Detroit's Abandoned Houses: From Spooky to Swoon-Worthy (Maybe)
Ah, Detroit. A city with a rich history, a killer music scene, and...a whole lotta abandoned houses. We're talking thousands, folks. Enough to make you wonder if you could snag a fixer-upper for the price of a used couch (well, maybe not that cheap, but you get the idea).
So, the burning question: can you snag one of these abandoned beauties and turn it into your own personal Motor City masterpiece?
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| Can You Buy Abandoned Houses In Detroit |
You Don't Need a Bat-Signal, But You Do Need the DLBA
The answer, my friend, is a resounding maybe. Here's the deal. Most abandoned houses in Detroit are owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), a city agency tasked with revitalizing these forgotten abodes.
The DLBA offers a few ways to become a proud owner of a piece of Detroit history:
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
Own-It-Now: These properties are priced to move (and maybe even haunt...but mostly move). Be prepared for some TLC (tender love and cash) as they're sold "as-is". Think fixer-upper with a healthy dose of "Yikes, what's that smell?"
Auction: Channel your inner HGTV auction star and snag a deal at a live or online auction. Just remember, those bids can get heated faster than a chili cook-off in July.
Become a Developer: Got big dreams (and a big budget)? The DLBA also offers larger properties for development. Think apartment buildings or community gardens (because everyone loves fresh kale, right?).
Hold Up, There's More!
Before you pack your bags and head to Motown with visions of flipping houses faster than Eminem drops rhymes, there are a few things to consider:
Know What You're Getting Yourself Into: Abandoned houses are, well, abandoned. Expect hidden surprises (not the happy birthday kind) like structural damage, missing fixtures, and who knows what lurking in the crawlspace.
Renovation Realities: Detroit has a strong historic preservation code. This means you might not be able to just slap on some drywall and call it a day. Be prepared to work with the city to maintain the architectural integrity of the house.
Location, Location, Location: Like any real estate venture, location matters. Some neighborhoods are seeing hot growth, while others are a bit more...shall we say, "under development."
FAQ: Becoming a Detroit Demolition Derby Dodgeball Champion (of Abandoned Houses)
1. How do I find out about available properties?
The DLBA website (
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
2. Do I need a real estate agent?
Not necessarily, but it can't hurt. Especially if you're new to the whole abandoned house rodeo.
3. How much will renovations cost?
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Budgeting is key! Get a professional inspection to assess the damage and potential costs before you dive in.
4. What about the historic preservation code?
The city' website (
Tip: Write down what you learned.
5. Is this whole abandoned house thing right for me?
Only you can answer that! But if you're up for a challenge, love a good renovation project, and have a healthy dose of adventurous spirit, then Detroit's abandoned houses might just be your ticket to Motor City magic (and maybe a starring role on an HGTV show...one can dream!).
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