Friday, October 31, 2014

Friday Fix: Big City Edition, Homes for 25K or less!

 
We often feature houses in small towns on our Friday Fix because most of the bargains are in smaller towns. Today we thought we would focus on Big Cities in the Midwest and just see what 25K OR LESS will buy.

This house sits NW of the Indianapolis downtown in an area the city recently announced it has plans on investing major dollars in cleanup and turnaround. Exterior is in not bad condition and this would be good base for restoration and you can be in on the ground floor of a neighborhood turnaround. Something Indy has been very successful with before. At 13,000.00 it is less than you would pay for vacant lot in most places.

More info: 1129 W 30th

Louisville KY is home to some great bargains and this classic four square is no exception.2619 W Broadway is bargain priced at 21,900.00. 3 Bedroom ,2 Baths and 1900 sq feet

More Info: 2619 W Broadway
Detroit is working its way through a massive foreclosure crisis but better quality homes are getting harder to find. 16183 Northlawn is a 4 BD, 1 ½ BA, large living room with fireplace too. WALKING DISTANCE TO MARYGROVE COLLEGE. Over 1800 sq feet and only 14,900.00

More info: 16183 Northlawn

Toledo has opportunities too and we found this corner storefront priced at 20K has a certain charm that after restoration would make great live work. 1666 sq ft, Under that remuddle is a classic Italianate corner store building.

More info: 445 South Ave
This is the outside of our Friday Fix Cover photo and its in Chicago. This Brick Townhome is at 6442 S Paulina has a lot going for it. Woodwork, encaustic tile in the entry, fireplaces and more. Sits with several nice and under restoration homes Priced at ONLY 16K better buy it before some flipper gets it!

More info: 6442 S Paulina

Thursday, October 30, 2014

The Country Place: 348 Bridge, Gettysburg Ohio

If a place in the country is what you seek, today we present a Queen Anne Cottage fixer for your consideration. This property sits on almost an acre and in a addition to a two car garage, also has a barn.

Its bigger than it looks at  over 3300 sq. feet. 4 bedrooms and 1 bath. This home has an interesting past and was once used a funeral home.

Were it ours, we would either change the roofline of the addition on the right hand side to be more architecturally compatible with the original home , or, remove it entirely.

Priced at only 39,900 this is a lot of space and yard for the money and we could see it all restored with a four color paint job and delightful English gardens....and don't forget to put a picket fence out front!

More info: 348 N Bridge

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Midwest Preservation Bargain: Gothic Revival Degraff Ohio

Normally I might relegate  a less expensive house to the Friday fix series, But this house truly is an outstanding architectural example and I feel that somewhere out there is the right person to rescue this home from neglect.

I am a big fan of Gothic Revival Architecture and these days when you see it you normally can't recognize it because the windows that identify it are long done replaced with modern  small windows and the siding is usually covered under layer of vinyl siding. While this house needs restoration its a prime example of the style and should be restored and preserved. Certainly after restoration this is a registry grade home.
 
This home is located in DeGraff Ohio in Logan County. It is priced at an incredible 19,900.00 (not a typo)! 3bedrooms and 1 bath. The aerial view reveals a nice bay window on the side and I suspect this house is larger than the square footage  (1591 sq ft), Degraff is in the middle of Amish country and I guarantee some Amish craftsman had a hand in this homes original construction.

The front Façade second floor window is a fine gothic window one might well expect to see in a church or cathedral. This home , properly painted and restored could be a showplace. Yes, its small town, but if that's your cup of tea and maybe if it isn't, owning and restoration this home would be plenty to keep you occupied.

Listing info: 206 S Main Degraff Ohio

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

The Corner Store: Mixed Use Preservation Opportunities: 1833 Sycamore, Cincinnati

Our corner store series showcases great historic preservation opportunities with a mixed use. This great corner building is located at 1833 Sycamore, in Cincinnati and is priced at 139K.

This unique "Flat iron" style buildings are getting increasingly harder to find. This could be a great live/work building and is located close to Christ Hospital.

More info: 1833 Sycamore

Monday, October 27, 2014

Midwest Preservation Bargain: 521 Woodlawn , Zanesvile OH

Classic Greek Revival residence circa 1901. Hard to believe you can buy a house like this for under 100K!

