Based on your price range alone CONDO or COOP should be your only considerations considered in rare instances you may stumble across a house in this range but the condition will undoubtedly be horrible and the location will be a big consideration as well.

Condos have the advantage of possibly going up in value in the future a little more significantly than coops but a coop is cheaper to own and the monthly fee although higher includes heat, hot water, maintenance and TAXES +++

--
Victor Kaminski
Broker of Record
Marivic GMAC Real Estate
2056A Lincoln Hwy. (Rt.27)
Edison, NJ 08817-3330
Office: 732-650-9911 Ext.302
Cellular: 908-884-5757
Toll Free: 1-866-745-GMAC(4622) Ext.302

Mon Jul 28 2008, 17:16

I am selling a spacious 1 BR condo in very quiet, private community, 10-15 minute drive to Rutgers (depending on the campus) 10 minute walk to Edison train station. This is a beautiful condo with large living room, dining room, kitchen, large bedroom with walk-in closet, updated bathroom, basement for storage and private balcony. All appliances including washer and dryer will be included in sale. Private entrance, reserved parking spot, snow removal, landscape. Pets are allowed! Nearby park with walking trail and lake. Fire, police nearby. This complex is within 5 minutes to all shopping via Rte 1, Rte 287, Rte 18, NJ Turnpike & Garden State Parkway. Images available by request. Showing by appointment Only. Motivated seller!!! email me with questions or to schedule a showing jmiranda23@optonline.net

Mon Jul 21 2008, 14:25

I am neither a real estate agent nor Cheng, who given his insane volume of messages about the Edison area, apparently either owns a lot of properties in their townhome complex or is involved with the developers. Anyway, how long will you be in school? Renting for you is very very very very likely to be a much cheaper alternative. Take your downpayment and buy CDs, you'll much likely be better off.

Zack

Tue Jul 15 2008, 08:17

Cheng,
My Trulia identity clearly identiifies me as a Reat Estate Professional.

Mon Jul 14 2008, 16:48

Dear Mary, everyone's freedom of speech is protected in this country by the Constitution, and I "quote" your words to express my thoughts, and I believe only very few people may misunderstood, otherwise, they can always tell. Why?

Every licensed realtor, when posted, by rule, has to provide their title, affiliate and phone numbers, and you see that is not with mine...

Mon Jul 14 2008, 14:46

Cheng,
Thanks for your kind words, however PLEASE do not attach links I place in my Trulia answers from the MLS into your answers. It makes it appear YOU are the real estate agent, and could be considered a misrepresentation of yourself.
Thank you

Mon Jun 9 2008, 21:10

Marie,

Yes, Marry is a great realtor in the area, I would not have problem to recommend her, especially her recommend communities http://msx.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1863942683&s=MS… such as The Commons at Piscataway http://thecommonsatpiscataway.blogspot.com/ that can also walk to Edison Train Station to NYC and to New Brunswick where Rutgers Univ is.

There is one currently sold under attorney review 2503 JESSE WY 1br 1ba condo at $209,900. If you were able to buy one thru Mary at $175,000 your price range, that would be supper!!!

Cheng

Mon Jun 9 2008, 12:38

Marie,
Although I applaud Cheng for all his answers, he is not a real estate agent. I am a real estate agent. I think you will be better off with a condo, even tho there is a maintenance fee, you won't have to worry about snow removal, grass mowing etc. You didn't mention if you would be driving to and from campus, tho I suspect you will. Several things are in play here. You need to speak to a mortgage professional to get an idea of your buying power. Second, since you will be living alone, it limits the neighborhoods that are considered a "safer" environment. Third, is that even condo's are not that inexpensive in the "nicer " areas

Send me an email and let me know when you will be in NJ : PruMaryNJ@aol.com.

Here is a link to several nice townhomes in the area surrounding Rutgers.
http://msx.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1863942683&s=MS…

Tue May 27 2008, 15:29

If you are really interested in very low cost condo, then Hampton Club Condos http://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Has_Anyone_Heard_ab… may be a great buy to you as you may be able to get one 1br 1ba at $129,000 http://www.realtor.com/search/searchresults.aspx?ctid=21878&…

It is at New Brunswick, but at South Side to Rutgers Univ, also not too far. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=115+Edpas+Rd… The community is gated with extra security measure.

Sun May 25 2008, 16:46

Since Ph.D is a very demanding work, I would suggest that you just buy a condo rather than single family house for the obvious reason. e.g. winter time NJ will snow and condo would allow you not to worry about snow removal; single family house will.

You can also consider a very nice and affordable condo community at Edison which I believe is a jewel hidden called Mill Pointe at Edison http://millpointe.blogspot.com/ The 2br 1ba condo goes from $155k to $179k depends on the upgrade as you can see http://msx.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1278367583&s=MS…

Edison area is ranked top 3 safest area in NJ, so you shall feel comfortable. Right next to it is Middlesex County College that you may take some courses there, I guess. and going to Rutgers Univ at New Brunswick is straight forward http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=9321626925037034094… It also has nice swimming pool and bus over to New Brunswick Train Stn #814.

Sun May 25 2008, 16:34

Society Hill Piscataway http://societyhillatpiscataway.blogspot.com/ right next to Rutgers University would be one of the best condo/townhouse community for you. It has nice swimming pool, tennis court, and many neighbors are either Rutgers Univ students or professors; you would find it very comfortable living there.

361 LANCASTER CT http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=new+bru… 2br 2ba condo just sold under attorney review while listed at $212,000.

Sun May 25 2008, 16:22