Image via WikipediaWhether you consider your home an investment, real estate is still a big part of many individuals' financial lives. Although home equity levels have dropped substantially amid the housing bust, home ownership remains a substantial component of net worth in many households. And even for those who no longer have mortgages, property taxes and housing-related upkeep are often some of the largest line items in household budgets.
The Best-Laid Plans
Several buyers noted that the ongoing housing bust had affected their own plans to relocate. "About 16 months ago, I thought I was being very smart in buying a new condo in Orlando, Fla., at what I felt was a significantly reduced price, more than 40% below the asking price and about 10% less than the original buyer had paid two years prior. My thinking was with such a good deal on the 'buy side,' I could then market my current (and much larger) single-family house for up to two years and still come out ahead.
"Well, those 24 months are quickly ticking by and despite the fact that I have priced my house competitively in relative terms (and reduced the price three times), I have only had one ridiculous lowball offer in the last year and half. Lots of showings, lots of positive feedback, but everyone still seems to be looking for a deal (that is, a steal). I don't think the Orlando real estate market (much less the rest of Florida) is seeing much recovery yet. With an overabundance of foreclosures and short sales still in inventory, I just may be watching a well-thought-out plan turn sour."
DebbieTrice is also downbeat about the Florida market, noting that Sarasota, Fla., remains hard-hit and could well stay that way, in her view: "Due to a combination of fraud and rampant speculation, more housing units were built at ever-increasing prices in Sarasota during the boom than could have been absorbed in a reasonable time frame. The bust has further increased the unsold inventory because now-unemployed construction workers have moved away. And, of course, foreclosures and short sales on the market have depressed prices even more. This is one of the worst housing markets in the United States, and I suspect it will get worse before it gets better. My guess is the local market will return to normal about two years after baby boomer retirees feel flush enough to buy second homes in Florida. I am one of those boomer retirees who had planned to downsize, but I won't put my house on the market while it has to compete with foreclosures."
"No Good News"
Judging from the downbeat sentiment of many home buyers, those who have been anxiously awaiting a recovery will have to keep on waiting.
Bargain-Shoppers Holding Off, Sellers Unrealistic?
The sentiment among would-be buyers, meanwhile, corroborates that the worst may not be over in some markets. They're looking for bargains that haven't yet materialized.
Bargain-Shoppers Holding Off, Sellers Unrealistic?
The sentiment among would-be buyers, meanwhile, corroborates that the worst may not be over in some markets. They're looking for bargains that haven't yet materialized.
The Best-Laid Plans
Several buyers noted that the ongoing housing bust had affected their own plans to relocate. "About 16 months ago, I thought I was being very smart in buying a new condo in Orlando, Fla., at what I felt was a significantly reduced price, more than 40% below the asking price and about 10% less than the original buyer had paid two years prior. My thinking was with such a good deal on the 'buy side,' I could then market my current (and much larger) single-family house for up to two years and still come out ahead.
"Well, those 24 months are quickly ticking by and despite the fact that I have priced my house competitively in relative terms (and reduced the price three times), I have only had one ridiculous lowball offer in the last year and half. Lots of showings, lots of positive feedback, but everyone still seems to be looking for a deal (that is, a steal). I don't think the Orlando real estate market (much less the rest of Florida) is seeing much recovery yet. With an overabundance of foreclosures and short sales still in inventory, I just may be watching a well-thought-out plan turn sour."
DebbieTrice is also downbeat about the Florida market, noting that Sarasota, Fla., remains hard-hit and could well stay that way, in her view: "Due to a combination of fraud and rampant speculation, more housing units were built at ever-increasing prices in Sarasota during the boom than could have been absorbed in a reasonable time frame. The bust has further increased the unsold inventory because now-unemployed construction workers have moved away. And, of course, foreclosures and short sales on the market have depressed prices even more. This is one of the worst housing markets in the United States, and I suspect it will get worse before it gets better. My guess is the local market will return to normal about two years after baby boomer retirees feel flush enough to buy second homes in Florida. I am one of those boomer retirees who had planned to downsize, but I won't put my house on the market while it has to compete with foreclosures."
"No Good News"
Judging from the downbeat sentiment of many home buyers, those who have been anxiously awaiting a recovery will have to keep on waiting.
Bargain-Shoppers Holding Off, Sellers Unrealistic?
The sentiment among would-be buyers, meanwhile, corroborates that the worst may not be over in some markets. They're looking for bargains that haven't yet materialized.
Bargain-Shoppers Holding Off, Sellers Unrealistic?
The sentiment among would-be buyers, meanwhile, corroborates that the worst may not be over in some markets. They're looking for bargains that haven't yet materialized.
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