Affordable Investment Opportunity in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania – A Renovator’s Dream at $119,000
Opportunities like this are becoming increasingly rare in today’s real estate market. Located at 287 Andover St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, this classic two-story home offers an exceptional chance for investors, flippers, or first-time buyers to secure a property with strong upside potential—all for just $119,000.
Positioned in a convenient and established neighborhood within Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, this home combines affordability with a solid structural foundation, making it an ideal project for those ready to bring their vision to life.
Location: Convenience Meets Community
Wilkes-Barre is a historic city in northeastern Pennsylvania known for its affordability, accessibility, and steady rental demand. The property is located close to shopping centers, restaurants, schools, and major roadways, offering convenience for both homeowners and tenants.
Its proximity to daily essentials and commuter routes enhances its appeal as either a primary residence or an income-producing rental. For investors, location plays a critical role in long-term returns—and this home checks that box.
Exterior Appeal: Classic Charm with Potential
From the outside, the home features a traditional design that reflects the charm of older American neighborhoods. A covered front porch provides a welcoming entrance and offers a perfect space to relax or entertain guests.
The fenced-in backyard adds both privacy and functionality. Whether you’re envisioning a garden, play area, or outdoor entertainment space, the yard provides a blank slate for customization.
Additionally, the property includes one open parking space, a valuable feature for urban and semi-urban homes. With some landscaping and exterior updates, the curb appeal could be significantly enhanced, increasing both resale value and rental desirability.
Interior Overview: A Solid Foundation to Build On
Inside, the home offers a traditional layout with well-defined living spaces. While it does require updates, it already features key elements that make renovation worthwhile.
Main Level Highlights:
Spacious living room
Separate dining area
Original hardwood floors
Functional flow between rooms
The presence of original hardwood flooring is a major advantage. With refinishing, these floors can become a standout feature, adding warmth and character while saving on renovation costs.
The living and dining areas are generously sized, providing flexibility for modern design updates such as open-concept adjustments or enhanced lighting features.
Kitchen and Bathrooms: Ready for Modernization
The kitchen and bathrooms are in need of updating, which presents a significant opportunity for value creation. These are typically the most impactful areas when it comes to increasing a home’s market value.
Potential upgrades include:
Installing modern cabinetry and countertops
Updating appliances for energy efficiency
Adding contemporary fixtures and finishes
Reconfiguring layout for better functionality
For investors, strategic updates in these areas can yield strong returns, whether the goal is resale or long-term rental income.
Second Floor: Comfortable Living Space
Upstairs, the home features three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, offering a practical and desirable layout for families or tenants.
Each bedroom benefits from:
Good natural light
Functional size and layout
Flexibility for various uses (bedrooms, office, guest room)
The two full bathrooms add convenience and increase the property’s appeal, especially for families or shared living arrangements.
Basement: Additional Potential
The property includes a full basement, which provides valuable additional space. While currently suited for storage, it holds potential for future improvements.
Possible uses include:
Finished recreation room
Home gym or workshop
Laundry and utility area
Additional living space (depending on local regulations)
Finishing the basement could significantly increase usable square footage and overall property value.
Investment Potential: Strong Upside Opportunity
This property is clearly positioned as a value-add investment opportunity. With the right updates and improvements, it has the potential to deliver solid returns.
Key investment advantages:
Low purchase price under $120K
Strong rental demand in the area
Solid structure and layout
Multiple value-add opportunities
Desirable bedroom and bathroom count
For house flippers, the home offers a manageable renovation scope with clear pathways to increased resale value. For buy-and-hold investors, it presents an opportunity to generate consistent rental income after upgrades.
Ideal Buyer Profiles
This property is well-suited for a variety of buyers:
Investors & Flippers
Those looking for a project with clear profit potential will appreciate the low entry cost and renovation upside.
First-Time Buyers
Buyers willing to invest some time and effort can build equity quickly while customizing the home to their preferences.
Landlords
With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the home is attractive for tenants, making it a strong addition to a rental portfolio.
Renovation Vision: Unlocking the Potential
Transforming this home into a modern, desirable property doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just thoughtful updates and design improvements.
Suggested upgrades:
Refinish hardwood floors
Modernize kitchen and bathrooms
Update lighting fixtures
Fresh interior and exterior paint
Improve landscaping and outdoor spaces
Even modest improvements can dramatically enhance the property’s appeal and value.
Market Perspective
In today’s real estate market, finding a property at this price point with such strong fundamentals is increasingly difficult. Rising home prices and limited inventory have made affordable investment opportunities more competitive than ever.
This listing stands out because it offers:
A reasonable entry price
A clear path to value appreciation
Flexibility in use (resale, rental, or personal residence)
Lifestyle and Long-Term Value
For owner-occupants, this home offers the chance to create a personalized living space while building equity over time. The neighborhood’s convenience and accessibility add to its long-term appeal.
For investors, the combination of location, layout, and price creates a compelling case for strong returns.
Final Thoughts
The home at 287 Andover St in Wilkes-Barre, PA is more than just an affordable property—it’s an opportunity. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full basement, and a fenced yard, it provides the essential features needed for comfortable living, while leaving room for improvement and value creation.
Whether you’re an experienced investor, a first-time buyer, or someone looking for a renovation project, this property offers the chance to turn potential into profit.
At $119,000, it represents one of the more accessible entry points into real estate investment, especially in a market where deals like this are becoming harder to find.
FROM ZILLOW