Especially when its a 13 room house with 5 bedrooms and 5 baths. This room also sits on over 1/2 acre! Priced at 99K and currently 4 units, this house would be an easy conversion back to a grand single family.

More info: 521 Woodlawn

Friday, October 24, 2014

Friday Fix: Great homes under 25K!

Another Friday and our favorite day a of the week, Friday Fix is here with great Midwestern homes priced at 25K or under. Some homes need a little, some need a lot, but if you are on a tight budget you surely will fine something here

526 Wheatland Ave is in Logansport In. This 3 bedroom 2 Bath Victorian is priced at only 23,000 and represents an excellent value for restoration, AND it has  two car garage.

More Info and photos: 526 Wheatland


323 W 8th Street is in Newport Ky. A classic Second Empire Brick cottage, this house has the original patterned slate rook and is Bargain priced at 9900.00 , we do not think this one will last long. 3 Bedrooms, its bigger than it looks.

More info and photos: 323 W 8th

1025 Kalamazoo Ave SE is located in Grad Rapids Michigan and is a great cottage style home at 17,900.00. This Kent County Land bank home needs work but seems solid structurally. 2 bedroom 1 bath with living room and formal dining Kitchen with small eating area. Full basement and 1 stall detached garage. Seller will not respond to offers until the home has been on the market for 20 days. Offers must include a written renovation plan, written statement regarding the ability of the buyer to complete the renovations, and proof of financing to complete the purchase and renovation.

More info and photos:1025 Kalamazoo Ave SE
This is our Friday Fix Favorite and its in Dayton Ohio. 1734 4th St is in the Huffman historic district. last sold in 2006 for 122K Its now on the market as bank owned foreclosure for ONLY 22,7K. Living Room has picturesque triple windows that stretch from the floor almost to the ceiling! Formal dining room with decorative fireplace and tray ceiling! Adjoining the dining room is a side parlor with decorative fireplace! Large kitchen with maple cabinetry, brick chimney, center island, original built in butlers pantry and dramatic cathedral ceiling! First floor laundry room & half bath! Master Bedroom has a private bath! Walk-up partially finished attic could easily be a rec room or converted to an additional bedroom! Tall ceilings and an abundance of oversized windows! The wonderful home retains much of its original charm and has tons of potential! Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of Dayton's History!
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More info and photos: 1737 E 4th St

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Midwest Mansions: The Vonnegut House


Today on Midwest Mansions we feature The Vonnegut House. This 6496 Sq foot French Revival Mansion is in Historic Meridian Park.  A National Historic District to the North of the Indianapolis Downtown. The Mansion sits on a bout 6/10th of an acre and features a four Car carriage house.


What the realtor Says: Built CA 1921, the Vonnegut House is an outstanding example of French Revival Architecture uniquely located on a double Meridian Park lot that is equidistant to Downtown and Broad Ripple (less than a block from St Richards)! Spread over 4K sq ft, this residence retains most of its period charm and top quality historical details including carved limestone fireplaces, built-ins, natural woodwork, French doors and a stunning entry that welcomes you to the cozy living spaces. The original natural wood kitchen has been cleverly updated with stylish stainless appliances, granite counters and a custom tile back splash. The level of finish rivals that of most Meridian St mansions on quiet Pennsylvania Street. The home's relationship to the large lot is very ahead of its time with several sets of French doors leading to the gardens.


We like the classic lines of the home and the French feel.  Mansions like this are getting increasingly harder to find at this price 450,000.00


More Info and photos: 3245 N Pennsylvania


Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Midwest Mansions: 4390 W Pine Blvd, St Louis Mo.


Here an interesting one, a stone late Queen Anne circa 1903. We love its turret and its overall sense of style and stability. Priced at 541,440.00, its priced less than a small NY apartment.

What The Realtor Says: This 4513 sq ft. Victorian/Queen Anne gem built in 1903 offers the ideal blend of historical character with updated modern conveniences one would expect in a home of this magnitude.

When you enter through the beautiful stained glass heavy oak door you will note the beautiful original inlaid floor and millwork.

The updated kitchen, family room and dining room flow together seamlessly; perfect for entertaining and today's lifestyles. The HUGE master bedroom is complemented by 21st century high end  updates in the master bathroom with separate shower and bath and dual vanities. The huge third floor with kitchenette has perfect potential for in-laws or renters as it is separately metered. The current resident is an architect and has kept meticulous records of this superbly maintained house. Short walk to BJC Medical Campus, Cortex, and the new under construction Whole Foods in the super desirable Central West End this mansion is a rare opportunity for a buyer of discerning tastes!

