Queen Anne – Chase City, VA
Off Market / Archived
Posted February 2018. This home has been archived on OHD. The sold status is unknown.
Added to OHD on 2/13/18 - Last OHD Update: 1/24/19 - 51 Comments
Added to OHD on 2/13/18 - Last OHD Update: 1/24/19 - 51 Comments
106 Grace St, Chase City, VA 23924
Map: Aerial
$9,900- 5 Bed
- 3.5 Bath
- 3752 Sq Ft
- 0.5 Ac.
Buyer is responsible for the costs of any de-winterization that may be required for inspections on the property, as well as the cost to re-winterize following inspections to ensure proper maintenance of the property. Seller will not turn electric on or make any repairs to the property. Buyer is responsible for any lender required repairs. Seller requires a pre-approval with all offers plus an EMD of $1000 or 1% of sales price, whichever is greater. Seller will not pay for well, septic, or termite inspections. Buyer's agent is to validate schools.
Links, Photos & Additional Info
State: Virginia | Region: South (South Atlantic) | Associated Styles or Type: Queen Anne
Period & Associated Styles: Queen Anne (1880-1910), Victorian Era | Misc: Endangered Properties, Extreme Fixer, Fixer-Uppers
Period & Associated Styles: Queen Anne (1880-1910), Victorian Era | Misc: Endangered Properties, Extreme Fixer, Fixer-Uppers
51 Comments on Queen Anne – Chase City, VA
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Comments that do not add value to the conversation in a positive manner will not be approved.
Click here to read the comment rules, updated 1/12/20.
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OHD does not represent this home. Price, status and other details must be independently verified but please do not call the agent unless you are actively looking or interested in the property.
Chestatee, GA
This one gave me the same sad feeling the Sad Craigslist House Salvage one did (it was from 2012, don’t know what happened to it.)
Two descriptions found, the one up top and this one: “Old colonial in the middle of town needs a lot of work to make it livable. Entry the home at your own risk missing floors and rotten floors. Home is sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS with no warranties implied. All inspections are for buyer info only and at buyer expense, seller will not make any repairs. Seller requires seller addendum with all offers. Contact LA for details. Seller requires a pre-approval with all offers plus an EMD of $1000 or 1% of sales price, whichever is greater. Seller will not pay for well, septic, or termite inspections. Minimum commission is $1500 for the buyer agent.”
I like to imagine the Joy and Love the house gave just as you do Kelly with all the posting and management of this site. You do good work.
Chestatee, GA
Thanks Priscilla. 🙂
Chestatee, GA
BTW, bless the agent for showing us the holes and damage and such strong descriptive language that THIS HOME NEEDS WORK! 🙂
Even though I can practically smell the termites all the way from Manhattan, I believe this house would be worth it. It looks like someone was trying to fix it at one point. Ihope she gets the attention she deserves.
Nice staircase.
I rarely feel this way, but I honestly see no hope for this one. There is virtually nothing left (except possibly the mantle). Although the listing agent is obviously very upfront and honest in his/her disclosure, the seller seems to be inflexible at best. Only value I see is the bare land. Too bad, from the exterior I would think this was once a very nice home.
I wondered myself. I am usually such an optimist and can see the beauty under anything but this one just made me more sad the more I looked at her. It’s too bad. She was a beauty at one time.
Emporia, KS
What????????
There is virtually nothing left????????
Did you not see the STUNNING, virtually intact exterior? The porch alone is exquisite. With a period-correct color scheme, the exterior would be a KNOCK-OUT!
Did you not see the sweeping, fabulous staircase?
Did you not see that much of the interior trim is intact?
And, most importantly, did you not see the price?
I see nothing about this home which makes it a lost cause.
Ross –
Did you post on 3563 Rt 89 Seneca Falls NY in 2016 that you had seen/restored worse? If not, do you know who did? I’m trying to buy the house, but can’t find any local craftsmen who will help me give a whirl. No one in the area seems to care what happens to it – not even the historical society. I suspect a developer is waiting for the auction – and no one wants to go up against him/her.
