House of the Day: 735 Decatur Street Revisited
When 735 Decatur Street was House of the Day back in December of 2997 2007, it was asking $630,000 and we called it “by far the most charming house for the money on the market right now.” Well, now its asking price has fallen to $469,000 and the same statement still holds. We just hope…
When 735 Decatur Street was House of the Day back in December of 2997 2007, it was asking $630,000 and we called it “by far the most charming house for the money on the market right now.” Well, now its asking price has fallen to $469,000 and the same statement still holds. We just hope that whoever buys this place is able to negotiate a price that leaves them enough money to redo the facade! For lots of pics, check out this Flickr page from someone who almost bought the house.
735 Decatur Street [Corley Real Estate] GMAP
735 Decatur Street [Brooklyn Properties] P*Shark
House of the Day: 735 Decatur Street [Brownstoner]
I love this house. It is by far my most favorite house I have ever been in, even ones that weren’t for sale. I dream still of the closets.
It’s a wood frame house on a stone foundation. Built sometime between 1881 and 1897 (probably mid-1890s). I really like the fact that nothing has been changed, including the original kitchens and bathrooms. I think they’re beautiful. (Well, it’s possible those farmhouse sinks are from the teens, not 1897 but I don’t know.) If the place was cleaned, painted, and the floors refinished, I think it would be gorgeous. There are probably inlaid floors in the hall.
It does not need a “gut renovation,” which would ruin it. But based on the inspector’s report, at the very least, it needs quite a bit of structural and mechanical work, including an electrical upgrade, a new boiler, a hot water heater, part of the main beam replaced, and some minor leaks fixed. There is an unknown amount of termite damage.
The floor plan is beautiful. It’s very airy and light because it’s wide and not that deep. The owner’s duplex is huge, and the top-floor rental is lovely.
As we were deliberating whether or not this would ruin us financially, we noticed rental prices in the area have dropped from $1600 to $1400 for a three bedroom in the last two months.
If this house were located where the rental market is better (even just a few stops away) and my job was 100 percent secure, we probably would have bought it. But this didn’t seem like the time to stretch and take a risk.
great details, space, & layout. Looks like lots of work needed too. On the 60k estimate, were you and bf planning to do most or all the work?
Looking at the stove, the stove in my rental unit is DEFINITELY OLD but not vintage. That’s vintage. Nice.
this house would do Greenpoint proud
Mopar, when Mr. B said ‘someone who almost bought the house’ I thought it was you, but didn’t want to say so.
Given your previous descriptions of the house and work required. I would think your 60k estimate for work is conservative. I would think it would closer to 100K.
Mopar, your dream house is out there. One day you will be in it.
Yeah, Adam, this is the place we have been deliberating over for four months. It is absolutely gorgeous. But it needs a lot of work. The facade is the least of its problems.
BRG, you’re right on the money.
We had an agreement at $439,000. The price was good. In fact it was spectacular when we first came to the agreement in November.
The issue is that it needs at least $60,000 of repairs, and we have only about half that. And that’s just the known repairs. As my bf said (that’s him in the photo), to paraphrase Rumsfeld, there are the knowns, the unknowns, and the known unknowns.
adam, it’s brick under the facade. A pretty easy fix unless it needs to be re-pointed.
I think its a sweet house- if I had the money I’d buy it in a second.
How is this facade different than what you find in South Slope?
It probably needs more work than meets the eye. This house should be in the mid 300’s.
Mopar, did you see this house and can comment?
Mopar- It’s got those old kitchens that you love.
Good amount of detail, but just far out from what I would consider in location.
What can you do to fixe a facade like this? What is usually underneath the aluminum siding? Would you restore it to wood? Cementboard? I’m always interested as to how you can improve these ugly siding homes.