19811 Arthur Ave #234, Harper Woods, MI: An Affordable 2-Bedroom Co-Op With Surprisingly Low Living Costs

Finding an affordable place to live in Southeast Michigan can be challenging, especially for buyers who want more than just a basic one-bedroom apartment. At 19811 Arthur Ave #234 in Harper Woods, Michigan, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom cooperative unit is being offered for $42,500, creating an unusual opportunity for a buyer looking for a lower-cost path to homeownership.

The second-floor residence offers approximately 900 square feet of living space, with two bedrooms, one full bathroom, one half bathroom, an open living and dining area, a kitchen, generous closet space, and private basement storage. Built in 1967, the property is part of the Babcock Arthur Cooperative, a community where the monthly association fee includes several significant household expenses.

One of the most notable aspects of this property is its ownership structure. This is a stock cooperative, meaning the buyer must occupy the unit as a primary residence. According to the listing, the property cannot be rented, and the purchase must be made with cash because land contracts and mortgages are not permitted.

That distinction makes this property different from a conventional condominium. However, for a qualified buyer who wants an affordable owner-occupied residence and appreciates predictable included expenses, it could be an intriguing option.

Property Overview

Here is a quick look at the essential listing information:

• Address: 19811 Arthur Ave #234, Harper Woods, MI 48225
• Asking Price: $42,500
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2 total
• Full Bathrooms: 1
• Half Bathroom: 1
• Living Area: 900 square feet
• Year Built: 1967
• Property Type: Condominium / Stock Cooperative
• Price Per Square Foot: Approximately $47
• Lot Size: 1.64 acres
• Monthly HOA/Co-op Fee: $372
• Heating: Hot water, natural gas
• Cooling: Ceiling fans
• Parking: Unassigned
• Basement: Unfinished concrete basement
• Water: Public
• Sewer: Public sanitary
• HOA/Co-op: Babcock Arthur Cooperative
• Rental Restrictions: Unit must be owner occupied
• Purchase Terms: Cash
• Listing Source: MiRealSource, MLS #50221469

The combination of a low purchase price, two bedrooms, and several utilities and services included in the monthly association fee is what makes this listing stand out.

An Asking Price of Just $42,500

The headline number is immediately attention-grabbing: $42,500.

At approximately 900 square feet, the listed price works out to roughly $47 per square foot. That is a relatively low entry price compared with many conventional residential properties, although buyers should remember that the structure of a cooperative is different from purchasing a typical single-family home or condominium.

The low asking price does not mean that the property should be evaluated solely by comparing its price per square foot with other homes. The buyer is purchasing into a cooperative ownership arrangement, and the monthly fee, occupancy requirements, financing restrictions, and board approval process are all important parts of the transaction.

For someone who already has the required cash and intends to live in the property, however, the price could make the unit worth a closer look.

Two Bedrooms for Flexible Living

The home includes two bedrooms, both located on the second floor.

The primary bedroom measures approximately 182 square feet, with dimensions of about 14 by 13 feet. The room features carpeting and benefits from an especially interesting feature mentioned in the listing: a private lavatory.

The second bedroom measures approximately 132 square feet, with dimensions of 12 by 11 feet. Like the primary bedroom, it has carpet flooring.

A two-bedroom layout gives the property flexibility beyond what a traditional studio or one-bedroom unit can provide.

The second bedroom could potentially serve as a guest room, home office, hobby room, study area, or additional personal space, depending on the owner’s needs. Buyers should always verify room dimensions and permitted uses during their due diligence.

Two Bathrooms Add Convenience

Another attractive characteristic is the presence of two bathrooms, consisting of one full bathroom and one half bathroom.

The listing identifies a master bathroom/lavatory associated with the larger bedroom. The main bathroom includes ceramic features and is located on the second floor.

Having both a full bathroom and a half bath can be particularly useful in a two-bedroom home. It provides additional convenience for residents and guests without requiring everyone to rely on the same bathroom.

