So...could a person buy an acre or two and build for under $200K? (Twin Falls: hardwood floor)

[esselcue]

Thinking about my retirement next January and the possibility of building instead of buying. Would a 3bd, 2bth, 1500 sq feet +-, on an acre or two in the Sandpoint, Sagle area be realistic for under $200K?

[Sanddawgg]

looking through the latest Real Estate book (from the rack outside the supermarket) I see "New Home nestled on almost an acre with 100s of acres of nat. forrest at the end of the street. 3 br, 2 ba, 1500 sq. ft. 2 car attached garage under construction for 229,000..." Same builder has a 4/2 on 4.7 acres with rock accents and extensive upgrades, hardwood floors for $299,000... don't know if you could do it cheaper, but that should give you a ballpark idea... Looks like these are out towards Clark Fork..

[esselcue]

Thanks...yes, I have been searching on-line for a while now and it appears I can buy a place for less than I can build one. I am guessing this is due to the current buyer's market. Now and then I come across a property that seems too good to be true and I wonder "What's wrong with that place?"...but more than likely they are people who are in great need to selling. SO...I will be up there scouting in September to find my most desired area and then get serious after the first of the year 2009. Moving is scary...I've lived in my current home for 22 years.

[brokencrayola]

Yes, you have to be careful with homes described as "cozy" or "quaint". Lots of times these tiny homes deep within the woods are shacks. Land is expensive anymore, so if you find land and a house for a real cheap price you can bet the land either sucks (flood plain, steep hillside, so remote you cannot get power etc.) or the house is a shack, or both. I am sure there are deals to be found, especially further from town, like Clark Fork, Bonners Ferry etc. It will take time though. Summer is when most homes sell so you will have more competition when looking then than now.

[esselcue]

Ha! It's the same here in AZ. A "needs some TLC" home is probably a very frightening place. And we do have flash flood areas which people overlook because "it never rains in AZ". I don't expect to find a great "deal"...I hope to find a place that is worth what I pay for it, and it will take some looking, I'm sure. I have learned a LOT about Idaho and the various areas from this forum and from a lot of other on-line sites. Real Estate seems to be what I expected...I don't think I'll be surprised. My main worry is selling my home here...but I guess that's everyone's worry nowadays

[AndyV]

From the Idaho Mountain Express

Shoshone. Ready for building a house.These beautiful 5-acre developed lots have mountain views, underground pressurized irrigation and paved roads. $69,000 to $89,000. Or, we will build a 4 Bed, 2 Bath 2 car garage. Complete package only $198,900. 35 minutes south of Hailey. Eric 720-1670

[esselcue]

Hmmm...but where is Hailey? And are they just mountain views or are the lots actually in the mountains with trees and such? Worth investigating, though Thanks!!!

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by esselcue

Hmmm...but where is Hailey? And are they just mountain views or are the lots actually in the mountains with trees and such? Worth investigating, though Thanks!!!

Hailey is about 70 miles north of Twin Falls (south central) and about 15 miles from Sun Valley.

It's known as little Hollywood; think Bruce Willis, Demi Moore etc etc.

It's high desert.

[esselcue]

Oh, well, then....never mind

[Arrowwind]

You could get 2.5 to 5 acres in Mackay for about 30,000 then build your house to total about $200,000 if its modest. This is about what we are doing. We purchased 8 acres for about 75. The house will be about 1300 sq. Its really fine here.