Afternoon I am not used to some on the verbiage. Does it mean if someone walks in with $9,900.00 cash it could not be bought outright. Is this like a, I think it was in a post other day with a HUD Foreclosure where it has to be bid on. The language is a little scary( Seller requires a pre-approval with all offers plus an EMD of $1000 or 1% of sales price, whichever is greater. and the Minimum commission is $1500 for the buyer agent. The Minimum commission also sounds strange shouldn’t it be the Maximum.) It makes you wonder what is owed in back taxes, water and electric that would have to be paid. If a clear title can be produced. The house could be made smaller using the good parts to fix the other parts, at that price you would still have a very nice home.
yes, do the homework and research the liabalities, and liens and restrictions. then. talk to agent broker re: commish. but a grand is ok, for the effort. – any weird stuff from city re historical and hysterical requirement? Just who is this owner? Title insurance research is good but only tells of what stuff is recorded, un recorded can stand up in court.
Beyond the condition/repairs, there is something about this place that creeps me out, and I rarely feel that way. Some of that disclosure language sounds a bit like bank owned language. I mean, do you really need to have the utilities turned on here to help make a buying decision? New plumbing & heating & septic might be the easiest part of the renovation! Unfortunately, I don’t see much hope here, either. Microsoft has a presence (employment) about a half an hour away in Boydton, but the upside potential may still not justify the expenses to make it worthwhile. There is just (to me) not very much to love to begin with.
I’d talk to bank, or have my solicitor do so, no surprises, or waste of hard earned money. Still cheaper than build from scratch if one is into that sort of thing, for the sake of history. 🙂
I’d love to move this house. I just wonder if that would be possible.
We moved a 1905, 2 1/2 story farmhouse very similar to this. It IS possible. Granted, we bought the house for $500 in a county flood buyout auction, and our house was in a lot better shape on the inside, so it was livable once we got it on the new foundation and had water & electricity hooked up. The movers charged us $40K to go 60 miles, and the utility companies charged an additional $20K for cutting and re-connecting power lines along the route so that the house could pass under them.
Wow, that’s cheaper than I thought it would be to move. And a longer distance too. Where are you, if you don’t mind me asking?
I have wondered how to find someone to move a house. I know its possible because in Newbern NC so many of the old mansions there were moved for various reasons…amazing. Who moved your house? thank you.
Well I’ve seen a lot worse. There’s evidence of a modern electrical panel and modern plastic plumbing supply and drain lines. I’m assuming someone started updating “systems” and lost the will, resources, or ability to finish. This appears to be a REO, and the ad copy is typical for a bank trying to discourage dreamers and looky-loos from wasting their time. The minimum commission guarantee is typical of low priced, “difficult” properties. The standard 3% buyer’s agent commission wouldn’t be worth the hassle to show it.
I agree, and your observations make sense. anyway the seller pays the agent. Waste of time to try to get compromise or kick back from agent on a mickey mouse price tag.
Thanks John, for the clarification about the commission. I was also wondering about the logic of that. What you explain makes perfect sense.
This seems like it may be a hud home. The terms sound very much like the terms I had to adhere to when I bought a hud foreclosure. Believe me you can get great deals with hud, but be prepared to move fast, jump through hoops that may as well be on fire, and be sure to get in depth inspections. In regards to this house, I believe it can be saved especially at that price.
Emporia, KS
From what I read, the seller is simply saying: AS IS.
And this is to be expected with a home priced at $10K. $10K!
The previous owner of my house offered me a great deal. But AS IS. I made no inspections. Nor did the bank require any. And the bank even gave me a large renovation loan.
Emporia, KS
When I was looking to buy a massive 1894 house, the seller stopped me in mid-sentence and asked: “Are you mentally OK?”
I was startled.
“Yes, why do you ask?”
