Ever daydream that you’ve won the lottery or suddenly made it rich in real estate? Of course you have! Getting loads of money without having to earn it is practically the new American Dream!
I tend to think about how I’d spend my sudden windfall when I’m under a deadline for work. You know, because spacing out and doing nothing when you should be earning money is the quickest way to riches … No, the irony has not been lost on me.
In any case, our imaginations can only go so far, especially when it comes to dream homes. Sometimes, we need to troll the Internet to give ourselves more detailed visuals on just exactly what we could buy with a load of dough. As you’re here at HomeFixated, it’s safe to presume that a gorgeous house would be on your wish list. We found a site that you’re going to love … OldHouses.com!
At OldHouses.com you get to look at an amazing list of historic homes currently or recently on the market. It’s real estate porn at it’s best. On this website, you can browse by location, style (which is AMAZING!) and price. Interested in a converted schoolhouse? They’ve got it. Is French Provincial more your style? Easily found! Figure you deserve a castle? It’s all yours, your majesty!
The thing is, you don’t actually have to be a lottery winner to afford some of these gems. Housing prices being what they are, the dream has actually become more affordable – perhaps even within your grasp!
If you’re lucky enough to already live in a historic home but you want to sell, you can list your real estate on the site at a very fair rate – for as low as $50 for 90 days.
Found any favorites you’d spend your fantasy (or real) money on? Let us know in the comments!
Old houses are great, but be sure you know what you’re getting into before you buy one. My house was built in 1889, and my wife & I have been working on it almost constantly since we bought it. It took 7 years to strip/re-clapboard & repaint the exterior, plus we added an addition, and took out an interior wall to improve flow. Out of necessity I’ve learned how to do plumbing, electrical, painting, carpentry, drywall & masonry. It’s totally worth it though to look at the finished product, and say “Hey, I did that.”
I think this shows it best: http://marold.org/now-and-then.html
Everything you see on the exterior except building the small addition on the back, we did ourselves, including building the gable suns, and making & installing the wavy edge boards (which are Hardiplank fiber cement boards)
Very cool before and after photos Drew. I know all too well some of the long-term ramifications of old-house buying. Your advice of knowing what you’re getting into beforehand is sage! Looks like you and your wife did an amazing job on your house. . . . it’s a major transformation you must be very proud of. Oh, and the wavy edge boards are great!