The Summit Club is undoubtedly the epicenter of luxury living in Las Vegas.
Located just 15 minutes from the Strip, this exclusive neighborhood and golf community is spread across more than 600 acres of stunning desert landscape and features a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, unique wellness and recreation programs, and 260 luxurious residences.
Celine Dion just sold a house here for $30 million, setting a new local real estate record and making a killer profit in the process. The singer reportedly paid $9.2 million for her then-freshly-built Las Vegas manse back in 2017, heavily renovated the place in the years since, then tripled her initial investment by selling it in an off-market transaction for $30 million.
Actor Mark Wahlberg recently bought a $14.5 million bungalow in The Summit Club, while waiting for his mansion to be built on a separate 2.5-acre lot in the same community, which he purchased last year for $15.6 million.
Now, a new $23.5 million property recently hit the market at The Summit Club — and it’s as impressive as you’d expect.
Photo credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier RealtyPhoto credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty
The modern, minimalist abode at 11051 Witchcraft Court was designed and built by renowned luxury homebuilder, Blue Heron, and is nestled on a premium corner homesite with unparalleled views of the golf course, mountains, and the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.
“This architectural gem spans an impressive 9,827 square feet which includes the attached five-bedroom casita with private entrance,” said Lillie Shines of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty Global Luxury with whom the property is exclusively listed.
Completed in 2022, the luxury residence offers 9 bedrooms and 9 baths, and is lined with expansive pocket sliders to create an indoor-outdoor living experience.
Photo credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier RealtyPhoto credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier RealtyPhoto credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty
“The sophisticated, single-story design of the main house features retractable glass walls which open to create a seamless indoor/outdoor living experience that beautifully incorporates the home’s captivating exteriors and natural surroundings,” Shines added.
The gourmet chef’s kitchen, equipped with top-of-line appliances, an oversized quartz island with waterfall edges, and custom white cabinetry, is the hub of the home and makes it easy to access all the other areas, including the flex room, secondary bedrooms, pool area, elevator to the deck, gym, or even the attached casita.
Photo credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier RealtyPhoto credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier RealtyPhoto credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier RealtyPhoto credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty
“The temperature-controlled wine wall is a centerpiece of the designer kitchen promising to elevate every celebration to new heights,” said Shines. “There’s also an elevator to easily serve your guests on the rooftop deck.”
Photo credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty
The primary bedroom features a private sitting area with direct access to its own spa. The primary bathroom too comes with a luxury spa vibe, boasting an “outdoor oasis with dual showers”, per the listing.
Photo credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier RealtyPhoto credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier RealtyPhoto credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier RealtyPhoto credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty
Not to be outdone, the casita on the property stands as a private two-story retreat, complete with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a separate 2-car garage. The first floor of the casita features a gathering room with a kitchen and a primary suite, while the second floor offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
Photo credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty
Originally intended to be a multi-generational space, there are endless possibilities on how to maximize this unique area.
Heading outside, we find a resort-style backyard with not one, but TWO zero-edge pools, and plenty of outdoor amenities that add to its appeal. This includes a spa, an outdoor kitchen equipped with a pizza oven, and a bar.
Photo credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier RealtyPhoto credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty
And just in case the future owners need even more space for entertaining, they can take the party to the roof, where a stylish rooftop deck with a bar offers jaw-dropping views of the Las Vegas strip and city lights.
Photo credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier RealtyPhoto credit: Stephen Morgan courtesy of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty
Listing agent Lillie Shines has witnessed the complete transformation of this property as she has been working with the home sellers since 2019 when they first selected this parcel of land at The Summit Club.
From its inception, Shines was integral in both the transaction and coordinating the design of the custom build as her sellers had to communicate with her from overseas while international travel was halted during the pandemic.
“Exceptional properties deserve representation of an equally exceptional caliber and that is what the Global Luxury program and sales professionals like Lillie bring to the table,” said Bob Hamrick, chairman and CEO of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty. “This extraordinary property will charm even the most discerning buyers.”
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I am a huge fan of simple living and of the do-it-yourself ethic. It’s no surprise then that I am fascinated by homesteading, the lifestyle of “agrarian self-sufficiency”. This article was written for Get Rich Slowly by Phelan, host of A Homesteading Neophyte, a blog about learning to homestead. Phelan is a regular commenter to this site.
Modern homesteading is a great way to save some of your hard-earned cash. That is if you are not afraid of a little hard work and waking before the rooster. The fast-paced convenient world of today can and will lead you down the path to debt. Four years ago I found myself in a terrible situation: How does one go about feeding a family of four on one hundred dollars for two weeks? Did we have enough money to buy gasoline just to get to work? It was scary not knowing where my family was going. Yet when I planted my first tomato, a thought sprouted in my mind.
My first homesteading goals were just to preserve my garden for the winter, insuring that there was always something to eat. But as my garden grew, so did my ideas.
There are initial costs when it comes to living a self-sufficient life. But all of the things that must be purchased will pay for themselves — the time that takes depends on how you manage them. We purchase our items slowly. Big items come with our tax returns, and only after any outstanding bills are paid. Smaller items are bought on an individual basis, depending what we can afford at the time, usually when we are out buying feed for our livestock. Because of the way we have built our homestead piece-by-piece, and the manner in which we have preserved our foodstuffs, we have money left unspent. Four years ago we would have never have believed this possible.
Homesteading isn’t something that can be done only in rural areas; even urban dwellers can benefit from simple self-sufficient activities:
Buy food stuff in bulk or on sale and preserve them by canning, freezing or drying.
Purchase a layer (standard-size chicken or bantam) for eggs and/or meat. Many cities allow you to have a chicken or two.
Container garden and create a neighborhood co-op, bartering different vegetables with one another.
Some of our start-up costs have been purchasing chickens, seeds, canning jars and equipment. My hot water bath and pressure canner came from someone that was no longer using them. The best advice I can give when it comes to your planning stage, is to talk openly about what you are wanting to do. You might be surprised on what some people have stashed in their attic and are willing to give freely. Check freecycle, your local paper, rural estate sales, garage sales and even try placing an ad in a free, or cheaply-priced paper for your wants/needs.