For an approximately 900-square-foot residence, the two-bath configuration is a useful feature that can make everyday living more comfortable.

An Open and Airy Main Living Area

The listing describes the living room, dining room, and kitchen as an open and airy arrangement.

The living room measures approximately 234 square feet, with dimensions of 18 by 13 feet. This is one of the larger individual spaces within the unit and provides the central area for everyday living.

The dining room measures approximately 80 square feet, while the kitchen measures approximately 56 square feet.

Rather than being isolated from the rest of the home, these spaces create a connected living environment. Larger windows overlook the property’s central green space, bringing natural views into the interior.

The open arrangement could also make the home feel more connected and functional despite its relatively compact overall footprint.

Large Windows Overlooking Green Space

One of the simpler but more appealing details in the listing is the presence of larger windows overlooking the central green space.

Windows can make a significant difference in how an apartment or cooperative residence feels. Natural light and views toward maintained outdoor areas can help create a more open atmosphere.

For buyers considering a second-floor residence, the outlook toward green space may also be preferable to facing directly toward a busy street or parking area.

The actual amount of sunlight, orientation, and seasonal views should be evaluated in person during a showing.

Plenty of Closet Space

Storage is often one of the biggest concerns in smaller homes, but this unit specifically advertises plentiful closet space.

The primary bedroom also includes a walk-in closet, providing additional room for clothing and personal belongings.

In addition to the interior storage, the property comes with a private 6-by-16-foot storage space in the basement.

That basement storage area could be useful for seasonal decorations, tools, sporting equipment, luggage, household supplies, and other items that do not need to occupy the living areas.

Private Basement Storage

The building includes an unfinished concrete basement, and the listing identifies a private storage area measuring approximately 6 by 16 feet.

The basement is not presented as finished living space, so buyers should not treat it as an additional bedroom, recreation room, or finished square footage.

Instead, its greatest value may be practical storage and access to the building’s laundry facilities.

The listing also indicates that laundry is located in the basement, with a washer included among the appliances.

Kitchen With Included Appliances

The kitchen is compact, measuring approximately 56 square feet, but it comes with several appliances.

According to the listing, the included appliances are:

• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Range/oven
• Refrigerator
• Washer
• Gas water heater

The kitchen uses linoleum flooring, while the residence as a whole features a mixture of carpet, ceramic tile, linoleum, and concrete surfaces.

For a buyer seeking a move-in-oriented residence without immediately needing to purchase basic kitchen appliances, the existing equipment can be an advantage.

As always, buyers should independently verify the condition, age, and functionality of appliances during inspection or the applicable purchase review process.

Natural Gas Hot-Water Heating

The property uses hot-water heating powered by natural gas.

Heating is especially important in Michigan, where winter conditions can make energy costs a meaningful part of a household budget.

One of the more interesting financial aspects of this cooperative is that the monthly association fee reportedly includes heating. That means the buyer may not have to manage a separate heating bill in the same way they would in many traditional homes.

The listing states that the association fee also covers property taxes, water, and other services. Buyers should review the cooperative’s official documents carefully to confirm exactly what is included, as association policies and fees are important components of cooperative ownership.

Ceiling Fans Instead of Central Air

The listing identifies ceiling fans for cooling rather than central air conditioning.

This is an important detail for buyers who specifically require central cooling.

Michigan’s climate can bring warm summer periods, and individual buyers will have different comfort preferences. A prospective purchaser should determine whether the existing cooling setup meets their expectations and confirm whether additional cooling equipment is permitted under cooperative rules.

A $372 Monthly Association Fee

The monthly association fee is listed at $372.

At first glance, an additional monthly fee can appear significant when combined with a $42,500 purchase price. However, the listing states that this fee covers several major expenses.

According to the property description, the association fee includes:

• Property taxes
• Water
• Heating
• Sewer
• Snow removal
• Grounds maintenance
• Structure maintenance

This is one of the most important financial considerations for the property.

