Historic Washington, Pennsylvania Property Listed for Just $100: What Buyers Need to Know

A two-story property in Washington, Pennsylvania, has attracted attention after appearing on the market for an astonishing $100. Located at 495 Fayette St, Washington, PA 15301, the property offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and approximately 1,940 square feet of interior space.

At first glance, a four-bedroom home offered for only $100 may sound like an extraordinary real estate bargain. However, this property comes with a major condition that potential buyers should understand before considering it. According to the listing information, the home has been placed on the 2026 Demolition Property List and has been cited for multiple violations related to unsafe and deteriorated conditions.

Rather than being a traditional move-in-ready home, this property represents a very different type of real estate opportunity. It may be of interest to investors, developers, contractors, or buyers researching extremely low-priced properties in Pennsylvania. At the same time, the condition and municipal status make careful due diligence essential.

A $100 Asking Price That Immediately Gets Attention

The most striking detail about 495 Fayette St is its listed price: $100.

That price is dramatically below what most buyers would expect for a property offering nearly 2,000 square feet and four bedrooms. The listing data shows approximately 1,940 square feet, two bathrooms, and a two-story configuration.

However, the low asking price should not be interpreted as evidence that the property can be purchased and immediately occupied as a conventional residence.

The listing specifically states that the property has been cited for multiple violations and that it has been determined to be an unsafe structure. It is also described as being unfit for human occupancy.

For that reason, the $100 price is better understood in the context of the property’s condition and municipal status rather than simply as a discounted residential sale.

Property Overview

The home is located on Fayette Street in Washington, Pennsylvania, a community southwest of Pittsburgh.

According to the listing information, the property includes:

• Asking price: $100
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 2
• Full bathrooms: 1
• Half bathrooms: 1
• Interior area: Approximately 1,940 square feet
• Lot size: Approximately 3,484 square feet
• Year built: 1920
• Stories: 2
• Property type: Single-family residence
• Architectural style: Two-story
• Parking: Not specifically listed
• HOA: None indicated
• Tax-assessed value: $40,300
• Annual property tax: Approximately $1,274
• Special condition: In foreclosure

The property is also described as being located only minutes from Interstate 70 and Washington Hospital, providing convenient access to major transportation routes and an important local medical facility.

A Home Dating Back to 1920

One of the more interesting aspects of the property is its age.

Built in 1920, the house is more than a century old. Older properties in established Pennsylvania communities can sometimes feature architectural characteristics and construction details that are difficult to reproduce in modern homes.

However, age alone does not determine the condition or value of a property. In this particular case, the listing indicates that the structure has experienced significant deterioration and has been subject to multiple code violations.

Therefore, anyone interested in the property should look beyond the four-bedroom description and investigate the actual structural condition of the building.

Four Bedrooms and Two Bathrooms

On paper, the property’s layout is substantial.

The listing identifies four bedrooms and two bathrooms, including one full bathroom and one half bathroom. With approximately 1,940 square feet of interior space, the home has considerably more room than the $100 asking price might suggest.

A two-story layout can also provide flexibility for different floor-plan configurations. Depending on the structural condition, a renovated property of this size could potentially offer multiple bedrooms, common living areas, and additional functional space.

But these possibilities remain hypothetical until the property can be professionally evaluated.

The current listing does not present the home as a renovated residence. Instead, its condition is a central part of the property’s story.

Why Is the Property Listed for Only $100?

The extremely low asking price is directly connected to the property’s condition.

The listing states that the property has been placed on the 2026 Demolition Property List. It also says that the property has been cited for multiple violations and has been classified as an unsafe structure.

Most importantly, the listing states that the property is unfit for human occupancy.

That information changes the way potential buyers should evaluate the opportunity.

A $100 purchase price does not necessarily mean that a buyer can acquire the property for $100 and then simply move in. Properties affected by safety violations, demolition lists, building-code issues, foreclosure proceedings, or municipal enforcement can involve significant additional responsibilities and expenses.

Potential buyers should independently verify the current status with the appropriate local authorities before making an offer.

Potential Renovation Challenges

For an investor or developer, the major question would likely be whether the existing structure can realistically be rehabilitated.

A property that has been designated unsafe may require extensive work involving structural components, electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, windows, heating, fire safety, and other building systems.

The actual cost could vary significantly depending on what is discovered during a professional inspection.

Older homes can also present additional renovation considerations because construction standards and materials have changed considerably over the decades.

Before purchasing a property in this condition, a prospective buyer should consider obtaining professional opinions from qualified contractors, engineers, architects, or other relevant specialists.

The Demolition List Is an Important Detail

The mention of the 2026 Demolition Property List is arguably the most important piece of information in the listing.

A buyer should not assume that purchasing the property automatically eliminates or resolves existing municipal concerns.

Instead, the buyer should investigate questions such as:

• What violations have been issued?
• What repairs would be required?
• Is demolition currently ordered or scheduled?
• Are there deadlines associated with the property?
• Can the existing structure legally be renovated?
• Are permits required before work begins?
• Are there outstanding municipal liens or costs?
• What responsibilities transfer to the new owner?
• Are there zoning restrictions affecting redevelopment?
• Is reconstruction permitted if demolition becomes necessary?

These questions can be far more important than the $100 purchase price itself.

Location in Washington, Pennsylvania

The property is located in Washington, Pennsylvania, a city in Washington County approximately 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.

Its location near Interstate 70 provides access to surrounding communities and regional transportation routes.

The listing also highlights the property’s proximity to Washington Hospital, potentially making the location convenient for residents, workers, or future development depending on the property’s zoning and redevelopment possibilities.

Washington has a mix of historic residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, educational institutions, and transportation connections. Properties in established urban areas can sometimes attract investors looking for redevelopment opportunities.

