Buying An $18,000 House: Inside America’s Cheap Old Houses

[@n1ts_]

I love how she has a pretty good idea of how the house will turn out. It would be awesome to do a revisit once its done

[@jamierenae3833]

Yes, please revisit when it’s complete!

[@VASIGTravelingLifeinLondon]

Def but it would also take a lot of money tbh

[@filippa1]

YES OMG

[@muhammadnajib8075]

She is spending 125k on a house in an area where the average townhouse is under 100k. Not sure if it's worth the hassle.

[@VASIGTravelingLifeinLondon]

Nitesh Sewnandan at this point buying the €1 houses in Italy are a better option in my opinion. You pay literally just for renovations

[@CarmelaAbbs]

You should go back once the house is complete!!!!! I would definitely wait a year for that!

[@elinadangol7394]

Yes!!! Please go back to this house after completion

[@karaashley8865]

Yes!!! Or at least have her video it and send it to you lol.

[@JuliaBelzetsky]

I'd love to see that too

[@brittbecka8552]

I would love to see that. To see what it was to what she had done too it

[@ashleywarwick8379]

I was going to comment the same thing!

[@ayeshasiddiqui405]

This house has so much potential and it's going to turn out so pretty. I NEED AN UPDATED VIDEO AFTER THE HOUSE IS COMPLETED 😊

[@kylirasmussen9322]

I agree Monica needs to do a part 2 to the video. 😚

[@Joyylucyx]

WE would love one ❤

[@KookyAssignments]

Same

[@yaldaalhabib3490]

Same

[@radhikapatil1986]

Yess please.. maybe a series of renovation projects in different rooms

[@FernandoBowen-78]

I'm 54 and my wife and I are VERY worried about our future, gas and food prices rising daily. We have had our savings dwindle with the cost of living into the stratosphere, and we are finding it impossible to replace them. We can get by, but can't seem to get ahead. My condolences to anyone retiring in this crisis, 30 years nonstop just for a crooked system to take all you worked for.

[@johnawara9719]

I feel your pain mate, as a fellow retiree, I’d suggest you look into passive index fund investing and learn some more. For me, I had my share of ups and downs when I first started looking for a consistent passive income so I hired an expert advisor for aid, and following her advice, I poured $30k in value stocks and digital assets, Up to 200k so far and pretty sure I'm ready for whatever comes..

[@FernandoBowen-78]

@@johnawara9719 That's actually quite impressive, I could use some Info on your FA, I am looking to make a change on my finances this year as well

[@johnawara9719]

@@FernandoBowen-78 My advisor is VICTORIA CARMEN SANTAELLA;

[@johnawara9719]

You can look her up online

[@FlorentGulliver]

@@johnawara9719 The crazy part is that those advisors are probably outperforming the market and raising good returns but some are charging fees over fees that drain your portfolio. Is this the case with yours too?..

[@kellyhendrix7613]

My mom grew up in Wheeling, WV. I sent this vid to her and asked if she had known people who lived in this house, and she says my great grandpa built this home! Yep, my great grandpa Bott actually built the home featured in this video!! My great grandpa was a builder, and built over 100 homes in Wheeling. Small world! What a beauty, thanks for the share ❤️

[@mellymel8474]

Small world. How amazing!....

[@mandyg6265]

Awesome 💗💗💗

[@jmedaro]

Wow how cool hi from Australia 👍

[@tizzubestar]

That's so cool. I'm glad that you found this video 🙂

[@24amitchell]

so cool!!!!

[@le4905]

Betsy is a total BOSS. Love her vision and confidence. My favorite Monica Church video thus far. This is like... thrifting on a much bigger scale; giving new life to old things is such a vibe.

[@rachelrdh5671]

L E yessss!

[@le4905]

@Well known Thank you, I appreciate that ♡

[@teamnovember5594]

If Betsy started a DIY KZbin series about restoring that house, she would be trending every video.

[@kristinjayne6720]

Please do it Betsy!

[@mirjetaademaj8269]

Yes!!

[@yessiryousir]

There's already a million people doing this exact same thing on HGTV!

[@kristinjayne6720]

@@yessiryousir A million? I still want to see Betsy do THIS house.

[@kristinjayne6720]

@@skeesaurs thanks!

[@sophielambie3036]

I love the way she doesn't say 'the' kitchen, or 'the house.' She says 'my home,' 'my kitchen'. She's so proud of her space and home she's going to create in it. X

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello 👋 how are you doing?

[@4foodlab]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4aXeKKKhdN1jck

[@mrgallbladder]

Yeah, with modern technology and the ability to work from anywhere, living in small remote towns with rich historic heritage and inexpensive cost of living sounds very appealing.

[@Kakebella]

Agree 👍

[@ThePrincesselise06]

I’m with you on that!!!

[@SapioiT]

The cottage industry is seeing a boom, with the help of remote work. I even heard talks about installing tall towers to get cheap internet to the people, by having the towers of multiple cities connected to eachother, and the consumers having an antenna system which connects to the town's tower, effectively avoiding having to pay the local authorities billions of dollars before even laying a single cable on public land. Since those antennas don't move much most of the time (even if they're on a pole in strong winds), the tower can use directed signals to get high speed wifi to a whole city for dirt cheap. The only issue they have is getting the permit to build towers tall enough to be seen across the city, and building tall enough towers or enough towers to connect multiple cities. But there are already internet providers which use such antennas to give cheap internet to the people of a few cities. Many people even became ISPs (Internet Service Providers), to resell cheaper internet to others nearby them. An example is the video "This Man Launched a New Internet Service Provider from His Garage | Freethink DIY Science " by the "Freethink" youtube channel.

[@អានឹត-វ3ត]

Agree

[@joeyyoho3670]

We're not exactly remote here. It's a small town but we're close to a lot of stuff

[@monicalianna3621]

Can this become a bigger series on your channel? The content, flow and editing of the video was so well done, Monica!