 
This house could easily be filled to the brim with your antique collection and be period perfect.

More info: 4390 W Pine

Monday, October 20, 2014

Midwest Preservation Bargains:106 Jennings St, North Vernon, Indiana

When you come down to it what is not to like about this home? 3674 Sq feet, 4 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Ba, Formal Parlor, Formal Dining Room and a good kitchen for 45K.

The outside will need a repaint (perhaps with better period colors) and you will need to redecorate inside but look at all that untouched woodwork, Great hardwood floors, Pocket Doors, and that exceptional staircase.

What the realtor says: This Queen Anne Style home has a beautiful oak staircase, wood floors, pocket doors and the kitchen has been updated. There is also a fenced back yard and it's located close to town.

More information and photos : 106 Jennings St


Friday, October 17, 2014

Friday Fix! Great homes under 25K!

Another Friday Fix and some more great homes priced at 25K or under ready for restore. Some may be campable, others may need everything  but if you are on a budget and willing to roll up your sleeves, you might just own a house for less than an economy car!

1871 Sheldon, is located in East Cleveland is only 25K, over 3100 Square feet and is in the hard to find 'chalet influenced style ' that was regionally popular in the Midwest. Broad overhanging eaves,5 bedrooms and 4 baths, gorgeous woodwork. oversize stair case, open porch and OVER 3100sq ft. of living space. Unique house architecturally and a great place to start.

More info: 1870 Sheldon

511 E Walnut is located in Kokomo In and is a great solid home with hardwood floors, nice staircase and a good stating point for restoration. Priced at only 22,900. This home has over 3100 square feet. 4 bedroom 2 baths.

More info:  511 Walnut

623 Kenwood is a great house in Dayton Oho and has some nice English details with a front 'clipped' gable and a nice upper dormer in the roofline. Large 2.5 story home. Over 1400 sq ft. Spacious living room with nice hardwood floors. Cute kitchen, and dining room.

More info: 623 Kenwood

220 W 10th Street in in picturesque New Albany Indiana and this house has some great things going for it. It sits high on a hill, has an almost 1/2 acre lot a huge block two car two story carriage house. I love the historic gate and stone wall, the porch has some impressive views. We also suspect there is some nice fishscale or stick work under that vinyl siding. Priced at 25K this one looks special to us.

More info:220 West 10th street

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Midwest Preservation Bargain: Italianate in Burlington Iowa

Burlington Iowa is a quaint river town with some incredible architecture a great main street program, an active historic preservation movement and today's Midwest Preservation Bargain. Priced at only 23,500 this will not last long.

This house clearly has some remodeling and some of the things like the corner whirlpool tub may not be to everyone's taste BUT if we look beyond that this house has a lot going for it.

First of all Its a large Italianate , it has a classic vestibule entry and paired entry doors, A gracious curved staircase too. Yes its missing mantels (but you can add those back) and yes you will need to redecorate but it also has a serviceable kitchen and what looks like great floors after sanding throughout.

It wouldn't take much to return it to its original roots. This would be a good first time restoration home as you could probably live in it from the get go

More info: 1028 N 6th Burlington IA

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Historic Envy: A Country Estate in Fayette Ohio

WOW is the only work that accurately describes this over the top house. When  I saw the outside photos I was intrigued but the inside is a whole level not expected in  a home like this. While not a cheap home at 479K, it's a relative bargain as you might expect to pay millions for home like this on the coasts AND it has 1.9 acres!

What the realtor says: Country estate on 1.9 acres. Victorian home, historic barn, & separate 1 car garage/outbuilding. Attached covered cedar deck & open air brick patio. Modern kitchen w/island & informal dining area. 7x7 laundry off kitchen. Formal dining room, parlor w/antique fireplace, wraparound front porch. Full house attic, and partially finished basement. This home must be seen to be appreciated.

Lets run the numbers:  Five Bedrooms Three Baths, 2975 square feet of opulence. A 275x312 lot and your own historic Barn which could house your car collection, or maybe a guest home. landscaped with  great outdoor areas.

This house has one of the best interiors I have seen . Columns woodwork mantels , its all there.

More info and photos: Fayette, OH