$9,900 House for Sale in Charleston, West Virginia – 2-Bedroom Fixer-Upper With Renovation Considerations

Finding a single-family house advertised for less than $10,000 can immediately attract attention, especially among buyers searching for affordable real estate, renovation projects, or lower-priced investment properties.

One listing that may interest people researching inexpensive homes in West Virginia is located at 1005 Somerset Dr, Charleston, WV 25302.

The property is advertised for $9,900, following a reported $1,000 price reduction. It features two bedrooms, one full bathroom, approximately 926 square feet of interior space, and a lot measuring approximately 3,484 square feet.

Originally built in 1900, the residence is described in the listing as a boarded-up home.

That description is extremely important.

A boarded-up house may have substantial maintenance problems, security concerns, or conditions that prevent normal occupancy. The listing also identifies no heating system and no cooling system, making it especially important for buyers to investigate the property’s physical condition and local occupancy requirements.

Although the advertised purchase price is low, buyers should not assume the home is ready for immediate occupancy or that it can be renovated economically.

Older distressed properties can involve structural repairs, electrical upgrades, plumbing work, roofing expenses, permitting requirements, and unexpected costs.

This detailed guide examines the property’s advertised features, its Charleston location, renovation considerations, financing challenges, insurance questions, property taxes, and the steps buyers should take before making a purchase decision.

Property Overview: 1005 Somerset Dr, Charleston, WV 25302

The property is classified as a single-family residence.

It offers approximately 926 square feet of reported interior living area, with two bedrooms and one full bathroom.

The lot measures approximately 3,484 square feet.

The house was originally constructed in 1900, making it more than a century old.

The listing describes the residence as boarded up, with no heating or cooling equipment identified.

Main Property Details

• Asking Price: $9,900
• Reported Price Reduction: $1,000
• Address: 1005 Somerset Dr, Charleston, WV 25302
• Property Type: Single-Family Residence
• Year Built: 1900
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 1 full bathroom
• Interior Living Area: 926 square feet
• Lot Size: 3,484 square feet
• Heating: None listed
• Cooling: None listed
• Flooring: Carpet
• Foundation: Block
• Roof Materials: Wood and metal listed
• Property Description: Boarded-up home
• Reported Annual Property Taxes: $2,176
• Reported Tax-Assessed Value: $54,700
• Price Per Square Foot: Approximately $11
• HOA: No fee reported

These details provide an initial understanding of the property, but they do not establish its structural safety, habitability, or renovation costs.

A professional inspection and review of local requirements are essential.

Why Is This Charleston House Listed for $9,900?

A house advertised for $9,900 may appear unusually inexpensive compared with conventional residential listings.

However, the asking price must be considered alongside the property’s condition.

The fact that the house is boarded up suggests that significant due diligence is necessary.

Understanding the Low Asking Price

Distressed properties may be marketed at low prices because they require substantial repairs or have other limitations.

However, the listing does not explain exactly why this particular home is boarded up.

Buyers should avoid assuming the cause without obtaining additional information.

A Reported $1,000 Price Reduction

The property recently experienced a reported $1,000 price reduction.

Based on the supplied figures, the previous asking price was approximately $10,900.

The reduction brings the advertised price below the $10,000 threshold.

Although a lower price may attract additional interest, it does not reduce the importance of inspecting the property.

Understanding the Price Per Square Foot

Dividing the $9,900 asking price by the reported 926 square feet produces approximately $10.69 per square foot.

The listing rounds this figure to about $11 per square foot.

However, this calculation does not include potential renovation costs.

For a distressed property, the total acquisition and repair budget may be far more meaningful than the advertised price per square foot.

Living in Charleston, West Virginia

Charleston is the capital of West Virginia and is located in Kanawha County.

The city serves as a regional center for government, employment, healthcare, education, and other services.

Charleston contains a mixture of residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and older housing stock.

Charleston’s Residential Housing Market

The local housing market includes properties of different ages, sizes, and conditions.

