Culture
$800K Virginia home with stranger living in basement got multiple offers
April 20, 2022 12:47pm
Updated: April 20, 2022 12:47pm
A five-bed four-bath house in Fairfax, VA, went viral after it was listed for $800,000 but with a catch –someone is living in the basement, which prospective buyers could not view.
“CASH OFFERS ONLY NO ACCESS to see lower level and Home sold AS IS ONLY with acknowledgement that home will convey with a person(s) living in lower level with no lease in place,” begins the house’s listing on Zillow.
“Great opportunity to own in Mantua!”
The 3,458-square foot (321 square meters) gome is described as “livable but needs some TLC.” The listing says a sliding door would need replacing, the dishwasher did not work, one toilet was shut off because it leaks and windows were original with some rot.
In a sign that the housing market is still tight, the house received five offers, according to Fox 5 DC. The listing agent said home was under contract as of Apr. 12 for a price “a bit” above asking.
The home went viral after it was shared by Zillow Gone Wild, a popular social media account that highlights unique listings on the site, on Tuesday.
Fox 5 reported that a mother and daughter lived in the basement, according to a neighbor. It was not clear what their relationship with the homeowner was or how long they’ve lived there.
A real estate attorney said that a cash offer meant no lender would be involved, meaning the title could get transferred quickly.
“The lender is going have certain requirements on lending the money, and one of them is going to be having a clear title, and you’re not going to have clear title if you have a tenant in the basement," said lawyer Richard Bolger, who added the new owner would ultimately decide what happened to the basement resident.
According to Zillow, a typical home in Fairfax runs around $715,000.
