Location: Baldwin County, AL
Asset Type: Residential Real Estate
Results at a Glance
- Year built: 1910 (115+ years old at time of sale)
- Final sale price: $63,735
- Buyer location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Current listing price (post-restoration): $499,000
- Property size: 4,740 sq ft, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Challenge
Baldwin County, AL, assumed ownership of a historic residential property in downtown Bay Minette following the death of its longtime occupant in 2015. Built in 1910, the more than 115-year-old home required significant restoration and ongoing maintenance.
After evaluating the scope and cost of rehabilitation, county officials determined that restoring the property using public funds was not feasible. The county needed a transparent, compliant way to transfer ownership while avoiding long-term financial liability tied to an aging structure.
Background
The home, known locally as the McLeod House, was originally built by Dr. John Calvin McLeod, a local physician. Upon his death, the property passed to his unmarried daughter, Isabel McLeod, who lived in the home until she died in 2015.
Following her passing, the property came under Baldwin County ownership. Given its age, size, and condition, the home represented both historical value and a significant maintenance burden.
The GovDeals Approach
Baldwin County listed the property for sale on GovDeals using an online auction format. The listing generated strong interest, attracting 126 bids from buyers across the country.
The auction closed on March 24, 2023, with a final sale price of $63,735. The winning bidder was an individual located in Phoenix, Arizona, illustrating the platform’s ability to connect local government assets with a national buyer pool.
Impact
The successful auction allowed Baldwin County to transfer ownership of a historic residential property that would have required significant public investment to restore and maintain.
Following the sale on GovDeals, the buyer completed a full restoration of the home. Today, the rehabilitated property has been returned to the private real estate market and is currently listed as a single-family residence with:
- 4,740 square feet
- 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
- A current list price of $499,000
For Baldwin County, the auction resulted in:
- A completed and compliant disposition of a surplus real estate asset
- Elimination of long-term restoration and maintenance costs
- The return of a historically significant property to productive private use
Why It Matters
This case demonstrates how counties can responsibly manage inherited or surplus residential properties that require extensive rehabilitation. By leveraging an online auction, Baldwin County ensures fiscal responsibility while enabling a private buyer to invest in restoration and preservation.
For government agencies facing similar challenges with aging real estate assets, online auctions provide an effective path to disposition, national market exposure, and long-term community benefit without placing additional strain on public resources. Learn more about selling real estate online or sign up to become a seller today!
