First home, Family home, Student home away from home, Luxury home, Vacation home, Investment or Retirement home, they're all here in the Tallahassee Area.
Buyers
"Time is money", and you have better things to do with yours than search for information, only to find it's obsolete. Many of the properties-- "listings"-- posted on websites accessed by the general public are already sold, or weren't available to begin with. Keeping this in mind, it's important to work with a REALTOR® who stays on top of the market throughout the day in "Real Time". Lynne can send you an immediate alert by e-mail, fax or phone when the property you're looking for hits the market.
Please remember I can help you with the purchase of any home for sale, regardless of the listing Broker, and sometimes even an unrepresented Seller. Let me specifically target your needs and desires for that right and perfect new home.
What's Available Now | Lynne's Listings | Contact Lynne To Define Your Search
Are you a First Time Home Buyer?
Then let's face it, this process can be intimidating. It will be one of the largest purchases of your life, so a lot is on the line. The terminology can be confusing "Hazard insurance", "title insurance", what's the difference? Who pays for what at closing? What is "closing"?
I'll try to make the process as easy for you as possible, because my philosophy is K.I.S.S.4.U. Keeping It Simple and Sane For You-in all Real Estate matters.
*You may be surprised to find that a First Time Home Buyer is actually anyone not having owned a home for three years or more. In the case of divorce the qualification is even less.
Financing:
There are many lender programs available for the first time home buyer* for any price range, as well as "down payment" or "closing cost" assistance through local, state, and federal agencies. Your own bank or credit union might be a good place to start asking questions. Or if you prefer, I'll be happy to help direct you to lenders of good reputation with whom I'm personally familiar.
Pre-Approval:
Knowing which mortgage will fit your budget is a "must do" first step in realizing your home goal. When the market is hot, many Sellers won't consider a contract offer unless they know the Buyer is qualified to buy. Your lender will provide a letter of approval to submit with your offer, keeping you one step ahead of competing offers.
Investors
Our area is attractive to investors for a variety of reasons. With three campuses (FAMU, FSU, & TCC), as well as trade schools, state and federal employees, and our proximity to leisure activities throughout the surrounding area and the coast, many have found owning a rental home, townhouse or condo in our area a very good investment.
The 1031 EXCHANGE (a vehicle for deferring capital gains taxes) has become quite popular, and for good reason. With it, you can sell an investment property and utilize the proceeds in the purchase of another property while deferring the capital gains taxes. It's advisable to discuss this option with your tax consultant.
Those of you related to students moving to the area might find the purchase of a "kiddie condo" the perfect answer. It satisfies the need for housing as well as helping your child establish credit through home ownership. There are many homes, townhomes, and condos in the area that would suit this purpose.
This is a map of the newer condominium projects under way in downtown Tallahassee. There are also many student oriented condo complexes as well. In addition, numerous condo conversions are available.
Sellers
Believe it or not, finding a Buyer for your home is actually one of the first steps toward a Successful Sale, not the last. Marketing is vital! So is determining a qualified Buyer, and the many steps required to keep the process moving forward from Contract to Close. Using a REALTOR® who "walks this walk" frees you to tend to your own areas of expertise. Compare it to hiring any professional, from carpet cleaning to CPA. You may be able to clean your own carpet or balance your budget, but when you really want top quality, you call in a professional. It's just not your area of expertise.
Setting the Right Price for Market
After a preview of the interior, my up-to-date price opinion of your home* will either confirm your initial thoughts on pricing, or in some cases surprise you at how low you've set your sights! I'll provide you with hard data, as well as suggestions for preparing your property for sale. Remember, it's ultimately the market that sets the price of your home.
...we were going to be leaving Tallahassee...we agreed to let her do a market analysis and talk with us about listing the house...After some thought, we decided to list the house...at a price that was a little less than Lynne advised. Through Lynne's outstanding work, within two days...we received four contracts with offers above the asking price. Lynne was terrific about handling the details of the sale…..and preparing the closing. We couldn't be happier with Lynne's representation of us in this sale. Thanks to her, even after the real estate commission was taken into account, we netted more than 15% above the price at which we were going to try to sell the house by owner. Our experience lets us recommend Lynne as an agent with no reservations whatsoever. ...the outcome of our sale was significantly more favorable because of her work on our behalf.
-Paul and Lucinda
Spring 2004
*Don't forget, my services are free until I join a Buyer & Seller at Closing.
Still Curious About Communities & Neighborhoods?
Space prohibits details of all the wonderful communities and neighborhoods here in the Tallahassee area. Some of the sites photos reflect the diversity. Whatever your preference, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the variety available. Let's narrow it down to your specifics so we can work directly with each other in realizing your needs.
New homes & Choosing a Builder
There's "buildin' a plenty" throughout the five county area. With answers to a few targeted questions, I'll be able to put you in contact with the Builder of your Dreams. Whether it's a new "Starter Home", on a golf course, or a home-away-from-home, put a Realtor® on your negotiating team. Let's look together, for the lot and Builder that's right for you.