Instead of paying separately for certain services, the owner contributes through the monthly cooperative fee. That can make household budgeting simpler, although buyers should carefully review the co-op’s financial documents, fee structure, rules, reserves, and any potential assessments before purchasing.

Owner Occupancy Is Required

This property is not intended as a rental investment.

The listing clearly states that the unit must be owner occupied and cannot be rented.

That restriction dramatically changes how different buyers should approach the opportunity.

An investor looking for a rental property would not be an appropriate buyer under the stated rules. On the other hand, an individual or household looking for an affordable primary residence may find the owner-occupancy requirement perfectly acceptable.

Anyone considering the property should confirm the current cooperative documents and restrictions before making a purchase decision.

Cash Purchase Required

Another major consideration is the financing requirement.

The listing states that the property must be purchased with cash. It specifically indicates that a land contract or mortgage is not permitted.

This means the advertised $42,500 price should not be interpreted as a conventional low-down-payment opportunity.

A prospective buyer needs to have the required funds available and should understand the cooperative’s purchase process before proceeding.

The cash-only requirement may narrow the pool of potential buyers, but it could also make the property particularly relevant to someone who already has sufficient funds and is looking for a low-cost owner-occupied residence.

Co-Op Board Approval Process

Buying this property involves more than simply submitting an offer.

The listing explains that there is an application process, including an application and credit report review, followed by an interview with the cooperative board.

This is a standard type of consideration in cooperative ownership, where the community may have rules governing who can purchase and occupy units.

Buyers should therefore allow time for the application process and make sure they understand all requirements before entering into a transaction.

The board’s approval process is an important part of the property’s overall ownership structure.

Brick Construction and 1960s Character

The building was constructed in 1967 and features brick construction.

Mid-century residential buildings can offer a different character from newer condominium developments. Buyers may appreciate the established setting, mature surroundings, and traditional construction.

However, age also makes due diligence particularly important.

Prospective buyers should evaluate the condition of the building, common areas, mechanical systems, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, windows, and other components as permitted by the cooperative’s rules and purchase process.

The condition of the overall building is just as relevant as the condition of the individual unit.

1.64 Acres of Community Grounds

The property information lists a 1.64-acre lot, with frontage along the road measuring approximately 320 feet.

Because this is a condominium/stock cooperative rather than a detached single-family home, buyers should understand that the lot information does not mean the individual unit owner owns a private 1.64-acre parcel.

Instead, the land is associated with the cooperative property and shared community setting.

The listing notes maintenance grounds and snow removal among the services included in the association structure, which can be convenient for residents who prefer not to maintain exterior property themselves.

Public Water and Sewer

The property is connected to public water and public sanitary sewer.

This eliminates some of the responsibilities associated with private wells and septic systems that buyers encounter in rural properties.

The listing also identifies a gas water heater and natural-gas hot-water heating system.

Again, prospective purchasers should confirm the current condition and operating status of these systems through the appropriate inspection and cooperative documentation.

Unassigned Parking

Parking is listed as unassigned.

For some buyers, this may be a minor consideration; for others, it could be an important lifestyle issue.

Anyone who owns multiple vehicles or wants a guaranteed designated parking space should ask the cooperative about parking rules, availability, guest parking, winter parking procedures, and any applicable restrictions.

Because parking is not assigned according to the listing, it should be treated as one of the property’s practical considerations.

Who Might Find This Property Attractive?

This residence could appeal to a specific type of buyer.

A person looking for an affordable primary residence, who has cash available and is comfortable with cooperative ownership, may find the combination of features interesting.

The property offers:

• Two bedrooms
• One full bathroom
• One half bathroom
• Approximately 900 square feet
• Walk-in closet
• Private basement storage
• Included appliances
• Natural-gas heating
• Public water and sewer
• Grounds maintenance
• Snow removal
• Heating included in the association fee
• Water included
• Property taxes included according to the listing

The biggest limitation is that the property cannot be rented and requires a cash purchase.

