Slow housing market affecting sale of homes built by students

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The slow housing market is affecting the Churchill County School District and its ability to sell two homes built by Churchill County High School students.

Both houses on Discovery Drive sit empty, and no bidders have come forward who want to purchase the properties.

Churchill County School Board trustees voted (Jule, 2007) to advance money to allow the students to build another house beginning this fall. The high school construction class learns about proper construction techniques while building a house each year on lots owned by the district.

The proceeds from selling each house are used to buy materials for the subsequent year.

Finance Director Jim Sustacha told board members that the houses have been advertised for the third time with no bids received. State law requires that two appraisals on each property be conducted and the sales price be based on the average value.

The board also approved listing the houses with a local Realtor. The winner will be selected by a lottery after Realtors submit their names for a chance to hold an exclusive listing at 4 percent interest.

Sustacha is hoping the houses sell in the meantime to generate money for next year’s project. If not, he said, at least $100,000 would have to be loaned to the program for next year’s class.

He said the board had three options: approve a transfer of funds, allow the construction class to build a home for a private citizen or hold off on any construction next year.

Trustee Tom Riggins questioned the liability issues if the high school class built a home on private property.

Board Member Lou Buckmaster clarified what has occurred in the past. He said citizens, including some teachers, provided liability insurance when students build homes on their land.

One house has three bedrooms and two baths with a total of 1,638 square feet. It is valued at $208,500.

The second is also a three-bedroom, two-bath with 1,586 square feet. It is listed at $206,500.

By MARLENE GARCIA – Nevada Appeal

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