5-Bedroom Columbus Home Offered in Online Auction With $10,000 Starting Bid

A two-story single-family home in Columbus, Ohio, is being offered through an online-only real estate auction with bidding starting at $10,000. Located at 285 S James Rd, Columbus, OH 43213, the property features five bedrooms, two full bathrooms, approximately 1,824 square feet of living space, a full unfinished basement, two wood decks, and a detached two-car garage.

The auction listing describes the property as a fixer-upper opportunity in Columbus’s Eastmoor neighborhood, offering buyers the possibility to purchase an older home and make improvements according to their own plans. The property sits on approximately 0.18 acres, or 7,840 square feet, and was built in 1958.

According to the supplied listing, bidding ends on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM. The opening bid is listed at $10,000, but buyers should understand that a starting bid is not necessarily the final purchase price. The final amount will depend on the auction process and competing bids, along with any applicable auction terms.

For buyers interested in renovation projects, investment properties, or a larger home with five bedrooms in an established Columbus neighborhood, this property presents several features worth investigating. At the same time, an auction purchase requires careful due diligence, especially when the home is being marketed as a fixer-upper.

Online-Only Real Estate Auction

The property is being sold through an online-only real estate auction hosted through Ohio Real Estate Auctions.

The listing states that bidding will start at $10,000, with bidding scheduled to end Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1 PM.

This starting figure should not be interpreted as an appraisal, guaranteed purchase price, or indication that the property will ultimately sell for $10,000. Auction properties can receive multiple competing bids, and the final transaction price may be substantially different from the initial opening amount.

Anyone considering participation should review the complete auction terms before submitting a bid. Buyers should also understand the required deposit, closing timeline, buyer’s premium if applicable, inspection provisions, title requirements, financing rules, and any other terms contained in the official auction documentation.

Because auction procedures can differ from conventional home purchases, completing research before bidding is particularly important.

Five-Bedroom, Two-Bathroom Layout

The property contains five bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

A five-bedroom configuration provides considerable flexibility for a home of approximately 1,824 square feet. Depending on the needs of the future owner, bedrooms could potentially serve as traditional sleeping areas, guest rooms, home offices, hobby spaces, or other household functions.

The house has two stories, meaning the living areas and bedrooms are distributed vertically rather than entirely on one level.

The listing identifies several common interior spaces, including a living room, family room, dining room, and kitchen. Together, these areas provide a traditional layout that could be adapted during renovation.

The kitchen is described as a galley-style kitchen, which typically places cabinets and appliances along parallel runs or within a relatively narrow configuration. For a buyer planning a renovation, this could create an opportunity to update cabinetry, counters, appliances, lighting, and storage while maintaining the existing footprint or considering a redesigned layout.

Approximately 1,824 Square Feet of Living Space

The supplied property information lists approximately 1,824 square feet of finished living space above ground.

For a five-bedroom house, the square footage creates a relatively compact configuration, making efficient use of the available interior space important.

The home was constructed in 1958, so its design reflects a mid-century period of residential construction. Buyers considering a renovation should evaluate the structure as a whole rather than focusing only on cosmetic improvements.

The home’s current condition will ultimately determine how much work is required. Potential renovation costs could involve flooring, walls, ceilings, kitchens, bathrooms, electrical systems, plumbing, windows, doors, heating and cooling equipment, exterior components, and other systems.

A detailed inspection, when permitted under the auction terms, can help buyers establish a more realistic renovation budget.

Full Unfinished Basement

Another significant feature is the full unfinished basement.

The basement provides additional space below the main living areas and could be used for storage, mechanical equipment, workshop activities, or other purposes.

The listing specifically identifies the basement as unfinished and describes it as providing additional storage or future finishing potential.

For an investor or renovation-minded buyer, an unfinished basement may create an opportunity to improve the property’s usable space. However, finishing a basement is not simply a matter of adding drywall and flooring. Buyers should investigate moisture levels, foundation walls, drainage, ceiling height, electrical service, plumbing, egress requirements, insulation, and local building regulations.

Any future conversion into legally recognized living space should be evaluated with the appropriate local authorities and professionals.

Wood-Burning Fireplace

The home includes one wood-burning fireplace, which is one of the property’s notable interior features.

A fireplace can add character to a traditional home and may become a focal point in a renovated living or family room.

Because the fireplace is wood-burning, its condition should be inspected carefully. Buyers may want a qualified professional to evaluate the firebox, chimney, flue, masonry, and related components before using it.

An older fireplace should not automatically be assumed to be operational simply because it is present. Safety and local requirements should be considered before putting it back into regular use.

Two Wood Decks

The property also features two wood decks.

Outdoor deck space can provide additional areas for seating, entertaining, relaxing, or enjoying the surrounding neighborhood. Having two separate decks may give the future owner flexibility in how outdoor areas are arranged.

At the same time, decks require regular maintenance. Buyers should inspect the decking boards, joists, railings, stairs, supports, and connections for deterioration or structural concerns.

Because the property is being sold as a fixer-upper opportunity, exterior features should be inspected with the same attention as the interior.

Detached Two-Car Garage

A particularly useful feature for this property is the detached two-car garage.

The additional garage capacity provides space for two vehicles and may also offer room for tools, equipment, storage, or a workshop, subject to its condition and permitted use.

For a renovation project, a garage can be especially useful because it may provide secure storage for materials and equipment during the improvement process.

The listing also identifies an additional general outbuilding. Buyers should inspect this structure and determine its current condition and potential uses.

Fenced 0.18-Acre Lot

The property occupies approximately 7,840 square feet, equivalent to roughly 0.18 acres.

