the available cash you have to put down on a home.  They will also evaluate your credit and pre-qualify/pre-approve you for a loan. I advise everyone in today's market to get pre-qualified before beginning the home buying process.  Contact a local agent for recommendations on lenders.

Contact a local Realtor if you are looking for information on previous history of a home.  He or she will be able to provide you with the sales history, sold comparables, and tax information on the property.

I am curious to know if you were able to extend the close of your short sale.  The short sales I've worked on as of late had the bank in the driver's seat when it came to choosing the closing date. 

Contact a local agent.  You can also visit our website. We have a link to recent home sales.

I think you are referring to the VALUE RANGE.  That range is broad because there are factors that Zillow cannot account for - condition of your home, neighborhood, etc.There are two ways to accurately determine the market value of your home - 1) hire an appraiser to conduct a full appraisal on your home 2) contact a local real estate agent for a comparative market analysis of your property.  Both an appraiser and a local real estate agent will inspect your property and look at recent home sales in the area to provide you with a fair market value for your home.

It depends on the seller (bank/lender).  However, the property isn't officially closed until the seller signs the paperwork. 

Here is the official website for all questions related to the FIRST TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT:http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/index.htmlThe Senate also passed to extend the credit through the end of April 2010 to contract on a home and close by June 30th.

This is a great home buying question for all those looking for "deal" in today's market - Austin or any other city.  From what you've said, yes.  BUT is that appraised value based on the tax appraisal district or a certified appraisal of the home?  If it's from the tax appraised value, it may not be as much of a deal as you think. You also note that it needs $40k in updates.  Does that include any needed repairs? If you are under contract, have you had the property inspected? Will the seller allow you to negotiate further for needed repairs? The best advice is to contact a local REALTOR and have them run comparable sales for you.  Hiring a Buyer's Agent to represent you is fully encouraged!Best of luck!

Although Zillow is a good way of gathering public information, you need a professional real estate agent with access to your local MLS to run a comparative market analysis for you on your property.  A local agent will also view your property in person to determine fair market value by comparing it with recent sales in the area. Please feel free to contact our office if you would like a FREE CMA of your home.