EUGENE, OR — After months of tireless searching, dozens of rejected offers, and what they describe as “a full emotional breakdown in a Safeway parking lot,” local couple Ryan and Melissa Carter say they’re finally relieved to have found the perfect fixer-upper—listed at a refreshingly reasonable $649,900.
“We were starting to lose hope,” Melissa said, standing proudly in front of the home’s partially collapsed carport. “Everything else in our budget either didn’t have a roof, or technically wasn’t zoned as a home. So when we saw this one still had most of its walls, we knew we had to move fast.”
The 1,120-square-foot property, described in the listing as “full of potential,” features two bedrooms, one bathroom, and what the realtor enthusiastically called “an open-concept ceiling,” due to a section of missing drywall exposing the attic.
“It just felt right,” Ryan added. “You walk in and immediately think, ‘Yeah, I could spend the next 15 years fixing this.’ That’s when you know it’s home.”
The couple confirmed they were one of 27 offers submitted within the first 48 hours, ultimately winning the bid after agreeing to waive inspection, cover appraisal gaps, and include a heartfelt letter promising to “honor the home’s character,” including the visible water damage and the faint but persistent smell of something no one could quite identify.
“We did have to go a little over asking,” Melissa admitted. “But honestly, at $715,000, it still felt like a steal compared to what else we’ve seen.”
Neighbors say the home has been on the market several times over the past few years, each time undergoing what listing agents described as “light cosmetic updates,” including a fresh coat of paint over what appears to be additional structural concerns.
“It’s a great area,” said one nearby resident. “You’re within walking distance of a coffee shop, a brewery, and at least three other homes that also need immediate attention.”
The Carters say they’re especially excited about the home’s unique features, including a sloped kitchen floor, a bathroom door that doesn’t fully close, and a backyard shed that “may or may not be legally classified as a structure.”
“We love a project,” Ryan said. “And based on the quotes we’ve gotten so far, we’re looking at only another $200,000 to make it livable. That’s basically turnkey in Oregon.”
Despite the challenges ahead, the couple says they’re just grateful to finally be homeowners.
“There’s something really special about knowing you’ve committed to a mortgage that will follow you for the rest of your natural life,” Melissa said. “You just can’t put a price on that.”
At press time, the couple confirmed they had already begun renovations, starting with a YouTube search for “how to fix foundation issues for beginners” and quietly questioning every decision that led them to this moment.
