This house of worship is becoming quite the real estate treasure!
The owner of Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home, located near Chicago, decided to remove the modest residence from the market after discovering that the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church once lived there. There’s now talk of potentially raising the price significantly.
“It’s like winning the lottery, really. What are the odds?” said realtor Steve Basic regarding the owner’s decision.
A small brick home in Dalton, Illinois—once inhabited by drug dealers after the pope’s family sold it—was purchased by the current owner last year, renovated, and initially listed for $200,000, according to Budzik.
Upon learning about the home’s newfound notoriety, the owner pulled it off the market, contemplating whether to raise the price or possibly transform it into a museum or historic site.
On the day news broke that Robert Prebust, a Chicago native, had been named the first American pope, the owner received four offers on the five-bedroom, two-bathroom property, as noted by Budzik.
Previously, the home had been on the market for over 100 days.
Budzik commented, “Listed at $200,000, but there’s no way he can actually sell it for that amount now.” The home spans about 1,200 square feet.
“I’m a bit excited and definitely surprised,” the owner shared. “The last day or so has been really fascinating,” Budzik remarked, noting the influx of activity and offers.
The property at 212 E. No. 141 is just a few blocks from local spots like Andy’s Hot Dog and Chuck’s Gun Shop & Pistol series and was renovated following its purchase for $66,000 last year.