Some buyers seek move-in-ready homes, while others explore older properties that may require renovation.

However, a distressed house should not be compared directly with a renovated residence without accounting for repair costs.

Access to Services

Prospective buyers should investigate nearby grocery stores, medical facilities, schools, public services, and transportation options.

Actual travel times should be verified using the property address and the buyer’s intended destinations.

Neighborhood Due Diligence

Before purchasing, buyers should research the immediate surroundings, road access, nearby properties, and any relevant neighborhood conditions.

A property visit from a safe, authorized location can provide information that photographs alone may not reveal.

What Does a Boarded-Up House Mean?

The listing specifically describes the property as a boarded-up home.

This generally indicates that some openings have been secured with boards or similar materials.

However, the listing does not explain which openings are boarded or why.

Possible Reasons a House May Be Boarded Up

A property may be boarded for security, vacancy management, damage prevention, or other reasons.

Those possibilities should not be treated as confirmed facts about this house.

The actual circumstances require verification.

Is the House Safe to Enter?

The listing does not establish that the interior is safe to enter.

Buyers should not enter a boarded-up property without permission and appropriate safety precautions.

If there are concerns about structural stability, damaged flooring, electrical hazards, or other unsafe conditions, qualified professionals should assess the property.

Is the Home Habitable?

The available information does not establish that the property is habitable.

The absence of listed heating and cooling systems, combined with the boarded-up condition, raises important questions.

Buyers should confirm whether the residence meets applicable local occupancy standards before considering it for residential use.

A 926-Square-Foot Interior With Two Bedrooms

The home contains approximately 926 square feet of reported living area.

This is a relatively compact interior size.

The listing identifies two bedrooms and one full bathroom but does not provide a detailed floor plan.

Potential Layout Considerations

If renovation is legally permitted and economically practical, buyers may want to evaluate how the existing rooms could function.

However, the feasibility of improvements depends on structural conditions, building codes, and available resources.

Bedroom Inspection

The condition of both bedrooms is unknown.

Buyers should investigate the flooring, walls, ceilings, windows, electrical systems, and any signs of water intrusion.

Storage and Interior Organization

The listing does not describe closet space, built-in storage, or additional rooms.

Prospective buyers should verify the layout through authorized inspection and available property records.

One Full Bathroom: Plumbing and Repair Questions

The property includes one full bathroom.

However, the listing does not specify whether its fixtures or plumbing systems are functional.

Water Supply and Drainage

Buyers should confirm the status of water service and wastewater connections.

The listing does not provide enough information to establish whether utilities are currently connected.

Bathroom Renovation Costs

Bathroom repairs can involve plumbing, flooring, waterproofing, ventilation, and fixture replacement.

The cost depends on the condition of the existing systems and the extent of required work.

Hidden Moisture Damage

Older homes can develop moisture problems behind walls or beneath flooring.

A professional inspection can help identify visible warning signs and recommend further investigation where necessary.

No Heating System Listed: A Major Renovation Consideration

One of the most important details in the listing is that the property has no heating system identified.

West Virginia experiences cold winter weather, making reliable heating an important residential requirement.

Heating Installation Possibilities

Depending on the home’s condition and local regulations, a future owner might investigate different heating systems.

However, no specific system can be recommended without understanding the property’s electrical capacity, structure, insulation, and applicable requirements.

Electrical Capacity

Installing modern heating equipment may require electrical upgrades.

The listing does not provide information about the electrical panel, wiring, or available service.

Occupancy Requirements

Local authorities may require functioning heating equipment before a property can be legally occupied.

Buyers should confirm the applicable requirements with the appropriate local offices.

No Cooling System Listed

The listing also identifies no cooling system.

While cooling requirements may differ from heating requirements, indoor comfort during warm weather remains a practical consideration.

Cooling Options After Renovation

Potential solutions depend on the property’s condition, electrical system, layout, and budget.

