March 8, 2008

Note to Seller: Buy a Mop

I am no Martha Stewart. Really, I’m not even a Rachael Ray. But even with my negligible standards, I was terrified when I saw the listing photos for this house on Clayton in the Franklin Hills. Normally, I’d be more circumspect when critiquing what is some poor soul’s major investment, but since this is bank-owned, there are few feelings to be hurt.

Check out the slide show. If the lovely shot of the cracked street doesn’t make you want to run right over, then surely the photo of the stained and filthy bathroom with a mysterious pile of debris next to the toilet will help you envision moving your own belongings into this abode. I can only imagine that a very disgruntled bank employee took these pictures.

Despite how it appears, this is actually a good neighborhood, although this house is on the fringe of the hill. These photos scream “make an offer, any offer,” so for a brave soul with contacts at an excellent cleaning agency, it might be worth checking out.This is a trendy area, and the homes nearby like this recently redone 3/2 (though it’s having a tough time selling at its $1.2 million dollar price tag), or this 4/4.25 farmhouse across the street for $949,000 (no back yard) show that the area does have pride-of-ownership. Then there is this 3/3.5 REO that looks like it sold last month for $744,769. It was last purchased in December 2004 for $825,000. This is probably one of the best comps for the house on Clayton, though it appeared to be in much better condition.