WILLIAMSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A charming 1890s farmhouse in Williamsburg, Va. has won the title of The Ugliest House Of The Year® for 2023 from HomeVestors of America, Inc., the We Buy Ugly Houses® people. Highlighting the most dramatic “befores” and “afters” from the houses purchased and then renovated by the company’s independently owned and operated franchises in 2023, Virginia franchisee Daniel Nice was selected as the winner of this year’s 17th annual contest. Nice served in the U.S. Army for nine years before joining HomeVestors in 2020. As a result of his win, Nice’s local Habitat for Humanity chapter, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg, will receive a $20,000 donation from HomeVestors.
Located on Semple Road in Williamsburg, The Ugliest House Of The Year® for 2023 was originally built in 1890 as the homestead for a 70-acre farm. In the 1960s, the land around the property was developed into a neighborhood. However, over time, the house was neglected, with the outside becoming so overgrown with vegetation that it was hardly visible from the road. Inside, it was cluttered with debris and there were gaping holes in the floors.
“The previous owner was so happy we were going to salvage the home and that we were capable of tackling a renovation of this magnitude – he was thrilled the home would be given a second chance,” said Nice. “Throughout the project, neighbors would stop by and tell us how the house had been known as the ‘haunted house’ and that they never thought it would be restored in their lifetime. One neighbor was happy that their dog would stop uncontrollably barking at the house given all the critters that lived around it before we came in.”
On the first day of the renovation, Nice’s team began by clearing the lot while preserving the existing crepe myrtles and magnolia trees. The home was then gutted and prepared for the substantial overhaul. Among the extensive work performed was a renovation of the crawlspace, installation of new water and sewer lines, installation of all new electrical, as well as new siding, windows, HVAC, water heater, kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, and paint. Nice also refinished the beautiful, handcrafted staircase which quickly became the focal point of the restoration.
“You could not have given Daniel Nice a better name, and this project is the perfect representation of what he has brought to his community and our company, ensuring fair deals for distressed property owners, and giving houses new life,” said Larry Goodman, chief executive officer of HomeVestors. “He has told me that joining HomeVestors was the best business decision he ever made, and how much satisfaction he draws from transforming neglected properties into vibrant, welcoming spaces that have the power to rejuvenate neighborhoods and provide homes for families.”
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg was formed in 1985 and has built and renovated over 210 houses in its local community. The organization relies on outside donors, like HomeVestors, to fund its efforts and believes that homeownership provides families with the strength, stability, and independence they need to live a better life. A ceremony celebrating Nice’s selection and the donation to Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg will take place next month.
Note to media: A complete gallery with “before” and “after” images is available here.
About HomeVestors of America, Inc.
HomeVestors of America, Inc. is the largest professional house buying franchise in the U.S. with more than 140,000 houses bought since 1996. HomeVestors recruits, trains and supports its more than 1,100 independently owned and operated HomeVestors® franchisees that specialize in building businesses based on buying, rehabbing, selling, and holding residential properties. Known as the We Buy Ugly Houses® people, HomeVestors strives to make a positive impact in each of the 47 states and the District of Columbia, in which it has franchises.
