[WillyUK]

My wife and I will be moving to Michigan in the August-September time frame. My office will be in Auburn Hills and we are thinking of locating in Rochester, Lake Orion, area. We are not familiar with the area and haven't done much research yet. Any advice on buying a home vs. renting. We're probably looking at around 3 years there. Income/affordability is not the problem. Any input is welcome.

[suydam]

It's a buyers' market, that's for sure.

Rochester is a great area....cute little downtown, nice shops, proximity to Great Lakes Crossing (big mall). If I was working in Auburn Hills, I'd start my search in Rochester for sure.

[Michael Hourigan]

I'm happy to provide you with some information on the Rochester area.

Tell me a little more about what you're looking for re: price, neighborhoods etc. and it will give me a clearer picture of whether you should rent or buy.

Feel free to e-mail me: hourigan2@gmail.com -- i don't have much time to check this forum, so that's the easiest way to get me.

good luck!

[The Icy River Vagabond]

If your only going to be there for 3 years, it will probably be a lot easier to rent, you can get a great house, and you will be a lot more mobile. It takes a long time to sell a house in Michigan right now. Mine took a year to sell, and I still took a $40,000 loss on it.

[xmichigander06]

In general, when considering Michigan living(AnnArbor being the exception), My advice is: -Rethink the move, unless it is absolutley necessary. If you must live there, rent with a short lease, chances are the rent may even go down, as homes sit vacant. Check with Century 21 for home sellers who may not be able to sell, and may now reconsider a renter with good references. Many of these sellers have not shown their home to a ligitimate buyer in months.

Consider the fact that many MI communities are holding 12-18 months of home inventory (and it is growing), which means if you purchase now and plan to move in 3 years, you should put it up for sale in soon after buying. In most MI markets you will not earn enough on the property to pay the realtor fees. - Good Luck!

[Wabbit]

Hey XMichigander,
If you're so happy to be out of Michigan what are you doing trolling
the Michigan forum? Why not call yourself NewCarolinian or HappyTarHeel?
It's alright, we understand. You already regret your move and the only
thing that makes you feel better is to try to convince other people
not to give Michigan a chance. Get a life. -in North Carolina.

[athletesfoot]

I don't see why anyone would try to discourage economic growth, home sales and movement to MI since those are the types of things that help spur an economy...

[mike jones]

I am glad to see folks thinking of moving here.
However, the overwhelming majority knows that this place sucks.

It is a beautiful state and there are opportunities if you fallen in the right field. (medical)

For the rest of us...we are tired of of staying afloat and worrying if we are next to be pink slipped.

[jaynarie]

I love Michigan, but I do have to agree with the majority of the posters that it is not a stable place to live right now. The economy is awful, and I do not see it getting better anytime soon. I would definitely buy a house if you were planning on staying a LONG time and had very stable jobs, but if it is short term, I'd rent. You can get REALLY nice homes for rent, as so many are up for sale and not selling. People can't afford double mortgages and are renting their homes out.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by athletesfoot

I don't see why anyone would try to discourage economic growth, home sales and movement to MI since those are the types of things that help spur an economy...

No kidding...unless someone works for Century21 in North Carolina.

Welcome to Michigan WillyUK! I actually think you'll enjoy your time here.