[@maylightbewithyou]

Agreed!!

[@myac8138]

yesss!!

[@mydarlinglana]

I'd love to see an update on this home!

[@anneeliselaurent3454]

Amazing video! Love this type of content

[@MegaRobbierobb]

Liked abs subscribe in hopes that this happens

[@sanjaysingha8911]

Can someone appreciate her confidence on camera... She raised as she does this everyday!!

[@kas8333]

Exactly,thats what i was thinking!!

[@mattpatrick2564]

Hit the nail on the head. Impressive! This generation coming up now is going to do special things!

[@sanjaysingha8911]

@@Theactualstoic i was talking about the owner of the house. I know about monica and shelby.

[@phlarrdboi]

She's actually awesome, I'm a fan!

[@SteakCutFries]

@@sanjaysingha8911 she does, she's an architectural historian. this is literally what she does for a living, which is awesome bcuz she knows exactly what she's talking about 😀

[@julieeroberts9755]

I love her self assuredness, she's not a whiner, or a delusional optimist, she's a hands on realist and not afraid of a little hard work👍🏽 YOU GO GIRL👏👍🏽❣️

[@xsarchitect]

Did you even see my comments? Probably not

[@SnailTrailRacing]

Best video idea ever you should do a series I love that you put so much information about the history

[@MonicaChurch]

Thank you!

[@tracy_cakkes]

Yes!!! I hope she does!!

[@BaronWilleford]

I bet you could sell a series on this to HGN. That would 100% be up their alley. "Twins renovate cheap Victorian homes." You could also do a spinoff series in Italy.

[@lauraelisee]

I second this!!!

[@QueenEpicStory]

SHE NEEDS TO START A KZbin CHANNEL BECAUSE I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT SHE DOES WITH THAT LAND AND HOUSE

[@Elizkleincaz]

She has an Instagram account!!

[@QueenEpicStory]

@@Elizkleincaz I know I want full footage

[@Elizkleincaz]

@@QueenEpicStory 👍🏼👍🏼 same, that would be great

[@grandy2875]

Totally 100% agree. I would definitely watch. I love old houses but don't have either the money nor the physical strength to do up one of these old beauties (disabled pensioner here)...plus, if this lass had a channel of her own, there could be the bonus of making a little bit of extra coin to help with the reno costs...

[@alliemosley3133]

Hermione Chantel on KZbin bought an old, cheap house in the UK. She films all of her renovations

[@SiaDW]

As a Brit, I found this soooo interesting. Wheeling looks like such a cool and beautiful place. I never really think of old houses in the US so it’s exciting to see them. In England almost everything is an old house. The flat we live in right now was probably the servant quarters in the 1800s ha

[@molliekennedy8003]

West Virginia has some cool neighborhoods with neat old houses (though most aren't quite as old as what you're talking about). We live in a neighborhood with some older homes - ours is 1915 - and there are definitely other similar communities across the state. The capitol city, Charleston, WV, definitely has lots of very cool older houses and apartments. I think the oldest ones, though, are mostly in the eastern panhandle of the state in places like Shepherdstown, Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, etc. if you ever feel like looking them up just for fun :)

[@Rachel0430]

I use to live in Wheeling for school, but I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. Both are very very heavily dressed with Victorian houses. They’re absolutely gorgeous! I’d search for houses in Pittsburgh just to see, a lot of them are being restored as well and they’re amazing!

[@adolys5616]

lmao same, over here these houses are absolutely everywhere, I think it’s great that you can get them for super cheap though since all the old houses have already been renovated in my city*

[@kitty2ism]

Wv is a beautiful place. We live about 3hrs from wheeling and you’d be amazed at all the old houses and buildings around here (the town i live in still has buildings on mainstreet from almost a hundred years ago (some burned down a few years ago and were rebuilt but to the best of my knowledge some are still the originals)

[@lolliana95]

I agree, my house is early 1800s with some original fittings and honestly I never even noticed them till after I moved in. I think people only consider a property really old in the uk when its 300+ years old. It is interesting to see more antique American homes as they are likely rarer (and slightly different in style) to antique homes here.

[@christineeversole4974]

I bought a much smaller house, but the property is quite large, and the house was built in 1945 in Alabama. I paid 18, 500.00 cash also. My son thinks I'm crazy (maybe) but he lives with me. I totally love what you're both doing!!!

[@madisensnively5814]

Can we just take a moment to recognize how much effort went into making this video? Love you Monica, you’re killing it!

[@MonicaChurch]

Thank you!

[@SandySaysYT]

YESSSSS

[@scooter10421]

Good job.

[@frankynakamoto2308]

@@MonicaChurch can I print you

[@stevensaxon8888]

@@MonicaChurch are you related to shelby church? She has a KZbin channel too

[@djm95035]

I really enjoy content like this, not that Seattle or Los Angeles is not interesting but I like your take on cities outside your comfort zone. I would have liked to seen more of the neighborhood but content on the history of Wheeling was interesting.

[@VASIGTravelingLifeinLondon]

Agreed, it's so nice to go on a trip with her!

[@greatest_bumble_bee_dude]

In my firm belief Those old derelict buildings especially the old houses should be knocked down and rebuilt not be resided in

[@bruhkent6895]

ev3n gr8er trans4mable bumble bee strongly disagree. They are pieces of history.

[@reallyhaley1056]

This area is afflicted by drugs and poverty. You truly don't want to visit here.

[@greatest_bumble_bee_dude]

You just reminded me of the classic the rock Dwayne Johnson movie, Can't actually remember what it's called though, He played a cop 👮 🚓 boss and the local timber mill ended up being a illicit drugs factory plus a high majority of the cops under his own command were crooked cops helping out the criminals so he replaced them

[@NiyahSimone]

People who renovate dilapidated houses have a special kind of patience I’m not sure I’ll ever possess

[@therealfinnaspring8585]

This is so relatable

[@alexs3768]

Also money to invest.

