patrick_1's Discussions

A lot depends on your price range and what area you're thinking of buying in, but generally speaking, condos do not appreciate as quickly as a single family homes.  If you're just going to live here for a year or two, you're better off just renting.  Real estate should be a long-term investment!

Hey Jessica--As a dog person, I think I know exactly what you're talking about.  The other posters are correct--I just did the MLS search I'd do if you were a buyer and I found some homes in the high 300's that you'd probably love.  Don't stress, there is inventory here in and near the areas you're interested in.

I gotta agree with Krismer.  Like most real estate, Condos are not a short term investment.  If you're planning to sell in a year or two anyway, you're better off just renting.

LOL, I just realized I already answered this question.  At least I didn't disagree with my previous answer...

Real estate is cyclical.  Rates will go up, and so will prices.  When?  How much?  For how long?  We won't know that until it happens.  The only 100% accurate thing anyone can say about rates or prices is what they've done until a minute ago.  You can use historical data to make predictions but don't forget to focus some thought on yourself--Why do you want the property?  What will you do with it?  For how long?  How much can you comfortably afford?  Where do you want to be?  Generally, a single family residence is going to appreciate better than a condo.  You don't say where you're looking to buy, but it would be a good idea for you to seek out an agent who works in the area where you're planning to go.  Someone who knows the area will be able to explain why some locations are better than others.

I don't think you need to stage it--You need to hire a realtor who can get it sold.  Staging is great when you want to take the eye away from the house, but when you're not trying to hide the house, you don't need staging.  Sometimes it's helpful if the rooms are strange shapes or sizes but generally it's a waste of money.  I know some agents will disagree, but you're better off lowering your price than by spending money on staging.

There ARE a lot more saavy people using the internet and this is one reason why the MLS is even more important.  Many websites pull their data from the MLS.  Others require manual entry, but if you aren't on the MLS, you're missing out on a lot of buyers--Especially those buyers who have a buyer's agent.  Your question explains one of the reasons why most agents won't even bother showing FSBO's to buyers.What I don't understand is why anyone would want to minimize their reach to buyers? 

Robert brings up a good point and reminds me of a similar discussion which is that some of these other website operators have sued various MLS's to get access to that data.  No website is going to be as accurate or complete as an MLS.  Some people think that this is wrong--That everyone should have access to this info, not just MLS subscribers.  But the MLS is a membership driven entity and those listings belong to that MLS.  Sure, it's nice to get something for nothing, but I don't believe the MLS "owes" anyone who isn't a member any access at all.