Two previously vacant Battle Creek houses are rehabilitated and on the market through a partnership between the city and the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority.
The homes, located at 113 N. Wabash Ave. and 140 N. McKinley Ave., are owned by the Lank Bank. The city managed the rehab with funding from the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program, through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
The homes now are offered for sale at their appraised values to qualified home buyers.
“These homes are move-in ready – with new carpet, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops – and we’ve rehabilitated them while still preserving the character and original woodwork of these homes,” said Chris Lussier, the city’s community development manager.
The city has worked to obtain state and federal funding to demolish blighted properties and rehabilitate homes, restore them to productive use and attract stable, working families to Battle Creek’s core neighborhoods.
“The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority is proud of our partnership with the City of Battle Creek to take these dilapidated houses and rehabilitate them to improve local neighborhoods, promote public safety and protect home values,” said Krista Trout-Edwards, executive director of the Lank Bank. “Working with local municipalities such as the City of Battle Creek, we are targeting blighted buildings that will make the biggest impact in local neighborhoods.”
The home at 113 N. Wabash has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a finished basement. The home at 140 N. McKinley has three bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. Both homes have five-star Home Energy Rating System ratings.
All full-price, qualified offers will be considered and must be received by 2 p.m. on Monday, July 18. If more than one valid offer is received, the city will hold a random drawing at a public meeting at City Hall, Room 302A, 10 N. Division St., at 4 p.m. on July 18.
The homes are available to families with the following income limits, according to family size:
2016 Income Limits (120 percent median income):
1 - $46,650
2 - 53,325
3 - $60,000
4 - $66,600
5 - $72,000
6 - $77,325
7 - $82,650
8 - $87,975
Prospective buyers must provide a letter of qualification by a mortgage lender and provide a minimum down payment of 3 percent of the sale price. Buyers must attend a home buyer counseling program and have their income documented. Down payment assistance of at least $1,000 is available, as part of the city’s home buyer program.
The city has contracted with Realtor Al Morehart of Troxel Realty to show the properties and work with potential home buyers. Those interested should contact Morehart at 269-209-5149 or at morehart@troxelrealty.com.