Two houses in Maplewood

There are two homes in Maplewood that I have been wondering about for quite some time.  The first is a house at 613 Prospect Ave.  The house was completely reconstructed, inside and out.  The construction permits are still in the windows, yet the house has been unoccupied for several years.  The other is at 52 Oakland Road.  The house actually looked worse after they cleared away all the brush and overgrowth.  There were some dumpsters there several weeks ago and they put on a new roof.  Nothing has been going on for the past few weeks.  Not trying to be a nosey neighbor , but the situation of these two properties is somewhat puzzling. Any input would be appreciated.

Yes!  We looked at 613 Prospect 4 years ago when home buying and have been wondering the same ever since - it's got "great bones" as they say and I've been wondering what it now looks like post-dumpsters in the driveway and permits in the windows.  Am guessing whomever did the reno is not going to be the occupant.

I understand the curiosity, but it is a bad idea to call attention on a public message board or otherwise  to homes that are or appear to be vacant for obvious security reasons.  

If I am correct, the one you are thinking about on Oakland is in the midst of being restored, albeit slowly.  It is so gorgeous inside!

I have a friend that is in a neighboring house to the one on Prospect, and she tells me that she sees the owner coming and going on a fairly regular basis. 

agree.

optimyst said:

I understand the curiosity, but it is a bad idea to call attention on a public message board or otherwise  to homes that are or appear to be vacant for obvious security reasons.  

it's been something like 10 years since someone has occupied that house on prospect??

Oakland Roader here. 52 is in the process of being flipped; the guy gutted it and put in a new roof back around Thanksgiving last year.  Nothing since, just a giant mess in the yard, kids drinking in the back yard, and wildlife climbing through the screens.  It's a disaster. The lack of care I've seen in the renovation is not raising my hopes that the house will be restored to its former glory.

a shame, as it could be a beautiful restoration.