Where do old spec houses go when they die?

To the rent rolls, usually, but their builders do put them back up for sale from time to time, doubtless because they’d like to free up what remains of their capital. Case in point is 294 Bedford Road, on the New York border, built in 2005, priced then at $5.495, and alternating ever since between rental and sale. It’s back on the market today at $3.495, this time without the urgent plea found in its older listings: “Very motivated seller. Calling for any and all offers”. That desperate note first appeared in 2008; I doubt the owner’s sentiments have changed much in the ensuing twelve years.

This creepy picture in 2005 probably didn’t help. In fact, it reminds me of another huge old place, out west

room 217

of course, it’s the perfect place to finish that manuscript