He waved his hand over to a collapsed ceiling, and over to a partially destroyed wall. “You DO see this?”
“I don’t understand.”
He stared at me. Then said: “I have shown the house to a lot of people. And after about ten minutes they FREAK OUT. They freak out at the collapsed ceilings, damaged walls, termite-eaten flooring, and general ruination. But you…you…seem not to even notice. So, I have to ask: are you OK mentally?”
Ahh. I understood, and replied: “Yes, I see all the damage. But all that is fixable. So, for the asking price, I don’t really care. Rather, I am focused on the irreplaceable. Are all the mantels in situ? The many stained-glass windows? All the doors and trim and windows? Is the staircase intact? Is the exterior almost entirely original and intact? And so on. THAT is what I am paying attention to.”
And then I purchased the house. Damage be dammed. For, what mattered, was the glorious things.
And what glorious things they be.
Sedalia, MO
Yes. Thank you, Ross, for what could serve as the credo for all of us old house dreamers– “What glorious things they be.”
It is SO lovely to have some one say so well what I have been unable to say in my two adventures in buying my last and current house. I too have had sellers look at me as if I was in need of being taken away to a padded cell. My current 1920s cottage now has restored and beautiful oak floors, doors about half stripped and refinished, a bathroom in process, a kitchen that still needs to be gutted and restored and all new systems. My lovely team of people who helped me buy this house (a Fannie May foreclosure) have at different times been through it and finally “get it” even though it isn’t finished by a long shot!
“For, what mattered, was the glorious things” – I almost cried at these words! How beautiful!
Ross, you have a beautiful way with words.
I want you and Kelly to have a TV show. Finding old home and putting the right people in them. You could be the “coach.”
I would watch the ever loving heck out of that.
a very astute observation. Most folks want move in cond. or a little paint and some dusting. What I saw in the pix did not bother me. IF you like, messing around w. stuff. and hire a few pros. by the hour as owner builder, w. good ins. policy for fakey workers comp claims. And best of all you don’t have to demo out half decient stuff. Folks will pay extra for a clean pallate, and the let the designs and decor begin.
sometimes termites munch on the flooring but, miss the joists, when the are brought up on pine the won’t bother w. Douglas Fir. This is a bit of a project for hands on types with a few bucks, to spend and keep bankers out of the pix. I never liked bankers as partnrs. Rushing to make payments rules out long term appreciation, and flipping is often flopping.
Thank you Ross for your encouraging words! It gives me hope that others will see the vision that you do! I mean after all, It’s less than 10k!
Well, for the doom and gloom, I fell in love with this house. I could imagine it beautiful. Hopefully someone like Ross will buy this diamond in the rough, and she will become beautiful once again.
Noblesville, IN
Was just reading about this dude who is sinking A MINT into a house which is in a pretty blech location, and is pretty much crumbling from foundation to gutter boxes from hell. He seems to be getting it done, so who knows! I’ll tell you this much: this place is in way better condition than his – that’s for sure. Is there enough architectural interest here to merit the effort? I guess that’s in the eye of the sweeping beholder.
https://www.facebook.com/cookmansionrestoration/
https://www.facebook.com/pg/cookmansionrestoration/photos/?ref=page_internal
Emporia, KS
WOW! I love this guy!
Thanks!
I agree with Ross, there’s something left in this home. It can be saved.
Well here is a posting that has truly separated the men from the boys, if you’ll excuse my non-p.c. reference! And, I mean no offense, but it is people who are unable see the great possibilities of this house at this price who are responsible for the loss of innumerable irreplaceable treasures across the country.
Ross, we need more of you – many, many more! If this place was in a decent setting anywhere near me, I’d be all over it!
I’ve always said, any house can be saved. What we are seeing here is surface damage and neglect that has possibly led to deterioration such as a foundation that can’t be saved. We don’t know the extent of damage to the rafters, ceiling & floor joist. We can’t see if there is any rot to the wall studs due to exposure to the elements. A very intensive inspection will be needed, then be prepared for sticker shock. Its a given that all mechanicals are needed and don’t forget about sewer and water lines upgrade. Since these old Victorians were balloon framed, you have to consider what the local jurisdiction (building code) will require. The list is almost endless in regards to bringing this house into compliance.
