If walls could talk...I wonder what they'd say. I wonder what tales they would whisper about the lives of those who lived within them.
You see, every home has A Story to tell. And every home still standing is continuing to talk..if we have the ears to listen and the eyes to truly see.
When we first encountered this home on 924 Griggs, SE in Grand Rapids, MI, the owners had moved out. The home was vacant and looked a little forlorn.
The pictures on line revealed a lackluster interior with outdated appliances and fixtures. A physical inspection exposed an an even more outdated monster of a furnace...an old, creaky,40% efficient octopus.
Undaunted, we decided to investigate further. Underneath the layers of dust and grime, we saw a glimpse of its potential. This was a home with lovely bones. In stripping away the faded, stained carpet, we uncovered an exquisite wood floor inlaid with cherry, maple and mahogany strips which now literally gleams with it's former burnished glory. The coved ceilings add a charming aesthetic. New lighting fixtures brighten the decor and brand spanking new kitchen appliances which include a brand new stove and refrigerator update a tastefully refurbished kitchen.
The front entranceway now sports a beveled glass insert within a solid core wood door. And that old octopus...well, its' gone, replaced by a high energy efficiency furnace that was so effective that at 60 degrees, the home felt toasty and comfortably warm.
The story of this home goes beyond it's rescue from the obscurity of MLS mediocrity. It's a story of a young family and their friends who have patiently restored this home so that another family can enjoy an affordabibly priced dwelling without having to worry about things falling apart. This is what the American Dream is all about. If these walls could tell their New Story...it would be a tale of Hope, Renewal & Restoration!
If you're in the area this weekend, stop by for the Open House on SUNDAY, November 11th between 1:30 ~ 3:30 p.m. for some refreshments. Be one of the first to view the interior of this Affordable Home! Or you may contact us for a private viewing at 616-791-0511. This home awaits a New Owner for $90,000!
If you're looking for some truly great opportunities...check these homes out...
This Super Starter in Wyoming can be moved into right away....beautiful woodwork!
Do You Love the Serenity of a Lakeview...You can Enjoy 2 Lakes with a View from this lovely home!
This Grandville home is a stone's throw from an exclusive development....priced below $145,000
This Southeast multi-level features 4 Seperate Entertaining Areas! Priced below $160,000
Grand Rapids, Michigan Real Estate including information on local real estate market conditions and insights from Lola Audu ~l Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate Broker.
Discovering The Next New Cool Dwelling Places...The Suburbs Vs. Urban Digs
Why Chasing Down the Market May Be A Bitter Pill to Swallow...
Please Join Us! We're Offering Lunch ~ 5108 Canal SW, Grandville ~ OPEN 1-3:30 PM
Fifth Third River Bank Run~ Grand Rapids, Michigan
Pothole Paranoia~ Grand Rapids, MI Drivers Could Win Cash!
Winter Wonderland or Early Spring...The Weather Can't seem to make up it's mind!
Innovative Neighborhood Programs Create Opportunities for Grand Rapids, Michigan Home Buyers!
How to Buy A Luxury Downtown Grand Rapids Condo Without A Tax Bill...Call Lola Audu!
The Outhouse 500 & Other Uniquely Odd Current Events...
5 Important Real Estate Trends To Watch in Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate in 2008!
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2008 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
Hi Lola - it looks like a VERY cute house and what a great price! My sister purchased last year on the NE end and also found a treasure hiding under her carpet! Gorgeous wood floors like those you show in your pictures. This looks like a fantastic home! (and I love your story!)
Thanks Mary. Ed is going to be doing the Open House! I wish I had taken before AND after pictures. The transformation of this home...inside & out is remarkable. It's as though the home is once again at Peace with itself! :)
Lola,
You have woven a compelling story about this home, rather than just listing the features. If I was living in Michigan, I would buy the house. Great job!! I am reading the book you recommended, "A Whole New Mind" by Daniel Pink. The concept of Story is going change the way people do business. After reading about your listing, you are already adapting to the new Conceptual Age.
Hi Harold, I'm so glad you stopped by and let me know that you're reading the book "A Whole New Mind." The concepts that were shared by Daniel Pink have had a radical impact in my perspective and business. Thanks for commenting on this listing. This is truly a charming home.
if walls could indeed talk some homes would be condemned -
You are an awesome writer! This is great!
Bill & Barbara Jo...yes, I'm sure some homes would spit out some gruesome tales. That's why the process of restoration is so powerful. A restored home demonstrates the power of redemption! It shows that even when things have fallen apart...there can be a second chance. :) Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.
Thank you Dena for reading and your gracious compliment. I truly appreciate it.
Lola- What a great description of this listing, truly you found the story of this home and shared it with all to be able to attract that one buyer who can connect with what you said. Good luck with the open house. Katerina
Lola~ what a great way to generate interest for your open house. I love it when poorly done renovations or additions are stripped away and the original beauty of the house is revealed.
This would have been a great one for the before and after pictures. The size of the basement alone, has doubled just getting that old furnace out of there. The floors are gorgeous! Long hours have certainly brought out a lovely new home.
Lola, this is probably the best open house ad I have ever read.
Katerina, Thank you very much. This home is located in a quiet residential community and will be a blessing to a special buyer!
Lisa, it's as though a home begins to "breath again"....when a home is restored, it is once again able to give warmth and shelter to a new home owner. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.
Hi Ed...you saw this home, so you know exactly what I'm describing. It's amazing to think that what we see now was simply hidden beneath the surface of neglect waiting to be restored and revealed!
Lola,
The home looks like a great buy. I'm sure it'll go soon. This post alone should be able to sell it fast. Great job!!
Lola, I am amazed that with prices so low somebody could or would restore that house. I'm sure it deserved it, but I just don't understand how it was justified.
Your word-picture of this treasure was also amazing.
Bill Roberts
Good luck at the open house this weekend. One of the silver linings in this market is that quality housing is certainly becoming more affordable.
Hi Andrew, Thanks for reading & extending your "good thoughts" towards a good sale for this home!
Hi Bill, Thanks for stopping by to read & comment. This year, Grand Rapids, MI was noted as one of the most Affordable places to live in the United States. You get a lot of Value for your money here!
Thanks Stefan! You're right...and that's a big Bonus for Qualified Buyers!
Well it's nice to see the interior under the rough exterior. Does that not apply to us humans also????
I am inspired by your great writing skills. best luck with this listing. Lupe Burbank
Wow Lola, this is truly a fabulous write up of this home.. I fell in love with the house without having seen it just the description will sell the house. You should be a writer.