$20,000 Fixer-Upper in Mineral Point, Pennsylvania Offers 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths and an Open Floor Plan

A two-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 157 Merlo Rd, Mineral Point, PA 15942 is currently listed for $20,000, following a $3,000 price reduction on July 11, 2026. Located in East Taylor Township, this approximately 1,100-square-foot single-family residence sits on a 0.26-acre lot and is being marketed as a fixer-upper with an open floor plan.

Built in 1920, the property is a two-story Cape Cod-style home that needs improvements but offers a potential starting point for a buyer looking to renovate an older Pennsylvania property.

The listing highlights the home’s unusually open interior layout and the amount of space available both inside and outside. With two full bathrooms, a full unfinished basement, a one-car garage, public water and public sewer, the property has several existing features that could be useful during a renovation.

At the same time, the listing terms specify cash as the purchase term, making it particularly important for prospective buyers to understand the property’s condition, renovation requirements, and total project costs before making an offer.

Property Overview

The main details of 157 Merlo Rd include:

• Address: 157 Merlo Rd, Mineral Point, PA 15942
• Current asking price: $20,000
• Recent price cut: $3,000 on July 11, 2026
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2 full bathrooms
• Living area: 1,100 square feet
• Lot size: 0.26 acres
• Year built: 1920
• Property type: Single-family residence
• Architectural style: Cape Cod
• Stories: 2
• Basement: Full and unfinished
• Garage: 1 space
• Heating: Oil, hot water
• Cooling: None listed
• Water: Public
• Sewer: Public sewer
• HOA: None
• Parcel number: 023 054693
• Tax-assessed value: $6,090
• Annual property tax: $638
• Listing terms: Cash
• Price per square foot: $18

The property has been listed since April 14, 2026, according to the supplied listing information.

A 1920 Home With Renovation Potential

The house was built in 1920, giving it a century-old character that may appeal to buyers who enjoy restoring older properties.

However, age also means that a buyer should expect to investigate the condition of the structure and major systems carefully.

The listing describes the property as a fixer-upper and states that it needs improvements. It does not provide a complete renovation budget or detailed list of required repairs, so the exact scope of work remains something the buyer must determine.

A property of this age could require updates to electrical systems, plumbing, insulation, windows, roofing, flooring, interior finishes, heating equipment, and other components. These are not necessarily all required at this property, but they are areas that should be examined during due diligence.

The asking price of $20,000 therefore represents the acquisition price, not the total amount that a future owner may need to spend.

Open Floor Plan Is a Key Feature

One of the main features highlighted by the listing is the home’s very open floor plan.

Open layouts can provide flexibility during renovation because the interior may be adaptable to different living arrangements. A future owner could potentially rethink how the existing rooms are used, subject to structural limitations, building codes, and the location of plumbing and mechanical systems.

For a smaller 1,100-square-foot home, an open design can also make the interior feel more connected and potentially more functional.

The property includes two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, giving it a layout that could work for a variety of residential uses once improvements are completed.

Still, prospective buyers should not assume that walls can be removed or rooms can be reconfigured without professional evaluation. Some walls may be structural, and changes involving plumbing, electrical work, or egress can require permits.

Two Bedrooms and Two Full Bathrooms

The listing reports two bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

Having two full bathrooms in an approximately 1,100-square-foot home can provide practical flexibility for residents and guests. It may also allow a future renovation to preserve separate bathroom access for different areas of the house.

The listing does not provide detailed dimensions or individual room measurements beyond the total interior area, so buyers interested in a specific furniture arrangement or renovation plan should inspect the property directly.

Because the home needs improvements, bathroom condition should be one of the areas carefully evaluated. Plumbing fixtures, supply lines, drains, ventilation, flooring, walls, and water damage should all be checked.

Full Unfinished Basement

The property includes a full unfinished basement.

This additional level could be useful for storage, utilities, workshop space, or other purposes depending on its condition and local requirements.

An unfinished basement can also be an important consideration when evaluating an older home because it provides visibility into portions of the foundation and structural system.

The listing identifies a stone foundation, which is consistent with the home’s age. A professional inspection should examine the foundation for moisture, settlement, cracking, drainage problems, and other conditions that could affect renovation plans.

If the basement is dry and structurally sound, it could provide useful supplemental space. However, buyers should avoid assuming that an unfinished basement can automatically be converted into finished living space. Building codes, ceiling height, emergency egress, insulation, moisture control, and other requirements may apply.

One-Car Garage

The property includes a one-car garage.

For a fixer-upper, an existing garage can be especially practical. It can provide secure parking while also serving as storage for renovation materials, tools, equipment, or household belongings.

The condition of the garage should nevertheless be evaluated along with the main house. Buyers may want to inspect the roof, foundation, garage door, electrical service, framing, and access.

The listing does not indicate that the property has fencing, and no pool is listed.

Public Water and Sewer

One of the useful infrastructure features reported for 157 Merlo Rd is the presence of public water and public sewer.

For a renovation project, public utilities can simplify certain aspects of property ownership compared with properties dependent entirely on private wells and septic systems.

The listing also indicates that electricity, sewer, and other utilities are available, although prospective buyers should confirm the exact current status of every utility connection.

Since the home needs improvements and is being offered on a cash basis, utility systems should be inspected rather than assumed to be fully operational.

Buyers should also determine whether there are outstanding utility charges, connection requirements, or municipal issues associated with the property.

Heating and Cooling

The listed heating system is oil-fired hot-water heating.

There is no cooling system listed.

This is an important consideration for anyone budgeting a renovation. The buyer should determine the age, condition, efficiency, and operational status of the heating equipment and associated plumbing or radiators.

If the system is older, replacement or modernization could become part of the renovation budget.

