Well, it was going to happen sooner or later. With all the good deals out there it’s hard to resist them. Recently I bought a little bungalow and am working with two other people to renovate it and get it to market before the end of the Spring. It’s not much right now, but soon it will be a solid two bedroom bungalow with spectacular kitchen, new windows, new HVAC, sparkling wood floors and updated plumbing and electric.

After looking at 12 homes in the South City area we settled on this one for a few reasons. First, we really liked the layout. It is a proper 2 bedroom with a large living room and separate dining room. There’s an entry way, so you aren’t dumped into the living room as soon as you walk-in. Second, the demo was mostly done, so we could get right to work. And finally the location is superb. It’s tucked right in the middle of Tower Grove South walking distance to Grand, Morganford and the park.

Click here to find more opportunities. All homes in this link are under 50K and will require work. Some need everything, some just need a little TLC. If you need contractor recommendation, no problem, I am happy to pass on names and numbers of those who have proven that they can show up on time and understand how to coax a beautiful rehab out of an ugly shell.

I showed this to one of my clients last week. Lucky for everyone else, it isn’t what she is looking for. But it is perfect for someone. It is just waiting for it’s next life as a bed and breakfast, antique store, art gallery daycare/family home or any of the other endless possibilities. This is such an interesting building and is in such great shape, I hate to see it just sitting there.

This building was the former rectory of the church next door. The church sold last year for 250K and the rectory is for sale now for 118K. There are at least 8 bedrooms. The kitchen needs work but has a complete set of Geneva cabinets. The radiator is still pumping away and has probably been serviced every year since it was installed. The tax records record this at 1925 square feet but there’s no way that’s true. This place is massive. Entering from the front there is formal wood staircase and two formal parlors each with art deco style mantles fully intact and in great shape. Beyond the reception area there is another suite of rooms that look as if they were used as offices. Around the corner is the informal parlor. From there pass thru the butler’s pantry into the kitchen. On the second floor there is a suite with sitting room another great looking mantle, bedroom and private bath. In the rear of the building on the second floor there’s another parlor with mantle, a few more bedrooms and a full bath. The third floor is small with two small rooms.

The building has been well kept and in most cases untouched where you would hope it would be…the millwork and wood floors. However, certain questionable upgrades have been installed over time. The dropped ceiling and dark paneling will have to go and there are signs of water damage from the flat roof on the second floor. But the foundation looks great and the house feels solid.

Here’s a link to the MLS lisitng. Unfortunately the listing doesn’t show the correct photo. This isn’t a Circa listing but anyone in our office would be happy to help you tour it if you are looking to buy a unique space and aren’t afraid of a little work.

We have been working hard on this auction all year at Rebuilding Together and it is really shaping up to be a great event. It will be at the FK Photography Studio on Locust in the Locust Business District. A $35 donation gets you in the door and after that the food and drinks are free. There will also be FREE valet parking in a secured parking lot.

Bailey’s Chocolate Bar, Rooster Cafe, Butler’s Panty, Kirk’s Traveling Kitchen, Niche, Moxy and Vin de Set are preparing plenty of samples for the 500 attendees we expect. Local St. Louis artists (and a few from afar) are donating over 40 pieces of original work to be silently auctioned throughout the night. In addition we have been collecting donated auction items including a professional photo shoot, a single engine plane ride around the city, a week’s stay in Mexico, Coach purses, a pearl necklace and bracelet set, restaurant gift certificates, a tasting for 8 at Schlafly, sports tickets and memorabilia and much, much more.

So mark your calendars for Saturday, 10 November 2007. Doors open at 7pm. Purchase tickets online at the ArtFix website. (Generously donated by TOKY Branding & Design)