Buying a house in Iowa City

[MNclone]

My sister is looking at buying a house in Iowa City. She doesn't have a ton of time researching, so I offered my services.
Problem is, I'm not familiar with the market down there.
I haven't found a decent mls search page yet, any suggestions?

Has anyone used any of the Iowa First Time homebuyer's programs? What are they like?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[2forISU]

Realtor.com has all the listings. Lepic Kroger is the largest real estate firm in the area.

The market is really down in the area and you can get a good deal.

 

[iowaboy]

You are better off in North Liberty or Cedar Rapids south side. Swisher perhaps. IC homes are over inflated with not the best crowd as in, can't choose your neighbors..... Mostly in-transiant. The air down there smells alot like bird-sh!t.

 

[Shinyhappyclone]

I like this one:
Iowa City Area Association of Realtors - iowacityareamls.com

I would submit that LepicKroeger is the dominant realtor in the area....I have connections if you would like me to privately email.

the market is surprisingly similar to Dupage County(Chicagoland) in ways. Lots of overpaid faculty looking to live far away from the plebians and the bourgeoisie.

While most are watching the National political theater tonight, the local Johnson County governments...as I type this... are conspiring to raise local sales tax to 7%. That alone does not bother me, but this politburo county is oppressive and will not "get it" until they have crushed everyone. The local governments are out of control with spending and creeping socialism. The Cumulative burden is something that will have a reckoning soon.

 

[MNclone]

You are better off in North Liberty or Cedar Rapids south side. Swisher perhaps. IC homes are over inflated with not the best crowd as in, can't choose your neighbors..... Mostly in-transiant. The air down there smells alot like bird-sh!t.

Thanks for the advice, unfortunately she works south of Iowa City

 

[isu_oak]

My sister is looking at buying a house in Iowa City. She doesn't have a ton of time researching, so I offered my services.
Problem is, I'm not familiar with the market down there.
I haven't found a decent mls search page yet, any suggestions?

Has anyone used any of the Iowa First Time homebuyer's programs? What are they like?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Just bought a house in Coralville in October. I went through a realtor at Lepic Kroeger that I really liked....a real no nonsense, tells you what he hates about a house before he tells you what he likes, type. If you want any more info, send me a PM.

 

[Shinyhappyclone]

At the casino?

Kalona is a nice town, with the Amish, and they don't mind the Anglish hanging around. Surprisingly progressive and dynamic little town....lots of commuters trekking up to UI to work everyday. About 14 miles or so SW of town.
There are some nice rural subdivisions on Dane Road southwest of town that are still in Iowa City School District and the houses are spaced apart enough that you don't have to listen to your neighbors' Eminem booming on the stereo or stare at their lame political yard sign that is in 365 days a years, every year (and they do it down here).

 

[ISUboi12]

Anything within a real walking distance of Kinnick or UIHC is overpriced. A crappy three bedroom house can run upwards of $200-300K. I live in southwest IC almost 2 miles from UIHC and 2 BR condos around here run about $90-120k.

If I were in the market I would look to Coralville near the interstate.

 

[OWLCITYCYFAN]

You are better off in North Liberty or Cedar Rapids south side. Swisher perhaps. IC homes are over inflated with not the best crowd as in, can't choose your neighbors..... Mostly in-transiant. The air down there smells alot like bird-sh!t.

You're certainly entitled to your opinion; I don't agree with a single one of your points but for homes in IC being over-priced in comparison to neighboring communities!

I have a neighbor / realtor with Coldwell-Banker who goes way above and beyond anything I've ever heard of from other realtors. We're talking home repairs, drywalling, painting; stuff that's just ridiculous for a realtor to be doing! He's just that kind of guy and I'm sure he'd love to do the legwork for your sister. His name is Dann Coffey and I'm sure you could find him on the net. If you want his cell, send me a PM...

 

[OWLCITYCYFAN]

I don't know what your sister is interested in or what her price range is, but this small home appeals to me! Moffitt "cottages" are great starter homes; he was very early into the recycled building materials scene and most of his homes have "character".

607 Rundell St, Iowa City
Price: $119,900.00
Type: Residential - Single Family Home
Potential. Potential.Potential. Moffitt home in the Longfellow Historic District - featuring wood floors, lots of windows, aluminum siding, new roof....

 

[cigaretteman]

You're certainly entitled to your opinion; I don't agree with a single one of your points but for homes in IC being over-priced in comparison to neighboring communities!

I have a neighbor / realtor with Coldwell-Banker who goes way above and beyond anything I've ever heard of from other realtors. We're talking home repairs, drywalling, painting; stuff that's just ridiculous for a realtor to be doing! He's just that kind of guy and I'm sure he'd love to do the legwork for your sister. His name is Dann Coffey and I'm sure you could find him on the net. If you want his cell, send me a PM...

Dan Coffey a.k.a. Dr. Science!

 

[Knownothing]

Tell her to get a dead bolt lock there. I hear they have a football team there that likes to prowell.

 

[RyCy04]

She'll probably want to invest in some of these. In IC they are known as "insurance."

 

[Incyte]

My wife and I lived in Kalona for three years and commuted daily to IC. Kalona is very affordable and a nice little town. It was kind of fun to be having a few beers at night watching tv with the Mrs. as the bugeys went past our house.

 

[CycloneYoda]

You are better off in North Liberty or Cedar Rapids south side. Swisher perhaps. IC homes are over inflated with not the best crowd as in, can't choose your neighbors..... Mostly in-transiant. The air down there smells alot like bird-sh!t.

This statement is 90% false. Although prices remain high, it is very possible to choose your neighbors, and most of the population outside of the downtown area are NOT in-transient. And nobody, and I mean nobody from the CR area has any right to question the air quality of another city that isn't Los Angeles. CR smells like oats and flood water.

Seriously, do your homework.

 

[CycloneYoda]

I don't know what your sister is interested in or what her price range is, but this small home appeals to me! Moffitt "cottages" are great starter homes; he was very early into the recycled building materials scene and most of his homes have "character".

607 Rundell St, Iowa City
Price: $119,900.00
Type: Residential - Single Family Home
Potential. Potential.Potential. Moffitt home in the Longfellow Historic District - featuring wood floors, lots of windows, aluminum siding, new roof....

That is a nice block of Rundell. Quiet, older, and not too close to the tracks.

 

[OWLCITYCYFAN]

Dan Coffey a.k.a. Dr. Science!

Nice catch, but different guys! The realtor D. Coffey is double n...