Buyers should consult qualified contractors before making plans.

Energy Efficiency

Insulation, windows, air sealing, and roof condition can influence heating and cooling expenses.

A low purchase price does not guarantee low energy costs.

Block Foundation: Structural Inspection Priorities

The property is described as having a block foundation.

Foundation condition is particularly important in older homes.

What Inspectors May Evaluate

A qualified professional may look for visible cracking, movement, moisture intrusion, settlement, and deterioration.

The listing does not provide a foundation inspection report.

Why Structural Problems Matter

Foundation repairs can be expensive and may affect the feasibility of renovation.

Buyers should avoid estimating structural repair costs without a professional assessment.

A Century-Old Home

Because the house was built in 1900, buyers should pay close attention to structural alterations and repairs that may have occurred over time.

The construction date alone does not establish the current condition.

Roof Materials: Wood and Metal Listed

The property information identifies wood and metal as roof materials.

The listing does not explain the exact roof assembly or condition.

Roof Inspection

A qualified roofing professional should evaluate the visible roof covering, flashing, drainage, and signs of deterioration.

Water Intrusion Risks

Leaks can damage ceilings, walls, insulation, and structural components.

If the home has been vacant or unsecured, identifying moisture damage may be particularly important.

Roof Replacement Planning

Any roof replacement should be evaluated as part of the total renovation budget.

The listing does not provide enough information to estimate the cost or necessity of replacement.

Carpet Flooring and Interior Condition

Carpet is identified as the flooring material.

However, the listing does not describe its condition.

Flooring Inspection

Buyers should inspect for deterioration, moisture damage, odors, and unstable subfloor areas.

Subfloor Considerations

In older homes, subfloor repairs can become necessary when materials have been damaged by moisture or age.

Professional evaluation is important before replacing surface flooring.

Interior Renovation Priorities

Cosmetic improvements should generally follow the assessment of structural safety, moisture problems, and essential building systems.

Installing new carpet or paint before addressing underlying defects can lead to additional expenses.

The 3,484-Square-Foot Lot

The property is advertised with a lot measuring approximately 3,484 square feet.

That is roughly 0.08 acres.

This relatively compact lot may influence outdoor use, parking, landscaping, and future improvement options.

Yard and Outdoor Space

The listing does not provide detailed information about the yard’s condition or layout.

Buyers should verify property boundaries and inspect the site from authorized locations.

Parking and Access

No specific parking arrangement is described.

Prospective buyers should investigate vehicle access and any applicable restrictions.

Zoning and Permitted Uses

The supplied listing does not provide a clear zoning classification.

Buyers should confirm permitted uses, renovation requirements, setbacks, and any restrictions directly with local authorities.

The property should not be assumed suitable for expansion, redevelopment, or alternative uses without written verification.

Renovation Costs: Why the Purchase Price Is Only the Beginning

A $9,900 purchase price can be appealing, but major repairs may substantially increase the total investment.

The property’s boarded-up condition and absence of listed heating and cooling systems make a careful renovation budget essential.

Potential Renovation Categories

Depending on inspection findings, expenses could involve structural repairs, roofing, electrical systems, plumbing, heating installation, insulation, windows, flooring, and interior finishes.

Not all of these repairs are confirmed to be necessary.

They are areas that buyers should investigate.

Example Renovation Budget

Consider a hypothetical scenario in which a buyer pays $9,900 for the property and later receives contractor estimates totaling $35,000.

The combined purchase and repair cost would be $44,900 before closing expenses, permits, taxes, insurance, financing, and unexpected repairs.

If the required work instead totaled $75,000, the combined amount would reach $84,900.

These are illustrative scenarios, not estimates for this specific house.

Actual costs cannot be determined from the listing alone.

Building a Contingency Reserve

Older distressed properties can reveal additional problems after work begins.

Buyers should discuss appropriate contingency planning with experienced contractors and financial advisers.