I read earlier where one of the forum members said they were having problems finding a carpenter to help with repairs and upgrades. I’m now retired after over 50 years in construction, but I have had many concerns over the past years that a lot of carpenters can’t stick build a roof or can’t lay out and cut a set of stairs. I would hear, there’s no need, we have trusses and stairs are a specialty item. If you’re in the restoration business, you have to have the experience that it takes to satisfy a client and more importantly, want to put your name on a well done job. Hopefully, someone will see an opportunity here to try and save this old beauty. For $10,000, cost, you couldn’t frame the first floor if you were starting from scratch.
I’ve rehabbed many dozens of homes, and this one appears quite save-able. If the area is not blighted or have other undesirable traits that might make it an unwise purchase, I’d be very interested. Not that I’m looking to buy right now. I’m happy in Maryland.
I feel bad for the person who hasn’t found a contractor to help them out. I’d be happy to give advice by email with further pictures sent to me and specific questions. Might even convince me to come out for the project for a few weeks!
My address at yahoo d0tc0m is
danhaasathome, then the ampersand and so forth.
Will you email me at Roz.brown58@yahoo.com? I bought 930 W Water Street in Elmira, NY, a beautiful Queen Anne Victorian Barber House. I’m in the process of preserving and maintaining it, and would love your insight. I also see these glorious properties as untapped treasure, and I have a vision for the economic , cultural, and aesthetic Reno action of these oppressed upstate NY economies. I have had great success in Hoboken NJ, and Los Angeles in the revitalization of communities. I want to see these assets reawaken the American Dream.
The decision to tackle a project house like this one largely depends on your state of mind. No, I’m not referring to some type of mental deficit akin to ignoring the obvious, but instead having a basic understanding of what is needed to rehab this place as well as the time and money involved. The big picture is like a very long, complicated mathematical formula. The best approach, if I may continue to use the mathematical formula comparison, is to break down all the tasks into smaller components. Worst would be to go in and do a wholesale gutting of the entire house to the studs; most likely, you’d probably end up like the current seller and just wanting to quit and be rid of the project. No house can be carefully restored if its roof leaks or the foundation is crumbling. Those should be highest priority items on the to-do list. Next comes structural issues; cleaning out and carefully removing rotted sections. A choice to save the wall plaster also has to be made. One restoration contractor I worked for had a practical short cut: he would pull all the plaster ceilings down but leave the plaster walls unless they were very badly damaged. While the ceilings were down, utilities were routed and replaced where necessary. Then drywall was put back up on the ceilings to expedite the project so after taping and bedding and skim coating with a thin plaster veneer, one could hardly notice the drywall above. The holes in the walls here may have been made for routing utilities. The fix is to find comparable thickness drywall (blueboard or greenboard which are moisture resistant, are preferred) and after carefully trimming around the damaged plaster areas, then splice in drywall and treat it in the same manner as the ceilings. If you have experience with three coat plaster and want to take that traditional approach then by all means, please do so.
Best, (and maybe that should be in boldface type) to take a one room at a time approach and if floors can be saved, cover them up prior to any interior demolition work with protective construction paper like Ramboard. By formulating a restoration plan to be completed in chronological order, (breaking tasks down to their simplest components on a step by step basis) you have a “road map” to take the house from its present condition and form down the road towards a full restoration. Last are the cosmetic touches like paint and decor. I see a need for paint stripping on some of the millwork but in a pinch, one could slather on another coat of paint and defer fine refinishing to a later time. You would probably want to inquire about necessary local building permits and line up specialists/tradespeople to come in at the appropriate times. If you have never driven a nail but know in your mind what you want the finished results to look like, then hire someone to work as your general contractor making sure they have the knowledge and experience to get the results you expect. General remodeling contractors will almost always want to go in a gut to the studs but its worth finding someone who will take a more preservation friendly approach.