[@rogers5622]

Very true

[@anoziraflaminghot]

I have the patience just not the funds 😂

[@user_abcxyzz]

I have the patience and the funds but not the knowledge. Anyone who has the knowledge.... want to partner on a project?!

[@SoaR2Prestige]

my fiancé and I actually own our own restoration/ construction company and I've actually restored 3 houses in wheeling WV in the historical district. I live 45 minutes away and was born in wheeling. its nice to the things you can find in these old victorian houses. I've found bottle. cotton table covers and much more. it's truly amazing and fun bringing these old houses back to life.

[@elizabeths4371]

What impresses me the most, is how the owner loves and cherishes the original character of the house and is working to restore as well as upgrade the structure. If she rented out the tiny house she would have income to finance the main building, because I think she's going to need a bigger budget.

[@steffidoc]

She renovates old houses for a living. In the video they say, she did wiring with her father. I think she knows all the tricks, all the good contractors and will do a lot with her family. The budget might work. Renting out the small house is still a good idea, if she is willing to trade in some of her privacy for an extra income.

[@CattyMcMeow]

Renovations this big ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS, cost a good 30% more than your initial estimate, bare minimum. And take at least 30% more time. If I were her I would make a KZbin channel and Patreon documenting the whole thing. I'm glad she's respecting the history and character of the place. I see way too many people buy old houses and totally modernize the interior, and it's upsetting. If you want a modern home, buy a modern house! A little modernized facelift here and there is fine, but I'm talking about when it all becomes sleek angles and flat surfaces and glossy finishes and sculpture overhead lighting, etc.

[@Inquiring]

Tamara Nothing wrong with modernizing them. It’s to each their own.

[@user-go7mc4ez1d]

@@CattyMcMeow depends on how many surprises there are, really. The fact that she's retaining a lot of the layout, doesn't have to replace the stairs etc is in her favour. I would be most concerned about getting the shell insulated and weathertight, I guess she won't be replacing the windows and they'll bleed a lot of heat

[@zone4garlicfarm]

@@CattyMcMeow I can see this renovation topping $200,000. Documenting the process on KZbin might recoup some of the costs but shooting video maked a project take twice as long.

[@carmenfigueroa4590]

The staircase and the fireplace alone sold me. It's rlly a charming house.

[@jennv.s.o.p1603]

I also really liked the quirky dead-end service staircase room that she is turning into a meditation book nook personal retreat room. I wish I had one of those, so much so that if I ever build myself a home I might add one in, just cause it's so awesome.

[@nadiakousounadis7493]

My mom's side of the family has lived in Wheeling for generations, and until me everyone was born there going back for a long time. My great-grandparents lived there, in the same old house, my entire life until they passed away a few years ago, and I visited Wheeling every year as a kid. This video was so special for us. I've sent it to my mom and her dad and everyone has absolutely loved seeing Wheeling depicted in a video. Great video, Monica!

[@MsKonundrum]

Really wish downtown wheeling had more shops. We use to have a lot when I was younger.

[@somnyad]

Nice story to go along with the video!!

[@bahijarhafiri]

Stocks are falling and bond yields are rising, but markets still don’t seem convinced the Federal Reserve will pursue plans to keep increasing interest rates until inflation is under control. I'm still at a crossroads deciding if to liquidate my $117k stocck portfolio, what’s the best way to take advantage of this bear market?

[@GhanYt]

agree, I've been in constant touch with a Financial Analyst for approximately 8 months. You know, these days it's really easy to buy into trending stocks, but the task is determining when to sell or keep. That's where my manager comes in, to help me with entry and exit points in the industries I'm engaged in. Can’t say I regret it, I’m 40% up in profits just in 5months with my initial capital of $160k..

[@GhanYt]

Having a coach is key in a volatile market, My advisor is “*ROCH DUNGCA-SCHREIBER* ” You can easily look her up, she has years of financial market experience..

[@daveco1270]

You have to go back when she's done so we can see the place... or at least have her send a video update when it's finished.

[@vanessamcallister4235]

Yes. I would love to see it.

[@susanthompson3795]

Yes!!! Please go back when she has completed the renovation!

[@Lana_Light]

It's been more than a year since this video was published. I'm sure everyone who watched this video would love to see what the house looks like now.

[@mrs.w3724]

There's a link up there to follow Betsy. She has pics on instagram of the updates!

[@purpleXpotion]

Just went to her site.. & I hate to be a drain on someone’s optimism, ..but after a year, it looks like she’s only repaired a few windows and wall-papered the half bathroom. She has great ideas, but realistically.. I don’t believe restoring ‘cheap old houses’ is financially feasible for the average person. 😬 If anything, it seems more like a millionaire’s hobby project. She’d probably do better to salvage whatever fixtures she wants from the home, bulldoze the rest, & start fresh.

[@drawnontheway5481]

@@purpleXpotion It's done now and looks awesome!

[@buyerofsorts]

@@drawnontheway5481 This guy states only a month ago that it looks like only a few windows were repaired and half a bathroom got wall papered. Then three weeks later you say its done and looks awesome.... Hhhmmm......

[@buyerofsorts]

@@kylemoening3321 Looks like they're both wrong.

[@KatyAgnes]

I am an architect and that’s what I do for a living. I just love old houses and this video made me so happy because more people need to see how beautiful they are and how much history is hidden behind them.

