For buyers who have been priced out of the renovated-and-move-in-ready market, 318 W Church Street in Williamston, North Carolina is worth a second look. This four-bedroom Colonial Revival home was built in 1927 and is currently listed at 92,500 dollars, making it one of the more affordable entry points into historic homeownership in the region, with the caveat that it comes with real work to be done.
The home has been on the market for about three weeks and has already drawn strong attention, with nearly 6,700 views and more than 560 saves on Zillow, a sign that plenty of buyers are circling this one even before it goes under contract.
Property Snapshot
Built in 1927, the home is a two-story Colonial Revival sitting on a 0.28-acre lot measuring 75 by 155 feet. It offers 4 bedrooms, with one on the first floor and three upstairs, along with 2 full bathrooms. The property is connected to public water and sewer, and the roof was replaced in 2025, which takes one major expense off the buyer’s plate right away.
The current tax assessment on the home is 160,820 dollars, while annual property taxes run 730 dollars, and Zillow estimates a monthly payment of around 615 dollars including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance at the listed price. There is no HOA.
Original Character, Real Work Ahead
What sets this home apart is the sheer amount of original detail still intact after nearly a century. The listing highlights hardwood floors, original hardware, moldings, fixtures, and architectural details throughout. A grand staircase, a walk-in closet, tongue-and-groove pine walls, and built-in cabinetry round out the interior, along with a fireplace that is currently closed off but adds to the home’s period charm.
That said, this is a project home, not a turnkey purchase. There is currently no functioning HVAC system, the kitchen appliances are non-functional, and the second bathroom needs repairs. Heat is currently provided through baseboard electric heating supplemented by wall and window air units. Outside, the 0.28-acre lot includes a koi pond, a detached outbuilding or shed, partial metal fencing along the rear yard, and unpaved on-site parking.
In short, the bones and the character are here. The systems and finishes need an investment to bring the home back to full functionality.
Financing Options to Consider
Given the scope of work involved, financing strategy matters as much as price here.
An FHA 203k renovation loan is likely the single most relevant option for this property. It allows a buyer to finance both the purchase price and the cost of repairs, such as a new HVAC system, kitchen appliances, and bathroom repairs, into one mortgage, which can make a home like this dramatically more approachable than paying for renovations out of pocket after closing.
A standard FHA loan remains an option as well, typically requiring as little as 3.5 percent down, though the lack of a functioning HVAC system may require lender or appraiser sign-off before a standard FHA loan can close, which is exactly why the 203k program exists for homes in this condition.
A conventional renovation loan is another path some buyers use for older homes needing updates, generally requiring stronger credit but offering more flexibility on scope than government-backed programs.
Cash or a local rehab loan through a community bank or credit union is also common for older Eastern North Carolina homes like this one, especially among buyers planning to do some of the renovation work themselves.
Insurance Considerations
Insuring a home built in 1927 with an inoperable HVAC system will take extra coordination. Insurers will generally want to know the condition and age of the roof, which was replaced in 2025 and should help here, along with the electrical system, plumbing, and heating setup. Because the home currently has no working HVAC and relies on baseboard electric and window units, buyers should get quotes early in the process, since some carriers require systems to be updated or repaired either before binding a policy or within a set window after closing.
Due Diligence Checklist for Buyers
Anyone seriously considering this property should plan for the following before closing. A full home inspection is essential, with specific attention to the electrical panel and wiring, plumbing, and the structural condition of a home approaching its 100th year. An HVAC evaluation and quote is a must, since a full system will likely need to be installed rather than repaired. A kitchen and bathroom scope of work should be priced out with a contractor, since appliances are non-functional and the second bathroom needs repair. Buyers should also confirm the condition and permitting status of the outbuilding and fencing, and check with the Town of Williamston on any historic district guidelines that could affect exterior renovations, given the home’s age and Colonial Revival style. Finally, a title search and review of the tax assessment history is recommended, along with getting insurance quotes locked in before the due diligence period ends.
The Williamston, NC Market
Williamston is the county seat of Martin County in Eastern North Carolina, offering small-town living along the Roanoke River. Home prices here remain well below state and national averages, which is part of why a historic four-bedroom home like this one can still be found under 100,000 dollars. With low property taxes, no HOA, and a growing interest in restoring older homes rather than buying new construction, listings like 318 W Church St tend to move quickly once buyers run the renovation numbers and see the math still works in their favor.
Final Thoughts
318 W Church St is a classic fixer-upper opportunity: a genuinely charming 1927 Colonial Revival with original details most new construction can’t replicate, priced low enough to leave room in the budget for the HVAC, kitchen, and bathroom work it needs. With nearly three weeks on the market and hundreds of saves already, buyers who are serious about a renovation project in Eastern North Carolina should move quickly to schedule a showing.
From the Zillow listing:
