Valdosta, GA Property question (renters, buying a house, neighborhood)

[celewis6780]

Someone said that Valdosta, GA has experienced a 0.9% loss in the housing market. I live in Valdosta and I am considering buying rental homes. My question is what does that % mean to me in terms of actions I should take. Example: Should I offer sellers 1% less than the County assessed property value? People are still asking "normal" selling prices for homes. Any help is appreciated.

[K'ledgeBldr]

The percentage loss is to what?
Price, volume, new construction, resell?
And, assessed value has really nothing to do with price of home when selling/buying. Remember, price is determined by supply and demand. Assessed value is for tax purposes.

[celewis6780]

Thanks for the reply and pointing out the fact that the % loss needs a context.

[csapp]

Who is responsible for maintaining vacant lots in the city of Valdosta GA.??
Also when a house is rented who is ultimately responsible for maintaining this property?
It is very discouraging when buying a house, and working very hard to keep your property and your neighborhood a great place for you family, then renters move in and the area goes to pot!
Just tring to find out who can help with this.