According to the National Association of Realtors existing-home sales fell by 8.5% in March 2020. This report covers all townhouses, condominiums, co-ops, and single-family homes.
Despite the drop in sales, the price of homes remains strong, with the average median house price being $280,600. This is an 8% increase over March 2019. Homes are remaining on the market an average of 29 days in March 2020.
The change in home sales is in response to the Covid-19 stay-at-home orders. There are fewer sellers listing their homes for sale. A Flash Survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors found that of the 95,688 people surveyed, approximately 30% were able to respect social distancing guidelines while completing real estate transactions.
Tallahassee real estate sales are going strong, with more than 1,000 homes currently for sale. Whatever your dream home is, you are sure to find it in Tallahassee. Let’s take a look at what you should consider when purchasing a home and a few samples of the types of homes available.
What to Consider When Buying a Home
When shopping for a home, you have an idea of what you want, but there are also important factors you need to take into consideration. It is recommended you make a list of your priorities and share it with your real estate agent. This will save wasted time and guarantee the houses you look at meet your needs.
Outside the House
Select a home that provides easy access to the places you frequent. This can be work, school, shopping, place of worship, and recreation. Another consideration is the traffic flow immediately outside the neighborhood. How easy is it to get in and out of the residential area and onto the main street?
When looking at the neighborhood consider whether you want to be on the main drag or set back where there is little activity. Do you want to be close to a park where kids play or prefer no one comes near your home? These are all personal preferences, do not assume your real estate agent knows what you want.
Look at the size of the lot. Is there room for adding a pool, swing set, or relaxing without hearing every conversation your neighbors have? How much yard maintenance will be required?
Inside the House
The main consideration will depend on the size of your family. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you need a lot of living space to accommodate the family, or is a small home with a reasonable living room enough?
The kitchen is often the center of family life and socializing with friends. If you like to do a lot of cooking and entertaining, you may need a large, chef style kitchen. On the other hand, if you are single and prefer to dine out the majority of the time, a tiny kitchen may work.
Appliances may or may not be included with the home. Look at their style, age, and features. If you prefer gas stoves and dryers and the home has only electrical appliances, that could be a deal-breaker. Does the kitchen have a dishwasher, built-in microwave, and is their ample room for the size refrigerator you like?
Does the home have a first-floor laundry, and are the washer and dryer included? How old are they? When was the last time the fireplace or wood stove chimney were checked and cleaned?
Purchasing Old or New
The age of the home you select will play a huge part in how many repairs and upgrades may be needed. Take into consideration any possible work you may need to do to the home to bring it up to your standards. Having a home inspection done will provide important information on any hidden problems within the home.
It is easy to get wrapped up into what you want, but that may not be what you can afford. Figure out your budget and get pre-approved on a mortgage. Shop within your budget or below.
Benefits of Tallahassee Living
Tallahassee is one of the best places to live in Florida. The city offers an urban-suburban mix and a highly rated school district. The cost of living in Tallahassee is 1% lower than the national average and the cost of housing 2% lower than the National Average. Florida state income tax is 100% lower than the national average, making Tallahassee a perfect place to locate your next home.
Living in the state capitol of Florida offers benefits not found elsewhere. The Capitol Complex a museum full of political history and the 22nd-floor observation deck of the Capitol tower provides beautiful views of the city. For a different bit of scenery, check out the city’s antebellum mansions.
When your friends come to see your new home, take them on a tour of Mission San Luis, a reconstructed Spanish colonial fort. They will be amazed that you are able to walk on an elevated boardwalk through native Florida wildlife or enjoy kayaking and fishing on Lake Hall.
Tallahassee Real Estate
One thing wonderful about homes for sale in Tallahassee is that with multi-listing services, every home for sale is at your fingertips. Whether you are shopping for something under $200,000 or approaching the $3,000,000 range, Tallahassee can meet your needs. To give you an idea of what is available, let’s take a look at four listings in that price range.
Townhouse Under $200,000
If you are in the market for a smaller home with less maintenance, a townhouse might be the perfect solution. We located one listing at 4270 Park Crossing that features new paint, new carpet, and new granite countertops. This 2-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath townhouse offers the feel of a stand-alone home.
The floorplan includes a living area and dining area separate from the kitchen. There is ceramic tile flooring in the kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and foyer. Adding to the stand-alone home feel is a private backyard and a detached 2-car garage, all for only $178,000.
Mid-Range Home
For the mid-range price of $825,000, we located a beautiful 5,660 square foot home only minutes from shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
This 5-bedroom, 4-bath home at 3705 Bobbin Brook Circle sits on a beautifully landscaped 2-acre lot with a pool and lanai. The 3-car garage provides a ton of storage.
The interior features a library, formal living room, dining room, and family room. The upstairs includes a spacious living area where there are 3 bedrooms and laundry.
On the main floor, the chef’s kitchen features a large island and breakfast nook that opens onto a family room with a wet bar, wine fridge, and a wood-burning fireplace. The downstairs guest suite and master bedroom include a jetted tub, shower, and his and her walk-in-closets.
Luxury Home
Located at 320 Oaks Will in Tallahassee is a 7,790 square foot, 5-bedroom lakefront home in a gated community. The home sits on 2.61 acres of land with views of Lake Elizabeth.
With 2 wood-burning fireplaces, a brick-lined wine cellar, and 10’ high ceilings, the house carries a feeling of luxury. When done working in your cherry paneled office you can relax in the living room that has French doors leading to a terrace overlooking the lake.
Appetites can be quenched with meals cooked in the chef’s kitchen that features granite counters and Woodharbor maple cabinets. The master suite includes 2 walk-in closets, room for a gym, a bathroom with a limestone walk-in shower, a jacuzzi tub, heated floors, granite counters, and a large vanity area.
For kids and guests, 2 of the 4 upstairs bedrooms have built-in study areas and ensuite baths. There is also a 23×21 foot game room. At a listing price of only $2,695,000, this luxurious home is a steel.
Customized Luxury Home with Guest House
Tallahassee has the finest estate and luxury home listings available. When you check out these homes you will not be disappointed. This is where you will find homes such as the one at 1819 Tuscan Hill Drive is conveniently located within minutes of the Market District and Maclay School
Built-in 2020 this home offers 7,318 square feet of luxury. The 6-bedroom home with 7 full baths and one half-bath is one-of-a-kind. The home is being sold with the opportunity to have the interior customized to your taste.
Spaciousness is not just for the interior. This property includes his and her 2-car garages. When entertaining guests will be awed by the entry gallery with a floating staircase. Living areas flow into the outdoor living space and a custom-built pool.
You will love the full patio kitchen with a separate butler’s room that provides all the cooking space you will ever need. All upstairs bedrooms are ensuite, with large bathrooms and walk-in closets.
The guest house has a full bath and a large garage that can hold a boat or RV. All this luxury is offered for a price of only $3,500,000.
Check Out the Market Today
Whether you are purchasing your first starter home or shopping for a luxurious mansion, you will find what you need in Tallahassee. Even with the seller’s market down, there are still over 1,000 houses for sale in Tallahassee.
With homes on the market an average of 29 days you don’t want to hesitate. Make out your list of priorities and contact a Tallahassee real estate agent today to help you locate the home of your dreams.