Once your chickens and seeds are purchased, your only costs will be feed and water (if you are not on a well). Seed saving will insure your next year’s garden. Allowing your hens to hatch eggs will replenish your stock. Be creative when it comes to reusing materials. We use our un-repairable refrigerator to store our feed, a broken fan stand for a sprinkler stand, and cracked hoses for deep soak waters. Save your glass jars to store dried goods in, and milk cartons to start seedlings. Just remember: it’s not white trash, it’s imaginative, frugal and eco-friendly.
My family might be an extreme when it comes to simple living. We are building a new home, a green shelter. Using only locally produced and recycled construction materials and building it ourselves will save us more than half the cost of paying someone else to build it. With a fire place, underground water cooling systems (air-conditioning) and going solar powered, our out of pocket expenses will drop dramatically.
Some other things to reduce expenses are:
Raiding a wood lot and building a wattle fence
Buy fruits and vegetables from a “U-Pick” farm
Making your own pasta, juices, vinegars, wine and dyes
Creating wooden toys
Make your own soap
Making your own yogurt and cheeses
These things do take time and dedication, but just the act of making your own dinners from scratch will save you money. Using flour, eggs, and water to manufacture your own noodles will cost you less than buying the same amount in the pre-made versions. This can be said about most things that you can create from scratch, the base components while at first seem more expensive, are cheaper when compared to their convenient counterparts.
While homesteading can seem daunting at times, it will save you money as well as bring your family closer together. At home, self induced family entertainment, is another benefit of living simply. It also comes with free educational experiences that are rarely taught in a public school system. Check in with your local extension office for free or inexpensive classes for you and your children. Take a drive in the country and look for hand made signs boasting of wares for sale, they can lead you to a wealth of knowledge and new friendships.
Modern homesteading is not for everyone. Yet taking a few of these suggestions and applying them to your own life will make a significant difference on the way you view the world, and the impact on your wallet.
You can read more about Phelan’s adventures in homesteading at her blog, A Homesteading Neophyte. She has also written articles for other publications:
If you’d like to read more along the same lines, I also recommend Pocket Farm, a weblog from a couple looking to achieve Voluntary Simplicity on a farm in Maine. You might also like homestead.org or the forums at Homesteading Today.
Step into a world where sleek lines, open spaces, and a harmonious marriage of form and function reign supreme.
Mid-century may be a classic style from the mid-1900s, but homes built in this style have a timeless appeal. With their distinct architectural features — which often include flat roofs, horizontal planes, and geometric shapes — they embrace simplicity, functionality, and a seamless integration with the surrounding environment.
Nature and lifestyle were key when designing mid-century houses, so many of them were built with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the yard, sliding glass doors, and many access points to the outdoors.
Incorporating clean lines and basic shapes, simple furnishings, a practical Scandinavian approach with muted color palette, and warm inviting earth tones, simplicity is a notable characteristic of mid-century design. Mid-century modern homes also used spaces efficiently with their split-level design, which makes it easy to see why the this architectural style continues to fascinate with both its practicality and its aesthetic appeal.
Our favorite midcentury modern houses
For those who want to immerse themselves in the world of midcentury beauties, we’ve rounded up our favorites. Carefully restored by their owners while preserving their original character and incorporating modern amenities and technologies, we believe the examples below have done a great job at striking a balance between maintaining the historical integrity of the house and making it functional for contemporary living.
Without further ado, here are 13 stylishly refreshed-yet-classic mid-century modern houses that we’ve covered in the past, many of which had some quite famous owners (or architects).
#1 A secluded mid-century modern home with unique features and views of lush surroundings
There is so much to love about this Santa Clarita property — which was home to ‘Dallas’ Star Linda Gray for almost FIVE decades. Named Oak Tree Ranch after the stunning oak trees that grow on the property, the private California compound has many unique features.
Photo credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency
Designed by acclaimed architect A. Quincy Jones, the mid-century house is unquestionably elegant and captivating. True to the principle of bringing the outside in, the floor is made of heart pine, (meaning the heart of the pine tree), sourced from a New Orleans schoolhouse.
The freestanding fireplace is another unique feature of this property. The kitchen was designed by renowned architect Josh Schweitzer who added beautiful racks to hang pots and pans out in the open, pro-style appliances, and a pizza oven.
Photo credit: Marc Angeles, inset DFree / Shutterstock.comPhoto credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency
Sitting on 2.7 acres of lush land, the property has stables for four horses, a tack room/barn, a north-south tennis court, a large swimmer’s pool with spa, organic gardens, koi pond, chicken coop, and an endless lawn to enjoy the outdoors.
#2 This mid-century modern home built by Steele & Van Dyk resembles a semi-secluded paradise
The 8.86-acre property located in the Sonoma County town of Sebastopol is one of the most spectacular (and most lovingly preserved) mid-century homes you’ll find.
It was once owned by Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts and his children have fond memories of the property, which was used by their father as a creative studio.
Photo credit: Jim Nevill Productions courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
There were several lots on the original 27-acre property such as Schulz’ main house, his grandmother’s house, a large pond, a baseball field, a miniature golf course, a large swimming pool, an enclosed entertainment pavilion, and his studio, all surrounded by vineyards and apple orchards.
The family who bought the property after Charles Schulz’ ownership made a few changes to the studio but made sure not to alter the nature of the design.
They renovated the studio and turned it into an inviting one-bedroom home which operated as a licensed vacation rental for a few years.
True to the architecture of mid-century modern houses, the former art studio has clean lines, minimal decoration, and large, flat panes of glass windows and doors which allow a connection with nature.
Photo credit: Jim Nevill Productions courtesy of Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Jim Nevill Productions courtesy of Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Jim Nevill Productions courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
With the home surrounded by natural beauty, you’ll find a four-hole golf course, Redwoods groves, and walking trails lined with numerous rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, dogwoods, several varieties of ferns, fruit trees, and plenty of flowers.
