Store and factory closings, layoffs, and reduced confidence; but allow us to provide some perspective that might surprise you. The news quotes this as being “the worst economic crises since the Great Depression.” HHHMMM, really?

There are numbers from when President Reagan took office vs. today when President Obama took office:
Unemployment: then 7.5% vs. now: 7.2%
Inflation: then 12% vs. now 3%
PRIME: then 20.5% vs. now 3.25%
People living below the poverty line: then 14% vs. now 12%
Top tax bracket: then 70% vs. now 35%

Perhaps it’s not as bad as the press- or even we would like to believe. The benefits are that prices of just about everything are coming down due to reduced demand and government efforts. One example is fuel prices (look at what gas prices were just 6 months ago). Another example is the fact that mortgage rates are at a 50 year low, and you really can’t be in a better position to buy a home. There will be several thousand active duty military and civilian contractors along with their families coming to our area within the next two years. That huge influx of people will begin to create housing demand without precedent. So, even if you already own your dream home, this is a very good time to buy investment property!

People that (get ahead) are the ones that don’t follow a pack mentality; they buy when no one in buying and sell when on one is selling. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to call on us.

Home buyers are particular and with so many homes on the market, they can be as particular as they want to be. If you decide to sell your home in Niceville, determining the “just right” price take thoughtful research, a dispassionate attitude towards your home and an honest evaluation of your ability to be patient.

Everyone wants top dollar for their home but determining the amount is tricky. Set the price too high and your home will remain on the Niceville market for ages. Make it too low and you’re not getting your full return on your investment.

You must MAKE YOUR FIRST PRICE YOUR BEST PRICE! Yet, your price depends on several factors:

**How fast do you want to sell?

**What are Niceville homes selling for in your area?

**How does your home compare to the “typical” Niceville home in your neighborhood?

Check the Comparables in Niceville
Your realtor should provide you with recent sales of similar Niceville homes in your neighborhood. This will give you an idea of how much home buyers are paying comparing to what you are selling yours for; usually shown in price per square foot numbers.

Evaluate Your Home
Make an honest, unemotional appraisal of your Niceville home. This is a hard step, but an important one. You can have a Niceville professional inspect your home which will alert you of any hidden problems in your home’s structure or systems. It is a good idea to know of any problems in advance rather than having an unwelcome surprise at the end.

Take a good look at your décor as well, particularly the kitchen and bathrooms. Outdated fixtures, lighting and appliances bring the desirability and price of your home down. Remove all clutter and be sure the home is clean! On the upside, enhancements you have made to the landscaping, fencing and renovations will add value to your home.

Bring It All Together
With the comparables in hand and an honest appraisal of the condition of your Niceville home, you’re just about ready to set a realistic price for your home. There’s one last thing to consider: How fast do you want to sell?

If you are in a hurry to move or simply know that you do not have the patience to wait for the perfect offer, do not consider a price that would put your home on the high end of your Niceville neighborhood. Make your price enticing to Niceville buyers!

If time is not a factor, you can wait for the right buyer and ask for a bit higher price. However, setting the price too high for your Niceville area will only lead to frustration and no buyer in sight.

When deciding on buying a Niceville home, many clients ask us if they should buy an older home or a newer one. Keep these things in mind when making the decision to buy a home in Niceville:

With an older home, you have a better idea of how your investment will fare. The Niceville neighborhood is settled and you can track the record of appreciation. While past performance is not a guarantee, it is a good indicator.

Older Niceville homes are usually centrally located and closer to shopping, community centers and the like, meaning shorter commute times and lower gas costs. They are also more likely to have mature landscaping, and added features like fences and window treatments, keeping your initial move in costs lower. Even with these additions, older Niceville homes tend to be less per square foot than newer homes.

The downside of purchasing an older home is maintenance and repair. As appliances, plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems age, they need repairs. With an older home, you can expect more maintenance and repairs over time.

With a new home, you have a clean slate to work with. There are no nail holes to worry about, no dirty smudges on the walls; it’s a blank canvas that you can make your own.

With new Niceville homes you can expect the latest in energy efficient appliances, modern fixtures in the kitchen and baths and updated layouts with touches like media niches. Also, the material used in new homes tend to require less maintenance, the insulation is usually more effective and the HVAC meet the newest efficiency standards. New, efficient appliances mean fewer repair and maintenance costs.

Keep in mind, however, all of the efficient appliances and modern updates come with a price. Newer homes tend to be more per square foot in comparison.