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What Can You Buy for Around $125,000?

"What Can You Buy" is a series that looks at what type of house and amenities you can get for a particular price point in various locations across the U.S. Be sure to check out each of the posts in the series: What Can You Buy for $5 to $10 Million?, What Can You Buy For $625,000?, What Can You Buy For $250,000?, What Can You Buy for $35,000? and What Else Can You Buy for $35,000?
The news coming out of the housing sector continues to be blah - at best. Housing prices are still falling and the foreclosure numbers are up. But with every bit of bad economic news comes a silver lining for those poised to take advantage of the decline.

If you're looking to maximize your real estate purchasing power, you've got to consider foreclosed and real estate owned (REO) properties. It is now possible to purchase far more land, square footage and amenities than just about any time over the past twenty years.


The folks at RealtyTrac have helped me compile this geographically diverse sampling of mid-priced foreclosure options for sale, so you get an idea of what you can buy for around $125,000.

What Can You Buy for $109,900 in Allentown, PA?

2303 South Filbert Street, Allentown PA 18103

This single family home could be labeled "cozy" at 668 square feet, but no inch is wasted. The property features two bedrooms and a lower level office. A large, tree-lined yard on a no-outlet road renders the dwelling a safe, quiet destination for young families. Recent enhancements include a modern kitchen, new furnace and roof.

The surrounding neighborhood offers easy access to schools, shopping and entertainment. The property will be offered at auction very shortly, so you might buy it for a whole lot less than the advertised price.

What Can You Buy for $135,000 in Villa Rica, GA?

703 Williamsburg Court, Villa Rica GA 30180

Unless you're Octo-Mom, you and your family will have all the space you need in this 2,257 square foot foreclosed home that boasts three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a swimming pool! The house features an open kitchen plan with granite counter tops, wood flooring and cabinets. A main level master bathroom contains a modern jacuzzi bathtub.

The new construction abode sits atop a large land tract with a two-car garage and a long driveway that allows for additional parking. The warm Georgia weather and spacious amenities create a welcoming environment for barbecues and other large family gatherings.

What Can You Buy for $139,900 in Westerville, OH?

5600 Marshfield Drive, Westerville OH 43081

Take advantage of luxury community living at an affordable price! This 1,584 square foot single family home offers three bedrooms and two and a half baths as well as a tremendous slate of internal and external advantages. The short sale property has a covered front porch, gas log fireplace and a vaulted master bedroom with two full closets.

But prospective buyers must take a walk outside to find the private community's outdoor pool, tennis and basketball courts. A playground, fire pit and party space complete this family-friendly environment.

What Can You Buy for $145,000 in Summerville, SC?

105 Four Iron Drive, Summerville SC 29483

This large, sturdy brick ranch home has 1,582 square feet plus a 225 square foot sunroom. There are three bedrooms and two full baths, beamed ceilings and large windows which allow the property to bask in natural light, conserving heating costs. A brick fireplace faces the eating area and provides additional warmth during those mild South Carolina winters.

The sunroom overlooks a spacious fenced-in yard with verdant landscaping that provides a perfect natural retreat. The pre-foreclosure is a great value for medium-sized families looking for room to roam.

What do you think of the latest offerings in the foreclosure/REO sector?

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Ilyce R. Glink is the author of several books, including 100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask and Buy, Close, Move In!. She blogs about money and real estate at ThinkGlink.com and The Equifax Personal Finance Blog, and is Chief Content Strategist at RealtyJoin.com, a community for real estate investors.
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