Cape Coral Florida's Real Estate Guide

To choose the best home possible for you and your family, ask questions to find out if the homes you are considering are deals or duds. Here are some questions to ask that can help you decide what home is right for you.

1. Why is the owner moving?

This can help you determine how motivated the seller is and tell you whether you are going to be able to get a good deal on the property. Answers like divorce, tight finances, or an out-of-state move are good indicators that the home owner is really ready to get their home sold.

2. How long has the home been on the market?

If a home has been on the market for a long time, bid low as you are more likely to have your offer accepted. Chances are the seller will just want to get the home sold. However, if the home has only just gone on the market, back off and keep looking. A seller of a home that just went on the market isn't going to be as motivated and you won't get the best deal possible.

3. What is the average "price per foot" of homes in the area?

Go to town assessor's office and using public records, calculate the average price per square foot of homes in the area. This serves as a great equalizer for all of the homes you are considering and gives you solid figure to shop by.

4. Is this house the most expensive house in the neighborhood?

Never buy the most expensive house in a neighborhood. They do not sell as well or appreciate like mid-range homes. Buy a home in an average price range-it will be easier to sell and fluctuations in home value will not affect your home as badly.

5. How many homes are for sale in the neighborhood?

Look for a maximum of 2 homes for sale for every 3 blocks. More than two is an indicator that home prices are still falling in that area. Take a look at the number of homes sold in past month to see what homes are selling for in the area.