[@claudermiller]

I bought an abandoned 150 year old gothic revival in rural Ohio for $14,500. I've been restoring/remodeling for about 7 years. I'm 65 and live on less than $1,000 month disability so I've had to do everything myself making progress slow but it's paid for and it's mine. 😆

[@carlaburton3970]

Do a KZbin channel

[@vanessacampbell4874]

We bought a home just down the street a year before from the same sellers and are super excited to watch Betsy's project unfold and another beautiful home get saved and loved in Wheeling. ❤

[@MonicaChurch]

That is awesome!! How is your project going? Would love to get in contact with you, if you want to dm me on Instagram

[@caitcarney3344]

I'm from Wheeling, my entire family lives there, and my sister owns a small business there. Betsy is exactly right, the people of Wheeling are trying their best to revive the city, but it is tough, so this kind of attention and appreciation is really awesome! ❤

[@heidi.a.thomson]

I really love the idea of younger generations buying and restoring old houses and rejuvenating a town as well as creating innovative hubs for entrepreneurs. So much potential to create very modern communities yet embracing the older, classic, and structurally superior architecture and craftsmanship. Sign me up!

[@toromontana8290]

Sounds better for a retiree or someone who works exclusively online.

[@dw309]

I wish there were opportunities like this in Phoenix.

[@echopm765]

You say that, but in practice people hate you because you're "gentrifying the neighborhood" I bought a very affordable early 1900s house in a city that's a little rough. In 5 years it has come leaps and bounds, more than any owner in the last 50 years, and on a tight budget (any extra cash I had). I love my home, but it's just not worth the harassment/property damage we have had to endure because the neighborhood is bad.

[@MrArtVein]

*M E S O T H E L I O M A*

[@heidi.a.thomson]

@@echopm765 That's a really good point. I live in a neighbourhood that is undergoing intense gentrification. As someone who has been living in my neighbourhood pre-gentrification, I believe that those knocking down old houses should be giving back to the community in some way. One way is to put money towards creating parks and to contribute to beautifying the neighbourhood and even offering space for community use, like meeting rooms and community gardens or pathways. I have heard that beautifying and greening neighbourhoods brings pride and reduces crime. My neighboorhood is also getting a lot of development, especially apartment towers, but we have a unique situation where public consults are shaping what will be developed because the land is either Crown and/or Indigenous owned. So we will finally get amenities and some more space for the community to use. Once new people come into a neighbourhood they have no clue what came before. What I see is so much being removed from neighbourhoods and the new people moving in are none the wiser. There house is there temple and there is no connection to the community. So it's important to connect with community associations to find out the history and try to maintain or at least honour it in some way. So those involved in gentrifying may wish to shift their perspective to meeting community needs and wants and not just having a one-sided experience that alienates those already living there.

[@MonicaChurch]

Betsy’s house is now DONE! Watch the update video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYPVoXafdq6Jqsk

[@sandrajewitt6050]

I'd love to see a tour when it's done.

[@elfacosmosa]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4OxZGudoL2qabc

[@svenk.7980]

I really like that Americans are slowly discovering their old houses. I live in a house from 1900 in Germany, it is the youngest in the neighborhood. The oldest are from the 18th century. It’s just wonderful to live in such old houses. The high ceilings, wide staircases, the large properties, all the little details and the crazy little things. They also simply have more charm than these modern Bauhaus cubes.

[@ДарьяВолкова-ш4ш]

I lived in a 18th building in Yaroslavl Russia, it was fascinated experience. Especially tourist who were peeping all the time. But old houses have souls and character. It's like one more person in the room. All that noises.. i loved it.

[@TheDoosh79]

Seems to be the same all over the world my friend, houses built when people cared about the little details and features. New houses are just red brick square boxes, no soul, no features, nothing.

[@xaisai1]

@@TheDoosh79 Yeah and they were built diffrent back then too the carpentry isnt the same as it once was. Its all about speed and saving money nowadays

[@gyorgischwartz]

Slowly? You must have never been to America. Many of the original homes from civilizations are still standing for a reason. And keep in mind our country wasn't even civilized until the 1700s

[@t.a.yeah.]

High ceilings? Not in a farmers house from 1700. :D (Fachwerk) But I like old houses a lot, too. The natural materials such as wood and clay just feel good and can be reused. The work they have done is so great, but much of the knowledge is lost nowadays. We are working at our house for 3,5 years now. And I expected it that way. :D Im fact, we are even faster than I expected. Just don't think it will be done some day, it's a lifelong mission. And I love it. It's just great, that it's our own and we can do, what we want, even if it's a small house, there's still much possible. We probably change all rooms.

[@aksez2u]

I love so many things about this. I love that Monica learned the history of the town. I love that Betsy knows the history of the house and is savvy about what she's getting herself into. I love that she's doing the contracting herself. I love that she rescues dogs. I love that the town is giving a 20% tax break for restoring an old house. I hope there is a video showing the house when it's renovated.

[@mileakin2689]

I got them beat, in 2016 I purchased a 3 bedroom ranch on an acre of ground in a nice area for $17,500, it also had a nice 12X20 shed, yes the place needed work but everything works and I moved in as is and began remodeling it, it’s still a work in progress but it’s getting there and the best part is it’s paid for.

[@jackson_lizzie1503]

I don’t often comment on videos! But thanks for this, my family is all in Wheeling and everytime I go to visit I just think about the possibility that the town has. My grandparents got married downtown, owned a restaurant for years and raised a family in Wheeling. I love to see someone have the passion to take it on, kinda makes me consider it as an option to move to!

[@illiniwood]

Betsy should buy a good camera with a good mic, start her own KZbin channel and get a Patreon page ASAP. She can take us on her journey rebuilding this house. This would be an opportunity for her to complete this house and not come up short or have to cut major corners due to a weak budget. She could get sponsorship for a multitude of thing pertaining to DIY, construction and decor to only name a few. Otherwise, she's just going to plain run out of money way too soon. I follow a channel where a woman bought a run down Chateau in France. Patreon patrons have given her the ability to do amazing things in her progress of restoration. It's wonderful how people can come together and help those like Betsy restore and preserve history otherwise lost to demolition. If you want to follow what she's been doing: kzbin.infovideos

[@pinkyjones7398]

Boy I wish you wouldve commented on my cheap house video

[@TarynnH]

“West Virginia is a scrappy little state...and when people come in and are willing to embrace it, they are happy to have you.” As a fellow WV transplant, this is so true. I wish her the best of luck with her home!

