Gonna buy a foreclosure....what area is best? (East Point, Decatur: for sale, foreclosures)

[km08]

There are several lovely homes on the market for less than 30K (some less than 20k) in West End and Westview. Lithonia and Decatur also has several foreclosed homes with rock bottom prices.

As a single mom, my top priority is finding an area where I am not terrified every moment of the day thinking some thug is going to kick my door down. Can anyone recommend particular streets in the above-mentioned areas (or other areas) that I should look at? Areas that have a very active neighborhood association that is effective in abating crime in their neighborhood.

I have a son, but he is home-schooled so schools are not really an issue.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[wxjay]

If you're buying foreclosed homes for $30K, I would be concerned about that neighborhood. The safe and nice neighborhoods don't have homes for that cheap. Resale will then be a pain. I would increase my budget and look elsewhere.

[sweettea1]

Better yet, tour the neighborhoods you like and then search for foreclosures in those areas. Foreclosures are everywhere but previous poster has excellent advice...don't just buy because it's cheap. LOCATION is key and there are some excellent values in good locations. As a single mom, I'd make safety my number one priority.

[davesm]

km08,

I agree with Sweettea1. Absolutely tour the neighborhoods (areas) you are interested in.

Originally Posted by km08

Areas that have a very active neighborhood
association that is effective in abating crime in their neighborhood.

I'm biased being a resident of West End, but it has a very active neighborhood association and private security (an off-duty officer). It's more of an urban landscape then the others mentioned, so there are a lot of businesses and foot traffic (especially closer to the Marta Station). West End has a very unique vibe that draws some to it looking for something different, but it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Originally Posted by km08

Can anyone recommend particular streets in the above-mentioned areas (or other areas) that I should look at?

One thing you will find is there are a lot of listings marketed as being in West End (same for Decatur), but are in other areas. If you take I-20 W from the connector, exit left on Lee St (right turn will take you to Spelman Campus), right on Ralph David Abernathy, everything on the left and right of RDA between I-20 & White St all the way down to Langhorn is the Historic District.
www.atlantawestend.com

Another good place to check out is East Point (30344).

While there are deals to be had some homes are in need of major repairs. Others are in very troubled areas, so visit them at different times of the day. Anyway, wish you the best on where ever you decide on.

[Highriser987]

For that price I would think you would still have to watch out for thugs kickin down the door, or else getcha a nice big DOG!

[pilotnbr1]

At that price be prepared to spend some money fixing it up. I would be surprised if it was move in ready. Don't mean to rain on your parade, just don't want you to waste your time... Also not all banks finance loans at that low of a mortgage...

[equinox63]

Originally Posted by km08

There are several lovely homes on the market for less than 30K (some less than 20k) in West End and Westview. Lithonia and Decatur also has several foreclosed homes with rock bottom prices.

As a single mom, my top priority is finding an area where I am not terrified every moment of the day thinking some thug is going to kick my door down. Can anyone recommend particular streets in the above-mentioned areas (or other areas) that I should look at? Areas that have a very active neighborhood association that is effective in abating crime in their neighborhood.

I have a son, but he is home-schooled so schools are not really an issue.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Check Marbut Rd., Singer Way, and Wellborn in 30058...

[westviewbungalow]

Originally Posted by wxjay

If you're buying foreclosed homes for $30K, I would be concerned about that neighborhood. The safe and nice neighborhoods don't have homes for that cheap. Resale will then be a pain. I would increase my budget and look elsewhere.

Originally Posted by pilotnbr1

At that price be prepared to spend some money fixing it up. I would be surprised if it was move in ready. Don't mean to rain on your parade, just don't want you to waste your time... Also not all banks finance loans at that low of a mortgage...

While I don't agree with wxjay's comment about needing to be "conerned about that neighborhood" due to the price I will agree with pilotnbr1's comment about the likelyhood of needing to do some repair work on a house of that price.

Like DaveSM I may also be a bit biased about Westview since I live here and love it here. But based on my experience the cheaper the house, the better the chances of needing to do some fixing. One of my neighbors is selling his house for $265k...needless to say it's in top notch and move-in ready condition. The houses on the market for $30k will more than likely need one or all of: new kitchen, new bathroom, new electric, new HVAC, new plumbing, new roof. However, at $30k you have a lot of wiggle room and can renovate a home to your exact taste and still brag about how much money you saved in the end because you probably will come in at about $100k if all of the above work needs to be done.

If you haven't already done so I'd recommend checking out www.westviewatlanta.com and look at some of the cute houses in the "Homes for Sale" section! Also, PM me if you have any other questions about Westview!

[km08]

Originally Posted by pilotnbr1

At that price be prepared to spend some money fixing it up. I would be surprised if it was move in ready. Don't mean to rain on your parade, just don't want you to waste your time... Also not all banks finance loans at that low of a mortgage...

I would be purchasing with cash.

Originally Posted by equinox63

Check Marbut Rd., Singer Way, and Wellborn in 30058...

Thanks a lot.

[iknowproperties]

if you travel west on abernathy to cascade (where avon meets cascade), those neighborhoods have homes in the 30k-40k range. I have been in many homes in the area as a real esate agent and can verify they do need some work, but are very good buys. I purchase a lot of homes for clients in the area and they have been very happy with their decision to move there. Most of the properties needs AC units, interior paint, and appliances. Other than that they are move in ready.
The neighborhoods are safe and many of the neighbors welcome owner occupied buyers. Many of the foreclosures were mortgage fraud deals and are in great shape.