Photo credit: Jim Nevill Productions courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
#3 One of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s last projects, a mid-century masterpiece
Sitting on 14 acres of protected land in New Canaan, Conn., we find one of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s final projects, built in 1955, just a few years before his death in 1959.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Known as Tirranna — a moniker inspired by an Australian Aboriginal word meaning “running waters”, as the home is cantilevered over a pond and overlooks a waterfall on the Noroton River — the property is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest residential properties.
The architect also lived here while building the Guggenheim Museum and even used some of the scalloped glass windows from the Guggenheim Museum project to complete the home’s south-facing greenhouse.
Clocking in at a generous 7,000 square feet, the 7-bedroom, 8.5-bath home blends geometric complexity with nature’s flowing curves, in typical Frank Lloyd Wright style.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Throughout the home, the architect combined and contrasted soaring ceilings and open living spaces with cozy and cocoon-like mahogany-paneled bedrooms.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
The home’s functional wood-paneled and stainless-steel kitchen epitomizes the mid-century modern aesthetic, while each of the bathrooms are spa-like and adorned with spectacular wood panels and unique features.
#4 A Mid-century home in Palo Alto that has maintained the integrity of its original design
This mid-century modern home is so simple that it reads as sophisticated.
It bears the signature of internationally recognized architect and Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Aaron Green. The 3-bed, 2-bath home features extensive use of mahogany, slab floors with radiant heat, built-in beds, desks and dressers, and Formica counters.
Photo credit: David Eichler
With flat roofs, both the exterior and interior have a clean and functional design. Inside the home, there is minimal decoration and the various cabinetry adds depth and variation in elevation.
The large windows give magnetic views of the yard. All in all, a gorgeous home updated for modern living while still retaining its mid-century authenticity.
Photo credit: David Eichler
#5 One of the most spectacular mid-century modern houses with a Moroccan theme and great views of the Coachella Valley
This stylish home is located in a compound in Rancho Mirage’s Thunderbird Heights — a prestigious gated hillside community adjacent to Thunderbird Country Club.
Photo credit: Kris Magenheim, inset CBS Radio, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The mid-century home was custom-built for famous entertainer Bing Crosby and his second wife, Kathryn Grant, and was an absolutely perfect fit for its celebrity owner who loved to live large.
Among its most striking features, Bing Crosby’s former home lists a large living room with a stone fireplace and bar, a chef’s kitchen, a movie theater, and a beautiful and spacious 1,400-sq. foot master suite with a stunner of a walk-in closet and a fireplace, as well as four additional en-suite bedrooms.
Spread over 1.36 acres of land, the phenomenal home has approximately 6,700 square feet of living space that extend into the outdoor areas.
Photo credit: Kris Magenheim courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Kris Magenheim courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Kris Magenheim courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Kris Magenheim courtesy of The Agency
The home’s most famous guests, though, were definitely Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy. In honor of their stay there, the two-bedroom attached casita has been named the JFK Wing.
#6 An architectural gem with mesmerizing views of its lush surroundings and direct entrance to Rustic Canyon Park
Set in Los Angeles, this mid-century home designed by notable architect David Hyun has formerly been the residence of prominent entertainment lawyer Gary Concoff and his wife Jean.
The house dubbed ‘the Modern Tree House’ has large floor-to-ceiling windows which provide scenic views of the century-old trees that surround it and encourage a sense of harmony with the outdoor spaces it’s built around. The combination of the large windows and open floor plans let in a lot of beautiful natural light into the two-story home.
Photo credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency
Notable features on the lower level of the house include an eat-in Eggersman kitchen, a full-service bar, a formal powder room, and three bedrooms. The distinctive spiral staircase leads to the primary suite upstairs fitted with generously sized closets as well as two separate offices and a large den/media room.
Photo credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency
The massive backyard of the nearly quarter-acre property features a large swimming pool, a unique area for dining set amongst the trees, and a gate directly into Rustic Canyon Park, said to be one of the best parks in Los Angeles.
#7 The lovely mid-century modern house Richard Neutra designed for his secretary
One of the most impressive celebrity homes on our list, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea’s house is made out of two architecturally significant structures: The first is a modern heptagon-shaped house designed by AD100 architect Michael Maltzan and the other is a lovely midcentury-style house built by famed architect Richard Neutra in the early 1950s.
Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass
Clocking in at 1,350 sq ft, the midcentury-style home has 2 bedrooms, and one bath, and is surrounded by walls of glass.
The home was built by Richard Neutra for his secretary, Dorothy Serulnic and her husband, George, back in 1953. Neutra, one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century, made sure that his secretary’s home is as livable and comfortable as it is visually appealing.
He designed several built-ins including a sofa system with a record player and concealed speakers, multiple desks, shelving systems, a dining room table, and a sliding breakfast nook, which are still present in the house today (or, rather, were still there when Flea tried offloading his La Crescenda compound a while back).
Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass
Architect Michael Maltzan then built a dramatic, seven-sided house on the property half a century later. The spaceship-like house is surrounded by seven exterior walls (some made out of glass) and is anchored by an open-air courtyard that sits right at the center.
A small cabin built by artist and craftsman Peter Staley provides a little extra space for guests and an eye-grabbing feature.
#8 Master architect Richard Dorman’s award-winning home, the Seidenbaum Residence
Tucked away down a long private driveway into a quiet, secluded compound we find architect Richard Dorman’s Seidenbaum Residence.
With its timeless appeal and unique design, the home is nestled in the Hollywood Hills on Mulholland Drive, overlooking outstanding views of the San Fernando Valley and the Hollywood sign.
Image credit: The Agency
Spanning 3,198 square feet, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home has two peaked roofs and clerestory windows that capture the California sunshine inside the main living area.
Boasting an open-concept layout, the home blends mid-century and modern designs. From the dining and main living areas to the kitchen, the fluid design captures a sense of tranquility amid the walls of glass that draw in the natural light.
