possible relocation to West Lafayette (Indianapolis, Fowler: apartment, foreclosures, rent)

[phlute23]

Congrats Hokieed! That is really great that you found a home and a good fit for you. Did you have to go back and forth with counter offers or did they accept your first offer? What percentage below the asking price did you get it for if you don't mind me asking? I am not sure what is fair in the WL market. We are anxious for our trip at the end of the month. We have been narrowing our search here and hope to be as successful as you were!

[Hokieed]

Originally Posted by phlute23

Congrats Hokieed! That is really great that you found a home and a good fit for you. Did you have to go back and forth with counter offers or did they accept your first offer? What percentage below the asking price did you get it for if you don't mind me asking? I am not sure what is fair in the WL market. We are anxious for our trip at the end of the month. We have been narrowing our search here and hope to be as successful as you were!

Thanks phlute23. There were many other homes for sale in the same neighborhood, so we were able to compare all of the properties offered to make a very informed offer. We also looked at past sales history of all the neighbors. The result was that no counter offers were made on our first offer. Both parties were happy with the result, so we couldn't ask for anything more.

As for actual numbers, here is what I can tell you. There were some homes that should be offered at 5-8% below asking in my opinion. Others were priced pretty good and were values as asked. You will find that the housing in the area did not follow the crazy bubble scenarios that hit the rest of the country. Also, home prices have appreciated very steadily over the years, so it is easy to look at the tax records and determine if the person is asking too much. Also, timing is key. Look at weather or not the home is occupied, and if it is occupied, who lives in it. If it is a college student or such, they might want to get out from under the home before, or right after graduation in May. This may help you to negotiate.

We were very interested in what was near our home too... we drove all over, imagining where we could get groceries on our way home for instance. We also wanted to know how easily we could ride our bikes to a farmers market on Saturdays. Consolidating trips and saving gas will be important for us as I'm sure it will be for you as well, so keep your trip routes in mind.

Our realtor was a big help in the process as well. Be sure to find one that matches your style. We used Century 21 Realty Group I.

[Hokieed]

oh yeah, I looked at an open house on Clayton St. It was out of our price range... offered at $220,000 I think, bu tit was VERY well updated and showed very nicely. Move-in ready with a great yard. Worth a look. It is a one-level ranch and is located next to a two-level house on the same street offered at $145,000. Look at that one too.... Strange floor plan!! lots of strange floor plans.

Drive around the happy hollow neighborhood. My wife found some FSBO's out of our price range, but might be right for you. (though I generally dont recommend a FSBO)

Oh, and you might want to find a realtor before you go out there. Our realtor helped by putting us on an instantly updating MLS search program that automatically sent us any movement in the price ranges we were looking for. If you would like her info, just email me.

Other tip: The offer was also easily accepted since I already had a letter of approval from the lender. The seller wants to know that you are qualified to close.

[phlute23]

Thanks for the info Hokieed. Sounds like things went really smoothly for you. That's great. We found a realtor that we have been working with who has kept us updated with listings. And we also have the preapproval done with the lender so I am just hoping the actual house hunt goes as well for us as it did for you. We are really excited for the trip! Good luck with everything leading up to your move!

[Hokieed]

Phlute23, seeing how this thread is about 10 months in the making, I hope you have the same success I had. It sounds like you will be arriving very prepared, so I'm sure things will work out favorably. Be sure to share your experiences when you get back. Our moves are coming up on us REALLY fast!

[MP308]

My husband and I are also moving to this area (from NC)- I was wondering if you have had a chance to view areas, and homes. We will have little time to look before moving, so any advise is welcomed. Thanks!

[Hokieed]

Originally Posted by MP308

My husband and I are also moving to this area (from NC)- I was wondering if you have had a chance to view areas, and homes. We will have little time to look before moving, so any advise is welcomed. Thanks!

If you haven't already done so, read through all the posts in this thread for a good deal of information about this topic. There is also an older thread called, "100K house in Lafayette/West Lafayette" that has some information about homes.

I would recommend you create a list of your needs and wants in a new home and prospective neighborhood to guide you. Then, find a realestate agent to help you narrow the field of homes based on your list.

And by all means, if you can make a quick trip out there before moving, your search will be much easier.

Where from in NC? I'm in Southwest VA right now... not for long though. Earthquake country, here I come!

[phlute23]

MP308 - The internet and a good real estate agent will be your best friends with your house hunt. When are you moving? Google maps street view has been really great to get a feel for a neighborhood. There are plenty of good buys in the area right now so with a little homework on your part, I think you'll end up happy. We are headed to WL on Thursday for our big trip. Good luck to you!

[MP308]

Originally Posted by Hokieed

If you haven't already done so, read through all the posts in this thread for a good deal of information about this topic. There is also an older thread called, "100K house in Lafayette/West Lafayette" that has some information about homes.

I would recommend you create a list of your needs and wants in a new home and prospective neighborhood to guide you. Then, find a realestate agent to help you narrow the field of homes based on your list.

And by all means, if you can make a quick trip out there before moving, your search will be much easier.

Where from in NC? I'm in Southwest VA right now... not for long though. Earthquake country, here I come!

We are moving from Shelby, NC (40 miles west of Charlotte)- We are driving up and will have a few days look on May1st & 2nd...I wanted to narrow my options before arriving. You all have been a big help! Thanks for all the advise..we have spoken with an agent(she's great) and have a letter of approval from our bank.

Another question..Is there anyone familiar with WL/ Lafayette Child and Family Services AKA: DCS
I am a CPS Social Worker (Child Protective Service) and LOVE my job, any advise or information on this.
I understand you are new to the area also...hopefully someone will read this and respond, CPS can be a "tight network".

[MP308]

My Husband and I are moving to the area of WL on June 1st. We are looking to rent a home that will allow our dog until we decide on a home to purchase. We are willing to drive into WLAF- 20 mile max.- any ideas? We really want a house (not apt.)
We are both working professionals- not college students (we both graduated...long ago)
Thank you