A couple from Chicago, Ray and Tracey, purchased a vacant home next door in New Buffalo, Michigan, without ever seeing the inside. They were drawn to the lakefront location and wanted to prevent the property from being demolished and rebuilt. Despite the risk involved in buying a home unseen, they acquired the property in December 2024. When they finally entered the house, they were shocked by the amount of clutter and personal belongings left behind, making it seem like the house had been ransacked. Their task now is to turn this outdated property into a modern and attractive space, starting with addressing mold and damp issues found in the rooms.
The couple shared their experience of buying the home sight unseen on social media, particularly on TikTok, where their videos went viral. Their first video showcasing the interior of the house garnered over 1 million views and 22,200 likes. Although the renovation project ahead is daunting, Tracey and Ray are excited about the DIY challenge. The social media response has been overwhelming, with many users expressing their support and anticipation for the renovation journey. The decision to purchase the home without seeing the inside has astounded many, attracting more than 590 comments on the TikTok post and generating excitement for the upcoming renovations.
Tracey and Ray hope to maintain as much of the original structure of the house as possible but acknowledge that the extent of water damage and mold may impact their renovation plans. The couple plans to start by clearing out the items left behind in the house before addressing the necessary repairs and transformations. With the unexpected social media attention, they are grateful for the support and encouragement from the online community. The DIY project is expected to take at least six months, and Tracey mentioned that they are prepared for whatever surprises they may encounter during the renovations.
Despite the challenges ahead, Tracey and Ray do not regret buying the property sight unseen and are eager to bring new life to the lakefront home. The couple’s enthusiasm and determination to transform the neglected property into a vibrant and inviting space have captured the interest of many followers. The supportive comments and encouragement from social media users have fueled Tracey and Ray’s motivation to tackle the renovation project with optimism and creativity. As they embark on this renovation journey, they are excited to see the potential of the house come to fruition and share their progress with their online audience.
Tracey humorously advises anyone considering buying a property sight unseen to have low expectations on the structural stability and to hope for pleasant surprises. The couple plans to take on the challenges of renovating the house with a positive attitude and a focus on preserving the integrity of the original structure while making necessary improvements. As they continue to document their renovation journey on social media, they look forward to sharing the transformation process and seeing the house evolve. The unexpected viral response to their posts has reinforced their decision to take on this renovation project and turned their journey into an inspiring and engaging online story for viewers to follow along.
