My husband and I will be moving to Ogdensburg, New York, area code 13669 in June due to a job relocation. We are signing for 2 years. While on a community tour, we saw a lot of vacant houses in the area that are up for sale. We were very surprised to find that houses there are so in-expensive. They range from $50,000 to $100,000 for a 3 beds 1 bath house. However, they are really old, 50 years and up and in need of repair.
So not prepare for a big financial commitment, we asked around for rental places but there were not many houses that are up for rent. The weekend that we were there, the local realtor took us to a well furnished home with 3 beds and 1 bath. The monthly rental is $800. The owner would pay for water and we would have to pay for everything else. We love that this place is furnished because we don’t have any furniture. If we moved into a new, empty house, we would have to buy new furniture and appliances and might not be able to take them with us if we decided to move to the West Coast after the contract is up.
My questions are: 1). Given the situation, should we buy a house because we can afford to put down more than 35% down payment? 2). Is it wise to buy an old house when we only plan to stay there for 2 years? 3). Should we buy into an area where there are many houses that are up for sales?
If you are only planning on staying for 2 years I would not purchase a home. Rent, save your money, do your research, and buy when you feel you're settling into the area that will be your home for more then 2 years.
Whether you decide to rent or buy, I would make sure it is a block or real brick home.
Wood frame homes, especially those 50 years plus contain "extra" dry wood - which burns like lightning...fast.
Also make sure if there are burglar bars, that there are release keys from the interior.
Important as well, is to check out areas. Ask the Realtor where would she live if she was just starting out..buying or renting a first home. Ride neighborhoods. Go online to local police crime sites . Do you homework.
Thank you all for your advices. I have never own a house before and there are many questions i want to ask. They might sound stupid but i would rather ask than not knowing.
I was looking at some of the listings in the area. Some houses have metal roof and others have shingle roof. I personally have not heard of a metal roof before. Could someone tell me what's the ideal roof to have for this area??? Also, is vinyl siding consider wood frame home?
