[HDL]

Let me start out by saying that I don't know CT and I would normally tell most folks NOT to buy in this downward trending economy. So since I don't know or follow your area, I'm just going to go with the facts as you've stated them - "your rent is high and you can afford to buy a SFH up to $190K".

There are times when buying vs renting is a better idea and for you right now, this might definitely be the case. I won't take the time to rehash all the financial reasons for doing so, as hopefully you've already run all the numbers and they make $$$sense for you!

I will say that I checked out both the homes that you referenced below online and I'm partial to 921 Delilah. I did notice some interesting information on Zillow which may or may not be useful to you. 921 Delilah Dr, Windsor, CT 06095 MLS# g603193 - Zillow

Check out the "Price History" section. The home has sold 5 times in 12 yrs . At first glance of the price history, it appears to be a 'flip' possibly after foreclosure. You could probably confirm all of this through a Realtor. You don't mention a Realtor, but I would find a good one to represent you and have them send you a list of active homes for sale, pending homes and also recent SOLDS in your area/price range before speaking about what to offer on any house that you are interested in.

Best of luck to you!

Originally Posted by nep321

Here are a few that I actually became interested in, despite being a bit pricey or on a corner lot. What do you think? The second one fits my criteria very well, but I would not pay asking price for it. Do you think I could knock off at least $5K from the price on either of these?

I would need to knock off $5K from this one to fit into my budget:

921 DELILAH DR, Windsor CT 06095 MLS# G603193

I would need to knock off $42K from this one to fit into my budget, because the taxes are on the high side and it would cost a lot to heat up that huge finished basement.

130 CLUBHOUSE RD, Windsor CT 06095 MLS# G604369

[DanaMarley]

Originally Posted by nep321

Here are a few that I actually became interested in, despite being a bit pricey or on a corner lot. What do you think? The second one fits my criteria very well, but I would not pay asking price for it. Do you think I could knock off at least $5K from the price on either of these?

I would need to knock off $5K from this one to fit into my budget:

921 DELILAH DR, Windsor CT 06095 MLS# G603193

I would need to knock off $42K from this one to fit into my budget, because the taxes are on the high side and it would cost a lot to heat up that huge finished basement.

130 CLUBHOUSE RD, Windsor CT 06095 MLS# G604369

i don't know what you'd have to pay in monthly mortgage payments, but the one on Clubhouse road is neat! I love the deck on it...

Can I ask you something Nep321? Why wouldn't you want to live in New Britain or East Hartford? Hartford I can understand, cities are noisey and you'd probalby not have much privacy unless u spent big bucks there.

[nep321]

Originally Posted by DanaMarley

i don't know what you'd have to pay in monthly mortgage payments, but the one on Clubhouse road is neat! I love the deck on it...

Can I ask you something Nep321? Why wouldn't you want to live in New Britain or East Hartford? Hartford I can understand, cities are noisey and you'd probalby not have much privacy unless u spent big bucks there.

I generally don't like urban living or urban environments at all. I'm in Middletown right now and can't wait to get the hell out of here. I'm just a suburban/rural dude.

[Uconn97]

I didn't realize that all of NB and all of EH were "Urban" environments. good to know...

[DanaMarley]

They are not Uconn. There's lots of suburbans areas in E. Hartford, possibly New Britain too.
But traffic is more heavy near Hartford, and E. Hartford isn't far from Hartford. but I agree, I like the rural areas too.
Have you thought about Bolton or Coventry? Or how about Portland? That's not far from Middletown at all. Is the prices in Portland housing that expensive now?

[JayCT]

Honestly nep321, the problem is you are expecting too much in a first home. There have been other threads by you on this subject and you were advised to lower your expectations. The prices are set by the market (supply verses demand) and right now it is a landlords market. People are willing to pay more for the better rentals. People are also willing to pay more for homes in certain towns. That is just the way it is.

It does sound like you are paying a lot in Middletown but then again I do not know where you are living. This is the problem with rentals. I have a coworker faced with the same problem. You have to deal with annual increases that are really beyond your control. At least with owning you can lock in your mortgage payment and only have to worry about tax increases.

Also I did not tell you to not buy in Meriden. I believe I said it might not be the best place to invest your money and it might not suit you. Only you can decide what is best for you. I would not rule out East Hartford for your first home. There are MANY very nice neighborhoods to consider there as there are in New Britain, Manchester, Middletown and even Hartford. To me it sound like your choices are to buy a condo in a nicer town, a more modest home in a problem location in a nicer town, a nicer home in a less desirable town or find another rental. You might look into moving further from your job to get the house, land and type of area you want. Only you can decide which works best for you. Good luck, Jay

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Honestly nep321, the problem is you are expecting too much in a first home. There have been other threads by you on this subject and you were advised to lower your expectations. The prices are set by the market (supply verses demand) and right now it is a landlords market. People are willing to pay more for the better rentals. People are also willing to pay more for homes in certain towns. That is just the way it is.

It does sound like you are paying a lot in Middletown but then again I do not know where you are living. This is the problem with rentals. I have a coworker faced with the same problem. You have to deal with annual increases that are really beyond your control. At least with owning you can lock in your mortgage payment and only have to worry about tax increases.

Also I did not tell you to not buy in Meriden. I believe I said it might not be the best place to invest your money and it might not suit you. Only you can decide what is best for you. I would not rule out East Hartford for your first home. There are MANY very nice neighborhoods to consider there as there are in New Britain, Manchester, Middletown and even Hartford. To me it sound like your choices are to buy a condo in a nicer town, a more modest home in a problem location in a nicer town, a nicer home in a less desirable town or find another rental. You might look into moving further from your job to get the house, land and type of area you want. Only you can decide which works best for you. Good luck, Jay

Well stated, Jay.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by nep321

I generally don't like urban living or urban environments at all. I'm in Middletown right now and can't wait to get the hell out of here. I'm just a suburban/rural dude.

You didn't like Vernon either.... It's far from Urban.

[nep321]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

You didn't like Vernon either.... It's far from Urban.

Vernon actually has a significantly higher population density than Middletown. If anything, it's more urban than Middletown.

[basehead617]

I'm not following this thread that closely but is there nothing in Bristol or Wolcott that fits your needs? 13 and 16 miles from Berlin.. They definitely have rural-suburban areas and I thought a lot of rentals. Bristol is definitely cheap last I looked, probably moreso than Wolcott.