Because no central air-conditioning system is listed, a future owner may also want to evaluate options for cooling. Depending on the property’s layout and electrical capacity, possibilities could include window units, ductless systems, or another solution. Any new installation would need to be evaluated based on the actual property and applicable requirements.

Exterior and Roof

The home’s exterior materials are listed as Insulbrick and vinyl siding, while the roof is identified as a shingle roof.

Exterior condition is particularly important for a 1920 property.

A buyer should inspect the siding for deterioration, water intrusion, loose sections, or areas where moisture may have entered the structure. The roof should also be examined for age, missing or damaged shingles, leaks, flashing problems, and remaining useful life.

Water management around the home is another important consideration. Gutters, downspouts, grading, basement drainage, and foundation areas can all affect the long-term condition of an older property.

0.26-Acre Lot With Year-Round Access

The property sits on approximately 0.26 acres, or slightly more than a quarter of an acre.

While this is not a large rural parcel, it provides outdoor space around the residence and may offer room for landscaping, recreation, gardening, or other residential uses.

The listing specifically identifies year-round access, which is useful for a property intended to be occupied or renovated throughout the year.

The lot has no fencing listed. Buyers should independently confirm property boundaries and understand any applicable setback, access, drainage, and zoning requirements before planning additions or other exterior improvements.

No HOA

Another straightforward feature is the absence of a homeowners association.

The listing indicates that the property is not subject to an HOA.

That means there are no HOA fees or HOA-specific architectural restrictions listed in the supplied information. However, the absence of an HOA does not mean there are no local rules governing renovations, exterior changes, additions, parking, or other property uses.

Municipal and township zoning and building regulations still need to be verified.

Cash Purchase Terms

One of the most significant financial details is that the listing identifies the purchase terms as cash.

This can matter because buyers should not automatically assume that a conventional mortgage will be available for a property described as a fixer-upper.

Some lenders have condition requirements that older or heavily distressed properties may not meet without specialized financing or rehabilitation programs. Since the listing specifies cash terms, prospective buyers should confirm the acceptable transaction structure directly before relying on any financing strategy.

The property has a listed price of $20,000, or approximately $18 per square foot based on the supplied figures.

However, price per square foot is not particularly useful by itself when a property requires improvements. The eventual cost of renovation can have a much greater impact on the total investment.

Price Reduction to $20,000

The property recently received a $3,000 price reduction on July 11, 2026.

The current asking price is therefore $20,000.

A price reduction is a factual change in the listing price, but buyers should not interpret it automatically as an indication of the property’s overall value. In the case of a fixer-upper, the appropriate evaluation requires looking at the acquisition price together with estimated renovation expenses and the condition of the surrounding market.

The tax-assessed value is listed at $6,090, with annual property taxes of approximately $638. Tax assessment figures are used for local taxation and should not be treated as an independent appraisal or guaranteed market value.

Potential Uses After Renovation

Once improved, the property could potentially serve as a primary residence, second home, or rental property, depending on the buyer’s plans and applicable local rules.

A first-time homeowner with renovation experience might be interested in transforming the existing layout into a personalized residence.

An investor could instead evaluate whether the purchase price plus renovation expenses make sense relative to comparable properties in the area.

A buyer interested in older architecture may also appreciate the Cape Cod design and the opportunity to update a 1920-era home while retaining elements of its original character.

Any rental or investment strategy would require separate research into local rental demand, expected operating costs, insurance, taxes, renovation requirements, and applicable regulations.

What Buyers Should Inspect

Because this is a fixer-upper, a thorough inspection is particularly important.

Prospective buyers should consider evaluating:

• Foundation and stone masonry
• Basement moisture and drainage
• Roof condition
• Exterior siding
• Windows and doors
• Electrical service and wiring
• Plumbing supply and drainage
• Oil heating system
• Hot-water components
• Bathroom condition
• Flooring and subflooring
• Interior walls and ceilings
• Insulation
• Potential pest or wood-destroying-insect damage
• Sewer connection
• Water service
• Garage condition
• Lot drainage and grading

The buyer should also obtain realistic contractor estimates for any work identified during inspection.

Renovation Budget Matters More Than the Asking Price Alone

The biggest mistake with very low-priced fixer-uppers is focusing only on the purchase price.

A $20,000 property can require a much larger total investment if it needs extensive mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or cosmetic work.

For example, a buyer considering the property should calculate a complete project budget that includes the purchase price, closing costs, inspections, permits, materials, contractors, waste removal, utility work, insurance, property taxes, and an appropriate contingency reserve.

Only after estimating those costs can the buyer meaningfully compare the property with other homes or renovation opportunities.

Final Thoughts

157 Merlo Rd in Mineral Point, Pennsylvania, is a $20,000 fixer-upper with 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, approximately 1,100 square feet, and a 0.26-acre lot.

Built in 1920, the Cape Cod-style home offers an open floor plan, a full unfinished basement, a one-car garage, public water, public sewer, and year-round access. The listing describes the home as needing improvements, making it a project-oriented property rather than a move-in-ready residence.

The combination of two full bathrooms, an open layout, basement space, and existing garage could give a future owner several elements to work with during a renovation. At the same time, the property’s age and current condition mean that structural and mechanical inspections should be considered essential.

The $3,000 price reduction on July 11 brings the asking price to $20,000, but the listing’s cash-only terms are an important part of the equation. Buyers should determine financing requirements in advance and establish the full renovation budget before proceeding.

For someone prepared to take on an older-home renovation project, 157 Merlo Rd could provide an opportunity to create a customized residence from an existing structure. The final potential, however, depends on the home’s actual condition, the cost of improvements, and local requirements.

A careful inspection, contractor estimates, utility verification, title review, and confirmation of zoning and building requirements should all be part of the due-diligence process before purchasing this Mineral Point property.

 

 

From Zillow