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Completely ruined shack sells for seven-figure sum and nobody can believe it

by www.express.co.uk Leave a Comment

‘Dramatic unbelievable river rescue’ in Southern California

An astonishing one million dollars could be spent on a seemingly rundown shack in the middle of after a property hit the market in the US. Located on East Underwood Road, the is described as a “country home”, made up of a former costume shop site. It also includes a seemingly dilapidated one-story space and a charred wooden structure.

Potential buyers were told of the promise the site offers wannabe renovators looking to turn a profit on what could be an eye-catching space in California.

The listing was laid bare by Zillow , and claims it is the “opportunity to renovate a country home or build on five acres” that makes the property so appealing to prospective buyers.

It adds: “Built in 1924, this home offers character, but you may choose to build your own or subdivide this lot.”

Among some of the highlights of the space include brilliant views, such as of the “city limit boundary” line just across the street, as well as a distant view of the mountains.

California shack for sale

Inside the shack that is on sale for $1million (Image: Zillow)

Site for sale in California

Potential buyers were told of the promise the site offers (Image: Zillow)

Other factors to note about the space are that it is “conveniently” housed close to local schools, and there are other development opportunities in and around the surrounding area.

It concluded: “The possibilities are endless to make this your own country paradise. Property is being sold as-is.”

The listing went viral after Bloomberg reporter Steven Dennis, who runs Friday Night Zillow, posted it on his account, adding: “California real estate prices: This is ONE MILLION DOLLARS.”

The tweet garnered plenty of responses – some not as enthusiastic as others, though.

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California house for sale

The listing was laid bare by Friday Night Zillow (Image: Zillow)

The property is on sale with Zillow

Among some of the highlights of the space include brilliant views (Image: Zillow)

One posted bluntly how it was “California dreaming”, while Twitter user Lucinda continued: “Well, even this SF Bay Area native is having a head scratch about the listing.

“Holtville, pop. 6600, is just about as far south as you can get without actually being Mexico. And the only cultural event there, according to Wikipedia, is the annual ten-day (??) CARROT festival!”

Meanwhile, a third asked: “So…..there is a tunnel somewhere that goes into Mexico??”

A fourth simply concluded: “Please explain. I know Cali real estate is crazy, but…”

California property for sale

The nearby mountain range can also be seen from the property (Image: Zillow)

According to real estate firm Redfin, in February 2023 house prices in California were down around 6.7 percent when compared to the previous year.

Median house prices were at around $704,000 (£569,620), and on average the number of houses sold in that period was also down – by around 33 percent.

As well as homes being placed on the market, some realtors and sellers are also offering buyers the chance to purchase luxury cars alongside properties by April 1.

This offer was included by the likes of agent Tatiana Derovanessian.

Map of where the property is

Where the property is in California (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

Trending

She noted that some agents are trying to figure out ways around tax, schemes that included dividing up properties, and offering sweeteners to deals.

She told the Times when selling the incredible Mulholland Drive mansion: “We wanted to come up with a marketing strategy that would make sense with the house, which has this amazing 1,300-square-foot underground car gallery.

“So the buyer can choose one of these cars to put in the gallery.

“You get a house and a car. It’s a one-two punch.”

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Built in 1710, a Pennsylvania Property on a William Penn Land Grant Is This Week’s Oldest Home

by www.sfgate.com Leave a Comment

Said to be one of the longest-standing private residences in Pennsylvania’s Delaware County, the 1710 Newtown Square structure is the oldest home on the market this week on Realtor.com®.

A sitting room with a hearth fireplace and pine floors can be found on the main floor of the original home. The cozy dining and living rooms also boast wood-burning fireplaces.

Other vintage dwellings to hit the market this week include a stone Dutch Colonial in New York, an original log home in Pennsylvania, and a Greek Revival Colonial in Virginia.

Scroll down for a full look at this week’s 10 oldest homes .

1. 571 N Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square, PA

Price: $1,250,000 This 2.2-acre property was “built on a William Penn land grant,” according to the Newtown Square Historical Society.

Said to be one of the oldest homes in Delaware County, the five-bedroom estate offers 3,627 square feet. Many period details can be seen throughout the home, including wide-pine floors, several fireplaces, and wood-beam ceilings. There is a stone accent wall in the spacious eat-in kitchen.

The large property also has a two-story bank barn that was last used as a veterinary practice.

