I think I may be able to help you, I am a Realtor who happens to live and invest in Collingswood. There are a few homes around that I might be able to make work for you, but you do have other options.. Have you ever considered buying a Multifamily? When I moved here 10 years ago, most of my friends were getting their first apartments- I just couldn't swallow investing in someone else's future. I bought a duplex, a multifamily housing 2 apartments, I knew the rent would offset my expenses. I didn't realize how beneficial it was come tax time, not just for the homeowner benefits but as an investment property as well. For instance a % of the dollar spent on regular maintenance and improvements on the property is deduct-able.I was a first time home-buyer, but wasn't as concerned with making the wrong choice because I now had options. If my unit was becoming too small for me I could sell it and buy another home, or even keep the duplex as an investment and buy another home. Either way I have something to show for my "rent". What I ended up doing is converting the home back to it's original state, as a single family home. Collingswood even offers a program to help. There is so much more to talk about, if you would like to discuss it further feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to help you regardless of the path you choose. pmassengale@mainstrealty.com

Visit our daughter's website Pamtherealtor.net -- she lives and works in the area and can answer your questions. If you take the time to contact her, you will be pleased that you did. Other than my husband -- you won't find any agent that will work as hard for you.

Collingswood is a very nice town. I recommend speaking with a mortgage rep first. I have one that i use that could help you. There are some great programs out there also. As far as a fixer upper there are plenty around. Once you have that down we can talk about searching for homes that might meet you needs. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks.

Hi Vp,

Trulia currently shows 6 homes in Collingswood that meet your price criteria at the link below. I hope this is helpful.

Best Wishes,

Emily Gibson
Customer Service Representative

CORRECTION: http://www.bestplaces.net
IS the link, is Sperling's with good data.

The taxes in NJ are painful for homeowners,
and this is a national issue: because it is
known among some circles that NJ
has the highest, residential taxes
on property IN THE NATION.

Does your work or income
enable-you to consider
other states?
For $120-130K,
sadly, you cannot
have it BOTH ways:
because the taxes
are likely-to hurt you:
IN-ADDITION
to doing the double-whammy
upon you about repairs.

If you can move, then
$120-$130K
will buy you
a NEW condo
in places-ike NC:
zips 27511, 27616,
27545, 27587.
Those 4 zips
are in Wake County.
It is the state capital area,
like Trenton, but newer.
The state Capitol is Raleigh.

In the metro Raleigh area:
$120K-$130K can get you:
a small, DETACHED home--
like, under 1,300 feet--
and under a half-acre.

If you must, or prefer,
to remain in NJ:
be aware that
the equation of
HIGH TAXES
FOR YOUR PROPERTY
AND repair costs
for that fixer-upper
are likely-to
impact your bottom line.

SPERLING's is a good source
to compare the data:
of your zips in NJ
with the above zips in NC.

Good luck with ACHIEVING
that first home.
(PS: You might not
have-to go with a fixer-upper!)

Fixer uppers are our specialty. We deal with fixer uppers in all areas of Southern NJ. In doing a quick check I found a couple of homes that were in your price range. To help us focus in on what you are looking for, in you don't mind please complete the form at http://www.bestfixerhomes.com/ or give me a call (609-417-1086) or my wife, Linda (609-417-1084).

Hi VP. I would be very interested in meeting with you to discuss your needs. I beleive with your open mind for a fixer uper (but liveable too!) we could find you something in Collingswood. I would like to meet breifly and discuss further details of your potential purchase. I am a Collingswood resident and work as a Realtor for Wood Haven Realty, Inc. in Collingswood. We are located right on Haddon Ave. E-mail me at Morze2@Yahoo.Com if you would like to set up a visit and chat! Collingswood is a great place as you know, and I would love to help you find your perfect home! Janice Morze, Realtor-Associate, you can reach me via cell at 856-630-2811. Check out our web site at: http://www.woodhavenrealty.info/