Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Adventures in Homebuying: The Search Begins

So, I'm climbing back into the homebuyers saddle...or bike...or whatever.

With that in mind, as well as how much I plan on spending, I am able to hone in my search. Online real estate search engines are a wonderful thing. I've looked at a lot of places without ever changing out of my pajamas (sometimes, I do it in my bathrobe). When I am able to meet with a realtor, I can show my list of favorites...and they can not bother me with the house that has the lime green kitchen with pink cabinets.

I know I want a place with a yard, possibly 3 bedroom, and a garage. What stumps me is where to move. Sure, I like the Northland, but I don't want to limit myself. I know there are lots of good areas in KC. However, I also know there are also bad areas. If at all possible, I would like to avoid living in Meth City, a Shooting Range for Thugsters, or a trailer park.

That being said, I am enlisting the help of my friends and avid blog fans. Where's a good place? Lee's Summit? Grandview? Belton? Gladstone? Liberty?

What places should I avoid??

Thoughts??

4 comments:

FletcherDodge said...

Are you ruling out JoCo and WyCo? There are some great neighborhoods in the Jo. We loved living in Roeland Park, although the houses tend to be small.

thedirtyknitter said...

my husband and i just moved from waldo - around 89th and wornall area. some think it's the 'hood of the south - but it was a great neighborhood...very friendly..close to everything. we wanted a larger house so recently moved to nall hills - yes - in joco... also some good stuff there. not sure what size/price you're looking for but houses in the waldo area are only going up - i think in another 5 yrs. that place will be filled w/ people who want that feel but can't afford brookside. just my 2 cents. we have a GREAT realtor - worked w/ us for years and was painfully honest w/ us - which is good when you're buying a house. email me if you want her contact info.

"The D" said...

you should look in to K.C.K. near KU medical center.

Xavier Onassis said...

Everyone else is nuts!

JoCo, The Dotte, Waldo, KU, DON'T LISTEN TO 'EM!

Liberty is PERFECT! Close enough to all that other crap to be convenient, but far enough away to be safe and cheap.

For the record, I've only been here a couple of years. But I have lived in Excelsior Springs, Raytown, Brookside, Westport, Midtown, Barry Road, Blue Springs, Independence, Richmond (MO) and even New Jersey.

Liberty rocks!

I wouldn't live in Kansas if they offered me a million dollar home for a penny.