Homes: What you can buy for $150,000
Believe it or not, it's still possible to find homes for $150,000.
That price point isn't considerably less than the median home value in the U.S., which is currently about $181,000, according to Zillow. But depending on where you look, a few thousand dollars could mean the difference between a savvy buy and a money pit.
A good rule of thumb is to compare the price of a listing with other properties in the neighborhood. If it costs much more or much less than other homes nearby, that should be a major red flag. It's also smart to compare neighborhood prices with home values in the surrounding metro area. A much lower neighborhood median home value could indicate high crime rates or poorly performing public schools.
If all the indicators line up, and a market is trending in the right direction, it's possible for deal-seeking homebuyers to find a modest, worthwhile spot in which to live or invest. For $150,000 in Portland's Multnomah neighborhood, you can buy an 800-square-foot condo with pool access. In the Gentilly Woods area of New Orleans, that amount will buy a 1,340-square-foot ranch house with a fireplace and jetted bathtub.
Click ahead to see what $150,000 will buy in 10 cities across the country.
Atlanta, Georgia
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom house in the Hills Park neighborhood of Atlanta is on the market for $145,000. It was first listed in August for $175,000, and the price has been reduced three times since. It's slightly more expensive than the modest median home value in the area, which is approximately $112,000, according to Zillow.
Atlanta, Georgia
The home has hardwood flooring, a small front porch and a fenced-in yard. According to the listing, it has "great bones" but may need some "basic cosmetic improvements."
Yonkers, New York
A buyer in Yonkers, New York (about 12 miles north of Manhattan) could purchase this 560-square-foot studio co-op apartment for $149,000. It was last listed for $99,000 in October 2008, but was taken off the market four months later. The unit is considerably less expensive than the approximately $366,000 median home value in the area.
Yonkers, New York
It features cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a partial dividing wall between the living and sleeping areas and access to a pool, sun deck, gym, sauna, play room, library, garage parking and storage space.
Cincinnati, Ohio
A buyer with $140,000 in the West Price Hill area of Cincinnati could purchase this three-bedroom, three-bathroom, traditional-style home. The current owner has been there a while: The property last sold in March 1995 for $84,700. It is nearly three times as expensive as the astonishingly low median home value in the area, which is currently about $52,000, according to Zillow.
Cincinnati, Ohio
The 1,729-square-foot home features hardwood flooring, attic storage, gas heating, a decorative fireplace, eat-in kitchen, unfinished basement, patio and a four-car garage.
Denver, Colorado
This two-bedroom, three-bathroom condo in the Villa Park neighborhood of Denver is on the market for $150,000. According to Zillow, the property was foreclosed to the lender in May 2013. Prior to that, it sold in a foreclosure auction in January 2005 for $137,000. It is considerably less expensive than the approximately $249,000 median home value in the area.
Denver, Colorado
The two-story condo has 1,392 square feet of space, carpeting, a finished basement and in-unit laundry. The new owners might need to put in some sweat equity: There are obvious signs of wear and tear in the listing photos, including areas of unfinished flooring.
Chicago, Illinois
In the Rosemoor neighborhood of South Chicago, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,650-square-foot ranch house is currently on the market for $141,000. It last sold in April for $36,000, indicating that the owners could be attempting a fix-and-flip. The property has been listed since late September, and is notably pricier than the incredibly low $94,000 median home value in the area.
Chicago, Illinois
The brick house features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a finished basement, some hardwood flooring and fenced-in backyard.
Miami, Florida
This two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 936-square-foot condo in the Kendall area of Miami is currently listed for about $148,000. It last sold in November 2014 for $125,000 and was listed for rent at $1,250 almost immediately. It's less expensive than the median home value in the area, which is about $254,000, according to Zillow.
Miami, Florida
The unit features walk-in closets, tiled flooring, a balcony and glass-top range. It provides access to a shared laundry facility, pool, tennis courts and a clubhouse.
Portland, Oregon
In the Multnomah neighborhood of Portland, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom condo went on the market this month for $150,000. It last sold in January 2006 for $120,500. The property is considerably less expensive than the median home value in the area, which is approximately $391,000, according to Zillow.
Portland, Oregon
The unit has 800 square feet of space, a pantry, deck, attached garage, attic, fireplace, jetted bathtub, eat-in kitchen, in-unit laundry and access to a community pool.
Los Angeles, California
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 700-square-foot condo in South Los Angeles is on the market for $150,000. It was last for sale in October 2013 for around $90,000, but the listing was removed two months later, according to Zillow. It's considerably less pricey than the approximately $364,000 median home value in the neighborhood.
Los Angeles, California
The furnished unit, which was first built in 1927, has hardwood flooring and gas heating. The owner would also get access to an elevator, shared laundry facility, fitness area and gated parking.
New Orleans, Louisiana
This two-bedroom, one bathroom ranch house in the Gentilly Woods area of New Orleans is on the market for approximately $150,000. Clearly it's been in the same hands for a while. The last time it sold was in September 1976 for a now-astonishing $29,000. It's slightly pricier than the $115,000 median home value in the area.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The brick home features 1,340 square feet of space, tiled flooring, a fireplace, jetted bathtub, backyard patio and car port.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,796-square-foot traditional-style house in Central Oklahoma City went on the market earlier this month for approximately $150,000. Since then, the price was reduced to about $144,000. It last sold in May 1990 for $69,000. The home is slightly pricier than the median home value in the area, which is approximately $110,000.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
It features two skylights, a fireplace, mudroom, built-in shelving, backyard patio, fenced-in yard, shed and walk-in closet.