Providing warmth and intimacy, the see-through, double-sided fireplace is a show-stopper in the great room.
Image credit: The Agency Image credit: The Agency Image credit: The Agency
#9 This elegant home with a zen factor beautifully remodeled for modern-day living
Originally built in 1955, this home offers a fresh, contemporary take on the timeless midcentury style. Esteemed architectural firm OWIU (which stands for the only way is up) updated the property, building on its mid-century modern legacy.
Photo credit: Justin Chung courtesy of The Agency
The 1,516-square-foot home is in Mount Washington, a historic neighborhood in the San Rafael Hills of Northeast Los Angeles. It has bright, warm interiors, and is filled with the natural finish of attractive light oak wood.
The house — which has retained its original charm —is all about comfort, timeless design, and an approachable elegance.Kane Lim from the popular reality show Bling Empire was once the owner of this beautiful property.
Photo credit: Justin Chung courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Justin Chung courtesy of The Agency
It has all the standard features of a mid-century home and then some,with floor-to-ceiling windows, clean lines, breathtaking views, and a deck in the primary suite that leads to a Japanese-style garden with bonsai and maple trees.
Photo credit: Justin Chung courtesy of The Agency
The house’s exterior has fresh pathways and gardening beds, a gate that leads to the lower portion of the property, and a large open space that has a sculptural staircase and custom wood bench surrounding a fire pit.
#10 A charming, thoughtfully updated former celebrity home on a quiet hilltop
On a quiet hilltop right above the famed Mulholland Drive sits a 4-bedroom hilltop hideaway once owned by power couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski.
The secluded, single-level mid-century home has a large open plan design and walls of glass that allow light to enter rooms from multiple angles.
With soaring, beamed ceilings, wide plank hardwoods, and original stonework, the living room is as eye-catching as it is inviting and features a gas fireplace.
The primary bedroom suite is one of the main highlights of this home and it looks and feels like a retreat in itself. With its vaulted, beamed ceilings, and massive windows inviting the outdoors in, a sitting area, custom built-ins, a walk-in closet, and a marble-clad ensuite bath with a soaking tub and steam shower, it truly is a stylish and elegant space.
Photo credit: One Shot Productions courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: One Shot Productions courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: One Shot Productions courtesy of Compass
The flagstone patio is surrounded by mature oak and olive trees and features a bubbling fountain, making it a great place to relax and soak in the picturesque views of mountains, the canyon, and the slivers of the city skyline.
Photo credit: One Shot Productions courtesy of Compass
#11 A spectacular stilt house with jaw-dropping views and a unique taste of Los Angeles history
Nestled in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, this is one of 17 unique homes propped up over the side of the Beverly Glen Canyon. The mid-century house was tastefully modernized by its previous owner, acclaimed architect Donald M. Goldstein. It’s undoubtedly a part of architecture history in Los Angeles.
Photo credit: Andrew Orozco courtesy of The Agency
Known as Neutra’s Platform Houses because they were originally designed by legendary architect Richard Neutra, these gravity-defying homes are incredible. Also known as the Stone-Fisher Speculative Houses (as they were built for the Stone-Fisher development company), the unique abodes were later completed by architect William S. Beckett.
The one-story home creates the illusion of a floating vessel in the sky. The unique structure has a rectangular form, horizontal emphasis, long balconies stretching the full width of the house, and large windows to display magnificent views of the San Fernando Valley.
Photo credit: Andrew Orozco courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Andrew Orozco courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Andrew Orozco courtesy of The Agency
Some of the notable features of the 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home include pyramid skylights, raised ceiling and roof lines, a 300+ bottle wine cellar, a Roman soaking tub, and its black metal exterior is coated with a 24-gauge Kynar finish.
#12 A classic mid-century house in a prime location with a long list of past celebrity owners
The star-studded Los Angeles Tree House — carefully tucked away from prying eyes in the famous Mulholland Drive — has attracted names like Ellen DeGeneres, Heath Ledger, and Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson as its owners.
Image credit: The Agency
The charming home with its lush surroundings is as serene as it is private. Inside, the clean mid-century modern style is warmed by a blend of natural textures, with walls of glass opening the home to the beautifully landscaped outdoors.
Image credit: The AgencyImage credit: The Agency
The home’s most extraordinary feature is its expansive 2,500-square-foot outdoor deck which is pretty phenomenal.
Image credit: The Agency
It overlooks the leafy treetops illuminated with ethereal lights at night and is furnished with an outdoor grill, lots of seating areas, and an open-air screening room with a retractable projection screen.
#13 A two-story mid-century gem in Bel Air with artsy appeal
Set in a quiet cul-de-sac, the 5,134-square-foot mid-century modern home features 5 bedrooms and 4 baths and has been fitted with everything from stone counters to auto window shades, radiant limestone floors, and high-end SS Thermador appliances.
Image courtesy of Compass
The two-story Bel-Air home features dramatic vaulted ceilings that soar over the living, dining, and family rooms.
With its seamless indoor/outdoor living, scenic surroundings and the floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that are popular in mid-century modern houses, the house is flooded with natural light.
The home’s interior is stylishly refreshed with inviting warm-toned furnishings providing a relaxing and enriching experience, with art and pops of color accenting its midcentury aesthetic.
Image courtesy of CompassImage courtesy of Compass
Midcentury modern houses continue to captivate and inspire with their timeless charm and architectural elegance. From their clean lines and expansive windows to their innovative use of materials, these houses represent a design movement that has left an indelible mark on the world of architecture, one that will continue to attract homeowners and renovators for years to come.
Especially since, as we’ve seen with the examples listed above, updating these midcentury gems creates true masterpieces.
The whole rent vs. own argument can be pretty polarizing. There are those that liken renting to throwing money down the drain, while others think homeownership is a huge waste of time and money.
The latter group will tell you that home prices don’t even appreciate that much if you consider inflation. Or they’ll warn you about the hidden costs of homeownership like ponying up for a new roof or brand new plumbing.
