1177 Real Estate Bargains

Yes, there still are a few. I scan the pages for you each week for opportunities. I noticed that home prices in the 19106 zip code (Philadelphia) went up 44% in one year and in 85044 (Phoenix) 30%. So, I'd stay away from those areas!

But elsewhere, "close to Lake Superior" (could be 10 miles I suppose) you can buy an adorable 2 room log cabin on 20 acres with a 2 car garage for $125,000. That is a very long way from here, but maybe it is close to you if you are in Minnesota or Wisconsin. If you like hunting, fishing or snow mobiling, it might be just the thing, or you could share the cost with a few other families. Call Apostle Islands Realty, 715-779-5807.

But if you want to be closer to Cleveland or Buffalo (hey, some people do!) "Grandma's House is for sale" near the Allegheny National Forest, just 2 hours from Buffalo. It is being used as a B & B and has 8 bedrooms, four porches and an oil well on the property. Garden and ponds. $284,900. Call 877-723-3910 x23.

Also today in the WSJ I read that the "median price of condominiums and co-ops hit a record in May, rising about 15% to $221,000--$21,000 above the price of a single family home," according to the National Association of Realtors. I think this reflects that DINKS want to live in NORCs and have someone else mow the lawn and trim the trees. Boomers are starting to retire, and they like grass for golf, but not for maintenance.

Our front door condo view