1899 Milwaukee Home With 5 Bedrooms Listed for $85,000

A historic Milwaukee property built in 1899 is currently listed for $85,000, offering five bedrooms, one full bathroom, approximately 1,725 square feet of living space, and a two-car detached garage.

Located at 2927 N 12th Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the two-story single-family residence sits on a 3,484-square-foot lot. The property is being marketed as a renovation opportunity and is described as requiring significant repairs and updates.

The listing specifically presents the home as a potential project for an investor, contractor, or buyer with the experience and resources necessary to renovate an older property. Because of its condition, prospective buyers should carefully evaluate the structure, major systems, financing options, and expected renovation costs before making a purchase decision.

Property Overview

The home is located at 2927 N 12th Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53208.

According to the listing information provided, the property has five bedrooms and one full bathroom, with approximately 1,725 square feet of living space.

The house was built in 1899 and has two stories. It sits on a lot measuring approximately 3,484 square feet.

The property also includes a detached two-car garage, a full basement, public water, and public sewer.

The asking price is $85,000, which corresponds to approximately $49 per square foot based on the listed living area.

A Home Built in 1899

One of the most notable characteristics of this property is its age.

Built in 1899, the home is more than a century old and belongs to a much earlier period of residential construction in Milwaukee.

Older houses can have architectural details, room proportions, materials, and layouts that are different from those found in modern construction.

At the same time, a property of this age requires careful evaluation.

The condition of the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating equipment, windows, exterior, basement, and other components can have a major influence on the total cost of bringing the home up to current standards.

For this reason, the age of the property should be considered together with its current condition.

Five-Bedroom Layout

The house provides five bedrooms, which is one of its most notable practical features.

According to the listing information, one bedroom is located on the main level, while additional bedrooms are located upstairs.

The available room information includes several different bedroom sizes, including rooms measuring approximately 110, 192, 195, and 144 square feet.

A five-bedroom configuration provides considerable flexibility for a future owner.

Depending on the buyer’s needs and the final condition of the rooms, bedrooms can provide space for household members, guests, a home office, study areas, or other uses.

However, buyers should confirm the exact configuration and condition of each room during an in-person visit.

One Full Bathroom

The property currently has one full bathroom.

For a five-bedroom house, having only one bathroom may be an important consideration for some buyers.

During renovation planning, the existing plumbing layout and available space may influence whether additional bathroom facilities are possible.

Any plans to add or modify bathrooms should be evaluated by qualified professionals and checked against local building requirements.

The existing bathroom should also be inspected for plumbing condition, water damage, ventilation, fixtures, and other potential issues.

Main-Level Living Space

The main level includes a living room and kitchen.

The listing identifies the living room as approximately 144 square feet, with dimensions of about 12 by 12 feet.

The kitchen is listed at approximately 168 square feet, with dimensions of around 14 by 12 feet.

These spaces form the primary shared areas of the home.

For a renovation project, the kitchen and living room could become important parts of any interior improvement plan.

However, the current condition of these spaces should be evaluated before estimating the scope or cost of renovation.

Full Basement

The property includes a full basement.

Basements are common features in many older Milwaukee homes and can provide valuable additional space for storage, mechanical systems, laundry, workshops, or other uses.

The condition of an older basement is particularly important.

Potential buyers may want to inspect the foundation, walls, floors, drainage, plumbing, electrical components, and any signs of moisture or water intrusion.

A basement that appears usable during a quick visit may still require professional evaluation, particularly in a house that is more than a century old.

Detached Two-Car Garage

Another useful feature is the detached two-car garage.

The listing identifies two parking spaces and a detached garage with capacity for two vehicles.

A garage can provide practical value beyond vehicle storage. Depending on its condition and local regulations, it may also offer space for tools, equipment, bicycles, seasonal belongings, or a workshop.

The condition of the garage should be evaluated separately from the main house.

Important areas to examine include the roof, foundation, doors, electrical service, exterior materials, and overall structural condition.

Natural Gas Forced-Air Heating

The home uses natural gas and forced-air heating according to the property information.

Heating is particularly important in Milwaukee because of the area’s cold winter climate.

For an older property, buyers should determine the age and condition of the heating system and confirm whether it is operating properly.

The condition of ductwork, insulation, windows, doors, and other components can also affect heating efficiency.

If the system is older or requires replacement, that expense should be included in the renovation budget.

Public Water and Sewer

The property is connected to public water and public sewer.

These services are important components of the home’s infrastructure.

Buyers considering an older property should still inspect the plumbing system and determine whether there are known issues with supply lines, drains, fixtures, or other components.

The fact that a home is connected to public utilities does not necessarily indicate the condition of the internal plumbing.

Vinyl Siding

The listing identifies vinyl siding as the exterior material.

Vinyl siding can provide a relatively straightforward exterior covering, but its condition should be evaluated for cracks, warping, loose sections, water infiltration, and other signs of deterioration.

For an older house, buyers may also want to understand whether any exterior improvements have been completed in recent years.

The exterior inspection should include the siding, windows, doors, roofline, foundation, and areas where water could enter the structure.

A 3,484-Square-Foot Lot

The property sits on approximately 3,484 square feet of land.

The lot provides outdoor space while remaining relatively compact compared with larger suburban properties.

The configuration of the lot and placement of the house and detached garage may influence how the outdoor area can be used.

Prospective buyers should verify property boundaries and review any applicable zoning or municipal requirements before planning additions, fencing, landscaping changes, or other improvements.