The lot is listed as fenced, providing a defined outdoor area around the home.

A smaller urban or city lot can have advantages for buyers who prefer less yard maintenance. It can also make it easier to manage landscaping compared with a much larger rural property.

At the same time, buyers should inspect the exact lot boundaries and understand how the house, garage, decks, driveway, fencing, and other structures are positioned on the parcel.

The listed parcel number is 01009103300, which buyers can use when verifying property records and legal information.

Heating and Central Cooling

The property includes heating, although the supplied listing does not specify the exact heating type. Cooling is listed as central air.

The condition and age of the heating and cooling systems should be established during inspection.

For an older home, HVAC equipment can represent an important component of the renovation budget. Buyers may want to determine whether the existing systems are operational, how old they are, whether they have been maintained, and whether replacement could be necessary.

The listing also includes a dishwasher among the specified appliances.

Exterior Construction

The home was built in 1958 and is described as a frame structure with aluminum and vinyl siding.

The roof is listed as asphalt.

These exterior materials are common in residential construction, but their current condition is more important than the material itself. Buyers should inspect the roof for age and damage, examine siding and trim for deterioration, and check for signs of water intrusion around windows, doors, roof lines, and exterior penetrations.

A professional inspection can help identify issues that may not be obvious during a quick property visit.

Eastmoor Neighborhood in Columbus

285 S James Rd is located in the Eastmoor neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio.

The property is part of the Columbus City community and is situated in an established urban residential setting.

A city location can provide access to employment centers, transportation, shopping, dining, schools, parks, and other services, although exact travel times depend on the destination and current traffic conditions.

For buyers considering the property as a residence, neighborhood conditions and access to everyday services are important factors.

For investors, the location should be evaluated through current comparable rental properties, recent sales, vacancy information, neighborhood trends, property taxes, insurance costs, and expected renovation expenses.

Potential Fixer-Upper Opportunity

The listing directly describes the home as a fixer-upper with value-add potential.

That means the property is likely to attract buyers who are comfortable taking on repairs and improvements rather than expecting a turnkey residence.

A renovation strategy could range from basic cosmetic improvements to more substantial updates, depending on the home’s condition.

Possible areas a buyer might evaluate include:

Flooring
Interior paint
Kitchen finishes
Bathroom finishes
Lighting
Windows
Doors
HVAC
Electrical systems
Plumbing
Basement improvements
Deck repairs
Garage maintenance
Exterior repairs
Landscaping

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

Financial Considerations Beyond the Starting Bid

The auction’s $10,000 starting bid is the most attention-grabbing financial detail, but buyers should consider the entire cost of acquisition.

The property has a listed tax-assessed value of $252,700 and an annual tax amount of approximately $3,218.

The assessed value is a property-tax figure and should not be treated as an appraisal or guaranteed market value.

Likewise, the $10,000 opening bid should not be confused with the property’s final sale price.

A buyer should prepare a complete budget that may include the winning bid, auction-related fees, closing expenses, insurance, taxes, inspection costs, immediate repairs, renovation materials, contractors, permits, and financing costs if applicable.

Important Auction Due Diligence

Auction purchases can involve different procedures from ordinary residential sales.

Before placing a bid, prospective buyers should carefully review the official auction terms and determine:

Whether inspections are permitted
Whether the property is sold as-is
Required deposit amounts
Accepted payment methods
Closing deadlines
Title and deed provisions
Any buyer premiums or fees
Financing restrictions
Occupancy status
Existing liens or assessments
Property tax obligations
Responsibility for repairs
Whether there are any additional auction conditions

Buyers should also verify whether the property will be vacant at closing and whether any personal property or appliances are included.

These details can materially affect the overall economics of an auction purchase.

What Makes This Property Notable?

The combination of five bedrooms, two full bathrooms, 1,824 square feet, a full basement, two decks, a fireplace, a detached two-car garage, and a city location gives this property several characteristics that may interest renovation-minded buyers.

The five-bedroom layout is particularly notable because it offers more bedroom space than many homes of similar size.

The detached garage and basement provide additional functional space, while the decks and fireplace add features that could contribute to the home’s appeal after appropriate repairs and maintenance.

The main question for prospective buyers is the property’s current condition and the cost of bringing it to the desired standard.

Final Thoughts on 285 S James Rd

285 S James Rd in Columbus, Ohio, is a five-bedroom, two-bathroom home being offered through an online-only real estate auction with bidding starting at $10,000. The auction is scheduled to end on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1 PM.

Built in 1958, the two-story property offers approximately 1,824 square feet of living space on a 7,840-square-foot lot, or about 0.18 acres. It includes a full unfinished basement, detached two-car garage, two wood decks, one wood-burning fireplace, central cooling, a galley kitchen, and a fenced lot.

The property is located in Columbus’s Eastmoor neighborhood and is being marketed as a fixer-upper opportunity. For a buyer prepared to renovate, the combination of five bedrooms and additional basement and garage space provides several possibilities.

However, the $10,000 figure is only the opening bid, not a guaranteed purchase price. The property’s tax-assessed value, renovation requirements, auction fees, taxes, insurance, and other expenses should all be considered when establishing a realistic budget.

The full unfinished basement and older construction also make inspection and due diligence particularly important. Buyers should evaluate the foundation, roof, HVAC systems, electrical and plumbing, fireplace, decks, garage, and other major components before determining how much they are prepared to spend.

For those interested in an older Columbus home with multiple bedrooms and substantial renovation potential, this Eastmoor property is an auction listing worth examining closely. The most important step is to understand the official auction terms and the property’s physical condition before placing a bid.