Possible move to Wichita (sales, real estate, rent)

[texasborn08]

I am graduating college in Dec. and am possibly moving to Wichita to take a job there. I was just wanting to get some of the good and bad about the city before I commit to a move there, i.e. things to do, info on housing, and so on. Thanks.

[upandrunning]

I would start off by renting. Rent is cheap and it will give you time to learn what you feel about the city. As far as landscapes go, not so good. Flat and boring. There are a couple of comedy clubs, and community theaters, and places to have a beer and listen to live music. Bike paths and crime is not the worst. There is crime and drugs but I would not say any worse than many other cities. Homes as far as buying, it is becoming a buyers market. Do not let anyone fool you. One thing to remember is the hidden taxes. General property taxes are high in Wichita. A home that costs 130k will run you from 2k to 4k a year in general taxes. Then they have this little thing in subs newer than 15 years old called "Specials" A hidden tax until you buy. Not really "hidden" but they do not put it in front of you or it is hidden among all the other disclosures that no one reads. These taxes or specials can add anywhere from 1500 to 3000 more a year. then you have HOAs or home owners association dues. they run from 200 to 600 a year and mostly give you a sharp stick in the eye. Taxes can run easily half of your monthly mortgage payment. And you don’t get anything for them. Unless, you count the tin Indian on the river something.
Remember it can get as cold as a well diggers butt in Wichita. Not like Texas at all. Last christmas they got a one day 15 inch dump of snow. Not to cool.

[texasborn08]

Thanks for the reply. I had planned on renting because I will probably only be there 2 years tops, then moving to a different location. And little entertainment isn't a big deal, I'm from a smaller town so I can entertain myself.

[upandrunning]

You arn't risking much renting in Wichtia. it has fairly cheap rent. It needs to grow on most people. For a town of its size it has no night life to speak of, compared to other towns of its size. If the Neo nazichristians would not have kept out the casino there would have been a nice place to bring in shows and a bit of fun. But now the county just south is going to have the fun. I guess the christians will just have to drive a bit farther. Maybe this is what they wanted, now the old rev will not be seen walking into the slots-o-fun. LMAO

[athfo]

upandrunning, have you ever lived in Wichita yourself, and recently?

[Houseslinger]

OMG Athfo, haven't you learned NOT to challenge ups opinion?

Tex, upandrunning is one person, one negative person. Wichita has much to offer. Good luck on the job and hopefully more local people will log on and tell some GOOD things about your new home.

Here's a site to get you started 360Wichita.com - Wichita Kansas Entertainment Directory Wichita Restaurants Kansas Attractions

There are no such thing and "hidden" taxes. Taxes and specials and HOA fees are fully disclosed, just pay attention. You will find the housing market in Kansas is a bit more stable than in other places but you can still get a great deal. Don't buy if you aren't planning on staying for awhile though. Values will probably be sluggish for a bit and if you try to buy with no money down then sell in one or two years, you will probably not get much for your escrow, but then if you rent and then move, you won't get any thing either so use that fancy education to decide for yourself.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing!

[Houseslinger]

Here is a calculator that will help you decide if you would be better off renting or buying.

Should I Rent or Buy A Home? - Financial Calculators from CalcXML

[upandrunning]

First off yes I have lived in Wichita. And am looking at moving there for family. Second BSlinger is doing a typical Ad Homonym attack. I am not the same poster as Texasborn08. Also a calculator is not the first thing to use to decide if you should buy or rent. The very first thing to consider[and I would expect this from a seasoned real estate agent] is if you plan to live in the area for more than 4 to 5 years. Tex said he was planning on 2 years. Why would he saddle himself down with a home that may be worth less than what was paid, and in 2 years have to sell, and in most likely a down market? The answer is fairly simple, you would not. Unless you are more concerned with making a commission, than in the wellbeing of your client. I guess some people missed the part in real estate class about fiduciary responsibility. By renting for at least a year, you can clearly see if you would like the area, maybe want to stay longer, and the way home values are going you could even make money. When you calculate the taxes in Wichita, and home owners insurance, HOAs and the like you would have at least 3k toward your rent. A single person can get a nice 1 bed. apt for 400 a month. This would pay for almost 8 months of rent. That money would not be recoverable by buying and selling unless you bought at a much lower value than current value. It is up to the individual to make the decision, but renting is not more expensive then buying. Sometimes renting is cheaper. In Wichita renting is a reasonable choice. It just does not make the Realtor any $. So do you really think their opinion is unbiased? Remember the quote “It is hard to get a man to understand something if his salary depends on him not understanding it."
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[Houseslinger]

What'd I tell you Tex? Negative, belligerant and I think perhaps they got dumped by a realtor once, or they couldn't pass the test and just feel they have to lash out at every one they see now.

Whatever. Study hard and again, let me know if I can help you in any positive way. I don't live, or sell in Wichita, but I have lots of friends there so if I can help let me know.

upandrunning, great example of an ad hominem (you misspelled it btw) attack. Thank you and you try to relax and have a nice day too!

[upandrunning]

So BSlinger you do not even sell in Wichita and yet you are telling us how things are there? Good job on the BS part of your name. BTW using spelling instead of working the issue is an Ad hominem attack. Good job again. BTW people Boeing laid off 800 workers. Its here and its now. I do not see things getting better. Do not buy a home just because positive bs wants to make a commission. Buy if it is in your best interest. A real estate sales person never has your best interest at heart. Only how to make the payment on their escalade.
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