Maine's Bargain Homes: Five Fixer-Uppers Under $30,000 in Stunning Countryside
Maine stands out as one of the most affordable states in the US, with a typical home price of $395,931 according to Zillow, slightly above the national average of $360,000. However, for those unafraid of a little elbow grease, the Pine Tree State offers remarkable bargains, with several properties available for as low as $19,000 in its picturesque countryside. These homes present unique opportunities for creative minds with the necessary skills to transform them into something new and unique.
Madawaska: A $19,000 Blank Canvas
In Madawaska, a border town along the St. John River, a 1936 home is listed for a mere $19,000. This four-bedroom, one-bath property is described as a 'blank canvas for a creative mind with the necessary skills' to flip the shabby blue structure. The catch is that the home is currently uninhabitable due to the lack of running water and plumbing. While it features a wood-burning oven, there are no staircases, as the previous owner removed them mid-renovation and never replaced them.
Grand Isle: A Stripped-Down Opportunity
Just down the river in Grand Isle, another home is available for $19,600, only $600 more than the Madawaska property. This listing reads, '[It's] a clean slate for you to finish. This home has been stripped to the studs and awaits your vision.' The dilapidated property has a shingled roof falling apart, missing siding, and cracks in the concrete. Originally priced at $22,000, it has been reduced to attract buyers. Realtor Fred Dobbs told the Bangor Daily News that if unsold by spring, the homeowner may keep it and continue renovations. Unlike the Madawaska home, this one includes a working septic system and a well. Dobbs noted, 'It has good bones, it just needs someone to go in and do the work.'
Bridgewater: A Hunter's Paradise
Further down the river in Bridgewater, a three-bedroom, one-bath property is listed for $24,900. Situated on a picturesque plot surrounded by trees, Realtor Andrew Mooers described it as an ideal location for a hunting camp. Despite needing an intensive overhaul, Mooers justified the price based on the land value, stating, 'The land alone is worth that.' The home is vacant but features an insulated basement and newer mudded sheetrock. It boasts large bedrooms and a detached garage, with Mooers comparing it to 'a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, it just takes the right buyer.'
Caribou: Foundation Repairs Required
A little more inland, near the border, a Caribou home is priced at $27,400. This 1,200-square-foot property comes with a two-car detached garage but requires repairs to its foundation. It has an outdated kitchen, ample country space, and a cozy feel, including a unique pink inlaid bathtub.
Oxbow: A Peaceful Retreat with Condemned Structures
In Oxbow, a property listed at $29,900 offers a chance to start fresh on a private piece of land, though it is much cheaper than the norm in Northern Maine. Sitting on less than an acre and surrounded by trees, the listing promises a 'peaceful treat' and an oasis for hunters and nature lovers to spot deer or wild turkeys. However, there is no septic system or water, and the existing structures are condemned and must be torn down.
These five fixer-uppers in Maine's stunning countryside demonstrate that affordable real estate opportunities still exist for those willing to invest time and effort into renovations. From uninhabitable conditions to stripped-down frames, each property offers a unique challenge and potential reward for savvy buyers.
