I am looking for a winter home in the $250,000 - $450,000 price range.  I am looking for a long term investment property.  On or very near the water with 3 bdrms, 2.5 baths. Must be in move-in condition and very low maint.
124977
You may want to visit the web sites listed below.  Weighing your options will be a good idea before you move.  Also something to consider is climate.  You said it'll be for winter.  How will you maintain the home of your choice in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, when you are not living in it?  California gets mud slides, earthquakes, and wild fires.  Florida, is mostly hit by heavy rains that can cause flooding,and not to mention hurricanes.  The Carolina's will have relatively southern temps, and the bare minimal of natural disaster, all except the occasional tornado.  The reason I've mentioned all of this, is because you want to make sure that your investment is protected for years to come.  You'll also need to consider the home owners insurance cost for each state.  As it may be higher in Florida and California.  Ultimately, it will come down to what you are willing to pay for the upkeep of the home when you are away, and the protection you will need in case of a natural occurrence.  Obviously, you have the money to do all of the above, but consider the key elimate in your question...investment!!!  Do your research, and see what you decide.  I hope that from the information you find you will make the best decision for you, and your future.  God Bless
35577
http://www.zillow.com\n\nI have found for my city I can get within 10% quite often with one caveat. If the house has not had updates that are not listed. If there not there how could they possibly get it right?\n\nI also look at the price as more of a what-its-worth-if-its-in-average-condition-for-the-area price. It is very useful for me if I already know the area. And as well you can get info for previous sales which is very helpful if you want to buy it from someone to figure out where they are at with it.\n\nsource quote:\n"Last year, according to the National Association of Realtors, 77 percent of home buyers used the Internet for research and 24 percent said they found their home online. Zillow.com offers free valuations for more than 40 million homes across the United States and has data on an additional 20 million homes. The property values, or "Zestimates," are only within 10 percent of the right price 62 percent of the time, and the accuracy varies widely by county and state, ranging from a low of 47 percent for New York to a high of 82 percent for Nebraska. The company says there is no data available for Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota and South Dakota because of state disclosure laws. "
613015
It's a tough decision, cuz no one knows exactly what the market will do now.  It sounds expensive to me, but I bought in a more rural area, so perhaps prices are different there.\n\nWhen you use comparables, I'd look at sold prices, not asking prices...I assume you are.  Also, look at VERY recent sales only, because something even 3 months ago was in a very different type of market.  Prices are definitely dropping, but rates are also definitely going up.  I'd make a lower offer and see if he takes it...like up to 20% lower, just to see.  I think it will be good to buy sometime now, but I like lower prices if you can get them.
183843
Well, I would definitely wait until these current housing prices bottom out. I'm not sure about the 7 year rule, because real estate is LOCAL. That means if you find a good deal in an area, don't wait to buy it or someone else will. Prices can crash in one area and stay strong in another. It all depends on the local economy.
457462
The waterfront area is booming right now. River Road from the Lincoln Tunnel to the GWB is rapidly expanding as we speak. Real Estate on River Road is priced to attract affluent qualified buyers so you stand a good chance of success in this area.\nHoboken is already saturated with Realtors & not much else is being built so go for the River Road area-there are not many realtors in that area.
183427
Toms River is a nice location. Even though I lived in NJ for a short time, I lived in southern NJ. I do believe that you can go to the FBI website to pull cap reports for the specific locations that your looking to rent in to determine if it is safe. If not, I know you can go to the specific township's website and find that information. However I do believe that your going to have a difficult time finding a rental for that amount in safe/nice locations. Unless your company is willing to subsidize the housing, I would think about increasing that amount.
616046
Ever see "Flip This House"?  Good money. Good investment...if you're in the right neighborhoods.  I would look more towards the rural areas where city growth is being pushed...especially around lakes, within reasonable drive to cities. Buy the houses instead of working for someone else & making them the real profit.
269534
Try looking at the classifieds for houses for sale that you like. Once you have selected ask the seller if he's willing to do a lease with an option to buy.
104687
Have you looked at Albuquerque, NM ?\nTexas price might seem to be lower but property and school taxes add up big time.
265590
My family is selling a house in Detroit right now and I asked the realtor how accurate those kinds of sites are.  He said it's really hit or miss.  Those sites dont take into account the condition of the economy of the area where you live along with a few other variables that can skew your results.
653069
~Virtually everything in the Falls is for sale.  Problem is, a year after you buy it, it is going to be worth about half of what you paid for it.  Have you been there?  If you want bang for your buck, look in Lewiston.  Lockport might makes sense too.
223957
There are quite a few residences for rent...email me with what you are looking for...# of bed/bath; house, duplex, apartment; price range; gas or electric; furnished or not; pets allowed; square footage; any or all of these things and/ or additional information...I am from Fort Smith and my entire family resides in Fort Smith, so even if I don't know of anything, someone should.\n\nI will probably be able to respond tomorrow...it is 2am here so I am going to bed.
395703
The housing market has turned into a buyer market so I would say the prices are very negotiable.  On Lake Ontario would be a good place to buy a home.  I don't know about Brighton, how about Henrietta.
578879
I know we are actually getting out rn's from canada because nobody wants the pay here, but the cost of living is a heck of a lot less in san antonio, texas than san diego.  I own a 3 bedroom 1800 sq. ft. house on the Northside of SA for less than 100,000.  This is not uncommon.  I don't think you can find a deal like that in San Diego.  San Diego is beautiful and on the ocean and all.  San Antonio has a different climate and it's very historic.  The people are very friendly.  It's in a class all it's own, but you'd probably miss the water.
394902
Contact me with the MLS number or address, I might have a buyer for you. I am a licensed real estate agent in Orange County and I work with investors who are looking for great deals in today's market.\n\nRegards
580497
Unfortunately POP is looking at a blogger from San Francisco. In the Phoenix area we are seeing an influx of around 500 families per month.  What we are experiencing is a market correction.  Yes, prices have increased at an alarming rate over the last couple of years, and yes there are many people who have taken out adjustable rate mortgages, but we shall see what we shall see.\n\nWhat I can tell you for sure is that as of this very second there are 42,728 active listings in the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service.  Which is about a tenfold increase from two years ago but the average price on a 3 bed 2 bath home in the active listings is $459,614 with an average of 75 days on the market. So the bottom hasn’t fallen out yet.  I think that prices may continue to drop as the temperature goes up. \n\nOverall I think the best advice that I can give you is don’t panic.
658112
Post on the real estate forum at: http://www.homefindinginfo.com/realestateforum/default.asp