MANSFIELD, Ohio — Michael and Laurie Wheeler paid $1,000 for their Mansfield home on Rowland Avenue. No, that’s not an editing error–one thousand dollars.
They were able to do so by purchasing the foreclosed property from the Richland County Land Reutilization Corporation (RCLRC)–a nonprofit, government-purposed entity tasked to strategically acquire blighted properties and return them to productive use through sale to private owners, demolition, preparation for traditional economic development and creative reuse.
The Wheelers heard about the RCLRC, which oversees the county land bank, from a friend and were on board with the organization’s mission.
“We wanted to help build these neighborhoods back up,” Michael Wheeler said. “These are nice homes. There’s no sense in turning them down and letting them go to waste.”
They contacted Amy Hamrick, land bank administrator, for information on how to purchase one of the land bank residential properties.
According to the land bank’s owner occupant guidelines, the prospective purchaser
- Must provide the RCLRC with a completed application, written request, written plan for rehabilitation, project timeline, proof of rehab financing, contractor information, proof of insurability upon rehab completion and proof of sustainability income.
- Must sign and certify that he or she will occupy the property as his or her primary residence for a minimum of five years.
The policy also notes that the RCLRC
- May offer properties that do not have demolition orders to qualified owner occupants for $1,000 plus an $89 recording fee. All properties will be sold as is.
- Will provide prospective owner occupants and contractors access to the property for inspection and estimate purposes after the applicant has shown proof of credit worthiness.
- Will provide a written property inspection by an independent contractor. Plans and cost estimates must address issues contained within property inspection.
After reviewing the information and commencing the application process, the Wheelers visited some of the land bank houses.
“Nothing really felt right,” Laurie said, until they stumbled upon the Rowland Avenue home. “Once she saw the fireplace she knew right away that that was it,” Michael said of their new house.
In February, they purchased the 81-year-old residence–which had been vacant since 2009–and waited until March to begin the renovation process.
They performed the repairs themselves with the help of Laurie Wheeler’s son, John Brady. Except for all of the plumbing and electrical work, Laurie Wheeler said they didn’t have to tend to many major projects.
On April 15, they moved in, having already completed a majority of the renovations and repairs.
“We’ve got some final touches to do here and there, but most of it’s done,” Laurie said.
To learn more about their journey of obtaining/renovating their $1,000 home, visit Laurie’s blog.
Positive impact
The Wheelers, of course, are just one example of how the land bank is helping positively affect the community.
Deputy Treasurer Matt Finfgeld highlighted the former Petersen Tire property, which was purchased by Rex’s Landscaping and Construction. “That was such an eyesore, and it’s great to be able to get someone in there who is aggressively cleaning it up and doing exactly what he said, if not more, Finfgeld said.
“I think [the land bank] is making a difference here, and I think you can see it driving around. We do have a long way to go…but I feel we’re headed in the right direction.”
Hamrick agreed and said the land bank has been successful because of the collaboration among various agencies. “It’s a team effort,” she said.
“We’ve had great cooperation,” Finfgeld added. “Every office in this court house, just about, has been touched by this and they’ve all stepped up. It’s been a great success story.”
For more information about the land bank, contact Hamrick at 419-774-5623.
