Cheap homes - bad neighborhoods and slanty floors? (Pittsburgh, Hatfield: tax lien, for sale by owner)

[eschaton]

Here's another cheapie I've had my eye on in Observatory Hill. It might need total gutting on the inside, but from the outside it seems to be structurally sound. Potentially a fair amount of house for the money too. Shame about the fairly isolated location, but I suppose that's why it's cheap in part.

Edit: The isolation up there isn't total though. It seems like that part of Perrysville was once a minor business district, and has some ghost of a presence still.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by eschaton

Here's another cheapie I've had my eye on in Observatory Hill. It might need total gutting on the inside, but from the outside it seems to be structurally sound. Potentially a fair amount of house for the money too. Shame about the fairly isolated location, but I suppose that's why it's cheap in part.

Edit: The isolation up there isn't total though. It seems like that part of Perrysville was once a minor business district, and has some ghost of a presence still.

They bought it in 2006 for 24k. Wonder why they put it on the market for 16k?

[Hopes]

What about this place? It looks like it's in good condition. The neighborhood isn't terrible.

3170 May Street, Pittsburgh PA - Trulia

[eschaton]

Okay, this one is just weird. I checked the sheriff sales for 11/5, and a house at 4933 Hatfield in Lawrenceville is being put on the block for under $5,000. I believe it's just because of delinquent taxes. I've walked by this house numerous times, and it seems to be in good condition.

I'm sure there will be somewhat of a bidding war, but it's a 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath 2,150 square foot rowhouse. Seems like a risk worth taking. It's a shame my wife is so risk averse.

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by Hopes

They bought it in 2006 for 24k. Wonder why they put it on the market for 16k?

They did rent it out, so it's possible that tenants trashed the place.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by eschaton

Okay, this one is just weird. I checked the sheriff sales for 11/5, and a house at 4933 Hatfield in Lawrenceville is being put on the block for under $5,000. I believe it's just because of delinquent taxes. I've walked by this house numerous times, and it seems to be in good condition.

I'm sure there will be somewhat of a bidding war, but it's a 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath 2,150 square foot rowhouse. Seems like a risk worth taking. It's a shame my wife is so risk averse.

That's definately worth consideration. Even if the interior is trashed and the plumbing is torn out, you'd be ahead.

My only concern is if it's not a free and clear auction. There may be leans against the property. Tax auctions often don't take that into consideration. You need to do a title search before you bid on that one. Only bid on it if you can afford the debt that goes with the property.

[hinsey86]

Originally Posted by eschaton

Okay, this one is just weird. I checked the sheriff sales for 11/5, and a house at 4933 Hatfield in Lawrenceville is being put on the block for under $5,000. I believe it's just because of delinquent taxes. I've walked by this house numerous times, and it seems to be in good condition.

I'm sure there will be somewhat of a bidding war, but it's a 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath 2,150 square foot rowhouse. Seems like a risk worth taking. It's a shame my wife is so risk averse.

I love that...in my fantasy life that could be my " weekend city house" when I need a break from the peace and quiet.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by hinsey86

I love that...in my fantasy life that could be my " weekend city house" when I need a break from the peace and quiet.

I'll want a place to stay in town too! We should get a big group of CD people, buy it together and use it as a time share!

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by Hopes

That's definately worth consideration. Even if the interior is trashed and the plumbing is torn out, you'd be ahead.

My only concern is if it's not a free and clear auction. There may be leans against the property. Tax auctions often don't take that into consideration. You need to do a title search before you bid on that one. Only bid on it if you can afford the debt that goes with the property.

It was owned by the same women since the 1970s judging by the information on the assessor's site. Taxes were still being paid up until two years ago, and the Google pic from 2007 shows at least a well-kept front lawn. My guess is the owner either died without clear heirs or became incapacitated within the last 2-3 years, and no one who is close enough survives to actually deal with the house. 2-3 years of vacancy could mean pretty little, particularly given Lawrenceville as a whole isn't that terrible these days. I'd probably take it over 2-3 years of being rented out anyway.

[PreservationPioneer]

This one is a good deal, too. Elliott is pretty decent, as far as cheap house neighborhoods go.

Elliott Real Estate - 18 AINSWORTH, Elliott, PA, 15220