Agents listing low-end homes few, far between; Homes around $200,000 are out there, but finding one takes work.(BUSINESS WEEKLY)

Byline: STEPHEN FRATER stephen.frater@heraldtribune.com

Everybody knows that if you've got money to burn on a house, Southwest Florida is jammed with real estate agents who can help you put out that fire in your pocket.

But what if you're a young or limited-income family with kids looking for a first home in the $200,000 range? Who do you talk to? Where do you look? What's out there?

An informal survey of area brokers shows that while many agents list "inexpensive" properties from time to time, it's extremely hard to find someone who specializes in serving the low-end or first-time buyer.

Realtors say there are less expensive homes out there, but you've got to work to find them and you've got to react quickly. You have to get financing lined up in advance and be prepared to make a deposit, subject to a survey, on the spot if you find something inexpensive that …