Who Should Think Twice?

The property may not be suitable for everyone.

An investor searching for rental income would need to look elsewhere because the listing states that the unit must be owner occupied.

Likewise, buyers who depend on conventional mortgage financing would not fit the stated purchase terms.

Someone who strongly prefers assigned parking or central air conditioning may also find the property less attractive.

These are not necessarily disadvantages for every buyer, but they are important factors to understand before pursuing the home.

Is $42,500 the Whole Housing Cost?

The purchase price is only one part of the financial picture.

The buyer would also have a $372 monthly cooperative association fee, according to the listing.

At the same time, the fee reportedly covers several expenses, including heating, water, sewer, snow removal, grounds maintenance, and property taxes.

This makes the property interesting from a budgeting perspective because the buyer’s recurring costs are structured differently from those of a conventional detached house.

The listing suggests that the owner’s primary additional utility expenses may be electricity and internet. Buyers should independently confirm all included services, exclusions, fee changes, and potential assessments with the cooperative.

A Low-Cost Alternative to Traditional Homeownership

One of the most compelling aspects of 19811 Arthur Ave #234 is that it offers a different definition of affordable homeownership.

Rather than a large suburban house with a yard, garage, and mortgage, this property provides a compact two-bedroom residence within a cooperative community.

For someone who values affordability, simplicity, and included maintenance services over private land and conventional financing, that can be a meaningful tradeoff.

The residence may be particularly appealing to buyers who want to minimize responsibilities associated with exterior maintenance.

Important Due Diligence Before Buying

Because cooperative ownership can be significantly different from conventional real estate ownership, buyers should perform careful due diligence.

Before purchasing, prospective buyers should review the cooperative’s governing documents, financial statements, rules, fees, reserve information, insurance arrangements, and any pending or potential assessments.

They should also confirm:

1. The current monthly association fee.
2. Exactly which utilities and expenses are included.
3. Owner-occupancy requirements.
4. Cash-purchase requirements.
5. Board approval procedures.
6. Parking rules.
7. Storage rights.
8. Pet policies, if applicable.
9. Renovation and remodeling restrictions.
10. Any current or anticipated special assessments.

A qualified real-estate attorney, financial professional, or other appropriate adviser can help a buyer understand the implications of the cooperative structure.

Final Thoughts on 19811 Arthur Ave #234

19811 Arthur Ave #234 in Harper Woods, Michigan, stands out because of its combination of price, size, and included expenses.

Listed at $42,500, the second-floor unit provides two bedrooms, one full bathroom, one half bathroom, approximately 900 square feet of living space, generous closet storage, and a private basement storage area.

The open living, dining, and kitchen arrangement, larger windows overlooking central green space, walk-in closet, and private lavatory in the larger bedroom add practical appeal.

The $372 monthly cooperative fee is also an important part of the equation because the listing states that it includes property taxes, heating, water, sewer, snow removal, grounds maintenance, and structural maintenance.

However, this is not a conventional condominium purchase.

The unit is part of a stock cooperative, must be owner occupied, cannot be rented, and must be purchased with cash according to the listing. Buyers must also complete an application and undergo credit review and an interview with the co-op board.

For the right buyer, those restrictions may be acceptable in exchange for a very low purchase price and a simplified approach to certain ongoing housing expenses.

Ultimately, the appeal of this property comes down to what a buyer values most. Someone seeking a traditional investment property or mortgage-financed purchase may not find it suitable. But a cash buyer looking for an affordable two-bedroom residence in Harper Woods, with several major expenses incorporated into the monthly cooperative fee, may see an opportunity worth investigating.

As with any real estate purchase, prospective buyers should independently verify the property’s condition, dimensions, fees, taxes, cooperative rules, included services, financing requirements, and all other information with the listing agent and appropriate professionals before making a purchase decision. Listing information can change, and the cooperative’s governing documents should be considered essential sources of information before entering into a transaction.

 

 

 

From Zillow