On the other hand, if you want to buy a short sale, the advice is about the same. Use a very experienced Realtor.  Only 1 out of 3 short sale listings end up with a successful closing.  A knowledgeable agent can help navigate the long painful process of buying a short sale, but the experience is never fun.  If you have a timeframe you need to be in your new home, don't even consider a short sale.  Short sales are for only those who want a great deal and are willing to try 2 or 3 houses before getting one to closing.      

The article was written from the perspective of a nationwide status of real estate.  He projected values to fall another 2% or 3% this year. That may be the case if values are averaged.  However, as they say "All markets are local."  Central Ohio is better off than most areas of the country.  Some areas of central Ohio have experienced double digit increases for the last couple of years!  If you are going to buy this year, just get an agent that knows the market and can produce the stats to prove them.       

All brick ranch in desirable Westerville.  This home has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms.  Some updates include paint, carpet, kitchen cabinets, driveway.  Family room, hall and bedrooms have hardwood flooring.  1 car attached garage, extra large driveway, large back yard w/patio and storage shed.

This two story home has 4 bedrdooms, 3.5 baths, 2 fireplaces, exquisite sunroom, finished basement, paver patio, 3 car attached garage and much more.  Some of the many updates include granite counter tops, light fixtures, faucets, door hardware and decorator painting.  This home is the best value in Westerville at this price point!  Located near Hoover Reservoir.

Selling "By Owner" is tougher than ever.  Most owners are not even wasting time trying in this market.  You save by not paying an agent, but the lack of marketing may result in a lower sale price.

 Internet brokerages do little more than help you sell by owner.  They give you some internet exposure but many find they don't get enough buyers this way.

Interview several professional agents and see what they do and how successful they are at getting properties sold.  Professional agents can show you that professional marketing brings more buyers and consequently a higher sale price.       

Your property is worth whatever a buyer is willing to pay for it.  Everyone else's opinion is just that... an opinion.  Unless of course, the buyer's lender's appraiser thinks the buyer overpaid. Then the appraiser's valuation limits the value. 

So, as far as I am concerned... the lower the assessed value the better!  If you think the assessed value is too high you can challenge the valuation. Go to your county's auditor's website and fill out the appropriate forms.  You will need to provide comparable sales or an appraisal to support your case.    

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Short sales are a large part of our business and we are effective at getting them done.  If you know someone who is having a problem making their mortgage payments have them get advice on their options before they run out of time.  One can recover in a couple years after selling short, but it's difficult to ever recover after a foreclosure.  Yet, 2/3rds of homeowners experiencing foreclosure never consulted a Realtor, attorney or tax advisor.        

For additional information on short sales or foreclosures give me a call.