How's the house hunting? (Dayton, Beavercreek: appointed, for sale, buying)

[islandFever]

Just wondering, for those looking to buy homes in the Dayton and suburban areas, what your thoughts are? Are you able to find your dream homes; are you finding good deals?

Frankly, I'm a little disappointed. I've been tracking homes for sale in the Dayton area for years now just in case I ever moved there. Homes come and go, but I've always seen one, two, or even three that I liked at a specific point in time. Well, now that I will actually be moving there... nothing. I can't find anything that really gets me excited.

I'm most disappointed with homes in the $300K range. The homes are fine, but it seems like you don't get much value for your money. I kind of expect them all to have swimming pools and a more upscale feel- this is Ohio, right? The homes around $250K- at least the newer ones- are plain and cookie-cutter to the extreme. There seems to be some nice homes in the low $100K range, but they are in places where safety would be a concern.

Anyways, these are just my perspectives as a (potential) buyer. I'm sure sellers are thinking that they are giving us a good deal. Maybe my expectations are way too high.

[arossi]

Hello IslandFever, I have sent you a direct message.

[islandFever]

Got it. Thanks.

[barnesnotnoble]

Some of our favorites have also been sold since we have started looking, but since we are still stationed in Korea, there isn't much we could have done about it.

I am disappointed that homes haven't been selling at a greater discount. With all the talk on the news about home prices being down, I was expecting more off than the 3% off of list price that I've seen so far. I guess that is due to the Dayton market never getting the 40% appreciation in past years that other parts of the country had.

We still have a few more months to look though, and now we are even considering base housing at WPAFB instead of buying.

[amymcf]

my neighbors house, with a beautiful view of the golf course, has been up since earlier this year and is at $250K after many price drops, as they had to move over the summer for a job relocation (personally, i think the house is well worth $300K). it's in springboro. let me know if you're interested and i will email you the link to the house.

i'll be listing my golf course view house in the spring as well....would love a taker!!

[wrightflyer]

Yeah, home prices haven't taken a huge drop here. Personally, I feel some homes are still overpriced and this is reflected in the number of homes that sit on the market for months. Still, there are some good values out there if you search.

In the 300K range, you can buy new construction with decent options in Beavercreek. There are some older homes in Tara Falls (more upscale than the new const. developmetns). They're just older by 10-18 years.

While base housing has improved with the new units, the schools servicing the base are not as highly regarded as Beavercreek or Centerville. The area (off-base) is mostly working class and safe, but the schools are the best in the area. Good luck with the search!