Gene

If you really like the house I would not reject it because of the wiring and the deck material. Does it need to be completely rewired or re-paneld? The cost to re-panel is substantially less than rewiring the whole house. Did a residential electrician say that it "probably" has to be rewired or was it the home inspector? If you haven't had an electrician to look at it, I would do that next. If it was an electrician, I would obtain a couple of quotes to rewire. Actually, a house built in the 50's should not require complete rewiring to make it safe. I have also replaced decking material and it's not a very difficult job. You might renegotiate the price so you have some flexibility and then redeck using some of the new composite decking material. Depending on your handiman skills, you can probably do the job yourself and save a considerable amount since labor charges consume a high percentage of any decking job. I WOULD NOT do the electrical work myself however. Good Luck - Fri Jul 4 2008, 08:39

In my state AZ and NV you have to contact the COUNTY Treasurer's office. You might want to start there for guidance. Good Luck - Tue Jul 1 2008, 11:48

I saw homes (foreclosures) in LHC in the $100 sq' range when I was looking at listings offered by Platinum Realty in LHC. They specialize in foreclosures. I was surprised at the number of REOs in LHC but I guess the mortgage crises has hit everywhere. Good Luck. - Mon Jun 30 2008, 12:09

I am not an agent so I don't care if you use a realtor, an agent or go FSBO. I've bought and sold homes using an agent and FSBO (there is nothing mystical about FSBO that you can't learn). There are books available on selling FSBO and you should considering buying such a book so that you can have guidance instead of relying on Trulia if you are going that route. You might even try selling it yourself and give yourself, say 90 days and see what kind of response you get. If you get it sold, then congratulations. If not, you're out some money for the book, the ads, the flyers and your time. You can, at that time, go with a realtor. Saying all that, I am attempting to sell a house myself. I went with a realtor because there are so many homes on the market right now...and so many lowballers...that I want someone to run interference for me--I didn't even try selling it myself (when the market was hot, I was able to go the FSBO route and save the commission). So, go ahead and give it a try especially if you live in a marketable area/neighborhood. If not, be prepared to go with a realtor. Good Luck - Mon Jun 30 2008, 10:47

Hi Nivea: I, too, had an agent once that said my offers were way too low so he wouldn't even submit my purchase offer. I found another agent which worked out quite well. My question to you is "Has your agent submitted your offers in writing or is he/she merely negating your attempts to submit your offer?" If he has submitted your offers and they've been rejected then he/she is probably right and your offers are probably too low. If the agent has not submitted your offers...then I would find another agent. There are thousands of agents out there and it's not too difficult in finding one that can assist you. Good Luck - Mon Jun 30 2008, 10:34