But it’s not that black and white. There are a ton of reasons why individuals choose (or are forced) to rent, and they aren’t just financial.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York recently set out to determine why fewer renters are making the transition to owners, and the answers they received ran the gamut.
Yes, Financials Are Most Important
First off, a renter’s balance sheet is certainly a big reason why they rent. The survey indicated that the number one reason renters do not purchase homes is because they don’t have enough money saved and/or have too much debt (55.7% of respondents).
These tend to be the main reasons why borrowers get denied mortgage financing. Either their down payment isn’t sufficient, or their debt is too high, thereby exceeding max DTI ratio limits.
Second on the list was not making enough money, which 52.7% of respondents said was an issue. Again, low income means DTI ratios get exceeded, which can limit or prevent mortgage financing.
Coming in third was the perception that credit wasn’t good enough (41.4% of respondents). But the researchers wondered if respondents weren’t just “discouraged” given the recent crisis.
When it comes down to it, you can get a mortgage with a truly terrible credit score through many outlets, including the VA and FHA.
Others Don’t Want the Responsibility
To illustrate why it’s not just about money, more than a quarter (28.6%) of respondents indicated that they simply don’t want to deal with the upkeep of homeownership.
Yes, owning a home requires a lot of upkeep. Aside from having to know a thing about home maintenance, things will break and require repair. And those things could be very expensive.
There’s also paying the mortgage each month, or worrying about property taxes and homeowners insurance. It’s a lot more involved than simply cutting a rent check each month.
More importantly, you can’t just leave a house. If you want to leave, you’ll either need to sell the thing or rent it out. In either case, it will take work and money.
Perhaps that’s why 24.1% said they didn’t want (or couldn’t) be tied-down to a certain area. And 12.8% said they were worried about job security.
When you own, you might be a little less willing to consider a career change, and a lot more worried about making ends meet. Mobility probably is a little underrated.
And it’s not just you that’s stuck in the home…your money is too. Nearly one in five (18.7%) said they’d rent because they didn’t want their money tied up in a home.
Real estate isn’t liquid. It might be in the future if companies like Opendoor take off, but for now it’s a cumbersome process to buy and sell.
Not Everyone Is Sold on Owning a Home
Of course, some simply don’t buy into the whole homeownership thing as a good investment.
Roughly one quarter (23.6%) said it’s more affordable to rent than buy and another 7.9% said they were concerned home prices might fall. Yes, home prices can fall…
Also, 10.8% of respondents said they wouldn’t stay in the new home very long, which reduces the likelihood of making money on the property. Generally you need to stay in a home for several years for it to make financial sense.
Not only that, but 13.8% of respondents noted that they could live in a better neighborhood and/or home if they rented, so why buy?
Well, as the graphic above indicates, homeowners have 36 times the net worth of renters. Put another way, the median homeowner had nearly $200,000 in net worth last year, compared to just $5,000 for renters. That’s a pretty good argument.
Most homeowners opt for fixed-rate mortgages because there aren’t any surprises. Many of them go with a 30-year term because it’s the norm, and also because it allows would-be homeowners to buy a lot more home.
The major downside is that a 30-year fixed mortgage takes 30 years to pay off. In other words, you pay a whole lot of interest over three decades, and you don’t really own much of your home for the bulk of the amortization period.
In fact, it’s not until late in the loan period that payments go primarily toward principal, as opposed to interest.
This can create problems down the road, especially for those who put little down on their home purchase.
After all, without any home equity, lenders don’t have a buffer in place if borrowers fall behind on payments. And borrowers who don’t have much (if any) skin in the game can simply walk away if things don’t go their way.
How About a 15-Year Fixed That Isn’t Super Expensive?
The Wealth Building Home Loan (WBHL)
Created by Edward Pinto and Stephen Oliner of the American Enterprise Institute
Combines the affordability of a 30-year fixed
With the equity building power of a 15-year fixed
Unfortunately, 15-year fixed mortgages aren’t cheap, seeing that the borrower has half the amount of time to pay off roughly the same sized loan.
This explains why 30-year loans continue to be a lot more popular, despite what I just said.
But that may all change with the advent of the Wealth Building Home Loan (WBHL), created by Edward Pinto and Stephen Oliner of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI).
In a nutshell, it combines the equity-building benefit of a 15-year fixed mortgage with the affordability of a 30-year fixed. So borrowers pay down their mortgages faster without breaking the bank.
Speaking of banks, borrowers also gain a lot more home equity in a shorter period of time, which greatly reduces the credit risk associated with extending high loan-to-value loans.
In fact, during the first three years of a WBHL, 77% of the monthly mortgage payment goes toward principal.
Compare that to a traditional 30-year fixed, where 68% goes toward interest. Sure, the payment is substantially lower, but the house still mostly belongs to the lender.
A 15-Year Fixed Rate Below 2%?
The WBHL is a no down payment mortgage
That relies on a rate buy down at the outset
To lower the interest rate and make monthly payments similar to a 30-year loan
Lenders are protected through sound underwriting and fast equity accrual
In order to keep monthly payments down and maintain home buying power, the AEI notes that a conventional 15-year fixed is priced around 0.75% below the going rate for a 30-year fixed FHA loan.
Additionally, the WBHL allows for zero down financing, with five percent in down payment funds repurposed for a permanent 1.25% rate buy down.
Its creators also claim that the annual credit risk expense on the WBHL is lower, and the strong savings component of the loan program allows for a slightly higher debt-to-income ratio.
The 15-year averages around 3.25% today, so borrowers could enjoy fixed rates in the high 1% range. Not too shabby.
All this apparently gives borrowers who go with a WBHL more than 90% of the purchasing power they’d normally get via the FHA and their standard 30-year fixed product with 3% down.
For the record, Pinto has long taken issue with the FHA for overcharging borrowers and sticking them with costly mortgage insurance premiums. Unfortunately, most renters need an FHA loan to buy a home, so there aren’t many other options.
While the WBHL certainly sounds like an interesting and potentially game-changing loan product, not everyone actually wants to pay off their mortgage faster. Some people would rather invest their money elsewhere.
