"Strategic Opportunity: 1890 Historic Home with Grant Eligibility

This 1,638-square-foot historic single-family residence, constructed in 1890, is located at 86 Nelson St in the heart of Auburn, New York (Zip Code 13021). Presenting an affordable entry point into a thriving Finger Lakes real estate market, this two-story home features a flexible layout containing three to four bedrooms, one full bathroom, and one half-bath. Situated on a deep 9,147-square-foot lot, this property balances intact period elements with critical structural window upgrades, direct walk-out basement utility, and eligibility for localized homebuyer assistance programs.

The interior features classic turn-of-the-century structural volume, highlighted by original wood millwork trim details running throughout the primary rooms. Large, updated window casings flood the spacious living and dining parlors with an abundance of natural light. The floor plan provides exceptional layout versatility, offering up to four usable bedrooms depending on household needs—including a highly convenient main-floor bedroom option that sits adjacent to a guest powder room half-bath.

The upper level accommodates the primary bedroom chambers, offering comfortable dimensions well-suited for a growing family or a quiet remote home office. Structurally, the property boasts excellent energy efficiency upgrades, outfitted with newer replacement windows across the entire living envelope to minimize seasonal draft liabilities. Below the main tier, a full walk-out basement handles the home’s utilities and storage, offering direct egress out to a large, fully fenced-in backyard oasis complete with an attached wooden entertaining deck assembly.

💵 Financial Incentives & Investment Value

Offered at $149,900, this property is specifically positioned to serve two distinct buyer profiles:

The Strategic House Hacker / Owner-Occupant: For qualified primary buyers, the property can be coupled with localized down-payment assistance initiatives like the Home Assist grant, substantially lowering the upfront capital barrier and optimizing monthly carrying costs.

The Portfolio Investor: Situated in one of Central New York’s most reliable and affordable rental markets, the home’s high room count and close proximity to downtown employment drivers ensure robust yield potential and minimal vacancy risks.

📋 Property Specifications

💰 Price: $149,900

📍 Address: 86 Nelson St, Auburn, NY 13021

📐 Interior Size: 1,638 sqft

🌳 Lot Size: 9,147 sqft (0.21 Acres)

🛏️ Bedrooms: 3 to 4 (Flexible floor plan configurations)

🛁 Bathrooms: 1.5 Baths (1 Full Bath / 1 Half-Bath Powder Room)

🏗️ Year Built: 1890

🪟 Envelope Update: Outfitted with newer, energy-efficient replacement windows

🚪 Subterranean Level: Full basement with direct exterior walk-out access

🌳 Exterior Amenity: Expansive, fully fenced rear yard with an outdoor deck platform

💰 Financial Incentive: Eligible for localized Home Assist grant funding programs

🔍 Key Features & Location Advantages Explained

🏛️ Preserved Character Bones: Spanning more than 1,600 square feet, the 1890 framing offers traditional spatial depth, high ceilings, and original wood accents that deliver a sense of historical place missing from modern cookie-cutter builds.

🚪 Walk-Out Basement & Fenced Lot: The full-height subterranean foundation features a dedicated exterior walk-out door, allowing residents to seamlessly move lawn equipment, bicycles, or pets straight into the large, securely fenced backyard canvas.

🚶 Walkable DowntownRevitalization District: Positioned on Nelson Street, residents enjoy an authentic city lifestyle. The property sits within easy walking distance of a downtown center that has benefited from massive revitalization funding, anchored by a full-scale Wegmans, the Auburn Public Theater, and premium craft breweries like Prison City Pub and Shepherd’s Brewing Company.

🛣️ Regional Commuter Transit Lines: Known as “History’s Hometown,” Auburn sits strategically along the US Routes 5 & 20 corridor. Commuters enjoy seamless highway connectivity, keeping the property within 25 miles of downtown Syracuse via Route 690, and minutes from the New York State Thruway (I-90) via Exits 40 or 41 for quick travel to Rochester.

🍇 Proximity to Finger Lakes Recreation: Located just 2.5 miles north of pristine Owasco Lake, residents have instant access to boating, public swimming, and waterfront dining at Emerson Park, alongside immediate driving loops into the surrounding wine country featuring over 120 historic vineyards.

Zillow link https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/86-Nelson-St-Auburn-NY-13021/30033867_zpid/