Hi gang. I am looking at buying my own house, for the first time. While I have some idea as to what I want and where I want to go, I need some advice from anyone in the NE Ohio area who either has, or is in the process of, buying a home.
Here is what I'm looking for (ideally):
- a rural to semi-rural county, with low taxes, low insurance costs, relatively low population and low crime rate.
- a small, detached home, preferably with a basement and at least a few acres (the more acreage, the better).
- less than $100,000 in price.
- NOT in a large city (no compromise on this one).
- NOT in Cuyahoga county, due to higher costs of living, higher population, higher crime rate, higher taxes...you get the picture.
I am willing to settle on a condo if I cannot find a detached home that fits the above parameters. I somehow have that funny feeling that I will not find a home that will fit my desires 100%, so I am willing to make sacrifices. I am namely interested in doing this for the investment and tax advantages, not to mention simply "owning a piece of the rock."
Oh yeah, not to mention that there is some appeal in being able to have bonfire parties in the backyard, and being able to pop off a few rounds on occasion without the neighbors complaining.
The counties I am considering are: Lake, Ashtabula, Geauga, Portage, Trumbull, Summit, Medina, Carroll and Columbiana.
With all of the above in mind, here are my questions:
- are there any counties I should avoid, due to the possibility of losing money on the home?
- are there any counties I should avoid for other reasons?
- does anyone have experience with purchasing a HUD/repo'ed home?
- can anyone recommend a good realtor?
I've probably just opened up multiple cans of worms here. I know that I am asking for a ton of info, and I REALLY appreciate any help you guys can lend me with my questions.
Thanks a bunch in advance.
- Matt
(ProjectMayhem)