———

2. 85 Baumgarten Rd, Woodstock, NY

Price: $1,850,000 Built as a summer home for one of Woodstock’s founding families, this five-bedroom home boasts lots of original charm.

Throughout the 4,582-square-foot space, historic details can be found throughout the home, including exposed-beam ceilings, wide-plank floors, and built-in cabinets. The primary suite features a cozy fireplace. An attached, two-bedroom guesthouse is designed to accommodate extended family and friends.

Located on 10.6 acres, the property also features a greenhouse, outbuildings, a sugar shack, and a two-story barn.

———

3. 4 Summer St, Kingston, MA

Price: $649,000 This four-bedroom dwelling, which once housed the founding minister of Kingston’s First Parish Church, has wide-pine floors, front and rear staircases, and two fireplaces. The dining room features exposed-beam ceilings, a built-in cabinet, and a cozy fireplace. The galley-style kitchen has been updated over the years and offers stainless steel appliances. Four bedrooms can be found upstairs, along with a recently renovated bathroom with a glass shower and clawfoot tub.

There are two screened-in porches, and a large patio and deck to enjoy views of the peaceful backyard.

———

4. 368 Thompson Mill Rd, New Hope, PA

Price: $5,200,000 This thoughtfully renovated, 9,330-square-foot home still features vintage pine-board floors, three staircases, six fireplaces, and exposed beams.

The main home has six en suite bedrooms, including a first-floor primary suite with access to a private terrace. A massive great room features a stone fireplace and vaulted ceiling. The gourmet kitchen has an exposed stone wall, quartzite countertops, and high-end appliances.

Located on 12 acres, the property offers a detached bank barn that could be transformed into a two-bedroom guesthouse. There is also a heated saltwater pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, stone spring house, and a covered terrace and patio with a fireplace.

———

5. 560 Old Quaker Rd, Lewisberry, PA

Price: $387,000 This property features an original log house and a single-story addition built in 2004.

The five-bedroom log home boasts exposed-beam ceilings and walls and a walk-in fireplace. The primary suite, with clawfoot tub, can be found on the first floor. Upstairs, there are two more bedrooms, along with a loft for storage. Connected by the laundry, the addition offers a family room, kitchenette, living room, and two more bedrooms.

Lewisberry, PA

———

6. 4750 Warner Hall Rd, Gloucester, VA

Price: $3,995,500 This enormous, Greek Revival Colonial boasts an 18th-century wing with wood-beam ceilings and brick floors.

The sprawling, eight-bedroom estate has been meticulously updated over the years. Primary bedrooms are located on the first and second floors. Pine floors, a double staircase, and 12 working fireplaces are situated throughout the 16,798-square-foot home.

Offering water frontage on the Severn River, the nearly 30-acre property also includes a river cottage, pier, boat lift, and ramp.

———

7. 107 Millstone Rd, Millstone Township, NJ

Price: $900,000 This four-bedroom abode boasts hand-carved beam ceilings, an original staircase, and preserved plank floors.

Throughout the home’s 2,622 square feet, evidence of its rich history abounds. An enormous living area features a brick wall, fireplace, and exposed beams. An airy kitchen has been modernized over the years and now includes stainless steel appliances.

Located on 8.4 acres, the property also sports a 3-acre, naturally stocked lake and a private dock.

———

8. 374 Middle St, Braintree, MA

Price: $644,900 This four-bedroom charmer has been thoughtfully updated and still features wide-plank floors, double staircases, and built-in cabinets.

The cozy, 1,785-square-foot home has a recently renovated kitchen with honed granite countertops, a farmhouse sink, and an enormous island. The spacious bedrooms can be found upstairs, along with extra space for an office or playroom.

There is already a contingent offer on the property.

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9. 811 Port Providence Rd, Phoenixville, PA

Price: $465,000 This four-bedroom abode has stone walls and original oak floors.

The renovated first floor of this 2,308-square-foot space features a living room with floor-to-ceiling, built-in bookcases. A nearby dining room has a wood-burning stove. The updated kitchen features custom cabinets, marble countertops, high ceilings, and modern appliances. The primary suite is on the second floor, along with an additional bedroom. Two more can be found on the third floor.

The fenced-in lot features a slate patio, wood pergola, hot tub, and koi pond. The well-priced property is already pending sale.

———

10. 18-24 Elm Ridge Rd, Pennington, NJ

Price: $1,425,000 The original dwelling features well-preserved hardwood floors, exposed-beam ceilings, and many built-ins.

