The old dilapidated house at 430 W. Superior St. finally was sold Monday night to a Byron Center couple who plan to fix it up and make it attractive and livable again.

The Wayland City Council agreed to sell the house and property to Max and Robin Michell for $7,500 plus closing costs pending an inspection, which City Manager Mike Selden said could take one to two weeks.

The foreclosed house and property, across the street on Vine from the Free Methodist Church, was purchased from Allegan County earlier this year for $7,500. The city planned to either sell it or have it become a vacant lot. No one has lived in the house for at least three years and it was foreclosed on by the county.

“I think we should have an inspection because the purchaser should be aware on any problems before we close,” Selden told City Council members.

Councilwoman Jennifer Antel said she was in favor of making the sale pending the inspection because “It will move things along a little faster.”

Though the council tried to brace the buyers on the conditions of the house, Mrs. Michell said, “The majority of the work we can do ourselves, but what we can’t, we’ll subcontract out.”

She added that she and her family have experience in restoring houses that have fallen on hard times.

Though there was talk before by council members Tracy Bivins and Tim Rose to have the house demolished, it was agreed having it sold and fixed up is a much better option.

“I’d hate to have us tear down this house and then have an empty lot there 10 years from now,” said Councilman Rick Mathis at the Aug. 3 meeting.

Mrs. Michell along with Leslie and Moriah Gonzales were given permission to use the key to the house after the meeting.

PHOTO: This foreclosed house and property at 430 W. Superior St. was up for sale by the city, with a minimum bid of $7,500, the same price for which it paid the county last May. Any price over $7,500 will be collected by the county.