[@lionolee5480]

i visit wv in june of 2020 and i would move there in a heart beat!

[@esthervaneijk4586]

Just found this video, almost two years later. Not an American but I love to see how these gorgeous old homes (filled with so many original handmade crafts) are being brought back to life! ❤ EDIT: Her vision on restoring the house is amazing. Would love to see how the project went, not to mention the end result!

[@erinjordon829]

My aunt did exactly this same thing, bought a old run down home and completely re did it and it is beautiful now and you would never know it was run down and several members of our family live with her.

[@asamuel4395]

Is COVID over?!?

[@koripaganucci6227]

@@asamuel4395 girl what

[@mamawright156]

I love this so much! Mostly that she's been able to home several other family members. Love it

[@crsshl]

can u imagine.. when all the renovation done, she sleep the first night on that old house, then hear somebody whisp, 'thank you....'

[@LucielStarz123]

꧁FIDUCI ICUDIF꧂ me: “Yo, you got any of that old money buried somewhere? You’ gon’ pay rent or nah?”

[@dannyc7659]

Never believe in such a thing

[@LBrobie]

awww, that's a lovely thought! :)

[@tawelwchgaming8957]

well, house spirits are known to be a thing so..

[@micheallanewbold184]

Ahahaha

[@writerwilliams]

It will be cool to re-visit the house say midway and more during it's refurbishing.

[@Eebalyakam]

For sure! I’d love to see how far the house comes

[@glynislailann9056]

What a gorgeous old place. I love the old fashioned finishes - door handles, light fixtures, etc.

[@TawieLian]

This house is going to be AMAZING when she’s done with it

[@Lola-vb8ww]

I want an update 😭

[@garryliango6485]

Renovation is gonna cost her more than an actual new house in that area.

[@Mondoshawn]

@@garryliango6485 she said it costs roughly the same as a new house, not more. She loves that old house and she enjoys the process of renovating it. I think she knows exactly what she is doing.

[@jennv.s.o.p1603]

@@Mondoshawn I agree with you there

[@amaryllisfields1363]

LOVE Betsy's energy! a boss as confident woman who knows what she wants and doesn't care what other people think of her 💯

[@betheroo2397]

She is so cool! It's fun to hear about all her visions for the house and how excited she is. It makes me want to do this.

[@thatshitcrayable]

So inspiring!!!

[@narnia1233]

betheroo I bought a house that used oil (converted it to gas, I live in a cold environment and so gas is really best option), needed new plumbing, new electrical, etc. back in December last year and that took about 6 months to complete renovation. Moved in right after I got furloughed due to COVID (luckily I did return to work). Been a crazy year. I’m glad I bought my house, for me it was all about location. It is literally only a couple houses down from my sister and little niece. But I did have a contractor and honestly I couldn’t have done it without my contractor’s help. It really is a full time job organizing work between tradesmen and inspecting work and just having expertise. So I do recommend getting a professional you trust to help. It is very stressful to do a pretty big renovation. This was my first home ever and I literally knew nothing. So it was scary. You always fear that you might encounter a huge unforeseen expense or problem. But I got lucky that nothing structural was wrong with house and although I spent more than I wanted (there was unforeseen plumbing issues) my original contingency covered it. It’s worth it in the end, but not easy by any means. Plus you definitely need to have somewhere else to live while doing a large renovation. There’s lots of dust, people coming and going, and no utilities. But yep, once it’s done, it is great and hopefully you should be good for at least 15 years on any major expenses, knowing that all utilities are new and done right.

[@betheroo2397]

@@narnia1233 I bet that was a lot of work! Good to hear you got to go back to work. That's what scares me about older houses and houses in general, all the unforeseen problems. Definitely makes sense to be informed and consult the experts. I'm hoping to build a house someday but there's just a charm to these old houses and a mystique thinking of what they've seen in their history.

[@narnia1233]

betheroo Yeah, I did read and watch videos before I bought the fixer upper. Mainly I just researched how much something might cost. And what to watch out for regarding foundation. Mainly you have to rely on inspectors. For example, I actually put in an offer on a different house that was accepted and I went to the house inspection and they found that house had a serious foundation issue. I backed out of that offer. So yeah, never buy a house without requiring a home inspection. But yeah, I’m happy with my purchase and it worked out well. I recommend just knowing your area. For example, there’s tons of rain where I live so I looked for homes that weren’t at the bottom of a hill or near a creek, etc. It’s rained a ton this year and my basement is dry. So yeah being on top side of a hill is good.

[@twinny555]

I love that she didn’t just tear this down. I’m a surveyor and sometimes I just wanna scream when clients knock down period buildings that could be saved.

[@jhopeismybiaswrecker4565]

@Plum Milk but that loss of heritage🥺

[@twinny555]

Plum Milk why wouldn’t you just buy an empty lot or a house that’s unsalvageable!? Don’t go around knocking down perfectly good houses 😩

[@twinny555]

Plum Milk you can upgrade old homes so they don’t constantly need repair. In the UK we have medieval cottages that people still live in. Why would you want to erase that history?

[@twinny555]

Plum Milk even so, buy an empty lot and let someone else save it

[@twinny555]

Plum Milk erm this home is clearly made of brick and is not much different from a Victorian home in Britain which would also have been built from bricks and wood. In fact most medieval houses that are still standing here have timber frames so..

