Durham is filled with great houses that have renovations started but not finished and the houses are now for sale. So you want to take out a wall to open up the face, finish the floors with hardwood, kitchen needs work, bathroom needs work, might need new HVAC or lighting, electrical or plumbing. Maybe you could do the whole thing for $30,000 to $50,000 and you will have a fabulous house. But – how do you get the money?

One way is to work with a local bank that is invested in the community. They will make a loan and hold it themselves – in other words, they won’t sell it to a secondary market. They’re going to want an appraisal to the house as is and what the house will value when the renovations are completed. They will often loan up to 80% of the total cost of the project. If you’ve got a hamburger priced house that you can turn into steak, contact me. I work with several banks that would be interested in talking to you.

Give me a call. Let’s find you a house you can turn into a home!

PS Take a look at this home in Durham just waiting for your loving care!

This house was an expired listing. Someone else had it listed for seven months.

After I was listed as the new agent, I did a home staging. Because the house was empty, I brought in furniture, decorative items, and generally made the house so buyers could envision living in it. I even made a room look like a child lived in it. I also gave it a bit of polish – sweeping off the pollen. I must admit that I asked myself, “Why am I washing windows on vacant houses?” Can you believe it? I even mowed the lawn by myself.

Anyhow, I sent out a terrific postcard to all the neighbors, encouraging them to spread the word. “You can pick your new neighbors!” was my hook. Frankly, the card did NO good, because probably before it was delivered, a buyer surfaced!

And I have to mention the seller. It’s so helpful to be working with a seller who understands the process and the situation. She understood what she needed to do to get it sold.

This home for sale in Durham will soon be moved from listed to SOLD!

Crazy Viv

PS Did I say that I just listed this? It had only been on the market for seven days…

An enchanting, beautifully landscaped private property on five acres with a separate guest house. You’ll live in the kitchen of this fabulous home, with its built in breakfast nook, two sinks, huge island, and brightly lit wall of windows and ceiling of skylights. Look out on the lush organic gardens and strawberry beds, a chicken house and goldfish pond.

You’ll live comfortably in the large bedrooms and well planned living spaces. Built in bookcases and a fireplace add to the charm of the living room. Relax outside on the spacious deck, rocking chair front porch, and fenced in yard. Host your guests in the 815 square foot studio/guest house with a kitchenette and bath on the grounds.

Contact Vivian Olkin, and make your appointment to see this fabulous home today!

Photos of this beautiful home in Hillsborough. More wonderful amenities are listed in the details below.

Well built house surrounded by an expansive lawn and hardwood trees. The seller has owned the home for 30 years, and has kept it maintained, repaired, and in wonderful condition. The large kitchen is full of light, and perfect for adding an island to give it even more cabinet space. The den is comfortable and truly a family room. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs, 1 large one down. Recently added: new windows, kick plates, deadbolts, bath vanity/sink, bath hardware and gutters.

This is a house you will really love calling home. It’s in a safe neighborhood where people walk and get to know each other. The beautiful wooded lot is an extension of the living space – notice the outdoor seating and basketball hoop. You’ll have the convenience of the city with the country living feel of wide open spaces, beautiful trees and clear view of the sky.