Northport Homes: Current Tips for Buying and Selling

The Internet has become a wonderful shopping and research tool for both buyers and sellers.  There are many sites that provide listings by town and area, both available and sold - the problem is, the data is only as good as the information provided. 

Here are some suggested ideas for keeping abreast of the current real estate market in your neighborhood!

1.  Speak with your local realtor, here in Northport we have access to a system designed to give you accurate information specifically for this area.  It is available via email and your realtor can set it up so that it's delivered to your email every day.

2.  If you are researching sales prices, make sure that you only look back 3-6 months for similar properties as these are the current restrictions imposed on values by the appraisers and the banks.  In a declining market place, tighter guidelines have been put in place to "watch" the market as the drop may change several times throughout the course of the year.

3. Speak with your local real estate agent to find out what current values in your neighborhood suggest.  Your realtor will know the values within diferent neighborhoods and school districts.

4.  The size or square footage of your home matters!  When we look at "comparable properties", this refers to bedrooms, baths and square footage or size of the home and property.  We must look at "like" properties within a 1 to 2 mile radius of your home to consider a property a comparable. 

5.  Waterfront is a totally different and unique setting that may require more research than the above.  Your realtor will eplain how this type of property is best handled. 

All of the above should factor in when either deciding to purchase a home or sell a home.  Buyer's and Seller's are no different, just on opposite sides of the fence!