But there are a lot of positives to the WBHL, both for borrowers and lenders, and it does make sense for lower-income borrowers to create wealth as opposed to dig deeper into debt.
This mindset could actually help us avoid another crisis, or at least postpone one.
The WBHL is being launched by the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) and Bank of America this month.
Over the next few months, it will be rolled out to NACA’s 37 offices. A WBHL for middle-income home buyers is also in the pipeline. If interested, inquire with NACA.
Welcome to the vibrant and thriving city of Nashville, where luxury living reaches new heights amidst the enchanting landscapes and soul-stirring music. If you’re contemplating living in Nashville or already on the hunt for a home in the city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an array of exquisite features and amenities that epitomize opulence and comfort. mike
From elegant architecture and expansive living spaces to state-of-the-art technology and breathtaking views, Nashville’s top luxury home features are a testament to the city’s dynamic allure and unparalleled lifestyle. Join us on a journey to explore the finest residences that encapsulate the essence of luxury in Music City, USA.
Top neighborhoods with luxury home features in Nashville
Nashville’s luxury neighborhoods, Green Hills, Belle Meade, and Brentwood, boast exquisite home features, each offering a distinct blend of opulence and charm where homebuyers are willing to pay premium prices. In fact, the median sale price of homes in these three neighborhoods is a minimum $543K more than the median sale price for the city.
Green Hills, with its tree-lined streets and proximity to high-end shopping and dining, offers an exquisite blend of convenience and elegance. The median sale price for homes in Green Hills was $990K in June 2023.
Belle Meade evokes timeless elegance, characterized by grand estates and a historic charm. Belle Meade tops the list for most expensive neighborhood in June 2023, with a median sale price of $2.1 million.
Brentwood’s allure lies in its stately residences, expansive lots, and nearby amenities, creating an ideal suburban retreat with a touch of sophistication. The median sale price sits at $1.3 million for homes in Brentwood in June 2023.
Leiper’s Fork, a charming village near Nashville, exudes rustic elegance with sprawling properties set against picturesque landscapes. This retreat is perfect for those in the market for a refined countryside lifestyle, with homes also set at premium prices.
1. Outdoor living spaces
Outdoor living spaces are a highly sought after feature in the luxury home market in Nashville. The “glass wall,” or collapsible sliding doors, allow the indoor living space to flow seamlessly to the outdoor living space. These spaces often have high-end kitchens, fireplaces, TV’s, and all of the comforts of the indoor space. This design provides the perfect solution for a mix of indoor/outdoor entertaining. They are also great for offering the homeowner their own private respite after a long hard day. Plus, if the outdoor living space is private, that tends to add more value. This is typically achieved with privacy fences, screens, plantings, and pergolas, creating intimate and secluded retreats.
One of my recent listings perfectly encapsulated the fusion of luxury and aesthetics. This exquisite home spanned four stories with an impressive five balconies, each offering breathtaking panoramas of downtown Nashville. The top floor featured a captivating wrap-around balcony, providing an unparalleled vantage point to soak in the city’s skyline and dynamic energy.
2. Wine room
With the growing interest in wine comes the growing demand for wine rooms, a popular luxury home feature in Nashville. The wine room has quietly replaced the wine cellar as homeowners have shifted towards displaying their collection instead of hiding it away in a cellar. These spaces, often accommodating 300 to 500 bottles, provide a cozier and more-intimate way to entertain and enjoy a bottle of wine. Beyond the functionality, wine rooms serve as a way to highlight a wine collection years in the making.
3. Luxury pools
Luxury pools are a must-have for luxury homes in Nashville, yet uniquely challenging due to the city’s rocky terrain. Because of this, building a pool can be expensive because of the need for blasting or chipping out of rock.
In Nashville’s housing market, private pools are more than just amenities – they are extensions of the luxurious lifestyle. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these pools seamlessly integrate with the architecture, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. You’ll often find creative pool designs, such as a pool within a barn, each providing a reflection of the homeowner’s taste and personality.
4. Breathtaking views
Breathtaking views are a highly desirable feature in Nashville homes, and luxury properties are often strategically positioned to maximize the beauty of the natural landscape. For estates nestled on expansive acreage, the view might be of gently rolling hills with green pastures, magnificent trees, and ponds or other water features. Or, if the home is in the heart of Nashville, it might be perched on a hilltop, providing incredible views of downtown.
These residences feature expansive windows and meticulously crafted floor plans to enhance the seamless blend between indoor and outdoor realms. This design philosophy ensures that the mesmerizing landscape remains a constant presence, forging an unbroken connection between the interior and the natural world beyond.
5. Guest houses and DADUs
Guest houses, or separate living spaces that are attached or detached from the house, are a highly desirable feature for luxury homes in the Nashville market. A growing trend that has been embraced throughout luxury homes is multi-generational living, where different generations within a family have separate spaces on the same property. This allows adult children to live with their parents (or vice versa) yet each still has their own space and privacy.
A guest house provides a dedicated space for visitors and overnight guests, ensuring their comfort and privacy while maintaining a sense of separation from the main residence. From an investment perspective, guest houses add versatility and potential for rental income. Homeowners can lease these separate living spaces for additional financial gain, making their luxury property not only a residence but also a potential source of revenue.
DADU‘s (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a specific type of guest house that is fully detached from the main residence. A DADU must be placed behind and smaller than the primary residence, typically 700-1,000 sq. ft. These dwellings have become popular in recent years – especially for those homes located in a historic overlay district that might prohibit changes to the principal home.
6. Land and privacy
In Nashville’s luxury market, larger land and privacy translate directly to higher home prices. Homes with ample acreage offer room for innovative designs and serene surroundings, and the scarcity of open space makes seclusion a premium.
Homeowners can use their land to create expansive gardens, add amenities like pools or tennis courts, and build peaceful retreats. Privacy also grants an escape from city life, providing room for various leisure activities.
If you’re buying a luxury home in Nashville, your Redfin Premier Agent is equipped to offer valuable insights into the local market, including insight into the neighborhoods, highly sought-after amenities, pricing trends, and available luxury properties.
