In Central Missouri a new 1800 sq ft home will bring around $180,000. Compared to other parts of the country, this a a bargain. A lot of people are retiring in the area after cashing out for double to triple the price from places like California.
If those existing home markets are cooling, relocation becomes harder and more costly.
God I hope Cali's don't start moving to MO; they'll ruin it like everywhere else they go.
On another note, is it bad to buy a house that has been unoccupied for a year?
Not having someone living in it to keep a constant temperature as an example.