The Smart Buys in a Scary Market
Photograph by Fredrik Brodén
New to the Market
You’re looking to purchase your first home. You also want to make sure you’re not going to get burned. Point your search to one of these spots, and know you’ll be making a sound investment.
A Less-Costly Free Education
Most towns with great public schools also have greatly overpriced homes. But there are some still-affordable areas where high test scores can be had without taking out that jumbo loan.
Trading Up
You’re moving up in the world, and soon, you hope, into more square footage. These bust-bucking areas also offer the promise of sweet deals and steady long-term gains.
The Bright Side of Foreclosures
Yes, it’s bad news for those losing their home. But their loss could be your way into a prime neighborhood.
Downsizing
You might not net as much as you would’ve three years ago. But when you’re ready to cash out (and give up the chores), your nest egg would be put to wise use here.
Havens for the Recently Unhitched
Two towns that offer the good life for those who’ve given up their better half.
The Fearless Flipper
Would you want to be a real estate investor right now? You would if you were Fran Yerardi, house-flipper extraordinaire, who believes almost no property is too far gone to be rehabbed for a profit—and is more than happy to share his secrets with those willing to roll the dice with him.