The “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is undoubtedly one of the gems of the upper Midwest. With its vibrant cities home to renowned theaters and museums to its nature like the iconic Lake Superior and the lush Superior National Forest, there are plenty of reasons you may be considering living in Minnesota. If Minnesota sounds like the state for you, then you may also be curious what cities fit into your budget. When it comes to buying a home in Minnesota, the median home sale price is $353,000.
If that number is out of your budget, don’t worry, we’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected 8 of the most affordable places to live in Minnesota. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under $353,000. From St. Paul to Duluth, let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.
#1: St. Cloud
Median home price: $250,000 Average sale price per square foot: $134 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $739 Median household income: $50,335 Nearest major metro: Minneapolis (70 miles) St. Cloud, MN homes for sale St. Cloud, MN apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $250,000, St. Cloud comes in at number one on our list of most affordable places to live in Minnesota. About 68,900 people live in this city and is roughly 70 miles from the nearest major metro Minneapolis. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to explore Munsinger Gardens situated along the Mississippi River, stroll through downtown St. Cloud, or check out the St. Cloud State University campus.
#2: St. Paul
Median home price: $300,525 Average sale price per square foot: $207 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,307 Median household income: $59,717 Nearest major metro: Minneapolis (12 miles) St. Paul, MN homes for sale St. Paul, MN apartments for rent
Taking the second spot on our list of affordable cities to live in Minnesota is St. Paul, one half of the Twin Cities. When living in this city of 311,500 people, you can visit the Minnesota State Capitol or take a walk or bike ride along the Mississippi River. There is plenty to explore in the St. Paul area, so also make sure to go ice skating at the Landmark Center or shop at the St. Paul Farmers Market for some fresh local produce.
#3: Duluth
Median home price: $312,700 Average sale price per square foot: $171 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,495 Median household income: $54,084 Nearest major metro: Minneapolis (155 miles) Duluth, MN homes for sale Duluth, MN apartments for rent
About 86,700 people reside in Duluth which is situated along the shores of Lake Superior. The median home sale price is $312,700 which is about $40K less than the median home sale price in Minnesota. Make sure to visit the Glensheen Mansion, take a scenic drive along the North Shore, visit the Duluth Zoo, or take a walk or bike ride along the Duluth Lakewalk if you move to the third most affordable city.
#4: Rochester
Median home price: $314,250 Average sale price per square foot: $169 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,488 Median household income: $59,717 Nearest major metro: St. Paul (80 miles) Rochester, MN homes for sale Rochester, MN apartments for rent
A little more expensive than Duluth is Rochester, located in southern Minnesota. With roughly 121,400 residents in Rochester, make sure to visit museums and historic sites like the History Center of Olmsted County or Maywood Historic Home. You can also spend time outdoors exploring the nature trails at Quarry Hill Nature Center or rent a boat to take out on Silver Lake.
#5: Coon Rapids
Median home price: $335,750 Average sale price per square foot: $188 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,536 Median household income: $59,717 Nearest major metro: Minneapolis (16 miles) Coon Rapids, MN homes for sale Coon Rapids, MN apartments for rent
Another great area to add to your list is Coon Rapids, located just 16 miles north of Minneapolis. Home to 63,600 residents, this affordable town can be a great option to add to your list. Living in Coon Rapids, you can explore the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, and spend the afternoon at Crooked Lake.
#6: Minneapolis
Median home price: $339,900 Average sale price per square foot: $217 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,476 Median household income: $66,068 Minneapolis, MN homes for sale Minneapolis, MN apartments for rent
The other half of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis, is the next place on our list. The home prices are about $10K less than the state’s average. And with about 429,900 people living in Minneapolis, it’s a great place to consider living in this year. Make sure to check out all the local vendors at the Minneapolis Farmers Market and visit museums like Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, and the Bakken Museum. You can also spend the day exploring the Chain of Lakes and stop by the Stone Arch Bridge. No matter what neighborhood you move to in Minneapolis, there are countless things to explore in this city.
#7: Brooklyn Park
Median home price: $345,000 Average sale price per square foot: $172 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,585 Median household income: $73,207 Nearest major metro: Minneapolis (11 miles) Brooklyn Park, MN homes for sale Brooklyn Park, MN apartments for rent
Claiming the seventh spot on our list of affordable places to live in Minnesota is Brooklyn Park. With a population of about 86,500, living in Brooklyn Park is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city to live in. Don’t miss out on visiting one of the parks in town or explore the Chesapeake Arts Center once moving to the area.
#8: Burnsville
Median home price: $350,500 Average sale price per square foot: $180 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,085 Median household income: $76,017 Nearest major metro: Minneapolis (17 miles) Burnsville, MN homes for sale Burnsville, MN apartments for rent
Last but not least on our list of most affordable places to live in Minnesota is Burnsville. About 64,300 people reside in Burnsville, situated just south of the Twin Cities. Living in Burnsville, make sure to spend the day at Crystal Lake, hike along the Black Dog Trail, or visit the nearby Minnesota Zoo.
Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Minnesota. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
In the United States, we value our cars. We’ve become a nation of drivers. It rarely occurs to us that walking might be an option, even for short journeys. One-quarter of all automobile trips in the U.S. are less than a mile in length; forty percent are less than two miles (one source of many). Looked at another way: of all trips less than a mile in length, eighty percent are made by car (source).
I know a man who drives to work, even though he lives half a mile from his office. Why does he drive? Because he may need the car for some errand during the day. How many errands did he run during the workday last week? None. The week before? None.
I have a family member who will spend time circling a parking lot, looking for the perfect space. In the time it takes her to find these utopic spots, she could usually have parked farther from the entrance and burned some calories by walking a few hundred feet to the store.
Another friend lives just over a mile from her brother. She never walks to see him, but always drives. Why? Because walking would take too long. (The drive takes five minutes because of the road layout; walking takes less than twenty minutes.)
Walking offers tremendous health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, walking can help:
Reduce your risk of heart attack.
Manage your blood pressure.
Reduce your risk of developing diabetes (or help you to manage an existing condition).
