Real Estate listing and some what could be warning signs I look at (condos, percentage)

[retired58]

When I look at Real Estate listings in different states which I can afford I check a couple of things right off. 1 - How many times has the house sold in the last 10 years,if many Why? 2- How long has the Current owner been living there. If less than 3 years Why? Get info on the neighborhood. 3 - Buy AS IS that could mean major problems due to no upkeep. 4- Upgrades(Additions) that are brand new and might not be included in the property tax yet. 5 What kind of Utilities Public Water Sewer and Natural Gas . Schools for me are not important as my children are way past that . Young couples with young kids it would be one of the most important things. Curious to know what people think of when looking at Real Estate listings and what is a no-no to them. Thanks

[glamatomic]

Also look to see if there are lots of current/previous rental listings within the subdivision or neighborhood.

An area that is, or is becoming rental heavy vs owner occupied is considered a negative in some parts of the country.

[retired58]

Originally Posted by glamatomic

Also look to see if there are lots of current/previous rental listings within the subdivision or neighborhood.

An area that is, or is becoming rental heavy vs owner occupied is considered a negative in some parts of the country.

Yes as I am also looking at listings in Delaware where rentals are common near the beach areas where I would be a owner. With rentals you never know who they are and they and will not take care of the House and property as much.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by retired58

When I look at Real Estate listings in different states which I can afford I check a couple of things right off.
1 - How many times has the house sold in the last 10 years,if many Why?
2- How long has the Current owner been living there. If less than 3 years Why?
3 - Buy AS IS that could mean major problems due to no upkeep.
4- Upgrades (Additions) that are brand new and might not be included in the property tax yet.
5 What kind of Utilities Public Water Sewer and Natural Gas .
Schools for me are not important as my children are way past that .

Whether YOU need/want to use the local schools or not ...having good ones nearby counts for a lot.

It's the single largest common denominator in making a healthy vs weak market ...affecting value.
Immeasurably more important than whether the house has natural gas
or how long ago the bathroom was remodeled and similar concerns.

[Okey Dokie]

I agree schools are important even if you don't have kids. You don't have to be in the uber-best district, but you don't want to be in a district that people avoid.

[jghorton]

With condos, we look at funded reserves versus overall condition; rental policies and percentage of units rented; age of the building and related A/C units and condition of facilities. Amount of personal storage, parking and access to both. Type and condition of automobiles parked in the lot; overall location and neighborhood trends.