Couple closes deal on $1 house

By AMY SATTERWHITE / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Candice Lusk, left, receives a congratulatory handshake from County Mayor Kenneth Rogers after she and spouse Thomas, center, closed on the house at law offices Wednesday. (Amy Satterwhite photo)

A $1 purchase netted more than 60,000 times the original investment for the people of Warren County after parties closed on a county-owned house Wednesday.

Thomas and Candice Lusk are the new owners of the house located on Crain Road. County officials purchased it through a government program for $1 last year.

After no bids were initially submitted, the Lusks won the bid Nov. 24 with a winning bid of $62,501.50. The house was said to be worth between $67,000 and $75,000.

The Lusks appeared at the law offices of Stanley and Bratcher along with County Mayor Kenneth Rogers Wednesday to sign off on the paperwork, with all parties saying the deal was a “win-win situation.”

The money will be placed in the county’s general fund, Rogers said after legal work was complete. Mr. and Mrs. Lusk, who are expecting their first child, said they feel they got a good deal on the 3-bedroom, 1-1/2 bath house and don’t expect to move any time soon.

They were allowed to move into the house early and have been living there for a short time.

“We’re excited about closing,” Rogers said. “It was a real good deal for the county and I think it’s a good deal for this young couple that is just starting out.”

Added Mr. Lusk, “I really think what they did was good. And it is a nice house, so I’m really happy.”