Most second home buyers I've been working with recently have been shopping at more moderate price points, from $150,000 to $300,000 or so. But I have a few clients looking in a somewhat higher range, and have been reacquainting myself with that inventory. I've been pleasantly surprised by a number of the properties on the market in the $400,000 to $600,000 range. One house on the market at $425,000 (MLS 31702) has probably the most dramatic view I've seen in a few years. I expect that cool iPhone toting Brooklynites will click right past it in internet searches because the house has a more traditional style, but without a lot of effort it could updated with more contemporary flair. And of, that view!
Another house that can easily get passed over is MLS 31499, an 80's era Dutch gambrel log home on 10 acres for $495,000. But those 10 acres? They front on the very northern tip of Swinging Bridge, a part of the lake I've never seen before, hidden down a long private drive. There's only one other house along that drive. The setting is just really unique.
Moving up into the $400K+ range opens up a whole new world — more private or more interesting settings, larger acreage, more beautifully renovated houses and features like open designer kitchens. While these properties aren't inexpensive, many are comparatively great values. Some that will sell today in the $400's might have been in the $600's or even $700's at the peak of the market a few years ago.
In this group of houses, all are in the $400,000 to $600,000 range, with the exception of one rfenovated farmhouse outside of Claryville priced at $699,000. I capped this at $700K, and didn't look at the $700K+ range — which, as you might expect as you edge in on that magic million number, includes some really fabulous properties.
To look at the individual properties in this group, you can click on a house as it cycles through the slideshow. Or click through here to see all of them together, with additional details,