[@joygernautm6641]

I love when people take the time and energy and money to fix up some of these beautiful old homes. My house is 80 years old and I have invested in a lot in modernizing it and making it beautiful. Many people have told me that I should’ve just torn the house down and built new, probably would’ve been the same price if not cheaper. But I know I would never be able to replace the 6 x 6 solid fir beams that support my home. I love my old little house♥️

[@emilyramble726]

Cheap old houses has been my favourite IG account for years it’s such a goldmine! We don’t have cheap houses or houses that are too old in Australia pretty much at all so love seeing these beauties in small town America! Loved that you went and followed one up 👏🏼

[@madelinee4531]

The idea of packing your bags and traveling to a smaller industrial town and buying a fixer-upper: dreamy, tbh. She's living my fantasy.

[@felipemvera]

Would of liked to hear more about how she’s financing the project and what she does for a living and how she got started. As an architecture student super interesting to hear all the planning and interior designs she has planned however with her not formally being an architect, or interior designer how is she getting all the permits and etc for the work?

[@AlysiaLuvsCats]

‼️‼️

[@dorothysay8327]

She’s going downtown and pulling them. Simple. Also she’s certainly working with an architect and doing subcontracting. This chick knows her stuff.

[@thebrightside7015]

Totally get it promoting a house cheap is o e thing but then come the cost to fix it up.... Sometimes building a house new is cheaper then rebuilding an old house

[@nano15j]

According to her instagram and some google search she is a freelance historian and preservationist. So she probably has the know-how and contacts on how to pull something like this off.

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

why would you need to be an architect or "interior designer" to be able to pull permits?

[@shirleymathews3055]

Absolutely amazing ideas for this old structure. Would love to see you visit her once she has it redone and it would be great to see videos of the construction as it’s in progress. Thanks for sharing ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@tizig2201]

A house like that is my dream but just thinking about cleaning it makes me wanna cry

[@bigharrykochenbauls4567]

Then it's not you're dream, just a want...

[@sm3675]

I know. Probably get all dusty and musty. 🤧🤧

[@kylieharrison3782]

Only if you fill with too much stuff. Keeping everything simple and minimalistic means much less work. That includes timeless decor.

[@ZoesMediaStudios]

Houses or Builds like this are nothing new- My father bought a Victorian House in 1970 in the UK for as little as 1100(He paid Cash) & is worth 1.5M today, my father then bought 5 other houses on the same Road- People in the UK have been buying Houses like this & fixing them up for decades

[@IAteFire]

@@kylieharrison3782 I think she means cleaning up the house in the state that it's in currently

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

That house has tons of potential. I'm glad it's being saved. I wish her the best of luck

[@KimHelms01]

This is so interesting. I’d love to see a series about cool small towns with the pros and cons from locals about the place(s). There’s so many videos on KZbin about people moving to big cities, but I think small towns makeup America and I’d love to see some light shed on them.

[@ohmikomicah]

The fireplace is so pretty, especially the blue tiles! Lovely details everywhere in old homes

[@larouxlove]

PPLLLLLEEAASSSEE go back once this is completed ! I would love to see the end result xx

[@haileya1533]

This video was honestly awesome. I love how she gave the back history of the town.

[@kierahealey-fort5645]

I love her independence with all of this. She mentioned contractors looking at her sideways and that's so cool. Keep pushing!!

[@marieneu264]

The stair nook is going to be the cutest and coziest little spot! I love it! How unique!

[@allysellsitall]

I just bought a House in Wheeling thanks to this video! If you work from Home and you are sick of paying huge amounts of rent Wheeling is your new neighborhood! Even rent is very affordable!

[@Nobody-en4uq]

Not for long though

[@yourgirlgina1992]

Yeah I'm from Washington state and everyone keeps seeing how great it is and inflating our market 😅😭

[@lorrainebossler16]

No way would I live there.

[@sm3675]

@@lorrainebossler16 me too, but everyone has preference and bias.

[@JudgedMentalMusic]

Please liberals stay out

[@martinhare6085]

She just bought a hundred year old Victorian house in a quiet city. I like her taste.

[@elizabethbrown5203]

And she is proud of it. She like I don't care what yall say or think . I'm good at what I do.

[@nyakwarObat]

You know is the English that built that considering it's similarities with houses in England

[@anthonyptaszek8751]

It's not too quiet in some parts

[@even___]

@monica church lol impasta

[@mariankoniuszko5438]

Yeah and she thinks , she can set up business there and make money..Very optimistic idea. It seems like retirement city.

[@WiwiHel]

Why is none talking about how much this house looks like the house of the three sisters in Charmed ??

[@johnpickford4222]

What the Hell: Likely because no one who watched this ever saw the house on CHARMED so they have no point of comparison.

[@dreamysunset4720]

Even the inside

[@lepandablop9039]

@@johnpickford4222 let's not stereotype, I know what they're talking about, it's the first thing I thought of when I saw the house

[@chumkrimson8161]

Because it doesn't look anything like the Charmed house.

[@johnpickford4222]

Le Panda Slop: I wasn’t trying to stereotype and she apparently has her work cut out. She could use some help from witches fixing up the place but not from the Melrose Place witch-she’s trouble.witch

[@sharonbellville6294]

I’m excited about her buying her house in Wheeling. I’m from Wheeling and I love that someone is choosing an old house there to fix up!

[@elamiri858]

She seems like she really cares about the house and keeping its integrity, instead of completely transforming it. That's awesome, it's going to look so beautiful.

[@lilychiang12]

Please do a follow up video when the house is finished! I would love to hear about total costs and more unexpected expenses or holdups in the project.

[@missSDW]

First of all... I love how confident she is with what she does "anyone that's worked with me can tell you this house is in the best hands it possibly could be"

[@ebogar42]

She has a degree in shit like that. Wouldn't you?

[@missSDW]

@@ebogar42 I’d hope I would! Most women downplay how good they are with stuff especially when in male dominated spaces.

[@misanthropic985]

Ok, and second of all?

