Fixer Hero Wanted

This forlorn home is in dire need of a rescuer. The stairs and decks are a wreck, water damage to walls and floors is evident in some areas, the paint is almost pre-stripped on the south side, and the foundation has allowed floors to wave and sink. In spite of all this, the house's strong bones and good basic materials indicate the potential to make this a great home again. If this house was anywhere else, it would be a tear down. As it is, the choice to fix the existing property has to be balanced against the extra trouble caused by working within existing walls and conditions.

This $285,000 home would require a ground up effort including a new septic system, foundations, a lot of framing, and extensive ripping out of walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, etc. Of course, the work you have to do would convert this from the eyesore of the mountain to a new gem in a great neighborhood.

The wonderful views and great southern exposure qualify this location as one of the best on Healdsburg's Fitch Mountain. There is great sunshine all year and the westerly views to the river and vineyards are spectacular. The current home was build with one major deck for outdoor living. It's possible in a re-design to have three levels of outdoor space including an expansive roof top deck.  

This isn't a project for the faint of heart or construction novices. There will be large investments of money and extensive negotiatons with Sonoma County to repair violations and get permission to install an upgraded septic system. Battles are possible, but not inevitable. At the end of the day, this is an opportunity to acquire the lowest priced single family home in Healdsburg (as of Feb 7, 2008). The fact that it has the potential to be a wonderful, sunny home in a great neighborhood is a bonus.