Our Urban Pioneer project is aimed at buyers interested in historic homes in or near downtown who feel priced out of the regular market. Lenders, renovators and real estate agents will be on hand to explain the steps involved in finding a great home, financing a renovation, and playing an important role in revitalizing Winston-Salem’s core neighborhoods. Individuals who have bought in these neighborhoods will also share their experiences.
Jeff MacIntosh, a realtor with Leonard Ryden Burr Real Estate, has renovated over a dozen historic homes around Winston-Salem. He has seen first hand how neighborhoods are revitalized one house at a time. Says MacIntosh “it is amazing how a few individuals can make a difference in an entire neighborhood by putting down roots. Not only do house values increase but "areas" turn back into "communities" right in front of your eyes.” MacIntosh says the impetus for this event was seeing a growing number of historic homes hitting the market for as little as $40,000 in neighborhoods such as West Salem and Sunnyside. Says MacIntosh, “if you are willing to be a bit in front of "the curve" in a neighborhood, your potential payoff down the road can be great. We are in a period where there are more sellers than buyers and we want to encourage pioneers to take advantage of the current market”.