[@misanthropic985]

@@missSDW oh honey I don’t know a single women who would dumb it down, what decade are you living in? Or is it the people you surround yourself that’s the problem? Hahaha hahah I don’t know if I should laugh or feel pity. I do hope you get it together. Hahaha 🤣

[@misanthropic985]

@@missSDW sweeping generalizations are almost never correct, like I seriously can’t think of a single instance where a female dumbed it down and acted like they didn’t know how to do something that is in a male dominated field. Such a weird and ignorant comment. My mind is blown right now hahaha 🤪

[@commentbot9510]

That home is going to be so beautiful once it is renovated. Homes like that were designed in a pretty way that you just don’t see today.

[@Cruzcity]

Advice: If you find yourself in the same remodel situation please hire someone to design it for you! We did our historic home and now wish we utilized the space in different ways. Our contractor ruined our historic windows as well. Hire a historic window specialist to revive your windows before anyone touches them

[@TheIMISSDADDY]

I think she mentioned something about this being her actual job, I do wish that was highlighted a little bit more so people understood this isn’t really an “average person” type of project 💀💀

[@AngelacLee]

Oh god. Poor windows. Yes do your research for older homes!!!!

[@davidgul5394]

Houses this old and unique are difficult even for an experienced renovator.

[@bebeerin]

would love an update in a year when it's done. put it on your calendar monica so you don't forget about this place

[@stefanzlatanovic7521]

I hope people from the US understand how lucky this is, to have a town that you can rebuild and that has a good structure to maintain itself. Imagine having a lot of young people, parents or students come in this city and build it like Betsy is doing. It would be a marvel to see.

[@SarV1]

It's actually happening in our historic downtown. We are working to take back a lot of it from slumloards that let these historic homes fall in instead of making repairs. Even new built houses have to have a historic look to them.

[@stefanzlatanovic7521]

@@SarV1 that is wonderful, I hope it all gets rebuilt and it gets a new shine that it deserves.

[@derranlawston4052]

How is this just a US thing? Can’t other countries do the same?

[@tyla140]

@@SarV1 Where is your city?

[@SuWoopSparrow]

@@derranlawston4052 Its a US thing because in Europe these types of places are already being maintained and taken care of as a standard. In the US, its often a one-off person such as this or only a very small handful of communities.

[@poolisk4200]

PLEASEE omg please re-visit them!!! We would love to see an update after all these years!!

[@official_mrballen01]

*(Let’s~communicate.).❤️⤴️🆙💙.⬆️*

[@trinabell9532]

Please make this a regular series. This is the content we need.

[@SpenserCarrion]

Awesome to see how millennials & gen z are stepping into a time where their care & intentionality can not just flip houses but revitalize entire communities. This was a super cool video.

[@TeamYELLOW17]

The renovation and restoration of old homes is soup for the soul.

[@drey1156]

Until the reality sets in.

[@tlockerk]

And hell and Tylenol on older joints.

[@suzie5813]

I'd rather eat the soup once it's been prepared for me..lol

[@Michael-fw5ef]

I really like the mold on the ceiling and walls - gives the house a nice touch.

[@artiejj]

I can tell once this house is fully renovated it will be very unique and like her own little castle.

[@SixthSensoryASMR]

I LOVE old houses and their history, but that illogical part of me is like .... But... Ghosts .... 🥺

[@DasMieps]

I lived in a 500 year old house in europe. No ghosts. =)

[@darril6486]

I am afraid too (kinda) but ghosts are dead and you are alive and as from now there is no "death from ghost killing" so just do you and get that house and (holy water)

[@jalabi99]

_(singing like Ray Parker Jr.)_ I ain't 'fraid of no ghosts

[@shreyabasnet7518]

Yeah that was the first thing that came into my mind, considering no one lived there. But at the moment I'm living in a house that was built in early 1900s and it's pretty cool! I do feel creeped out sometimes tho😂😂

[@Ge.no.va13]

Rather buy a house with “ghosts” than have have a house with a murder history to it. Ain’t living in a place knowing someone was killed cold blooded on my damn kitchen floor......

[@Snarkapotamus]

There are towns all over that area that have houses like this...back when I was a builder, I used to work on a lot of them. They were interesting, but they were also a real pain because you were having to correct for other peoples mistakes. Out of square, out of plumb and out of patience was a pretty common state of affairs!

[@offgridhomesteaders863]

I feel ya there.

[@mrsmith2876]

When these old houses were built most people would just eyeball things. Building codes also didn't exist.

[@Snarkapotamus]

@@mrsmith2876 - True, but the craftsmen of yesteryear were seriously skilled. At least the ones that would have worked on a house like that...a lot of the houses I worked on were definitely built by 2nd stringers.

[@mrsmith2876]

@@Snarkapotamus yeah, but still even the best eye can make mistakes, I have worked on a good bit of these houses and getting things to fit properly is...interesting. what is even worse is i grew up in old coal company housing, just give up on having straight boards and joints. They usually used what they could get cheap from the mine.

[@Snarkapotamus]

@@mrsmith2876 - LOL. Yeah, my in-laws live in an old coal company house that sits by a set of active rail tracks. The house I currently live in was built in 1980 by a guy that was the lead foreman for the construction crew building a local power plant. All of the roof sheeting and sub-floors are made from left-over cement forms...

[@JoshHitti]

Welcome to STL! It's an absolute goldmine of character available for excellent prices, especially with the growth of the area in the last 3 years.

[@TEESALSAS]

Please visit again once she's completed the renovation. I love her vision for the home. And that bonus house in the back? Whew! Amazing!

[@evaowens1400]

It would be interesting to learn more about the history of house....who all lived there?

[@justheather4144]

I love her vision & that she's not getting rid of all the original features. Restoration is so important & more value than renovation.

[@chicgal3]

I Need an Update!😭 I L💓ve the little details in this home & the Mini home was an awesome addition too!

[@panchog2552]

I think she hit the jackpot with this home.To renovate a home this old is a wonderful thing.

