First a little about me. I'm 26, have no debts, 760+ credit score, fly for the Air Force, and am moving to Clovis NM. I'm looking at a moving day around the end of January. Currently in a training course with flexible graduation dates so closing would start the day after I complete the course to cover my butt with reassignments or the small possibility of failing. I started this process with a $200k self-imposed limit on my budget, as that would allow me to go conventional or VA based on the rates I can get without draining my liquid savings.
I'm buying instead of renting because the rental market is inflated due to it being a military town and I'm ready to start paying into myself. Rental rates are about double a 30yr mortgage and I'm done living with roommates. The girl is planning on moving out in the next 2-3 years too. With all that in mind, I am buying with the intent of it becoming a rental once I PCS.
I visited for the first time this weekend and narrowed my list of 40 houses/duplexes down to 16. All the duplexes were out of my price range and not something I want to live in. All the remaining homes are on the newer side of town where a majority of the military folks live. Below are a few of the houses at the top of my list. I'm looking for any feedback, criticism, advice or anything else you want to throw my way. Yes, the Lt is asking for help....
3609 Tom Watson- what appeals to me is the updated interior and mature landscaping. I think this would be a nice house with a new garage door and maybe replace the wood grain closet doors. The lower price is also appealing.
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3609-Tom-Watson-Dr-Clovis-NM-88101/2096703359_zpid/
4209 Sandstone- I like this house because it is the on the lower price end of the neighborhood but the quality is still there. I also like the wrap around driveway for renters to park multiple cars.
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4209-Sandstone-Dr-Clovis-NM-88101/127185687_zpid/
2332 Cobblestone- The owner was in his garage working on his landcruiser and was nice enough to show me the garage. Has 220V power and shelves/pegboards that are staying in the garage, along with hard plumbed air lines. Perfect for my projects! The price per sq ft is a bit high for the area though.
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2332-Cobblestone-Cir-Clovis-NM-88101/2119407990_zpid/
1221 Broadway- Saw the open house sign and followed it to bad decisions lane. Listed above my self-imposed limit but damn, that's a nice house. Appliances stay, builder landscapes as part of the purchase price. I really like the fake wood floors (actually tile). Other than price, windows had no shades and the realtor is going to get back to me on whether they are included. Brand new neighborhood and most of the other models are 50-100k more expensive. Yes, I can afford it, but do I need the brand new home?
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1221-Broadway_Clovis_NM_88101_M19350-30565#photo12
I'm buying instead of renting because the rental market is inflated due to it being a military town and I'm ready to start paying into myself. Rental rates are about double a 30yr mortgage and I'm done living with roommates. The girl is planning on moving out in the next 2-3 years too. With all that in mind, I am buying with the intent of it becoming a rental once I PCS.
I visited for the first time this weekend and narrowed my list of 40 houses/duplexes down to 16. All the duplexes were out of my price range and not something I want to live in. All the remaining homes are on the newer side of town where a majority of the military folks live. Below are a few of the houses at the top of my list. I'm looking for any feedback, criticism, advice or anything else you want to throw my way. Yes, the Lt is asking for help....
3609 Tom Watson- what appeals to me is the updated interior and mature landscaping. I think this would be a nice house with a new garage door and maybe replace the wood grain closet doors. The lower price is also appealing.
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3609-Tom-Watson-Dr-Clovis-NM-88101/2096703359_zpid/
4209 Sandstone- I like this house because it is the on the lower price end of the neighborhood but the quality is still there. I also like the wrap around driveway for renters to park multiple cars.
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4209-Sandstone-Dr-Clovis-NM-88101/127185687_zpid/
2332 Cobblestone- The owner was in his garage working on his landcruiser and was nice enough to show me the garage. Has 220V power and shelves/pegboards that are staying in the garage, along with hard plumbed air lines. Perfect for my projects! The price per sq ft is a bit high for the area though.
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2332-Cobblestone-Cir-Clovis-NM-88101/2119407990_zpid/
1221 Broadway- Saw the open house sign and followed it to bad decisions lane. Listed above my self-imposed limit but damn, that's a nice house. Appliances stay, builder landscapes as part of the purchase price. I really like the fake wood floors (actually tile). Other than price, windows had no shades and the realtor is going to get back to me on whether they are included. Brand new neighborhood and most of the other models are 50-100k more expensive. Yes, I can afford it, but do I need the brand new home?
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1221-Broadway_Clovis_NM_88101_M19350-30565#photo12