Swap 2BR 2Bath home in Venice, Florida - housing swap - apartment swap - craigslist (2024)

Land:
The property stretches over three lots, the farthest south of which has a large steel canopy of the type that houses RVs or large boats. It is on its own second double wide driveway. There are two electrical hookups (220) nearby for that purpose, as well as an outdoor hot tub. Two established bat houses are at one end of that steel structure and those little creatures serve to keep the mosquito population of the property low to nonexistent.
But the major attraction and feature of the home is the multitude of beautiful ancient live oak trees that provide coveted shade and pleasant fanning movement for the soft breeze that usually wafts in from the gulf. The trees are precious and irreplaceable and, together with those in neighboring yards, have withstood severe storms and hurricanes while shielding the house from harm. Its like being surrounded by a friendly protective forest. There are hard wired lawn lights in the front lawn that shine upward to illuminate the majestic trees in the evenings, as governed by a timer. The County has recently declared the street as an official Canopy Road, guaranteeing the protection of the trees from destruction by humans, while also increasing the value of the property. This is an excellent, quiet, safe and secure neighborhood where houses are nicely maintained and improved. The frame house next door to the North was valued at $415,600, without a garage. Because of deferred maintenance with respect to some upkeep due to ageing and a chronic medical condition, I am offering price reductions for necessary items as set forth below.*

Roof and Water:
My cement block stucco house faces West. It’s perimeter to the South is the longest plane of roof. The roof was replaced in 2010 with 30-year shingles and was inspected after the last hurricane. It has no damage or leaks. The Southern Side of the roof would be an ideal candidate for solar panels, saving the new owner costs (and possibly earning some money from power buyback) while also increasing the value of the property.
In a corner of the backyard there is a sturdy shed made of wood with a metal roof. It houses the water well for the home as well as equipment for filtering, softening, etc. An ultra violet light has been added to the system which removes all bacteria as the water flows underground into the house. A Reverse Osmosis system in the kitchen further ensures purity and good taste. In addition the refrigerator has its own filter so if one accesses a glass of chilled water or ice through the in-door feature, that water will have yet again been filtered. The well is low maintenance, with only inexpensive salt to be added at intervals. It saves the homeowner from water bills and furnishes a reliable supply regardless of any shortages with respect to public water reserves. There is also a rain barrel in the yard that collects runoff from the gutters for garden irrigation and other uses. In the event of power outages, water can be drawn from the barrel for uses like flushing the toilets and other non-potable chores. The property is NOT in a flood zone, likely due to proximity to the ICW, mere steps away. The drain field is in the front of the property and was pumped out for the first time in March of this year, just as a precaution and not because of any problem. It was reported to be in great shape. In sum, utility bills at the premises can be kept to a bare minimum.

Interior:
There is an open floor plan with an airy and spacious feeling. The efficient galley style kitchen has granite counters, stainless steel appliances including a French-door refrigerator, a new Bosch dishwasher, GE stove and a top of the line combination Convection and Microwave wall mounted oven that is near new. The kitchen could easily be enlarged and extended into the center of the home. A utility room is off the garage with a washing machine and dryer below storage cupboards and still room for a table. There is a clothesline in the backyard if line-drying in the ample sunshine is preferred. The master bedroom is on the south side of the house and has an annexed full bath with a spacious walk-in closet. There are also free standing double-door armoires in the room, as well as extra cupboard and shelving units. Lots of storage. The second bedroom is on the north side of the house and its closet has been fitted with built-in shelves and cubby holes for easy storage. The second bathroom is just outside the door to that room. The main living area is spacious, with a stone mantled fireplace at one end, which could easily be restored to operable condition as it is closed at present. A sunken “sun room” is at the rear of the home, with many large windows and great light all day. It could easily be utilized as an extra bedroom, a study, a playroom, or formal dining area. All windows in the home have been updated and are certified hurricane durable.

Miscellaneous:
The traffic in front of the house is essentially non existent, which keeps the air cleaner and the noise lower in the relevant section. Passersby, especially those on bicycles, pause for little breaks under the shade trees to have a drink while they appreciate the greenery, flowers, and birds that are in abundance. A perfectly wonderful location.

In addition to the sturdy wooden fence surrounding most of the backyard, there is an antique wrought iron railing and gate at the end of the driveway under the RV/Boat canopy. It has a graceful curve and significant beauty and value. If not needed, that enclosure could easily be rented out for vehicle storage to others for $100's per month.

Summary:
I am looking for a trade or sale with somewhat flexible terms as to time frame. That is, a low pressure, friendly arrangement and preferably a cash deal. The house will be conveyed semi-furnished with a king size bed, a vintage art deco couch, chairs and a buffet at the least, to be discussed and agreed between the parties.

*The value of the many established shade trees over the 10,000 square feet of land was taken into consideration when pricing the property at $420k firm, less the following discounts or allowances:

1) light power wash of exterior, including roof $500.
2) driveway cleaning and refinishing$500.
3) interior painting – second bedroom $750.
4) shower drain clog – unable to address due to strong$750.
chemicals to be utilized (I have COPD)
5) miscellaneous DIY issues and needed grounds care $1,000.
Total: $3,500 Price = $416,500

If interested, please contact me via the reply feature of craigslist. Thanks for reading all this.

Beat the rush -- get your 2045 eclipse-watching house now!