Manage your weight.
Manage stress and boost spirits.
(Read more in the Mayo Clinic’s Walking for Fitness guide.)
Many fitness programs encourage a regimen of 10,000 steps per day. When I’m sedentary, I get fewer than 2,000 steps per day. How do I know? I track my progress with a pedometer. They’re cheap and effective. I use this model, which costs less than five bucks. I covet this deluxe model, which costs less than twenty.
But walking doesn’t just help you stay fit. It can also help you achieve other goals:
The average cost of operating a vehicle is 52.2 cents. Walking is free.
A regular walking regimen can take less time than going to the gym. And there are no membership fees.
When I walk to the grocery store, I buy much less. A car effectively gives me unlimited carrying capacity. When I have to haul each item home by hand, I’m much more particular about what I purchase.
Walking helps you become more aware of your surroundings. I see a lot more of my neighborhood when I walk.
The only pollutant you produce when walking is sweat.
Perhaps, like me, you want to walk, but find it easy to rationalize driving. Or you’re procrastinating the start of a fitness program. Or you’re not even sure how to begin. Here are a few ways to make walking easier and more appealing:
Walk with a spouse or friend.
Walk your dog.
Listen to an audiobook.
Count your steps.
Observe the world around you: the plants, the birds, the beasts.
Greet every person you meet. (Yes, this sounds cheesy, but it’s surprisingly fun.)
Have a destination in mind: the coffee stand, the park, a friend’s house.
In time, you may even come to like walking. Perhaps you’ll begin taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Maybe you’ll park farther from the entrance to the mall, your office, the library.
Here’s an excellent guide to starting a walking program. For more on this subject, check Could you walk or bike to more places? at Money and Values.
So a guy, an Austrian fellow named Andreas Gindelhuber, with apparent dreams of making money in real estate here in the United States, resorted to selling his home in exchange for an iPhone 6 last week.
He originally purchased the foreclosed 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath Detroit home (you probably already knew it was in Detroit) for $41,000 in April 2010, per Zillow.
Two weeks later, it was listed for rent at a seemingly reasonable $750 per month. After languishing on the market for two months, Gindelhuber lowered the rental price to $695 per month and finally found some tenants.
But the neighborhood where the home is located was hard hit by the housing crisis, prompting nearby residents to move out and leave their properties behind.
Eventually his tenants also headed for the exits, leaving the place vacant and in disrepair. He also had a $6,000 delinquent property tax bill to worry about, so he hired local real estate agent Larry Else to market the property.
It’s unclear how the property got so badly damaged, but it’s supposedly missing all its doors and windows, and also has extensive smoke damage. I’ve heard about houses getting set on fire in Detroit…
Anyway, it seemed no one wanted the thing, even for the price of FREE.
Still, Gindelhuber listed the badly damaged property for $5,000, hoping to get some interest from somewhere, hopefully.
Then reality set in, forcing him to lower the asking price twice in two months, first to $4,000 and then to $3,000.
Then His Real Estate Agent Got Creative
That still didn’t cut it, so Gindelhuber and Else brainstormed. At some point Else remembers Gindelhuber telling him he would trade the house for an iPhone 6 or a new iPad 32 GB.
Realizing it could be a great publicity stunt that would no doubt put Else’s name on the map, they decided to add the potential barter to the official listing.
It didn’t take long for news outlets to pick up on the story, including a local Fox affiliate and Yahoo!, then it went viral.
A short week or so later the property has been sold to a local man (who lives down the street) for an unknown price, but apparently less than $1,000. He plans to fix it up.
The funny part about the story is that Gindelhuber didn’t actually get his iPhone 6 or iPad in exchange for the sale.
But thanks to the Internet and its greatness, a man from Germany has offered to donate his brand new iPhone 6 to Gindelhuber.
The story also wound up in a German magazine, prompting the man to e-mail Else, claiming the story “touched me somehow.”
So a guy, an Austrian fellow named Andreas Gindelhuber, with apparent dreams of making money in real estate here in the United States, resorted to selling his home in exchange for an iPhone 6 last week.
He originally purchased the foreclosed 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath Detroit home (you probably already knew it was in Detroit) for $41,000 in April 2010, per Zillow.
Two weeks later, it was listed for rent at a seemingly reasonable $750 per month. After languishing on the market for two months, Gindelhuber lowered the rental price to $695 per month and finally found some tenants.
But the neighborhood where the home is located was hard hit by the housing crisis, prompting nearby residents to move out and leave their properties behind.
Eventually his tenants also headed for the exits, leaving the place vacant and in disrepair. He also had a $6,000 delinquent property tax bill to worry about, so he hired local real estate agent Larry Else to market the property.
It’s unclear how the property got so badly damaged, but it’s supposedly missing all its doors and windows, and also has extensive smoke damage. I’ve heard about houses getting set on fire in Detroit…
Anyway, it seemed no one wanted the thing, even for the price of FREE.
Still, Gindelhuber listed the badly damaged property for $5,000, hoping to get some interest from somewhere, hopefully.
Then reality set in, forcing him to lower the asking price twice in two months, first to $4,000 and then to $3,000.
Then His Real Estate Agent Got Creative
That still didn’t cut it, so Gindelhuber and Else brainstormed. At some point Else remembers Gindelhuber telling him he would trade the house for an iPhone 6 or a new iPad 32 GB.
Realizing it could be a great publicity stunt that would no doubt put Else’s name on the map, they decided to add the potential barter to the official listing.
It didn’t take long for news outlets to pick up on the story, including a local Fox affiliate and Yahoo!, then it went viral.
A short week or so later the property has been sold to a local man (who lives down the street) for an unknown price, but apparently less than $1,000. He plans to fix it up.
The funny part about the story is that Gindelhuber didn’t actually get his iPhone 6 or iPad in exchange for the sale.
But thanks to the Internet and its greatness, a man from Germany has offered to donate his brand new iPhone 6 to Gindelhuber.
The story also wound up in a German magazine, prompting the man to e-mail Else, claiming the story “touched me somehow.”