We Tell it Like It Is

I've been out a lot recently showing houses to buyers and doing searches constantly on the MLS. Here's what I've been seeing. If you have been looking for:

1) An older home (1960's and older) w/"character" that doesn't need a lot of work for $160,000-$240,000 in what I would consider a decent neighborhood: Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope, NE Mpls, St. Anthony, White Bear Lake, parts of Shoreview, Hopkins, Fridley, Columbia Heights. $240,000 to $275,000 range: St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Nokomis, parts of SW Mpls.

2) An older home (1960's and older) that needs a fair amount of cosmetic work (and many w/ no major mechanical issues) for under $160,000: Blaine, Anoka, Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope, NE Mpls, Maplewood

3) Homes built in the 60s'-80's in great shape under $200,000: Coon Rapids, Blaine, Champlin. $200,000-$240,000: Savage, Eagan, Andover, Blaine, Anoka, Fridley, Spring Lake Park.

4) Newer homes built 1990 and newer for under $240,000 that are not foreclosures and in great shape: Otsego, St. Michael, Albertville, Hugo, Ramsey, Brooklyn Park

5) Newer town houses that are in great shape for under $175,000: Savage, Hugo.

6) Areas of the city where there doesn't seem to be much for people looking under $250,000 for a really good value--meaning a lot of space & updated condition for the price (from what I have experienced): Farmington, Rosemount, Apple Valley, Edina, Plymouth, New Brighton, Moundsview, Woodbury, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Chanhassen.

7) Overall best value for a home under $250k: Ramsey, Hugo, Albertville, Otsego, St. Michael, NE Mpls.