The Greater Silver Spring, MD area has a variety of older subdivisions where you can find mid-century modern homes, classic Bungalows, white-washed brick Colonials, Victorians, Tudors and turn-of-the century (19th that is) Farmhouses.
Many homes have been beautifully restored with original details intact and others are waiting for their turn to be restored. But what we also have - and way too many - are really, really bad flips! Original cabinets were torn out and replaced with the cheap "building store" variety, hardwood floors are covered up with carpet, pocket doors are closed off, stained-glass windows removed, original hardware replaced ...
What these sellers do not realize is that older homes that feature (yes, I said feature) original details are hidden gems! Vintage is in!
There is a market for it! I have been on the hunt to find just such a gem with several buyers over the last few years. They gladly pass on the new construction and say Thank you but no thank you to an updated home that was stripped of its personality.
Let me say it again: there is a demand for older homes with original details intact! The mid-century modern in Ellicott City, the Stone Cottage in Silver Spring, the Victorian in historic Relay, the 1940s Colonial in Catonsville and the Farmhouse in Mount Rainier .. I have a story to tell about all of them.
This picture is of an original 1955 vanity that we found in
a rambler in Ellicott City, MD - and saved from a trip to the dump. There was a remark in the listing that "the master bedroom vanity will be replaced before closing". We saw what the seller was planning on replacing it with, it sat in a box in the garage. When we wrote our offer we requested that the seller do not touch that vanity!
The new owners - my happy buyers - have been on a mission to restore their mid-century home since settlement. They are still on the hunt for another 1950s vanity to replace the replacement in the 2nd full bath ... a pink bathroom I might add.
They saved a pink bathroom! and are proud members of a growing fan club.
Like I said, there is a market and there is demand.
If you have a mid-century modern home, Bungalow, Tudor, Cottage, Colonial, Cape Cod, Victorian, Farmhouse in Silver Spring, MD and beyond to sell, don't listen when someone advises you to update that original vanity or to cover up the hardwoods or replace the 'worn' hardware!
Don't update! Restore instead or set out to find a buyer who is hunting for that hidden gem! I can help you with that.
Original details are charming. Charm is in high demand. Vintage homes are hidden gems.
Want to know what vintage homes are currently for sale in Silver Spring, MD?
Just send me a message and I'll get back to you with a list!
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