Helen Kimes of Saylor Realty with Fred Dowie and his son Ryan stand ready to welcome new residents to West Ridge Townhomes in Osceola, Iowa
Mortgage interest rates are rock-bottom right now, and potential homeowners, from young families to retirees, are looking to take advantage of the drop. Unfortunately, properties in Osceola and surrounding areas in the price range suitable for these buyers are scarce, leaving many buyers in limbo. According to local real estate sales records, buyers are having to wait for resales that get snatched up immediately, or rent until options open up. But a new development on the northwest side of Osceola is ready and able to fill that housing gap.
An entire neighborhood of brand-new, custom-built townhomes and single-family homes are already under construction in the West Ridge Townhomes development on N. West View Drive off of Clay Street. The foundations for the first properties are already being poured, with one single-family home already sold. The rest of the development is projected to be move-in ready before the holidays.
“These homes are perfect for young couples looking to put down some equity and get out of apartment living,” said Fred Dowie of Autumn Ridge Development. “For the same cost or even less than rent, buyers can get a brand-new, quality home right in Osceola.”
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In a similar development his company built in Indianola, Dowie pointed out that retirees or farmers wanting to move into town, closer to amenities made the development an immediate attraction.
“It was kind of a ‘Farm to Home’ opportunity,” said Dowie. “After taking care of acres upon acres, these families could find ideal properties, close to shopping and family members, all while enjoying townhome living. Mowing, snow removal and more is taken care of for residents.”
These new properties start at $209,000 with various layouts with a range of 1200 to 1500 square feet. Other attractions include full unfinished basements, central air and heat, a two-car garage, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and more.
“These homes are right in the price point with the highest demand. There is nothing like this available in the city,” said Helen Kimes, from Saylor Realty. “People who work at the factories in and around Osceola would like to live here – and we want them to live here – but any homes in the desired price range are gone as soon as they are listed. The West Ridge development fills that need.”
Discussions with local manufacturing leadership have repeatedly emphasized the need for more housing options in the area. With a large number of commuters to Altec, Osceola Food, Miller Products, and others, increasing the availability of homes within the $200K – $225K price range means more opportunities for growing Osceola’s workforce.
Single family units will also be available. Click to view larger in your browser.
“This is exciting news for the manufacturers throughout Clarke County,” said Bill Trickey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Development Corporation. “By working with Fred and his team, the City and local businesses will have even stronger incentives for attracting new talent and families to grow our communities.”
The first phase of development will be townhomes on N. West View Drive, with the second phase consisting of single-family homes and condos backing to the creek with walk-out basements. Residents will own the home and the property but since all of development is part of an association (HOA), maintenance such as lawn care and snow removal will be taken care of for homeowners.
If you have questions or would like additional information on the West Ridge Development, please contact Helen Kimes with Saylor Realty at (641) 342-2141, via her cell phone at (641) 340-0181, or you can email their office through the Web site at https://saylorrealtyosceola.com/.
