newer homes? (Tampa, Lakeland, Brandon: chapel, appliances, loan)

[Student66]

Hi all:

Thank you for your replies to my other posts. I am still looking. If I decide to take Riverview of off my list (due to the TECO smokestacks), what other areas have relatively newer homes? New Tampa right now just has townhomes. Seems like the only places with newer homes (meaning less $$ for repairs), are Riverview or Wesley Chapel.

I searched in Carrollowood, but, found nothing, same for Brandon. Looking up to $175k, needing minimal repairs, quiet, safe.


thanks..

[gulfer]

Very hard to find a new home for your price range. Townhomes, yes. Maybe (and a big maybe) Lakeland, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, or Zephyrhills. Pulte Homes has them but it is North of Land O Lakes on the Veterans. Pretty far from anything.

[bentlebee]

You can find homes in that price range in Wesley Chapel but it will be a resale and not a newer home.

Either it means waiting and saving more money or compromising on other areas that are not as close to shopping or further away from where the housing market has improved a lot.

Builders are offering some energy saving items which are morse costly while there are some resales out there in the mid 100's that need work but can be nice down the road.

You didn't mention if you want a 2/2 or 3/2 but you may want to check out in some other areas where the market had not yet recovered as in Wesley Chapel. Maybe try Land O'Lakes, New Port Richey but keep in mind you probably will need to be closer to 200k if you want a 3/2 in the better areas.

Keep in mind that homes build after 2003 are overall higher in price than prior to that date.

Some areas that may had some issues may now not have the issues any more due to people moving out that shouldn't have been there so check the area on different days and times to see for yourself if it is what fit your needs and what you like and you probably be able to find a nice home in your price range since most important is not to buy above your means.

[jaybird45]

Try Trinity and Land O Lakes

[Pragmaticus]

I think you are limiting yourself big time by requiring a newer home.

If I were you, in your situation I would look at home that have at least taken care of the big ticket items such as roof or AC systems recently. Those are significant and could add up more than 20K or so easily. Other small stuff like a dishwasher or a fridge, you could buy a warranted coverage for about $600/year until you have an emergency saving that you can self insure. Look for very well updated houses if you want to finance the improvement with your mortgage.

Good luck!

[Student66]

Thanks for the information. I am not opposed to something not so new, but, cannot afford to purchase home that has bad roof, bad a/c, bad appliances, etc.

[tom11011]

I am blown away by how much home builders have raised there prices in just 6 months! I was about to call you crazy.

[HWTechGuy]

Opening yourself up to looking at older homes will help you potentially avoid costly CDD fees as well. You can find plenty of nice homes out there of varying ages. Homes with newer roofs. HVAC, kitchen/bath remodels, and such are plentiful.

[Student66]

Thank you all for your replies. Although, given the new USDA loan eligibility mapping locations, it would appear that my options have been severely limited.

It is encouraging to hear that there are "plentiful" homes, but, for someone looking in the $100 - $175k price range, finding, clean, quiet, safe properties that do not need new roofs, o new a/cs is proving to be extremely difficult.

[EngGirl]

Originally Posted by Student66

It is encouraging to hear that there are "plentiful" homes, but, for someone looking in the $100 - $175k price range, finding, clean, quiet, safe properties that do not need new roofs, o new a/cs is proving to be extremely difficult.

I am not sure if it will make you feel better, but the same is true for other price ranges as well