Fargo Auctioning Off Flood Buyout Homes

The City of Fargo is auctioning off flood buyout homes for the first time. People from a small town, in desperate need of housing are trying to cash in on homes, that can sell for as low as one dollar.

Paul Detloff and his family moved to Gwinner nearly a year ago for work. They have been renting a home, but now want to buy.

Paul Detloff – Gwinner: “We are looking here to try and be able to get a home, save a little time, save a little money.”

The home they have their eyes on is this two story. This is the Detloff's first auction so they aren't to sure what to expect.

Paul Detloff – Gwinner: “We haven't gotten into the game a little bit late here, but we will go from here and work on what we need to do.”

Gwinner Mayor Dan Mckeever has at several auctions to find housing for his city. He's here guiding the family of 6 every step of the way.

Paul Detloff – Gwinner: “He has kept us informed on what's come about, what's come on the list, where they have been, sending us to auction sites, keeping us informed with movers and people that are involved with the whole process.”

As the price continues to rise, and Detloff raises his number in the end the house goes to another bidder for $25,000.

Paul Detloff – Gwinner: “They are going a little high then we had expected, I think some of the publicity and the people figuring this out has probably gone a little bit more then the first one.”

Civil Engineer Rob Hasey says Normally these homes would be demolished, instead they want to make money for the future, while helping people get into homes at a bargain price.

Rob Hasey – Civil Engineer, City of Fargo: “Gives people an opportunity to get a house at a discounted price, helps us out, you know with demolition costs and it is a little greener too rather then sending them to the landfill.”

As Hasey hands over the keys to lucky new homeowners, The Detloff's will head back to Gwinner with a better idea of what to expect at the next auction.

All 11 homes sold, the highest, at 38,000 dollars, the lowest, 1500 dollars.

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