Nevertheless, the specific potential of this property depends on local zoning, municipal regulations, infrastructure, and the condition of the existing structure.

A Property for Investors Rather Than Traditional Homebuyers

This is not the typical listing for someone searching for a move-in-ready home.

The $100 price may attract attention from bargain hunters, but the listing’s warnings make it particularly important to understand the difference between purchase price and total project cost.

A buyer could potentially face expenses for inspections, legal review, permits, cleanup, rehabilitation, demolition, reconstruction, utilities, insurance, and other work.

For an experienced investor, those challenges may be part of the evaluation process. For someone looking for an inexpensive primary residence, however, the property presents a very different proposition from a conventional home.

The Possibility of Redevelopment

One potential avenue worth investigating is redevelopment.

The property sits on a lot of approximately 3,484 square feet, with dimensions listed at roughly 20 by 185 feet.

Depending on zoning and municipal requirements, a developer could potentially investigate whether the existing structure can be rehabilitated or whether another form of development would be permitted.

However, no assumption should be made about redevelopment rights without confirming current zoning and building requirements with local authorities.

The unusually long and relatively narrow lot dimensions may also influence what can realistically be done with the property.

Understanding the Foreclosure Status

The listing also identifies the property as being in foreclosure.

Foreclosure properties can involve additional legal and financial considerations. The condition of title, liens, municipal obligations, taxes, and other encumbrances should be carefully reviewed before closing.

A title search and professional legal advice can help a prospective purchaser understand exactly what is being acquired.

This is especially important for an extremely low-priced property because the purchase price itself may represent only a small portion of the total financial exposure.

What Makes This Listing Interesting?

Despite the obvious challenges, 495 Fayette St stands out because of the unusual combination of characteristics.

The property offers:

A $100 asking price. Few residential listings attract attention at this price level.

Four bedrooms. The home has a relatively large bedroom count for its size.

Nearly 2,000 square feet. The listed interior area is approximately 1,940 square feet.

A century of history. The home was built in 1920.

A central location. Interstate 70 and Washington Hospital are located nearby.

A redevelopment angle. The property could be of interest to buyers researching renovation or redevelopment opportunities.

At the same time, every one of these potential advantages needs to be considered alongside the property’s documented condition.

What Buyers Should Investigate Before Making an Offer

Anyone considering this property should perform significantly more due diligence than they would for a conventional residential purchase.

The first step should be confirming the property’s current municipal status.

The buyer should then investigate the outstanding violations and determine whether there are demolition orders, repair requirements, liens, fines, or other obligations.

A professional inspection would also be valuable, assuming access can be obtained.

Structural evaluation may be particularly important given the property’s designation as an unsafe structure.

Other areas worth investigating include:

Structural Condition

A qualified professional should determine whether the foundation, framing, floors, walls, roof, and other major structural components are repairable.

Electrical Systems

The electrical system should be evaluated for safety, functionality, and compliance with current requirements.

Plumbing

Older properties can require substantial plumbing work, particularly if pipes and fixtures have deteriorated.

Roof and Exterior

The roof and exterior envelope should be examined for water intrusion, rot, deterioration, and other damage.

Municipal Requirements

The buyer should obtain the latest information from the relevant city or municipal department regarding violations and demolition status.

Title and Liens

A professional title search can help identify potential liens, unpaid taxes, judgments, or other encumbrances.

Zoning

If redevelopment is being considered, zoning should be confirmed before purchasing the property.

The Difference Between Cheap and Affordable

The story of 495 Fayette St illustrates an important distinction in real estate: a low purchase price does not automatically mean a low-cost property.

At $100, the acquisition price is extraordinarily low. But the cost of making the property usable, compliant, or redevelopable could be many times higher.

For this reason, investors often evaluate distressed properties based on the total project economics rather than the purchase price alone.

The relevant calculation may include acquisition costs, renovation or demolition costs, professional fees, permits, financing, insurance, taxes, utilities, and the eventual value of the completed property.

A Rare Type of Real Estate Listing

Listings like 495 Fayette St are uncommon because the asking price is almost symbolic compared with the size of the property.

The combination of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, nearly 2,000 square feet, a 1920 construction date, and a $100 asking price naturally creates curiosity.

But the listing itself provides the crucial explanation: this is an unsafe and deteriorated property that has been placed on the 2026 Demolition Property List.

That makes it less of a traditional home purchase and more of a potential redevelopment, rehabilitation, or demolition project.

Final Thoughts

495 Fayette St in Washington, Pennsylvania, is certainly one of the more unusual real estate listings to appear at such a low asking price.

For just $100, the property offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, approximately 1,940 square feet, and a lot measuring roughly 3,484 square feet. Built in 1920, the two-story residence is located near Interstate 70 and Washington Hospital.

However, the property’s extremely low price comes with substantial concerns.

According to the listing, the home has multiple violations, has been deemed an unsafe structure, is unfit for human occupancy, and has been placed on the 2026 Demolition Property List. It is also identified as being in foreclosure.

For those reasons, this property should not be viewed simply as a $100 house. It is better understood as a distressed real estate opportunity that requires extensive research before any purchase decision.

For experienced investors, contractors, developers, and buyers comfortable with complicated renovation projects, the listing may be worth investigating. For anyone considering it as a conventional home, however, the property’s municipal, structural, legal, and financial circumstances deserve careful attention.

The most important lesson is simple: the $100 price is only the beginning of the story. The real value—and the real cost—depends on what can legally and practically be done with the property after a thorough investigation.

As with any distressed real estate listing, buyers should verify all property details, municipal requirements, title information, zoning, taxes, liens, and structural conditions independently before proceeding.

 

 

From Zillow