The front-to-back living room has a large fireplace and a wall of windows that overlook the private backyard. A nearby dining room has an eye-catching  wood ceiling. The modernized kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets, and a butcher-block island. The nearly 40-acre, gated property boasts a two-bedroom guest cottage, a six-stall barn, chicken coop, and a pavilion.

The post Built in 1710, a Pennsylvania Property on a William Penn Land Grant Is This Week’s Oldest Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com® .

Reviews

Home improvement projects will be more expensive this year

by www.cbsnews.com Leave a Comment

Homeowners planning major renovations this year could face sticker shock.

The price of construction and building materials rose 3% in February from a year ago, labor data shows. But some items have  skyrocketed. The cost of construction bricks has jumped 25%, while general contractors are charging more amid a shortage of skilled workers, Wall Street Journal reporter Rachel Wolfe told CBS News.

“That has led to these projects just dragging out and dragging out,” she said, adding that some Americans are just “living in these half-finished houses among piles of construction debris because there just aren’t enough workers to finish the job.”

The construction industry needs about 546,000 additional workers to keep up pace for 2023, the Associated Builders and Contractors said last month. Homeowners typically call contractors when it’s time to renovate their property.

Despite higher material costs, improvement projects will continue to be a top priority for homeowners this year as opposed to moving into another property, according to Houzz , an online home renovation marketplace. That’s partly because more homeowners are staying put, deterred from trading up by historically high mortgage rates. Most homeowners planning to renovate have their sights set on remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, while smaller numbers are looking to hire a professional to spruce up electrical wiring or cabinets, the survey found.

The median cost of revamping a kitchen and main bathroom — the two most popular renovations homeowners undertake — is $20,000 and $13,500 respectively, Houzz found. That’s an increase from $12,000 and $8,000 respectively in 2020, according to Houzz.

Contractors are also feeling the impact of higher building material prices and labor costs.

“We have prices on one side, homeowners on the other side and we’re squeezed in between,” Miguel Villamil, who owns a general contracting firm in Indianapolis, told CBS News.

Still, the elevated price of building materials didn’t deter homeowners from making upgrades last year. In 2021, 24.5 milion homeowners completed at least one home improvement project — up from 22.2 million in 2019, according to a Harvard University study .

All told, Americans spent an estimated $567 billion on home improvements and repairs in 2022, up 15% from 2021, the Harvard study found. That figure is expected to reach $580 billion this year.

Khristopher J. Brooks

Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering business, consumer and financial stories that range from economic inequality and housing issues to bankruptcies and the business of sports.

Italian holiday island with 2,500 hours of sunshine offering Brits £13,000 to move there – but there is a catch

by www.thesun.co.uk Leave a Comment

A SUNNY Italian island is offering Brits £13,000 to move there – but there is a catch.

The popular holiday island of Sardinia is looking to boost its declining population and offers the cash to anyone looking to make the move.

The island’s local government is prepared to spend £38 million on the project hoping to lure new residents.

However, there is a slight catch for those choosing to move to the Mediterranean island.

The offer stands only for people willing to move to certain areas of Sardinia- including regions with fewer than 3,000 residents.

Additionally, the money from the grant must be used to buy a house or renovate a property.

The amount received must not exceed half of the total cost of the property or the refurbishment.

Residents must live in Sardinia full-time and register as permanent residents within 18 months.

But it might be worth it as people will have the chance to live a stress-free life on the picturesque island.

Sardinia isn’t the only Italian town offering money to lure new residents.

The second biggest island in the Mediterranean , Sardinia boasts sandy beaches and breathtaking mountain views.

Sardinian President Christian Solinas explained the scheme and said it was all about creating new opportunities for Sardinians.

He said: “We have created the conditions for young people to decide to stay and (develop) the economic fabric of the most fragile territories.

“Thanks to the contributions to their first houses, this is strengthened and becomes fertile ground for those who will move there or decide to build a family.

“There can be no growth without a real enhancement of the territories, of the interior and most disadvantaged areas, which must pass through new policies for their repopulation.”

Sardinia is not the only Italian place offering cash to move there- another town in Italy is offering anyone who moves there a whopping £25,000.

It comes as another town has offered people £10,000 to move there – but there is a slight catch.

There’s another village that’s offering people £50,000 to move there but there is a major catch.

What I Own: Operations director Laura, who pays £2,100 on her mortgage and bills in Lincolnshire

by metro.co.uk Leave a Comment

This is What I Own – our weekly property series.

