Never thought I'd get tired of looking up houses

[thndrdancr 0]

Sheridan,

I dont think its unreasonable to offer 15k below the asking price altho a seller would look long and hard before taking that offer. Usually there would be lots more negotiation, between you and the seller and they would try to work you up from that for sure. Traditionally, I think here in Lincoln, offering about 5 to 8k below selling price is more normal, unless the house is over 175k.It all depends on the the seller. We actually got the house we are in now for 13k less that the market appraised value (asking) price, which was 20 years ago, so was probably more like 20k now. But it was exceptional circumstances, we HAD lived here and rented for 8 years beforehand, so they took that into consideration, even tho it was NOT a rent to own. There was another one that we offered 3k below what he was asking and he laughed in our face. You just never know.

Generally, if you have a lawyer, you can get better buys from folks looking to sell by owners, and there sure seem to be a LOT of those out there too. I am sure you have probably visited a few on your OPEN house tours. ha They are able to see a little cheaper just becuz they dont have to pay that realtor that extra 13k or so.

I suppose you are getting a pretty good idea of pricing tho, if you have been out most Sundays, that is the best way to get a grasp on the market. Housing HAS slowed a bit, but in Lincoln, I have NEVER witnessed a downturn or a total non selling market, I suppose because this is such a huge college town.

I know taxes here are horrid, some houses are appraised at almost value and some are not, so thats hard to go by. I was talking to a guy in New York city and he paid less taxes on his house that we do here. I always thought New York was THE worst for taxes. But Nebraska is REAL proud of itself in that regard, we are one of the top ten highest in the nation as far as property tax. You probably know that by now tho.

Well, good luck on your house hunting...

Take care

Jill