Looking for a loft/condo to buy.

[bahua]

OK, now I find myself in the position of possibly leaving my midtown duplex, and living on my own once more. If I go back to apartment living, I'd want it to be downtown. Also interested in buying, but have yet to be pre-approved. I'm also looking in the $100-140K price range, any clever ideas? I have taken note of the ones already posted. Single, no pets, (though I might want a cat). Never lived in a studio, those of you that do, are they hopelessly dinky?

You could talk almost any studio down to under 140K, if they aren't that low already.

[K.C.Highrise]

You think that the price of real estate in downtown is getting cheaper?

[bahua]

I didn't say that. I do think that most properties are overpriced though, and with it being the buyer's market that it is, they'll entertain lower offers. Example: I paid 25K less than the asking price for my place.

[K.C.Highrise]

where and what did you buy?

[K.C.Highrise]

The higher end properties have much more wiggle room that a $140,000 studio. IMO

[bahua]

I bought a 2-bedroom place in the Coffee Lofts. While yes, they will be more lenient with a more expensive place, it still can't be stressed enough how much of a buyer's market it is. They will deal, even on studios.

[K.C.Highrise]

what a difference 2 years make I guess.

[staubio]

I bought a 2-bedroom place in the Coffee Lofts. While yes, they will be more lenient with a more expensive place, it still can't be stressed enough how much of a buyer's market it is. They will deal, even on studios.

I think the market is still pretty healthy downtown. Yours was a bit different because it had been on the market awhile while others in the building were selling out. They were ready to move it -- which I guess, in and of itself, is a sign of a buyer's market.

[greentara]

Thanks for the information, everybody. We'll see if I can get away with offering $25k less on a property.
Can't hurt to try, eh? If I get laughed at, there's plenty more condos to look at.

[bahua]

#1 recommendation if it's your first purchase: get a buyer's agent.

[DaveKCMO]

#1 recommendation if it's your first purchase: get a buyer's agent.

ditto!

[moderne]

Right now in my building people are making profits on selling after less than 2 years.  There really is very little inventory of a similar product right now, and will not be for the time it is going to take to get some new construction up.  I think the very real specter of very expensive fossil fuel that will only increase in price may have some impact.

[678infoj]

My realtor told me that KC Loft Central was having their Grand Opening, open to the public, this Saturday around 4:00.  It may be a good opportunity for you to see what's on the market.  I think they have around 10 properties (give or take).  Plus, they are providing free food and drinks!

[loftguy]

KC Loft Centrals new showroom/sales center is on the sw corner of 10th and Wyandotte.  You can get to their showroom from either 10th or YN. entry doors.

[greentara]

Thanks for the tip, 678infoj and loftguy!