Homebuyers Have Advantage in Market
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It is decidedly a buyer’s market in Polk, but home sellers can enlist some professional help.
For buyers, the county has many pre-foreclosure and bank-owned properties if you’re looking for bargains, though prices are often favorable on non-distressed properties as well.
Sellers will likely need a little determination and patience, given the high volume of available properties on the market.
Realtors suggest pricing your home in accordance with neighborhood values and market conditions, and if possible, be willing to negotiate for a quicker sale.
For buyers, personal finances and credit scores should be looked at months in advance of home shopping — even before getting pre-approved for a mortgage, Realtors say.
Knowing your limit will define the market you are interested in and will help narrow your housing search.
If you decide to enlist a Realtor’s help, there’s no shortage of them in Polk County. The area is home to several franchises of nationally recognized realty firms, as well as independent real estate offices.
When you first start looking for a Realtor try local real estate guides, including The Ledger’s weekly Polk Homes, available each Saturday with the newspaper. More resources are always available online at www.theledger.com/section/realestate.
For additional help, Polk has three main Realtor associations: the Lakeland Association of Realtors, the East Polk County Association of Realtors and the Lake Wales Association of Realtors.
If you can’t find a Realtor in one of the local guides, the associations can provide you with a list. But they won’t provide any recommendations.
A call to the local Realtors’ association can also inform you of any complaints against a certain Realtor.
Once you have those items taken care of, it will be time to start your search.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
A number of websites are available to help in the house hunt. Check out www.realtor.com for information on homes and neighborhoods.
The Lakeland Association of Realtors can be reached at 863-687-6111 or online at www.lakelandrealtors.org.
The East Polk County Association of Realtors can be reached at 863-294-3163 or online at www.epcar.com.
The Lake Wales Association of Realtors can be reached at 863-676-1721 or online at www.lwar.net.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate handles complaints about illegal activities. The agency can be reached at 850-487-1395 or online at www.myflorida.com/dbpr.
