This one is really darling...

[ScrimpAndSave]

MLS


I know it isn't a condo or a townhome...and it is very small. The kitchen needs updating (I say a new counter top would change the whole look of it)...and I would like to put in central air asap.

Also, it is in a great school district and a very good neighborhood. It's very close to my dad's house.

It was originally $199,900 in August and was recently reduced. I love the fact that it has 1.5 baths and a garage. Yay. We are just going to drive by it today...

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Why not rent it and then see if you like it and buy it? And ask for a discounted rental rate.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Apparently there is a horrible looking vacant bologna factory RIGHT in the back yard.


Next...

MLS

Only one bath...no garage either. Nice neighborhood though.

[ScrimpAndSave]

This one too...but the street is a wee bit busy...

MLS

[hmd2009]

I liked the 1st one, sorry to hear about the balogna factory. The second one not so much. I guess my favorite is still the 2 bedroom 2 bath condo. Good luck!

[gamecock43]

yeah- the third one is at the top of your price range and needs a lot of updating work. The first was really cute. but I understand discarding it due to the factory.

[Ima saver]

Boy, these prices seem high for such old homes. My dh figures it cost about $110 a square foot to build a new house, not counting the land.

[gamecock43]

I paid (will be paying when I close next week!)$92.00 a square foot for my house- guess I am ahead of the curve. But then again the house is 89yrs old.

[Ima saver]

Yes, that is a pretty good price. However I can remember my aunt buying a house in the 1940's and she got it for $4500. My parents bought a house in 1952 for $10,000 and I paid $13,000 for my first house in 1966. (3 bedrooms, 2 baths and brand new) Material costs have gone up so much.

[ScrimpAndSave]

For my area...if you are looking at $160,000 or below...you are looking at a row home or half of a duplex in a horrible area. These are single family homes - but they do need updating. I guess the good thing is the fact that I would be able to stay with my dad for maybe 2-3 months while I slowly update the house.

Pulling up rugs, painting, replacing tile...are all things I can do (and he is an expert on)...but replacing lead pipes, other plumbing and electrical units are not things that I want to be dealing with. The last cape cod is actually down to $195,000...we are going to drive past the Berks street one ($160,000) to really get a good look at the factory behind it.

Being a vegetarian...I don't really want a bologna factory in my back yard. LOL!

[ScrimpAndSave]

With a new paintjob, this one would be adorable...

MLS

[Gruntina]

Apparently there is a horrible looking vacant bologna factory RIGHT in the back yard.


Next...

MLS

Only one bath...no garage either. Nice neighborhood though.

I do not like the kitchen layout in this one! I had a rental with the same design. Often the smoke alarm went off even though nothing was burning while cooking. the full all on one end and the narrowness leaves little room for vent and circulations. Also cupbard space were a pain.

[Gruntina]

Yes, that is a pretty good price. However I can remember my aunt buying a house in the 1940's and she got it for $4500. My parents bought a house in 1952 for $10,000 and I paid $13,000 for my first house in 1966. (3 bedrooms, 2 baths and brand new) Material costs have gone up so much.

Our house is at least 90 years old and we are paying 286 dollars per square feet! we are at the extreme lower end when it comes to paying so much for a house. That is in HCOL in California!

[ScrimpAndSave]

Someone is trying to flip this one...the bought it in Sept. 08 for around $65,000 and now they are trying to get a lot more for it...they did totally update it though. It is sort of in a sketchy part of town and I don't really need something this big. I love how they updated it though!

MLS

[snafu]

The housing market is still in a downward trajectory so why not take your time, watch for new listing with garage and 2nd bathrm or potential for 2nd bathrm. If you have your financing in place, you can low-ball your initial offer and see what the owner's counter looks like.

The realtor's fee and closing costs are fully negotiable. You can ask for anything you like in your initial offer. If the seller's realtor wants to 'do a deal'...that's one possibility. Likewise if you are working with a realtor.

Given the combined skills of you and your dad...why buy a flip house? These often use the lowest grade materials available. Whatever you do, keep in mind future re-sale value. You will be stuck with an albatross if you forget the property Mantra...Location, Location, Location. Other things can be changed but not location problems like a bologna factory in back yard!