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f/u to Relocation post below
Here is a house supposedly in South of Grand for $190k (link fixed).
http://www.iowarealty.com/buying/detail_ml.asp?list_numb=381257&rpp=12&new_listings_days=&page=3&low_list_price=180000&beds_total=3&location=DMEAST, DMNEAST, DMNWEST, DMSEAST, DMSWEST, DMWEST&handicappedfeatures=&high_list_price=200000&full_baths_num=&acreS=&garage=&type_home=RESIDENT&search_list.x=24&search_list.y=11&
Another one:
http://www.iowarealty.com/buying/detail_ml.asp?list_numb=385488&rpp=12&new_listings_days=&page=8&low_list_price=140000&beds_total=3&location=DMEAST, DMNEAST, DMNWEST, DMSEAST, DMSWEST, DMWEST&handicappedfeatures=&high_list_price=200000&full_baths_num=&acreS=&garage=&type_home=RESIDENT&search_list.x=20&search_list.y=16&
Our target budget is $160k, but we are looking at everything under $200k.
And here is one in Waterbury - supposedly. This one is not my style though.
http://www.iowarealty.com/buying/detail_ml.asp?list_numb=384176&rpp=12&new_listings_days=&page=12&low_list_price=140000&beds_total=3&location=DMEAST, DMNEAST, DMNWEST, DMSEAST, DMSWEST, DMWEST&handicappedfeatures=&high_list_price=200000&full_baths_num=&acreS=&garage=&type_home=RESIDENT&search_list.x=20&search_list.y=16&
These aren't my favorites - especially out of the Beaverdale bunch, but they are definitely out there on the market in those neighborhoods. We aren't too picky when it comes to size though, as long as there are 3 bedrooms.
***Nestie Bestie w/ TheDeatons***
Re: f/u to Relocation post below
If you haven't already, you may want to spend some time researching the various properties on the Polk County Assessor's site as well as zillow.com and trulia.com. Those all can be great resources (see how long the property has been on the market, assessed value, price of other homes nearby, school locations, etc.).
Great tip - didn't even think of that - thank you!
***Nestie Bestie w/ TheDeatons***
I do think you can find 3 bedroom homes in your price range South of Grand. As you go higher in the street numbers 50th street and higher, the homes tend to get a little smaller and therefore more affordable. They are still SOG just the more affordable part. I bet you will find more listings there than if you try to go closer to downtown (in the 30s and 40s cross streets).
I second using the Polk County Assessor's website it will show you what the current owners paid for their house and what the house was most recently assessed at. Zillow is also a good resource to see how long something has been on the market and what else is selling in the area. Although I've checked my house value on Zillow and found the website super inflated its market value so that may be something to keep in mind. If you see something on there that is labeled at the top or even slightly over your budget range, double check against the assessor's website to get an idea of whether the Zillow estimate is realistic.
I agree w/ this - I guess I didn't know that the area west of 50th was still considered "South of Grand," although it obviously is directionally south of grand. I think most of us think of Foster Dr, etc. when we think of S of G, which is where many physicians (read: not pediatricians
and prominant business people live, it is def one of, if not the, most prestigious areas of town.
I think in the end you have to choose to emphasize either location or house ammenities when you have a budget. We wanted a little bit of both i guess - at least 4 beds, 2+ car attached garage, good sized yrd, etc. We couldn't find this in our price range in those areas, which is why we moved to the suburbs. We could have bought more house in the east or south sides of town, but that wasn't our desired location. So, we picked an area (NW) that offered good schools, lots of parks, nice housing developments, but not the quaint character of S of G that we would have loved.
As far as schools go, there are some great DM public elementary schools Hanawalt (sp) is often rated among the highest in the state. The high schools struggle in terms of testing and drop out rates compared to the suburbs, but those are just stats, and a person can obvious help their child to have success anywhere. There are lots of opportunities w/in DM public too for advanced students.