[@Jsofes]

They just don’t make house like this anymore. Look at those tall ceilings!

[@TheFraudwatch]

well... that was another civilisation - truly other humans that where abel to do stuff with their hands. They where helping each other and had a sense for details.

[@bluemopdisaster6445]

What do you mean people still make houses with tall ceilings she's not as prominent as they used to.

[@mitri5389]

tall ceilings = cooler rooms during summer

[@Jsofes]

@@bluemopdisaster6445 Well the older house where I live in California did not have tall ceilings. You do see them now in newer houses.

[@songsalon7868]

Yea... Hell to heat and cool.

[@rasberry4739]

Do an update video when she’s done! This will be awesome!

[@kathrynsinclare8459]

Omgosh, I’m so impressed. Keep going and I would love to see the end result. Lovely, lovely older home with a story of it’s own. I’m so glad it is in your capable hands Ms. Sweeney. This is an amazing project.

[@VictoriaHolmesView]

I’m surprised that the ceilings are so high for such an old house! Also I love how confident she is and that she has a vision for the finished product 💪🏼 we love to see it 🙌🏼

[@slouberiee]

In old houses/flats the ceilings were usually really tall, like 2,8 m and taller. When I hear "old house/old flat" for me it's = high ceilings.

[@VictoriaHolmesView]

slouberiee interesting! I guess I’m thinking of more modern old

[@madelinebrown5240]

The history of cheap houses in different states would make for a good series on your channel!

[@kaila9224]

I’m really happy she’s keeping this house and keeping a lot of old stuff within it instead of knocking it down. I love old houses. Houses just aren’t built the same as they use to be

[@brandontgreen6742]

Well, if you really do like old house you should think about investing and make profits to get yours too.

[@brandontgreen6742]

I don’t who, but someone actually needs to hear this, you've got to stop saving all your money. Venture into investing some, if you really want financial stability.

[@pedrojose5821]

@@brandontgreen6742 Good talk I tell that to my friends everyday. Saving is good investing is much better, I used to think saving would save me but NO, Investing is the real secret of making money.

[@stacywhite251]

@@brandontgreen6742 What if you don’t know how to trade any of these?

[@stephen1639]

@@stacywhite251 I mean.... I see your point. Some people have money and are willing to invest but the problem is where to or how to.

[@fridaber6069]

Wow, I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video! Love seeing beautiful old houses restored. You should do a follow-up when the house is finished, the before and after will be incredible 🤩

[@UnderMyMakeup]

I can picture your dad like.....don't get any ideas monica. 😂

[@MonicaChurch]

For real 😂

[@esAmaranta]

@@MonicaChurch pls do it, monica hahahaha

[@londond.2415]

Monica Church you should really go see houses in Huntington WV I live in Barboursville a neighboring city, Huntington has really pretty architecture. In Huntington houses are 10k to 1mil (mostly 50k -250k) look on realtor.com we are selling our house for 369k in Barboursville WV. We bought our house in 2008 for 250k, put 30k into it, that’s almost 100k in equity. Xoxo I’m a big fan

[@ZoesMediaStudios]

Houses or Builds like this are nothing new- My father bought a Victorian House in 1970 in the UK for as little as 1100(He paid Cash) & is worth 1.5M today, my father then bought 5 other houses on the same Road- People in the UK have been buying Houses like this & fixing them up for decades

[@HollyPascal11]

That would be so cool to have a group of friends and buying and renovating the house together

[@JohnDoe-ld8nr]

The second worst mistake you can make in life is mixing friends and money. The worst mistake you can make in life is mixing friends, money, and business.

[@Pikadb8815]

Like the KZbin channel The Chateau Diaries except they bought a chateau in France

[@makayla5227]

What’s the 1st worst mistake?

[@rose191991]

Makayla maybe mixing family and money?

[@HollyPascal11]

Okay

[@mattmarshall1834]

The Wheeling Chamber of Commerce should cut you a check. This video definitely makes the city seem appealing.

[@2times2is4]

Absolutely love the house. I'm a female master carpenter of 44 years in Ohio. You can really do so much with the place while keeping the historical side. I'd come help for free if i was retired.

[@offlinegamer6756]

your profile photo said it all about you !

[@2times2is4]

@@offlinegamer6756 meaning?

[@janejan9728]

she's gonna go way over budget. I'm doing something similar with a 1980's 3 bedroom in the forest in Poland, with significantly less damage and lower cost of labor (although I did add a 2nd floor), and my little one matches her budget for that big place. She will easily double that budget. But you can always just do one floor at a time so it's still possible, it would just take longer to save up and get it all finished. If you can stomach a project that big, then you'll be rewarded with way more equity down the road. The original features are stunning and I wish her the best of luck!

[@MichaelHollon]

If it's possible to keep us updated with the House's journey and then even do a final house reveal that would be pretty cool.

[@redstatefreedom5327]

As someone who has built several homes, I don’t see her getting this done for $125k...I hope she does though. I admire her creativity and ambition. Would love to see it when she is done.

[@pinkpostergirl]

Maybe construction is cheaper in that area.

[@Sabrina-wn6ey]

She said that she plans to do most of the work herself. If she were to hire it out then I would agree that it's a pipe dream. But as someone that does that kind of work I can confidently say I could do it for that amount...for myself; I'd charge a heck of a lot more though for my time, knowledge, and effort.

[@tanyapeavoy5885]

I agree with you, I thought the same thing.

[@wtfhlostonparadise8278]

She expects to have it done by next summer, yeah that isnt happening

[@le_th_]

It sure is a HUGE amount of square footage on top of how extensive the repairs/renovation appear to be (but I also know absolutely nothing about building a home, so my opinion is entirely uninformed).

[@spyduhgirl]

I love that house!! I also love the peeling paint on the timber walls in the bathroom. I'd try to seal them but keep them looking scruffy.