New Gimmick For Selling A Home In Montclair: Give It Away Free

MONTCLAIR, NJ — There’s a new real estate gimmick emerging in Montclair: giving homes away at no cost.

Two years ago, a developer in Montclair put forth a unique real estate proposal: buy a historic property at 44 Pleasant Avenue for only $10. There was a catch, of course. The buyer had to move the house to a site within a quarter mile of its location at their own expense

The seller was even willing to kick in $10,000 towards the cost of moving the 113-year-old home. But despite the eye-catching deal, nobody took the offer, and the home was eventually razed to make way for a multi-family residential complex.

• See related article: No Takers For Historic Montclair Home That Was Selling For $10

Now, there’s reportedly another “freebie” on the table in Montclair.

Over the past weeks, Redeemer Church has been taking out ads in Montclair Local with an intriguing-yet-familiar hook, offering a three-story home at 23 North Willow Street at no cost… as long as the new owner moves the entire structure themselves.

The church’s offices and classrooms – currently located in the home – will be moved to a new building. It received permission to raze the home in 2017. However, at the request of the Montclair Historic Preservation Commission, Redeemer Church is trying to sell and relocate the property instead of demolishing it, Montclair Local reported.

The church has gotten a few calls about the home, but nothing “substantial” has come of their deal, an administrator told Montclair Local.

According to property records, the 3,330 square foot home was built in 1910, and is valued at $257,000. It’s currently exempt from taxes.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

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