Houses

This $399,000 Second Empire Victorian in Auburn, New York Has 6 Bedrooms, 4 Fireplaces, and a Curved Grand Staircase

ctrl 11 hours ago

0 3 minutes read

Every so often a historic home hits the market that stops you mid-scroll. This three-story brick Victorian at 147 East Genesee Street in Auburn, New York is one of them. Listed at $399,000, it offers 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and nearly 4,000 square feet of living space inside a Second Empire-style home originally built in 1900. For buyers searching for a turnkey historic property with real architectural pedigree, this one checks an unusual number of boxes.

Below, we break down what makes this home stand out, what it would realistically cost to own each month, and the financing options worth understanding before you fall in love with a property like this.

A Closer Look at 147 East Genesee Street

Set back from the main road, this architectural gem greets you with a grand foyer and a stunning curved staircase. The interior runs across three full stories, with hardwood floors throughout, high ceilings, and an abundance of natural light pouring through the windows. A second back staircase makes moving between the upper floors effortless, a thoughtful detail you rarely find outside of homes from this era.

The freshly painted interior pairs beautifully with the original woodwork, giving the home a clean yet timeless feel. Spacious living and dining areas flow into a nicely appointed kitchen that overlooks a fully fenced backyard. With four fireplaces, a full basement, a walk-in pantry, and an oversized two-car garage, the home delivers both character and everyday function.

Here are the core details at a glance:

Price: $399,000
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 4 (two full, two half)
Square footage: 3,999 sqft
Lot size: 0.41 acres
Year built: 1900
Architectural style: Second Empire Victorian
Stories: 3
Garage: Oversized 2-car, attached
Price per square foot: $100

Why Historic Homes Like This Hold Their Value

One of the most compelling parts of this listing is its price history. The home last sold for $275,000 in 2016 and is now listed at $399,000, reflecting steady appreciation in a market where well-maintained historic properties remain in demand. At roughly $100 per square foot, the asking price is notably low compared to new construction, where comparable square footage often costs two to three times more.

For buyers thinking about long-term home equity and resale value, period homes in established neighborhoods tend to be a smart play. Original craftsmanship, generous lot sizes, and walkable locations are increasingly difficult to replicate, which helps these properties retain demand even when the broader housing market cools.

What Would the Monthly Payment Look Like?

Understanding the true monthly cost is essential before pursuing any home purchase. Based on current estimates for a property at this price point, the estimated monthly payment lands around $1,822, broken down roughly as follows:

Principal and interest: approximately $1,547
Property taxes: estimated monthly portion of the annual bill
Home insurance: approximately $105 per month

Keep in mind that the annual property tax amount on this home is approximately $9,050, which is an important figure to factor into your total cost of ownership. Your actual mortgage payment will depend heavily on your interest rate, down payment, loan term, and credit score, so getting pre-qualified early gives you a realistic picture of affordability.

Financing Options Worth Knowing About

A home like this opens the door to several mortgage products, and choosing the right one can save you thousands over the life of the loan. Here are the most relevant paths for a property in this price range:

Conventional loans: This listing accepts both cash and conventional financing. A conventional mortgage typically requires a down payment between 5 and 20 percent. Putting down 20 percent allows you to avoid private mortgage insurance, which lowers your monthly cost.

FHA loans: For buyers with a smaller down payment or a lower credit score, an FHA loan can make a historic home like this more accessible, often requiring as little as 3.5 percent down. This is a popular route for first-time buyers entering the market.

Renovation loans: While this home is described as move-in ready with a freshly painted interior, older properties sometimes benefit from a renovation loan such as an FHA 203(k). These products roll the purchase price and improvement costs into a single mortgage, which is useful if you plan to modernize systems over time.

Home insurance considerations: Insuring a historic home can differ from insuring new construction. Older materials, original plumbing, and period features may affect your homeowners insurance premium, so it is wise to gather quotes early. Comparing multiple insurance providers helps you secure the best coverage at the most competitive rate.

The Neighborhood and Location

Location is one of this home’s quiet strengths. It sits conveniently next to Hoopes Park, within walking distance of Herman Avenue Elementary School, and close to downtown Auburn. The area earns a moderate walkability score, meaning some daily errands can be handled on foot. For families, proximity to schools and parks adds meaningful long-term value beyond the home itself.

Auburn, located in Cayuga County in the Finger Lakes region of New York, offers the kind of small-city charm that draws buyers looking for character, community, and affordability compared to larger metro markets.

Is This Home Right for You?

If you have been searching for a spacious historic home with genuine architectural character, original detailing, and modern updates already in place, 147 East Genesee Street deserves a serious look. With 6 bedrooms, 4 fireplaces, a curved grand staircase, and a fully fenced yard, it blends Victorian elegance with practical livability at a price point that remains accessible in today’s market.

As with any significant purchase, the smartest first step is getting pre-qualified for a mortgage so you understand your budget, your monthly payment, and the financing product that best fits your situation. A historic home of this caliber tends to attract attention quickly, so preparation matters.

Would you call this Victorian home? See the full listing and all of the photos on Zillow.