Financing a Distressed Property

Traditional mortgage financing can be difficult for properties that do not meet lender condition requirements.

A boarded-up home without a listed heating system may present additional financing challenges.

Conventional Mortgage Considerations

Lenders often evaluate property condition, appraisal findings, and habitability.

Buyers should not assume that the home qualifies for a standard mortgage.

Renovation Financing

Some financing programs are designed to support eligible home purchases that include repairs.

However, eligibility depends on the borrower, property, program rules, and required improvements.

Cash Purchases

Some buyers may consider paying cash because the asking price is relatively low.

A cash purchase may simplify the acquisition process but does not remove the need for inspections, title review, insurance, and legal compliance.

Financing the Repairs

Even when the home is purchased with cash, renovation costs may require additional funds.

Buyers should confirm that adequate financing is available before taking ownership.

Homeowners Insurance for a Boarded-Up Property

Insurance is another important consideration.

A boarded-up or vacant house may not qualify for ordinary homeowners insurance on the same terms as an occupied residence.

Vacant Property Insurance

Some insurers offer policies designed for vacant or renovation properties.

Coverage availability and premiums vary.

Insurance Before Closing

Buyers should investigate insurance options before committing to the purchase.

The property’s condition may affect underwriting.

Liability and Property Protection

Insurance needs can change during renovation.

Buyers should discuss appropriate coverage with a licensed insurance professional.

Property Taxes: An Important Expense to Verify

The listing reports annual property taxes of $2,176.

It also shows a tax-assessed value of $54,700.

These figures are noteworthy because the reported annual tax amount is substantial relative to the $9,900 asking price.

Monthly Tax Equivalent

Dividing $2,176 by twelve produces approximately $181.33 per month.

This is a meaningful recurring expense even if the property is purchased without a loan.

Why the Assessed Value Differs From the Asking Price

Tax assessments and market asking prices are determined for different purposes.

A distressed property may be marketed below its assessed value.

However, buyers should not assume that the assessed value reflects the property’s current market value or renovation potential.

Confirm the Current Tax Bill

Prospective purchasers should verify the tax amount with the appropriate local tax office.

They should also investigate whether unpaid taxes, special assessments, or other obligations exist.

Is This Property Suitable for Real Estate Investment?

Low-priced properties sometimes attract investors interested in renovation and resale.

However, the financial success of a distressed property depends on many factors beyond the asking price.

Renovation and Resale

A buyer considering resale should investigate comparable properties, renovation costs, market demand, and expected selling expenses.

No after-repair value is established by the listing.

Rental Property Considerations

Before considering the house as a rental, buyers should confirm that it can be brought into compliance with applicable housing and occupancy standards.

Rental income should not be projected without reliable market information.

Holding Costs

While a property is vacant or under renovation, the owner may still face taxes, insurance, security, utilities, and maintenance expenses.

Delays can increase the total project cost.

Due Diligence Before Buying an Older House

A property built in 1900 deserves careful evaluation.

The home’s age, boarded-up condition, and missing heating and cooling systems make due diligence especially important.

Professional Inspection

A qualified inspector should evaluate accessible areas of the property where safe and permitted.

Specialists may be needed for structural, electrical, plumbing, and roofing concerns.

Title Review

Buyers should confirm ownership and investigate liens, unpaid taxes, and other potential title issues.

Permit History

Local records may provide information about previous improvements, code enforcement actions, or outstanding permits.

Environmental and Material Concerns

Older buildings may contain materials requiring special handling during renovation.

Buyers should consult qualified professionals regarding any suspected hazardous materials.

Contractor Estimates

Written estimates can help establish whether a renovation project is financially realistic.

Major decisions should not rely on informal guesses about repair costs.