Last time we were in Derby – but this week we’re travelling over to Lincolnshire to chat to Laura Leyland.

She moved into her property in 2021 using her savings and the profit from her previous home, a three-storey townhouse, for the deposit.

Here’s what she has to say about her buying experience…

Tell us about yourself, Laura.

I’m 35 and an operations director, from Lincolnshire.

Where is your property? What do you think of the area?

The quiet village of Haconby, South Lincolnshire. It’s a really friendly and welcoming village with a great sense of community.

When did you move in?

January 2021.

How much does your property cost?

£595,000.

How much was your deposit?

£125,000.

What is the monthly cost of living here now; both mortgage and bills?

£2,100.

How did you save up for your deposit?

Savings and profit from sale of our previous home.

What was the process of getting a mortgage like for you? Did you find any parts challenging?

We are lucky to have a great mortgage advisor who made the process easy and did all the leg work for us. The only challenge was that we wanted to borrow five times our earnings – which limited the amount of lenders we could access. But once we secured a deal, the process was straightforward.

Where did you live before this – were you renting or living with family?

It was a smaller, owned property that was closer to the town. It was a three-storey townhouse with a small garden – so not ideal for our growing family.

What made you want to buy rather than renting?

For future investment and security.

How did you find this property? What made you choose it?

Rightmove. We’d looked at the listing several times before enquiring, as it was over our top budget, but something kept drawing me back to it.

Initially, we wanted and older property, with character that we could renovate – so this new build didn’t fit the criteria really. But the open plan living space, good size home office and village location just kept drawing us in.

It was also being built by a small, local builder with a great reputation so we knew it wouldn’t come with the usual new build struggles around snagging that you hear about. The fact it would be a low-maintenance and very energy efficient (air source heat pump) home seemed like a sensible option knowing that we have a young family that takes all our time – and both work full-time in high pressure jobs.

How have you made the property feel like home?

Despite being a new build, we have decorated almost every room to add our stamp – as well as landscaping the garden to really utilise the space available.

What’s the inspiration for your interior decor style?

Modern but comfortable. It’s important to us that – although we want our home to look good – it also needs to be family-friendly, welcoming for guests, and hard-working, so we focused on getting plenty of storage to enable us to tidy all those pesky toys away at the end of the day.

What’s your favourite room and why?

My eldest son’s safari bedroom – especially the homemade jungle animal ceiling feature.

He’s getting a little too old for it now, and would probably prefer a superhero room, but I want to hold on to it for as long as I can as I just love it.

Do you feel like you have enough space?

Yes, we’re very lucky.

Do you have plans to change the property?

Eventually we’d like to change the garden room to have bifold doors rather than patio doors to open it right out into the garden. At the same time we’ll likely add doors in between that and the lounge – so that when the children are older, they can have friends over in private while we hide in the ‘adult’ lounge.

Are there any problems with the property that you have to deal with?

No, any small snags we’ve had were swiftly dealt with by our developers – they were brilliant.

What do you want people to know about buying a home?

Take your time and see them in real-life. Looking on Rightmove doesn’t give you a true feel for the space, location and general state of the house. We saw some that looked pristine online but shabby in real-life – amazing what a good photo can do.

You’ve also got to love a house. It may tick all your boxes but if you don’t get the ‘feeling’, keep looking. It’s a lot of money to spend and a big investment so it needs to be love.

Do you want to feature in What I Own?

What I Own is a Metro.co.uk series that takes you inside people’s properties, to take an honest look at what it’s like to buy a home in the UK. If you own your home and would be up for sharing your story, please email [email protected] .

You’ll also need to be okay with sharing how much you’ve paid to live there and how you afforded the deposit, as that’s pretty important.

What are your plans for the future, in terms of housing? Do you plan to stay here long term?

We bought it as our ‘forever home’ but things change so we will see. If we do move it’ll be for an older, period property with land I would expect – but it will definitely still be within five miles of here. We like being close to our friends and family.

Shall we take a look around?

More of Laura’s house can be found on her Instagram – @ourhaconbyhome .

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

MORE : What I Own: Jon, who put down a £35,000 deposit on his three-bed Derby home

MORE : What I Own: Vicky, who bought a Cambridgeshire flat that she rents out on Airbnb

MORE : What I Own: Content creator Katie, who bought her south east London home for £360,000 a decade ago

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