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One person's trash is another one's treasure

By
Real Estate Agent with Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 MD594797

One person's trash is another one's treasure. It's true. Some people get rid of "old stuff" that others would find appealing. Old can be rehabbed, refurbished or repurposed. It's amazing what a bit of TLC can do.

I happen to love trash treasures. So when I look through new Real Estate listings it tugs on my heartstrings when I see a Colonial built in 1875 advertised as a tear-down. It needs a lot of love (and $) to be sure but it's still a home. A home with a history that would be demolished right along with its walls.

The thing is, it's been a home for a very long time. Can you imagine if those walls could talk? Can you imagine family gatherings on its front porch? Can you imagine kids filling it with laughter?

What a shame it would be if the buyer would indeed tear it down. The house still has a lot to give, there is still time to create new memories in it.

This house doesn't need a bulldozer, it needs a Rehab Addict! Someone with a vision, love for the character and appreciation for its historic details. Someone who gets excited about restoring a 139 year old Colonial in Howard County, MD to its former glory.

I wish I knew someone who would fit the bill. But I don't. Do you?

2-story Colonial in Hanover, MD

Historic Rehab Howard County, MD
built in 1875
on the market for $175,000

One person's trash is another one's treasure

Posted by

Andrea Bedard
Thompson Co., REALTORS®

Silver Spring, Maryland
andreabedard.com

Fluent in Real Estate and German.
Old house lover.
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Comments (11)

Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Andrea, there is a buyer for every home as long as the price is right. Older homes certainly have a lot of character.

May 06, 2014 10:33 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Dear Andrea,
Here's a case for Margaret Rome from Baltimore. If you look through her posts, you will see homes that NO ONE could have ever sold yet she did.

This house is so beautiful. I really hope that the right Buyer comes to YOU for it!
Have a happy day -
Lynn

May 06, 2014 10:39 AM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

Hi Beth, I think the price is right but the marketing is not! Why advertise as a tear-down when you can market it to rehab addicts?

Hi Lynn, I don't love the marketing approach for this home. I know the right - historic property loving - buyer is out there but how can he find it if it's not advertised as such? Maybe my post will help. I would certainly love to help a buyer purchase this gem ... and then witness the transformation back to its old glory.

P.S. Love Margaret!

May 06, 2014 10:48 AM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

My dream is to rehab a very old house with character on acreage and a mountain view. I haven't found my dream yet. Yes...I do want bay windows, and at least two stories. 

I guess my love of this type of project came from my dad's cousins that did just that. It took them years, and it was on acreage in Illinios. This was an amazing house at one time and they restored it. I remember those winters sitting in the kitchen around the woodstove because that was the only source of heat for a while. 

May 06, 2014 03:26 PM
Bill Lauler
Chase Realty LLC - McLean, VA
Associate Broker,CIPS,CRB,SRES,GRI

Hi Andrea, Over the past 42 years, we have sold quite a few older homes in and around old battle fields from the revolutionary and civil wars. We have had some very interesting buyer's. Some are their for the charm or location and some are there to see if there are still ghosts in the mist.

 

May 06, 2014 09:00 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Hello Andrea,

Always so sad to see a home waiting for someone to bring it back to life...here's hoping the right buyer steps in to save this one!

May 07, 2014 03:51 AM
Bill Lauler
Chase Realty LLC - McLean, VA
Associate Broker,CIPS,CRB,SRES,GRI

Hi Andrea, Have you made contact with the Maryland Historical Society or the architectural department at the University of Maryland with reference to this property?

May 07, 2014 03:58 AM
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Good morning Andrea, Yes, it is a shame. I have also seen where the city purchased or steals a property like that and then promises to restore it, but iin the end it sits for years and then falls down. I guess we are just sentimental.

May 07, 2014 10:49 PM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

We have the same dream Debbie - why am I not surprised? I attempted a rehab a historic home 10 years ago but didn't know even half of what I know now. There's a lot I would do differently and I would want to take my time to make sure I get all the details just right.

Hi Bill, I can imagine!

This home is not my listing, if it were I would def. try that route as well. I may still check on it though.

Fingers crossed Lisa! I'll have to keep an eye on this one.

Truly a shame Larry, old homes like this one just have to be restored and saved. It will take some sweat and $ but she could be a beauty again.

May 08, 2014 12:06 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

If this were your listing, we would find that one buyer who could lovingly restore this house to a home. Keep checking and when it expires...we may still have the chance!

Lynn, Thanks for the vote of confidence!!

May 08, 2014 02:03 PM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

It's been on the market for almost a year Margaret, I have it on my watch list.

May 09, 2014 12:02 AM