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Who can save the small towns?

By
Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Boone Realty

Yesterday I looked at a house the owner wants to sell. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to be able to help. The property has been vacant for 16 years. If he would have called me when it originally went vacant, I probably could have done something. The experience made me sad. The house is located in a small town with other vacant houses. There is practically a vacant house on every street. I had to drive through another small town, also with vacant houses to get there. He didn't want much for the house, only $8,000 but I don't think that is going to be possible due to the obvious lack of demand.

The situation reminded me of the book "Your Money or Your Life" by Joe Dominquez and Vicki Robin. The basic premise is people only have a finite amount of time so it is a good idea to make sure the money you earn is spent on things that give you quality of life. One of the suggestions was for people to work in a large city where the pay is higher and stockpile money. Once you have done that, you can buy a house with cash for next to nothing in our unpopulated heartland. Put the rest of your stockpile in the bank and live off the interest. Great plan right? Is it viable? The authors did it so they proved it is possible. It's an excellent book. I recommend everyone read it. If anyone wants to move to a small, affordable town, give me a call! I can set you up.

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Courtney Cooper
Cooper Jacobs - Seattle, WA
206-850-8841

Erin - this is amazing - I had no idea... even being born in MO :)  Can you write some more about these towns  - they intrigue us.  What does this house look like form the outside? Thanks for sharing - I should read the book...

Jul 28, 2010 04:54 AM
Cheryl Willis
RE/MAX Solutions- OZARK MISSOURI - Mount Vernon, MO
MO Broker - Mt Vernon, Monett, Aurora, Barry & Law

Erin, I think the move back to small town America is starting to pick up steam.  I work with retired couples making the move back to their roots.  Great towns to consider are Mt Vernon, Aurora and Monett, all three are different and with in 40 minutes of larger cities of Joplin and Springfield.

 

Jul 28, 2010 06:18 AM
Erin Blaise
Re/Max Boone Realty - Columbia, MO

I think the small towns are underapprciated and undervalued. Unfortunately, some people don't feel comfortable retiring in a small town if there is not a large hospital there. The house looks ok from the outside.

Jul 29, 2010 10:35 AM