Feb. 3, 2010

In 1940, when this ranch-style home was built, Northeast High School was an athletic powerhouse and was home to the Northeast branch of the public library. These days, the library has moved to Wilson Road and Northeast is rebuilding the athletic dynasty through the efforts of some top-flight students and dedicated coaches.

If you’re looking for a front row seat for Viking football and drill team practices, this week’s feature home at 4900 Smart Ave. is just the ticket for you. When we were there, family members were applying new paint inside and out and tidying things up — although the home was darn near immaculate.

This home is ready for you to move in and start rooting for Viking sports. Large living and dining areas are flooded with natural light and are big enough that moderate sized gatherings aren’t a problem. The kitchen features new cabinets, countertops and a cool new Corian style sink and faucets. All of the appliances are here to stay, too.

There are two bedrooms, one on the main level, the other in a cute dormer space over the garage. Both are cozy and bathed in natural light. The master bath is almost all original, featuring the original pedestal tub and built-in medicine chest. Throw in a corner lot and a neatly manicured lawn with lots of perennials to add color throughout the summer, and you’ve got one cute house for the price.

Mechanically, everything is good to go. In addition to fresh paint in and out, there’s a 5-year-old, single layer roof protecting the house. One hundred-amp electrical service should have no trouble keeping all the electrical appliances running with no trouble. The furnace is an older model but is still efficient enough to keep the utility bills in check. The full basement is even set up with another half bath with a “work shower,” harkening back to days where the man of the house got cleaned up after a long day in the factory. There’s no blackout paint on the basement windows, surprisingly. A single-car, attached garage is perfect for storing the family car and all the outside lawn tools, too. 

Northeast Realty has this home listed at a modest $69,000, even more incentive for anyone looking for an immaculate house in a great neighborhood. Call Bill or Jim Lawless today to arrange a private showing of this wonderful World War II era early ranch.

– M. Bushnell