Real Estate in Apopka, Florida (house, condos, rental)

[naguilar2030]

Can anyone tell me about Real state like condos in the area, prices and how is the area? Looking for a 3 bedroom two bath. I do not want to go through realtors. Thank you!

[Rich_CD]

Originally Posted by naguilar2030

I do not want to go through realtors.

Most places are seeing prices drop drastically. I saw yesterday that sale prices have gone down another 7-15% in most areas.

I know that going through a realtor can be a headache. Realtors receive their commission from the seller, which means they are working for the seller. But, a realtor has much valuable information and can be a good ally when they "need" the commission money.

Remember you're the customer, don't take any sh_t. If you know the prices are too high or the property is not what you want, say so! No one is doing you a "favor" by taking a few hundred grand of your money.

[Dee2e]

Originally Posted by naguilar2030

Can anyone tell me about Real state like condos in the area, prices and how is the area? Looking for a 3 bedroom two bath. I do not want to go through realtors. Thank you!

Why not? Realtors have access to all sorts of information about property and area history at their disposal. Not all Realtors are alike so if you had a bad experience, try interviewing several Realtors before deciding who you want to trust with providing assistance to you in your property search.

FYI, condo prices are dropping signficantly, read the HOA docs carefully, and check out the foreclosure/preforeclosures in the community before buying. Any good Realtor can easily obtain that information for your. Foreclosures are listing at the County Clerk of Courts but preforeclosures are not public record yet but must be disclosed at listing so Realtors have that information readily available. Unless you are an experienced distress property buyer, I would not recommend you go that route on your own.

One problem I'm seeing is that in some condo communities, there is a property manager who handles rentals for owners that want them to handle their units for a fee, of course. They keep rent prices high, check tenant applications carefully and more. However, some developments let owners rent to anyone they want. That means they often rent for a lower price, don't handle the repairs of the unit property as they should (which upsets tenants who often cause more property damages including damages to common areas), and don't screen tenants for their ability to pay rent, rent history and other factors. This often causes problems for the community and affects resale prices.

If the foreclosure/preforeclosure rate is high it has it's own set of problems in the community.

Good luck with your property search.

[Dee2e]

[quote=Rich_CD;2351248].....
I know that going through a realtor can be a headache. Realtors receive their commission from the seller, which means they are working for the seller. But, a realtor has much valuable information and can be a good ally when they "need" the commission money.
.......[quote]

This is not completely true. The listing agent represents the seller. The buyer's agent represents the buyer.

If they buyer's agent is also the listing agent, then they represent both and must do so keeping each others information to themselves and only sharing property information.

Since Realtors spend many hours and money working with buyers and sellers for no upfront money, they are motiviated to get contracts signed and to closing so they get paid. However, they must do it legally, ethically and keep the buyers and sellers satisfied in the process. Interview them, ask questions, and remember, you are the customer! If one agent is not treating you as such, seek out another agent.

[Rich_CD]

Originally Posted by Dee2e

The listing agent represents the seller. The buyer's agent represents the buyer.

Doesn't the "buyer's agent" and the "listing agent" split the commission? And isn't that commission paid by the seller?

[Rich_CD]

Originally Posted by Rich_CD

Doesn't the "buyer's agent" and the "listing agent" split the commission? And isn't that commission paid by the seller?

Doesn't any agents here know?

The commission for selling the home is the responsibility of the seller, correct? The buyer is "actually" paying the commission by buying the house. But, the legal responsibility to see the agent gets paid is on the seller's responsibility, right?

[Dee2e]

Originally Posted by Rich_CD

Doesn't any agents here know?

The commission for selling the home is the responsibility of the seller, correct? The buyer is "actually" paying the commission by buying the house. But, the legal responsibility to see the agent gets paid is on the seller's responsibility, right?

If a house is listing in the MLS by an agent, the seller pays the brokerage at closing per the contract. That broker splits the commission in some way the buyer agent broker. Both brokers split the commission with their respective agents. It is often a 50-50 split but not always. The determination of the split is part of the contract between the listing broker and the seller.

If a house is not listed by an agent but for sale by owner, an agent may ask the buyer or the seller to pay the commission. Smart agents use a buyer broker agreement, which has been discussed on this board previously, to be sure they get paid. This agreement says that if the seller does not pay their brokerage commission, the buyer will pay the commission.

I hope that answers your questions.

Happy New Year to all!

[Wendy Morris]

Originally Posted by naguilar2030

Can anyone tell me about Real state like condos in the area, prices and how is the area? Looking for a 3 bedroom two bath. I do not want to go through realtors. Thank you!

Forget I am a Real Estate Broker for a minute ,Like any other sales agents I get paid a respectable wage for the service I provide , however a Brokers service to you would be toatlly free ? Its a absolute advantage to be represented by a Realtor in this day and age. The biggest plus for you as a buyer is ALL Realtors have access to information you dont and they are far better posied to present an offer and save you money than you will ever be. Its a totally free service to yourself ! Realtors are paid by the seller !

[FLmomof2]

We lived there for 2 years. We liked it. It was close to 429 and as long as you were not living in the "less fortunate" part of Apopka it was relatively safe.

We lived in Country Crossing, and met some very nice people. Some of the developments are VERY nice and you are close to most things.

Target - 15 min
Disney - 25 min
Grocery - 5 min
Mall - 20 min

I know there is alot of negative talk on this site about Apopka, but we enjoyed our time there. My husband got transferred and that is why we moved.

[nickindependence]

There seems to be some confusion over how realtors get paid. As a Realtor who works with both buyers and sellers let me explain. The seller pays the commission for both buyers agent and sellers agent, if im working with a buyer i will be paid by the seller's. However, i do not represent the seller. I work for the buyer and my responsibility is to my buyer regardless that the seller pays my fees. I get the best deal for my buyers. Buyers should look at it in terms of they do not pay my commision but they have me working for them very hard for free. They get the benefits of what the seller is paying for.

I have to be honest, there are some bad realtors out there, but if you choose a good one and do your due dilligence then i dont understand why you wouldnt use one. Buyers dont pay us, but they gain the our great local knowledge of both location, what the markets doing, and what is out there in terms of builders incetives and inventory of homes.

I often have customers who decided not to use a realtor and go it alone, only for them to come to me afterwards asking for help because no-one was looking out for their interests. You can end up paying alot more in the long run by not using a realtor

Nick