Should I buy in Maryland, Delaware, or Pennsylvania? (Newark, Bear: real estate, rent)

[sunniems]

I presently rent in Delaware in Bear off of Rt. 40. I work in Cecil County right past the Delaware/Maryland border near the UD. Unfortunately, I don't like Cecil County enough to live there. Where can I purchase a home and live safely being a single, female? Also, I would like to keep my commute time to no more than 45 minutes. Thank you in advance for all thoughts regarding my tri-state delimma.

[Ambull]

Originally Posted by sunniems

I presently rent in Delaware in Bear off of Rt. 40. Where can I purchase a home and live safely being a single, female?

I take it you don't like Bear? Because it seems there is lots of real estate to choose from in that area...

[armx]

Sunniems:

It will help to know if you would like to buy a townhouse or a sinle family detached home!

[Ellwood]

Friends recently bought townhouse at Bulle Rock in Havre de Grace, MD. One works in MD and other in DE. Very impressive development, beautifully landscaped. It is a gated community. I believe they have a web site.

[sunniems]

Bear, Delaware is an option but I am trying to get the most bang for my buck. Not being from the area, I would like to make a wise decision that I may have to live with for 5 to 10 years until the economy turns around.

As for home style preference, I don't actually have one. I'm going more on safety and affordability (Under $200,000).

Thanks so much for the replies I've received thus far!

[armx]

You may have a good point in shying away from Bear, considering you are working along Elkton Rd.
Newark might be a better fit for you in light of your other goals.

I am in the profession of real estate advising. I always recommend that a potential buyer take a look at a few homes of differant styles and neighborhoods before deciding on any criteria - especially the price (actually, it is always better to make TOTAL monthly cost - a criteria).

If you haven't owned a home before then there are other factors such as the extent of maintenace required, heating and A/C costs, potential for appreciation etc. etc. - those factors would determine whether one should buy a townhouse or single detached home.

Safety and affordabilty is sometimes a balancing act!!

[sunniems]

Originally Posted by armx

You may have a good point in shying away from Bear, considering you are working along Elkton Rd.
Newark might be a better fit for you in light of your other goals.

I am in the profession of real estate advising. I always recommend that a potential buyer take a look at a few homes of differant styles and neighborhoods before deciding on any criteria - especially the price (actually, it is always better to make TOTAL monthly cost - a criteria).

If you haven't owned a home before then there are other factors such as the extent of maintenace required, heating and A/C costs, potential for appreciation etc. etc. - those factors would determine whether one should buy a townhouse or single detached home.

Safety and affordabilty is sometimes a balancing act!!

Armx, your reply is why I am still presently renting. Although I am frustrated how much money I pay towards a place that I get nothing out of in return, I know that I'm safe and that the upkeep doesn't lie on my shoulders. I've recently expanded my search to condo's for that very reason.

[armx]

You may be surprised to read that Condo is no better than renting; coz the main impetus in owning is to look forward to appreciation while getting some tax break along the way based on the deduction in income. Condo fees vary and almost always go up evry year without much control by the condo owners; this keeps the value or the selling price of condos much lower than comparable fee simple owned townhouses .. the appreciation in value is gobbled up by the increase in the condo fee thereby leaving the value almost unaltered.

This forum does not allow me to solicit any business but if you desire you may want to direct message me by clicking on my name if you want further asistance.

[from PA]

Originally Posted by armx

You may be surprised to read that Condo is no better than renting; coz the main impetus in owning is to look forward to appreciation while getting some tax break along the way based on the deduction in income. Condo fees vary and almost always go up evry year without much control by the condo owners; this keeps the value or the selling price of condos much lower than comparable fee simple owned townhouses .. the appreciation in value is gobbled up by the increase in the condo fee thereby leaving the value almost unaltered.

This forum does not allow me to solicit any business but if you desire you may want to direct message me by clicking on my name if you want further asistance.

I must disagree with this statement. As a former condo owner, I would have to say that our condo fees were a bargain compared to what the items covered would cost on an individual basis. I think it depends on how much freedom you desire in your property and how the association is set up. For instance, our condo fees were $145. per month and included lawn maintenance, trash and snow removal, insurance and maintenance on the outside of the building, and a pool, fitness center and tennis. No way can we even come close to these costs in a single home. I must say though, that we are enjoying taking care of our property ourselves but for now we have the time to do it. May not be so in the future and we would not hesitate to move into a condo or a +55 when the time comes.

[elizamary]

If it were me and it was...I would choose to live in DE.......and did. Much cheaper and i'm sure you get a better deal on whatever housing you choose.

It's all a matter of what fits you lifestyle. Your own personal lifestyle. Not anyone else's but yours.

Know what you want, visit and ask a ton of questions till you find out what fits your needs and wants.
Listen to ALL advice on DE forum. Everyone has something to contibute.

Good luck to you!!!!!!