Long Island house that was burned to a crisp sells for $35K over ask

· New York Post

A charred shell of a home in East Rockaway, LI has just sold for $435,000 — $35,000 above the asking price — proving once again that the residential market’s red-hot frenzy shows no signs of cooling down, The Post has learned.

The fire-ravaged property at 9 Elbert Pl. hit the market this past spring for $399,900 and, despite its severely damaged state — something that was very visible in its marketing images — it drew multiple bids.

“An investor bought it and is planning on building a new home on the existing foundation,” listing rep Brian Lewis of eXp Realty told The Post.

The house at 9 Elbert Pl., which was ravaged by a deliberate fire in 2020, attracted multiple offers, with an investor planning to rebuild on the existing foundation. East Rockaway Fire Department
Despite heavy fire damage, the outer structure remains intact, making it appealing to buyers in a market with limited inventory. Brian Lewis

“I had multiple offers within the first two weeks of listing the property,” Lewis added.

Standing on a quiet street just a short commute from New York City limits, the home’s scorched remnants haven’t scared off buyers.

The three-bedroom, one-bath house, spanning over 1,300 square feet, was devastated by a fire in 2020, but Lewis says its potential outweighs its past.

The outer structure and floors are still intact, Lewis notes, adding that the investor saw the opportunity for a major renovation — or possibly a complete teardown.

Real estate agent Brian Lewis emphasized the potential to build a dream home in a highly sought-after area where available land is scarce. Brian Lewis
The fire was set by the former tenant, Kevin Meyer, who was charged with arson after a dramatic rescue. Brian Lewis

“People want brand new homes. Being able to design and build a brand new home with the latest features is in even higher demand,” Lewis said. “There isn’t much vacant land left in this area so if you want a new home, properties like this are really your only option.”

The listing photos tell the dramatic story of the fire: soot-covered walls, a kitchen engulfed in ash and a bathtub turned black from the flames.

Despite this, the competitive market has driven interest. With mortgage rates hovering around 7% and inventory at record lows, buyers are facing slim pickings.

The 1,300-square-foot home sold $35,000 over asking price. Brian Lewis
An inside look at the completely destroyed home. Brian Lewis

In the East Rockaway School District alone, only 21 homes are available.

“Someone spends nearly $1 million to buy an updated home and still has to settle,” Lewis said. “With this home, they would most likely spend less than $1 million total and be able to build the home of their dreams.”

As for the fire that left the property in ruins, it was no accident.

In March 2020, former tenant Kevin Meyer intentionally set the blaze and was later charged with arson, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. Meyer was rescued by firefighters, only to return to the flames in a dramatic standoff that nearly cost him his life.