Green Acres Storybook Cottage Asks $99K

Built in 1925, this storybook cottage has one of the most beautiful chimneys in Detroit. The stucco-and-brick chimney towers over the house, in fact, and is a prominent feature of the facade—a common trait of storybook architecture. The 3-bedroom, 2-bath house has hardwood floors, a brand-new kitchen, a fireplace and a detached 2-car garage. The kitchen has nice cabinets and the design makes good use of the large window's original casing, but the massive, dark appliances and track lighting don't exactly say period charm. The house has so much of that to spare, though, that it's hard to complain.

The house has its original, arched front door and a pretty wooden stair. There are built-in shelves around one living room window, and a built-in display hutch in the dining area. The downstairs bath has its original tile and sink, with new wainscoting and paint to freshen up the space. The upstairs bedrooms are large and bright. The living room has many large windows and is a cozy, light-filled space, complete with crown moldings.

While the house is genuinely charming, and clearly updated with a nod to its period character, the ask price may be a bit of a stretch. Similar homes nearby haven't come close to $99K, even in similar condition. This house last sold in 2010 for just under $17K. We wouldn't call this a flip, given the timeframe, but if the house gets anything near that asking price, it's a nice return on investment.

·19971 Renfrew [Zillow]
·20429 Lichfield [Zillow]