‘Nothing sinister is going on’ in this home for sale in woods. But you can’t go in
An affordable home for sale in Colden, New York, has proved that one should never judge a book by its cover — or rather judge a home based on a viral TikTok of its exterior.
The residence in question — which is listed for $79,900 — is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home nestled on 9 acres of a beautiful wooded area.
“This house could be torn down and build on this attractive site, or do a complete makeover on this over 1700 square foot home located on a private hillside wooded setting, perfect to make (your) home, but as investment or fix up and live in,” the listing on Realtor.com says. “Everything is sold as is (and) the seller will leave any items at their convenience.”
Only one problem — there will be no interior showings because of safety concerns.
The popular TikTok page @zillowtastrophes grabbed ahold of this aspect and pushed it to the limit, arousing people’s suspicions that something nefarious had to be going on (or went on) inside of the home.
“What’s the best explanation you’ve (heard) for spontaneous human combustion?” the creator asks in her video caption.
But the truth is nothing dangerous.
“As much as we like that (the home went) viral, nothing sinister is going on here,” listing agent Jerrold Thompson II tells McClatchy News. “The photos of the inside were provided simply to show anyone who could not go in due to it being considered uninhabitable (and) how serious the work was going to be if they bought it and to eliminate anyone not capable or willing to deal with such a place and creating overwhelming dangerous and unqualified activity.”
Thompson said the owner couldn’t maintain the residence. Since they left, the home “was devastated by nature and animals,” and the damage to the home was “out of their control or ability to handle,” Thompson said.
Clearly, this is a dream project for a DIY individual who enjoys the privacy of the woods and nature.
Colden is about 25 miles south of Buffalo.