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing 1005 Somerset Dr

Prospective buyers should seek answers to these important questions:

1. Why is the house boarded up?
2. Is the structure considered safe to enter?
3. Is the property currently habitable?
4. Are there outstanding code violations?
5. Are utilities connected and functional?
6. What is the condition of the foundation?
7. Does the roof require repair or replacement?
8. What is the condition of the electrical system?
9. Is the plumbing operational?
10. What heating system would be required for occupancy?
11. Are permits required for the proposed repairs?
12. Are there unpaid property taxes or liens?
13. Is the reported annual tax amount current?
14. Are there restrictions on renovation or redevelopment?
15. Can the property be insured during renovation?
16. What is the total estimated cost to make the home legally habitable?
17. Are there any known structural or environmental hazards?
18. Can the buyer obtain financing for the purchase and repairs?

Obtaining reliable answers can help buyers avoid unexpected financial obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Charleston Property

What is the asking price?

The supplied listing advertises the home for $9,900.

Where is the property located?

The address is 1005 Somerset Dr, Charleston, WV 25302.

How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have?

The house is listed with two bedrooms and one full bathroom.

How large is the interior?

The reported interior living area is 926 square feet.

What is the lot size?

The advertised lot size is 3,484 square feet, or approximately 0.08 acres.

When was the house built?

The listing identifies 1900 as the construction year.

Is the house move-in ready?

The listing describes the property as boarded up and identifies no heating or cooling systems. Its habitability is not established and should be verified.

Does the house have heating?

No heating system is listed.

Does the house have air conditioning?

No cooling system is listed.

What are the annual property taxes?

The listing reports approximately $2,176 in annual property taxes.

Can the home be renovated?

Renovation feasibility depends on the property’s actual condition, local requirements, permits, and available budget. Buyers should obtain professional assessments before assuming repairs are possible or economical.

Is this a good investment?

That cannot be determined from the asking price alone. A full analysis would require inspection findings, contractor estimates, legal review, and reliable market comparisons.

Final Thoughts: A $9,900 Charleston House With Significant Due-Diligence Needs

The single-family residence at 1005 Somerset Dr, Charleston, WV 25302, is advertised for $9,900 and includes two bedrooms, one full bathroom, and approximately 926 square feet of interior space.

The property sits on a reported 3,484-square-foot lot and was originally built in 1900.

Its low asking price may attract buyers interested in inexpensive real estate or renovation opportunities.

However, the listing’s description of a boarded-up home is a major warning that the property’s condition requires careful investigation.

The absence of listed heating and cooling systems raises additional questions about habitability and potential repair expenses.

Buyers should also pay close attention to the reported annual property taxes of $2,176.

Before making a purchase decision, it is important to verify the property’s structural condition, title status, local code requirements, insurance availability, and renovation costs.

A low acquisition price can be appealing, but the true financial commitment includes every expense required to own, maintain, and legally use the property.

For buyers with the appropriate experience, professional support, and financial resources, the listing may be worth investigating.

For others, the uncertainty surrounding the home’s condition may outweigh the appeal of the advertised price.

The most responsible approach is to evaluate the complete project rather than focusing on the purchase price alone.

Final Property Summary

Property Address: 1005 Somerset Dr, Charleston, WV 25302

Asking Price: $9,900

Reported Price Reduction: $1,000

Property Type: Single-Family Residence

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1 Full Bathroom

Interior Living Area: 926 Square Feet

Lot Size: 3,484 Square Feet

Year Built: 1900

Property Description: Boarded-Up House

Heating: None Listed

Cooling: None Listed

Flooring: Carpet

Foundation: Block

Roof Materials: Wood and Metal Listed

Reported Annual Property Taxes: $2,176

Reported Tax-Assessed Value: $54,700

Price Per Square Foot: Approximately $11

Disclaimer: This article is based on the supplied real estate listing and is intended for informational purposes only. Prices, availability, property condition, tax assessments, financing options, and renovation requirements may change. The property is described as boarded up, and its safety and habitability have not been established. Buyers should not enter an unsafe or unsecured structure and should independently verify all details through qualified professionals and appropriate local authorities before purchasing.

 

 

Listed on Zillow.