If you're looking to buy a home, you had better act fast, especially in Pinellas County. Prices are sky-rocketing and homes aren't on the market long. This is an important change that could have a significant impact on your family's bottom line.
Realtor Robert Eanell visited a North St. Pete home that went on the market Friday.
"I wouldn't be surprised if this property doesn't have 5 or 6 visits today," he said.
Home prices in Pinellas County have shot up over the last year. The median sale price is now $220,000, up from $185,000 in June of last year. That's a nearly 19% spike.
"I've had clients who say I'd like to think about it overnight I call the listing agent the next morning and the property's under contract so it's frustrating for all of us," Eanell said.
Further down 14th Street North, a home that sold a year ago for less than $80,000 has been re-modeled and is now on the market for $145,000. Sales Associate and broker with Keller Williams Realty Estelia Mesimer said some buyers are going to extremes.
"They're sending their offers, they're sending a picture of their family with a letter begging the sellers choose me to buy this home," Mesimer said.
Some realtors recommend getting pre-approved for loans so you can jump on a property you like, or else you could lose it.
"I've got to check literally an hour before we go visit 8 or 9 properties to see if some of them have gone under contract that's how quickly the good ones go," Eanell said.
