Flipping homes to promote cleaner neighborhoods
RICHLAND -- If you've ever lived next to an eyesore, you'll know that that the dumpy house next door can affect everything from your view to your property values. That has the city of Richland getting a bit proactive. It's buying and selling neighborhood eyesores, to make the city better as a whole. KEPR visited one neighborhood that's taking change from the corner and spreading it to the whole block. Ray avoided driving into his neighborhood, just so he didn't have to see the dumpy house on the corner.
"It was just gross. it looked like it was abandoned, I mean is was just a bad lookin' house," says neighbor, Ray Carrick.
It's looking a lot nicer thanks to a new program in Richland. After the owner of this home died, the city took it over with one clear intention: remodel and sell it--- to beautify the neighborhood and motivate others to clean their acts too.
Ray explains, "It always feels good to one up somebody else."
The house isn't even done yet and it seems to be working.
"I've been outside raking leaves and doing stuff. It's definitely getting me going," he says.
The house should be finished this spring with a fresh look, new lawn and state of the art appliances. Despite plenty of interest and some pretty high bids for the property, they city says that it's not exactly for sale. They have a waiting list full of candidates, ow income families from right here in Richland who will be be able to own this home.
The qualified owner will most likely get the house for under $20,000, but they won't know for sure once it's done.
"It's awesome it's for a low income family, I've always been low income so I mean, times are hard and it's awesome they can do this for this family," says Ray.
Ray's proud of his city and now he can finally be proud to drive into his neighborhood.He's also looking forward to meeting the new neighbors.
"If my dog drags me over there, then we'll have to go meet them," Ray laughs.
Wondering where the city got the money to flip the house? It's a federal grant that will allow them to knock down and rebuild one house every year, costing taxpayers nothing.
"It was just gross. it looked like it was abandoned, I mean is was just a bad lookin' house," says neighbor, Ray Carrick.
It's looking a lot nicer thanks to a new program in Richland. After the owner of this home died, the city took it over with one clear intention: remodel and sell it--- to beautify the neighborhood and motivate others to clean their acts too.
Ray explains, "It always feels good to one up somebody else."
The house isn't even done yet and it seems to be working.
"I've been outside raking leaves and doing stuff. It's definitely getting me going," he says.
The house should be finished this spring with a fresh look, new lawn and state of the art appliances. Despite plenty of interest and some pretty high bids for the property, they city says that it's not exactly for sale. They have a waiting list full of candidates, ow income families from right here in Richland who will be be able to own this home.
The qualified owner will most likely get the house for under $20,000, but they won't know for sure once it's done.
"It's awesome it's for a low income family, I've always been low income so I mean, times are hard and it's awesome they can do this for this family," says Ray.
Ray's proud of his city and now he can finally be proud to drive into his neighborhood.He's also looking forward to meeting the new neighbors.
"If my dog drags me over there, then we'll have to go meet them," Ray laughs.
Wondering where the city got the money to flip the house? It's a federal grant that will allow them to knock down and rebuild one house every year, costing taxpayers nothing.
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