Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Sometimes you have to kiss a frog to get a Prince

I have jokingly said that I won't show Before pictures of the Ugly Duckling unless I have a few After to go with it, and well, truth be told, it's not really so much of a joke than the knowledge that a lot of people just have problems seeing the sheer potential in a house that is old and has been neglected for a number of years, not to mention vacant.

Houses need owners and this is especially true for historic homes. They are imbued with character and spirit but they need the love and care of an owner to show their full potential.

Yeah, I know, it's the cheesy infatuated ramblings of a historic house nut and while I might be biased (and I admit to it happily) I'll leave you with this video created by a neigbor that might convince you that while biased I might be right after all ;o)

Enjoy!

[blogspot didn't let me embbed the video so here's an old-fashioned link]
Kiss a Frog - Get a Prince

2 comments:

  1. Yeah, these homes don't surprise me. It always depends on how much work a person can stand to take on. We saw some dilapidated homes in our travels, but in the end, I at least needed something livable, if not gorgeous.

    I do hope you share your house in all it's "before" glory, though. It will be interesting to see your progress as you make changes.
    Irina

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  2. You are absolutely right. It's just a shame that a lot of people don't know that it is possible and that there are mortgage options just for this purpose, like the streamlined rehab loan we have. Our no-go was definitely structural work; we didn't have to worry about messing with the foundation or having to take the house down to the studs to figure out a framing issue.

    And there will be pictures :o) I just need at least some "In-progress" or "After" shots or else I fear my mom will have a heart attack :o)

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