Prices for beautiful old country estates low for a reason? (Richmond: new house, buyers)

[Csonka]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

Do you have links to examples?

Please see #8

[Csonka]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

More than likely it's caused by the condition of the home you are viewing. But without knowing where and what you are looking at it's tough to guess.

Please see #8

[mango_jade]

Originally Posted by Csonka

what a stunner !!!!

The houses I have been looking at (online only) seem to be in pretty good shape, yes many of them on an historic registry, but I am perfectly willing and would want to keep them up to their original beauty

These houses are almost like living creatures you need to nurture and love

Yeah I love that home, and the house in Saxe you posted is literally on my dream house list. I love it so much and it looks really updated in the right ways. I literally thought I was the only person looking for these old farm houses to restore and live in and I'm happy to see there are people like you that want to preserve the history of these beautiful buildings in rural areas.

[gemstone1]

[quote=Csonka;58199781]Here are two examples that are a fair representation of what I am talking about.

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...-60726?view=qv

This one has been on the market for years, I recall seeing it listed at least 3 years ago., at the same price. It does seem to be a fantastic bargain.....like you, I wonder why ?

Regards
Gemstone1

[Csonka]

[quote=gemstone1;58201744]

Originally Posted by Csonka

Here are two examples that are a fair representation of what I am talking about.

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...-60726?view=qv

This one has been on the market for years, I recall seeing it listed at least 3 years ago., at the same price. It does seem to be a fantastic bargain.....like you, I wonder why ?

Regards
Gemstone1

I may take a trip and scout some of these out

[mgdriver74]

Big supply
Low demand

[ersatz]

Originally Posted by Csonka

Here are two examples that are a fair representation of what I am talking about.

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...-60726?view=qv

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...-41544?view=qv

Thank you for sharing, those properties are exquisite. But, as I learned by living for many years in a 250+ year old historic property, such are full of hidden maintenance issues and typically cost a fortune in utilities since they are hard to cool/heat, have hidden issues such as settling, rot and pest damage, and result in decades-outdated electrical and plumbing system issues. If I were much younger, far wealthier, and fully confident of being able to access services and essential health care as needed, I would be totally all over these.

For me, these listings are vicarious eye candy that give me a heart pang.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by Csonka

Please see #8

Thanks. Saw them.

[Csonka]

Originally Posted by ersatz

Thank you for sharing, those properties are exquisite. But, as I learned by living for many years in a 250+ year old historic property, such are full of hidden maintenance issues and typically cost a fortune in utilities since they are hard to cool/heat, have hidden issues such as settling, rot and pest damage, and result in decades-outdated electrical and plumbing system issues. If I were much younger, far wealthier, and fully confident of being able to access services and essential health care as needed, I would be totally all over these.

For me, these listings are vicarious eye candy that give me a heart pang.

I was also considering those issues

Now some of the ones I listed may not meet all of the criteria I have and I was only quickly looking for something to show you all to give you an idea of what kinds of houses I was talking about.

Things I am looking for are:

1) Does it have central HVAC. A lot of them do. The one's that don't I most likely wouldn't consider.

2) Updated kitchen. If yes, and yes to central HVAC, my hunch is the owners did quit a bit of new electrical work and added new gas lines.

3) Roof and exterior paint condition. Last thing I want to do is break my leg climbing a ladder 3 floors up to paint frilly woodwork lol. That said, all of these details in the wood = a huge paint ob when you need one. So I am looking toward brick or stones places too.

4) Two staircases. For some reason, that is important to me, a main one and a secret one in the back that most likely used to be the maid's. Just think that's cool.

5) Separate guest residence

6) Room for a tennis court. Ideally there would be a nice big barn I could put one in for a semi indoor court. If not, I will have to have a court put in. I know it snows up there and the weather isn't ideal for tennis, but in the spring and summer and some of the fall I can be out there whacking balls.

That's mostly it. Yep, they are certainly eye candy !!!!!

One other thing: maybe shy away from anything on a historical registry. I have dealt with them in California and you are limited in what you can do to the exterior, sort of like an HOA with restrictions on paint colors, exterior work, etc.

[Ted Bear]

Why?


Well, compared to California, for starters....


But then....


Old.


Cost a fortune to heat and cool.


Cost a fortune to maintain.


People with the money and interest in a similar home will build from scratch so they have a modern home, even if it "looks" like a classic.


Younger buyers have no interest in yesteryear. They want a new house with a smattering of crown molding, stainless steel appliances, and a granite countertop. Gives them something to brag about. Even if it falls apart in ten years. Tract builders LOVE these buyers.


Bottom line: money pits (antiques) which appeal to a limited selection of potential buyers.