Before

After

The Circumstances

Years ago, after the original property owner moved into a nursing home, this house was sold to another real estate investor. Unfortunately, the investor never finished the project. It sat vacant and unfinished for 12 years. He listed the abandoned home on MLS with a real estate agent, but no one wanted it. It is a tricky sale when the house is abandoned, condemned and in complete disrepair.

Gaps in the foundation and a malfunctioning sump pump left the basement unable to drain. Structural and foundation issues plagued the building resulting in 8 inches of water in the basement. The oversized yard was a complete jungle with large piles of dirt everywhere and overgrown grass. In fact, it took 12 dump truckloads to remove it all.

The outbuildings were a mess, attracting homeless squatters and teenagers who made it their hangout. Before giving up on the project, the other investor gutted the house and left it wrapped in insulation. This created a neighbourhood eyesore.

MJS Properties is not afraid to buy an abandoned property.  It is their specialty. However, they would have their work cut out for them after the seller accepted the cash offer.

The Plan

MJS Properties hired security to stay on the vacant property overnight. This discouraged trespassers and illegal activity. It sent an obvious message that someone cared for this abandoned home once again.

With a long list of tasks to complete, MJS Properties got to work fixing the water issues first.

  • Dug out the entire foundation
  • Repaired and sealed gaps
  • Fixed water issues
  • Installed new weeping tile
  • Placed a new water line
  • Put in new sewage drains
  • Connected a proper sump pump

We gave the exterior a complete makeover:

  • Installed new siding, soffit and facia
  • Fit the home with new windows
  • Re-laid the driveway
  • Constructed a back deck
  • Replaced the front porch
  • Cleaned up and levelled the yard
  • Removed large piles of dirt
  • Tore out overgrown shrubs, dead trees, and stumps
  • Finished the yard with clean attractive landscaping
  • Restored the broken-down garage to its natural glory, which was once an automotive shop in its former life

From the street, you saw a brand new home barely recognizable before purchasing the abandoned property.

Inside, MJS completed and improved the finishes started years ago by the previous investor.

  • Installed a new kitchen
  • Updated bathroom fixtures
  • Laid new flooring
  • Repaired and replaced electrical

You would never know this was once an abandoned house for sale.  It was absolutely stunning. But, when MJS Properties takes on a project, it is not just cosmetic. Matt takes the time and cares about doing things right. As a result, the next homeowner can live comfortably and happily in their new home.

The Result

Neighbours, who initially believed it was impossible to sell an abandoned house, stood in awe of the transformation.  Previously unable to sell their home, they celebrated the immediate increase in property value and heightened interest in the area.

One year after renovations were complete:

  • Property values on the same street increased by 10% averaging $28,500 higher market price.
  • Homes sold an average of 9 days faster – a 47% improvement.

It relieved others who lived in the area for their entire life to have their neighbourhood back.  Unsavoury characters hanging about, a thing of the past.

The original homeowner who sold the house 12 years prior returned to have a look. She was extremely grateful to MJS Properties for breathing new life into her childhood home.

People often ask us what kind of properties we are looking for.  First, we love to help people.  That is Matt’s passion.  When we find abandoned properties, we know we can make a difference in both the seller’s and the buyer’s lives.

We see past the mess and barriers that others worry about.  Our vision for the property’s potential is exciting and we have the skills to make it a reality.

If you have a home that leaves you scratching your head and not knowing how to proceed, give us a call.

One year after renovation, property values on the same street increased by 10% averaging $28,500 more. Homes also were selling an average of 9 days faster - a 47% improvement!

Matthiew J. ScottThe Heart and Soul of MJS Properties

We Have The Experience To Help In Any Situation