As for the house, the staircase looks to be from the 1880’s and is more Italianate in style than the Queen Anne exterior indicates. I see this house rehab as feasible but it would not surprise me if the final total equaled or exceeded the cost of a new starter home. The payoff here is saving and living in a piece of history-something that no starter home can provide. I sincerely wish good luck to anyone who feels they are up to the challenge. In the end, you will be able to point to the restored house with pride as one of your major life’s accomplishments. Be sure to take lots of before and after photos but the choice to share on social media is entirely up to you.
Very good information, John. Thanks for sharing. I’m going to keep your remarks. I hope someone can save this old lady.
Precisely. Let’s go… 🙂
The house seems like it was built way before the 1950 built date? She so could be beautiful again. She needs someone with enough money to fix her up and make her shine again. So sad to see such (at one time) a beautiful house in such bad shape.
Hamlet, NC
Totally beyond my abilities, but not my imagination.
Yes, water damage implies it needs a new roof and possibly structural work. Possibly termites.
Yes, there are holes in the walls/floors you can see light through.
Yes, everything is covered in white paint.
My curse:
I see that roofline with those multiple peaks and half-circle windows.
I see wood siding, not vinyl or aluminum.
I see that stairway in original wood. With a bench in the curve.
I see French doors and wood floors.
I see that coal fireplace with cover and tile surround.
I see room size and chair rails and wainscotting and original plaster and transoms and…
I know that new mechanicals will last longer than something a decade or two old.
I hope the person who buys can see at least some of that.
With your eye for the great details, I seriously doubt that it is beyond your abilities. You start with the parts that you know are within your abilities and study the parts that you think might be within them. By the time you are finished the parts that you know you can do, you will know how to do the parts that you thought you might. It is like climbing a ladder, you don’t try to put your foot on the top step from the ground, you have to step up each one as it comes. If you start feeling that you are getting too high, rest there for a while while you get used to it, or you can always go higher on another day.
I think this is worth saving! Where are all the folks that see something on here with a California price tag 399,000.99 but in Missouri and always say that’s a steal! They are just giving it away at that price! Well, this isn’t a steal, but cheap enough, with great first impression. You would put money in this but believe it would still be worth every penny. I would still buy one of these and feel better about it than buy a new construction today but to each there own! Who knows maybe a cash up front offer could get it cheaper yet. I still love the house on the sad house list, that wood work and stained glass did it for me. If somebody does take it on I would love to see a progress report after or during the work.
Looks like anything of value or beauty (stained glass for example) has been stripped out.
Hamlet, NC
*headdesk*
I accept your statement, but really just do not understand it.
This is why I stopped sharing pix of houses I was interested in with my friends. I honestly see something entirely different. I think my brain has it’s own version of PhotoShop running.
The difference between being a dreamer and a doer is that dreamers want everyone’s approval, doers just snap up the bargains as fast as they can and avoid putting themselves into situations where others think that their opinions are necessary. Sorry, I have just become aware that I have wasted a lot of opportunities in my life worrying about whether my decisions would meet the approval of others. My posts this week are heavily reflecting that in hopes that others may make that realization when they are young.
Beautiful home !! First put on a new roof !! Get a fire going in the basement to warm the old girl while replacing the windows call Exterminator and a Contractor and get busy !! So much love to give to the right owner !!
Now you are talking in my price range. The lumber at the yard would cost more that 9 grand and you get the land. I’m in!. -Winterize. LOL ?— 9900. could do that w. food stamps and recycled cans and bottles. Next- remove, save the trash, new roof– replace, anything no good. girders, beams, cement, joists, studs…. install new, elec and plumbing, and ac if you are a sissey, then re do and reinstall some of the good old relics. then wallpaper and stencil over paint. 🙂