Renovation Opportunity

The listing is clear that this is not being presented as a move-in-ready home.

Instead, it is described as requiring significant repairs and updating.

That makes the property more relevant to buyers who have experience with renovation projects or access to qualified contractors.

A renovation could potentially involve cosmetic improvements as well as more substantial work.

Potential areas of consideration may include the kitchen, bathroom, flooring, walls, electrical system, plumbing, heating, roof, basement, windows, exterior, and garage.

The actual scope should be determined through inspection rather than assumed from the listing.

Financing Considerations

One particularly important detail in the listing is that the property is unlikely to qualify for traditional owner-occupied financing.

The listing indicates that cash or hard-money financing may be considered.

This can significantly affect the type of buyer who is able to purchase the property.

Anyone considering financing should speak directly with a qualified lender and confirm whether the property’s current condition meets the requirements of the intended loan program.

Financing terms, interest rates, fees, down-payment requirements, and eligibility can vary significantly between lenders and loan products.

Why an Inspection Matters

An inspection is especially important for a property that has been standing since 1899 and is described as needing significant repairs.

A professional inspection can help identify problems that are not immediately visible.

Important areas may include the foundation, roof, basement, structural components, electrical system, plumbing, heating, windows, exterior, and drainage.

For a renovation buyer, inspection findings can help establish a more realistic budget.

In addition to a general home inspection, specialized evaluations may be appropriate depending on what is discovered.

Understanding the Asking Price

The asking price is $85,000.

The listing also reports approximately $49 per square foot based on the stated 1,725 square feet of living area.

The property has a reported tax-assessed value of $59,500 and an annual tax amount of $1,151.

These figures provide useful context, but they should not be interpreted as a guarantee of the property’s market value.

An asking price, tax assessment, automated valuation, and actual market value can all differ.

Buyers should consider recent comparable properties, the home’s condition, renovation expenses, and current local market conditions when evaluating the price.

Renovation Costs Should Be Considered Separately

For a property that requires significant repairs, the purchase price is only one part of the financial equation.

A buyer may also need to budget for labor, materials, permits, professional services, utility work, repairs, and unexpected problems.

Older properties can sometimes reveal additional issues after renovation begins.

For that reason, maintaining a contingency budget can be useful when planning a major rehabilitation project.

The actual amount needed will depend entirely on the property’s condition and the renovation goals of the buyer.

Potential Uses for the Property

The five-bedroom layout gives the home considerable flexibility.

A future owner could potentially use the property as a primary residence after completing the necessary work.

The layout could also be relevant to buyers who need several bedrooms for household members or want additional rooms for offices and other purposes.

The listing also specifically identifies the property as an opportunity for an investor considering a renovation, rental, or value-add project.

Any investment strategy should be evaluated independently, including expected renovation costs, financing expenses, insurance, taxes, maintenance, local rental conditions, and applicable regulations.

Milwaukee Location

The property is located within the city of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee has a large collection of older residential properties, and historic homes are an important part of the city’s built environment.

For buyers interested in renovation projects, older neighborhoods can offer properties with established layouts and mature surroundings.

However, neighborhood conditions can vary from one street to another.

Anyone considering this property should visit the area personally and evaluate factors such as nearby services, transportation, surrounding properties, noise, parking, and other location-specific considerations.

A Property for Buyers With a Renovation Plan

The listing’s description makes one point particularly clear: this is a property that requires work.

That can be attractive to an experienced buyer who already has a renovation plan, contractor relationships, and an appropriate budget.

For someone without renovation experience, however, the same condition could create significant challenges.

The difference between these situations demonstrates why buyers should evaluate their own resources before purchasing a property that requires extensive improvements.

Having a clear understanding of the property’s condition and the expected renovation timeline can make the process more manageable.

What Buyers Should Ask Before Making an Offer

Before moving forward, prospective buyers may want to ask for additional information about the property’s condition and history.

Questions may include:

• What major repairs have been completed recently?
• How old are the roof and heating system?
• Are the plumbing and electrical systems currently functional?
• Has the basement experienced water intrusion?
• Are there known structural issues?
• What condition is the detached garage in?
• Are there outstanding municipal violations or required repairs?
• What financing options are currently available?
• Are all utilities currently operational?

These questions can help a buyer build a more complete picture of the property.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee residence at 2927 N 12th Street is a distinctive renovation opportunity with a $85,000 asking price.

Built in 1899, the two-story property provides approximately 1,725 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, one full bathroom, a full basement, and a detached two-car garage.

The home is situated on a 3,484-square-foot lot and is connected to public water and sewer. Heating is provided by natural gas and forced air.

The property’s greatest consideration is also its biggest challenge: it requires significant repairs and updating.

The listing specifically presents the home as a potential project for an investor or buyer with the experience and resources needed to renovate an older property. It also indicates that the current condition may make traditional owner-occupied financing difficult, with cash or hard-money financing potentially being considered.

For anyone interested in the property, the next step should be careful due diligence rather than relying solely on the listing price.

A thorough inspection, realistic renovation estimates, financing review, and evaluation of the local market can help determine whether the property fits a buyer’s plans.

With five bedrooms, a full basement, a two-car garage, and more than 1,700 square feet of living space, the property has several notable features. At the same time, its age and current condition mean that the total investment could extend well beyond the $85,000 purchase price.

As with any real estate listing, buyers should verify the current price, availability, property condition, financing requirements, taxes, and other details directly with the listing representative before making a purchase decision.

 

 

From Zillow