319 Ruby Ave, Deland, FL 32724

Historic Home in DeLand: A Deeply Affordable Opportunity with Renovation Potential!

Asking Price: $129,900

Step into a piece of DeLand’s history with this 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom single-family home located at 319 Ruby Ave, DeLand, FL 32724. Built in 1933, this 924 sqft residence offers an incredibly low estimated refinance payment of $1,134/mo, making it an attractive prospect for a buyer seeking an affordable home with a strong opportunity for renovation and value creation. Situated on a 0.25-acre lot, this property is ideal for those willing to invest sweat equity in a desirable and growing community.

Key Features & Value Proposition:

• Exceptional Affordability: At an asking price of $129,900, this home is significantly below the median sold price for 3-bedroom homes in the 32724 zip code ($336,400 in May 2025). This positions it as one of the most budget-friendly detached homes available, offering a rare entry point into the DeLand market.
• Low Estimated Payment: The estimated refinance payment of $1,134/mo is very appealing for budget-conscious buyers. (However, prospective buyers must factor in significant renovation costs, potential higher insurance premiums, and future property tax increases).
• Buyer’s Market in DeLand: DeLand and the 32724 zip code are currently a Buyer’s Housing Market. This indicates a more balanced market with good inventory and potential for buyer negotiation.
  • The median home sold price in DeLand was $349,940 in May 2025, showing a slight increase of 0.5% year-over-year.
  • For 3-bedroom homes in DeLand, the median sold price increased by 1.5% year-over-year to $334,900.
  • A significant 63.2% of homes in DeLand sold below asking price last month, showcasing strong negotiation opportunities for buyers.
  • Homes in DeLand had an average listing age of 74 days in May 2025, up by 24.7% from last year, providing buyers with ample time for due diligence.
• No HOA Fees: Public records explicitly state “Has HOA: No” for this property, which is a significant advantage, eliminating recurring HOA fees and contributing to lower ongoing ownership costs.
• Property Tax History: Public tax history for 319 Ruby Ave shows 2024 taxes at $2,407 on an assessed value of $95,482. In 2023, taxes were $2,332 on an assessed value of $86,802. Given the current asking price, buyers should anticipate that property taxes will likely increase significantly upon sale and reassessment, so it’s crucial to factor this into long-term budgeting.
• Historic Charm (1933 Build): A home from this era offers unique architectural details and a sense of history. Solid construction is often a hallmark of homes from this period.

DeLand Location & Lifestyle:

• “The Athens of Florida”: DeLand is a charming city known for its historic downtown, tree-lined streets, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s home to Stetson University, contributing to a lively college-town atmosphere.
• Voted Best Main Street: DeLand’s downtown has received accolades and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• Outdoor Recreation: The area provides access to natural springs (like De Leon Springs State Park for swimming and pancake breakfasts), parks, and the St. Johns River for boating and fishing.
• Crime Rate: DeLand’s crime rate for 2018 was 545.17 per 100,000 population, which was a decline from previous years. While this is lower than some other Florida cities (like Jacksonville or Palatka), it is still higher than the national average. Neighborhood-specific data for “North DeLand” (where Ruby Ave is located) suggests a “Crime Score” of 3 out of 10 (10 being high crime) for various categories, indicating moderate crime levels. Buyers should always research current, localized crime data to assess their comfort and safety levels.
• Schools (Volusia County Schools): The property is assigned to Volusia County Schools. Niche.com gives Volusia County Schools an overall “B” grade. While specific assigned schools for 319 Ruby Ave aren’t listed, some DeLand elementary schools have good ratings (e.g., George W. Marks Elementary has a “B” Niche grade). DeLand High School itself has mixed reviews, but Volusia County as a whole offers a range of public and private options. Buyers with children should verify the assigned schools and their current performance ratings.

Important Considerations:

• Extensive Renovation Required (“As Is”): Built in 1933 and offered at this price point, this property will almost certainly require major and extensive renovation. Expect to budget for cosmetic updates, likely full system overhauls (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), roof replacement, and potential structural repairs. This is unequivocally a project for an experienced investor or a highly motivated homeowner with a substantial renovation budget and the capacity to manage a significant undertaking.
• Single Bathroom: With 3 bedrooms and only 1 bathroom, many buyers will find this limiting. Adding a second bathroom would be a high-priority renovation for functionality and market appeal.
• Flood Risk (Not Changing, but Present): This property has a “Severe” Heat Factor and an “Extreme” Wind Factor, but its flood risk is “not changing.” While the specific FEMA flood zone for 319 Ruby Ave wasn’t explicitly stated, other sources indicate a 64% risk of at least one flood over 4 feet taking place in the DeLand area between today and 2050, particularly for land below 4 ft. It is crucial for buyers to consult the official FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) for 319 Ruby Ave, DeLand, FL 32724, to determine the exact flood zone designation (e.g., Zone X, AE) and understand any mandatory flood insurance requirements and associated costs.
• Climate Risks: DeLand faces a “Severe” Heat Factor (5-6 days above 107°F this year) and an “Extreme” Wind Factor (extreme risk of severe winds over the next 30 years due to hurricane activity). Buyers should ensure their homeowner’s insurance adequately covers potential wind and storm damage.

This home at 319 Ruby Ave presents a rare and highly affordable opportunity to own a piece of DeLand’s history. For the right buyer willing to undertake a substantial renovation project, this property could be transformed into a charming and valuable asset in a desirable central Florida community.

Priced at $129,900 – unlock the potential of this historic DeLand home! Schedule your private showing today.