realty round up: columbia, mo

We are heading to Columbia, MO tomorrow to visit friends. We most likely won't be doing much touring about town but I thought it would be a good pick for this week's realty round up. Columbia is the fifth largest city in Missouri and home to University of Missouri - Mizzou. The university is a central force in the city with roughly 35,000 students. It also is the only university with Division 1-A sports in Missouri. Geographically, Columbia is situated among small tributary valleys of the Missouri River and is equidistant from St. Louis and Kansas City (approximately 120 miles). 

I wasn't really sure what neighborhood to focus on so the houses represent a mix. Local spots that seem worth checking out include: 

- Flat Branch Pub & Brewing - According to their website, they were voted best overall restaurant in Columbia for the past four years. I would go to try their hand-crafted beers and to see the 1927 brick warehouse they occupy.
- Sophia's  - a little more upscale - I would want to try their monkey bread breakfast item.
- Murry's - loved by the locals or so I am told - their motto is good food - good jazz.
- Wine Cellar and Bistro - Focused on "mid Missouri farm cuisine" , there looks to be lots of yummy menu items.

House 1: $0 - $250,000

information and images via Zillow

This house comes fully furnished and is currently being used as an executive rental house. I like that is has original character and modern updates. 

information and images via Zillow

This home has great curb appeal and has been beautifully maintained. Its location is another plus as it is both close to the city center and backs up to a forest area.

information and images via Zillow

I'm not in love with the aesthetics of this home but it is in a good location - very near to campus and a recreation area. 

information and images via Zillow

I like that while this home is quite large it doesn't appear so from the approach. I also like the plantation inspired design of the back of the house - seems like it would be great for entertaining. 

Have a good weekend!

home buying infographics

Infographics provide an easy means by which to learn about current home purchasing trends, the home buying process and other related topics. In searching for ones to feature, I found that the majority seem to be created and distributed by realtors. This obviously makes sense as home buying is their business but they don't always make for the most neutral of sources. Also many representations did not site their sources or provide a date range from which the data was gathered. Irregardless, I think they can provide a quick and visually appealing way to gather a lot of good information. Here are a few I found particularly interesting: 

by Doorsteps via National Association of Realtors

This one is nice because it states its data sources and is for the year 2012. The thing I found most interesting about this one is its "area of compromise" section - I would not have thought that the "price of home" would be the second most likely thing buyers would compromise on.  

via Coldwell Banker

This infographic is similar to the first in terms of content. However, I like that it adds more detail to what the first time home buyer's home looks like - number of bedrooms and baths, importance of proximities etc.  

via Pinfographics presented by Aloha Tony Hawaii Realtor

I really like this infographic because it provides a context for how to understand the current market. I also appreciate that it presents different ways to determine what price of house you can afford - price to income ratio etc. 

via Visual.ly published by Elika Real Estate and designed by Trafficado

This one very clearly is a rent vs. buy infographic but what is unique about it is its projections into the future. I also like that it presents some of its sources with their corresponding data.

Realty Round Up: Spokane, Washington

Jeff traveled to Spokane, Washington this past week for business. He had little, to no time to explore the city so he couldn't share any cool finds with me but I thought it sounded like an interesting place to feature. Spokane is located on the Spokane River in Eastern Washington and just 92 miles from the Canadian border. It is the second largest city in Washington and seems like a very desirable place to live. It is close to dozens of lakes and rivers, mountains and just a four hour drive from Glacier National Park. 

I have selected the South Hill area to feature which is one of Spokane's oldest residential areas. It seems to have a huge amount of historic homes and lots of community green space. However, it was hard to find any descriptive information on the area or write ups on great local finds. Any readers have recommendations?

House #1: $0 - $250,000

information and images via Zillow

Located in Cannon's Addition, this home was designed by W.W. Hyslop a prominent Spokane architect in the early 1900s. It features a beautifully grand living space, a large lot and much of its original character. 

House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

information and images via Zillow

This home is on the National Historic Register as well as several local registries. It has tons of original woodwork, leaded glass windows, wood floors throughout as well as an updated kitchen.  

House #4: $500,000 - $750,000

information and images via Zillow

This home has both historic charm and modern amenities. Key attributes include a great kitchen, new patio and close proximity to the local park. 

House #4: $750,000 - $1,000,000

information and images via Zillow

The Ferris House is one of the most significant architectural designs in Spokane. Designed by Bruce Walker, it is iconically modern. It is situated on roughly 43,500 square feet of property giving it a sanctuary like feel. For more information check out this home's website. 

Have a good weekend everyone!