Buying their own house is probably one of the biggest investments a person will make in their lives.
Even if you’re not a real estate investor, having some property of your own is considered a major lifetime achievement. With some real estate in hand, you have something to fall back on when times are tough; at the very least, you don’t have to pay rent or search for shelter.
With that being said, this doesn’t mean that you snap up the first available house with a sizable sq. ft. measurement. Since this is a major investment and is possibly getting you into debt, it’s absolutely essential to consider all the factors. Even financing a mobile home is a challenge.
If you buy a house in an area with increasing crime rates, for instance, the value is very likely to go down with time. Even leaving that aside, having property in Rockford, MI 49341 will be risky for you and anyone who lives there.
When they want to identify prospective properties, consumers usually take the help of experienced agents and organizations, such as Five Star Real Estate or Midwest Properties ERA Powered. These sources will tell you the expected sq. ft. for any likely property, as well as the pros and cons of purchasing it.
If you’re considering buying a home of any sq. ft. in Rockford, MI 49341, for instance, the factors seem to be somewhat against this step.
Let’s now have a look at why those with real estate licenses and experience in the industry do not advise investing in the real estate properties for sale in this part of the world:
Houses for Sale in Rockford, MI
1. High Crime Rates
Unfortunately, the crime rates in Rockford, MI 49341 don’t present a very good picture right now. In fact, those who are interested in MI real estate usually steer clear of this place due to its poor history regarding property crime, violent crime, and other kinds.
According to Neighborhood Scout, the crime index of Rockford, MI is 56 (while 100 should be the safest). While there might be some areas that are relatively safe in Rockford, MI, there’s no telling what the future may hold.
Make sure to consult a reliable place like Anchor Realty, LLC before deciding on any purchase, no matter how many sq. ft. it has.
2. Increasing Industrialization; Not a Close Community
More development and industrialization will mean more jobs, but Rockford, MI is still facing a high unemployment rate.
At the same time, its population is rapidly growing and the place is just getting too crowded for comfort. Even if you do get a house for sale in a reasonable price range, the area of Rockford, MI isn’t one to consider for most people.
When you want to buy a home of “X” sq. ft. to settle down in, it’s usually nicer and safer to settle in a community that’s close-knit and people know each other fairly well. A smallish population means that one can know their neighbours and, overall, feel more at home.
The economic opportunities in Rockford, MI might be nice, but you can probably find the same ones in places like Cedar Springs, with only a fraction of the Rockford, MI population. Plus, you might find that a lot of the home-grown businesses in Cedar Springs might be owned by your neighbors or people you know. This just adds to the homey, close-knit feeling; something that you’re not likely to get in the zip code Rockford, MI 49341.
In case you do want an option for investing in MI real estate, consult a decent real estate agent. When they want to identify prospective properties, consumers usually place their trust in someone who knows real estate in the area. Five Star Real Estate, Windpoint Realty, LLC, Bellabay Realty SW, LLC, or Anchor Realty, LLC are all great options to consider here. Make sure you know how to transfer a mobile home title if such an investment is in your plans.
The bottom line here is that Rockford, MI just doesn’t have the small town charm. Many people who want to buy their own house and settle down are on a search for an idyllic, peaceful kind of life. They’re not likely to get that in the Rockford, MI 49341 zip code. So, it’s probably best to bypass this option.
The feeling of a close community might be consumers’ personal choice, though. So, it depends on your preference.
3. Relatively Fewer Historical Offerings
Rockford, MI may have a fairly rich history behind it.
With that said, there are several other places near Grand Rapids that have a much more complex and interesting history. These places also celebrate that history in a fun, enjoyable, manner.
One of the best examples of such locations is Cedar Springs. The tagline for this city reads “cherishing our heritage, embracing our future.” In short, it’s a city that’s open to the future of urban planning, but doesn’t forget its past.
You can find a lot of retail spots here, but the origins of Cedar Springs as a lumber town is still remembered. The same area was also among the first to establish and make use of the railroad system in the U.S. It’s a highly interesting place for adults and kids alike.
Rockford, MI does boast a historical museum and historical society. In comparison, Cedar Springs has the same, but also offers a lot in the realm of cultural development.
With parents on the search for places that will give their children a well-rounded experience, Cedar Springs seems like the better deal. You may want to search for mobile homes for sale in that area instead of Rockford, MI 49341.
4. A Relatively Higher Cost of Living Than Nearby Areas
The cost of moving into a mobile home in Rockford, MI, might not be too high. After that, however, the real deal is the day-to-day cost of living.
When you compare homes for sale in Rockford, MI, the living cost might be a bit higher than places like Cedar Springs or Grand Rapids. The locations there have a comparatively lower cost when it comes to food, housing, transportations, and almost everything else. In fact, Cedar Springs is around nine percent more inexpensive than Rockford, MI in general.
The difference in the housing costs, however, is an even more significant 29 percent. Compare the cost of mobile homes for sale in both areas before coming to a decision about Rockford, MI 49341.
5. Not So Many Festivals or Events
While Rockford, MI has a harvest festival every year, other nearby places in the same state have more to offer in this aspect.
Along with its celebration of red flannels, Cedar Springs also offers parades, marching bands, a royal court, contests, and several other fun offerings throughout the year. Again, the attraction of this factor might depend on the consumers’ personal preference.
The Takeaway
Buying a house with any kind of sq. ft. in Rockford, MI, or any other place, can be a major decision.
While it will help you set down some roots and help in settling your growing family, there are also a lot of risks involved. You want to ensure that the area you move to is safe, thriving, and won’t drain your pockets with taxes, repairs, etc.
Visiting the local MLS brokerage can help you make the best real estate decision possible, but buying real estate properties in Rockford, MI is probably not the best option. With homes being around 1,000 sq. ft. larger than they were a few decades ago, prices are also steadily going up.
The same goes for when you search for a property to rent out. You don’t want a high turnover rate for tenants, nor do you want to be held responsible if anything unpleasant occurs to people renting your home in Rockford, MI 49341.
If you do want to settle down somewhere near Rockford, MI 49341 or just want to invest in some MI real estate, try pivoting your search elsewhere. For now, Rockford, MI houses for sale are not the wisest choice around.
