Prior to the development of the Internet, buying or selling a Lustron; parts for your Lustron; or Lustron ephemera could be a daunting prospect.
However with the advent of on-line auction houses, powerful search engines and list-serves and newsgroups all of this is a bit easier. In this section, you will find some hints and tips for buying and selling.
A few things to keep in mind when selling or buying Lustrons or parts….
If you are selling a Lustron, try to find a buyer that is interested in preserving the Lustron. Because of their small size and unique character, many Lustrons are candidates for teardowns. Some Lustron owners are surprised to learn that the new owner intends to demolish their beloved Lustron. If you are concerned about the fate of your Lustron, talk with prospective buyers about their intentions. Things like local landmark designation or a historic preservation easement can help ensure that your Lustron is preserved for future generations.
If you are buying parts for a Lustron, take care. Architectural salvage is a controversial issue. Because only a finite number of Lustrons were manufactured, and no spare parts were manufactured, finding replacement parts for your Lustron means that those parts must come from another Lustron. Lustron parts come from two sources, homes that are being demolished, or from owners that are altering (replacing windows or pocket doors) their Lustrons. On one hand, you don’t want to encourage the demolition or alteration of existing Lustrons for parts, on the other, if that Lustron is going to be demolished or altered and the owner can’t be persuaded otherwise, salvage of parts is important. Visit our Advocacy section for more information on how to protect an endangered Lustron.
And as always, take care when shopping on-line. Visit, the Better Business Bureau to find some great tips on how to shop online safely. And be sure to read our disclaimer below.
If you click on some of the links below, you will be leaving the National Trust’s Lustron Preservation Web site and entering an external link. The links provide additional information that may be useful or interesting and is being provided consistent with the intended purpose of Lustron Preservation Web site. However, the National Trust cannot attest to the accuracy or veracity of information provided by these links or any other linked site. Providing links does not constitute an endorsement by the National Trust of the site or the information, recommendations for treatment, products, methods, and materials discussed on these site. Also, be aware that the privacy protection provided on these sites may not be available at the external link (to view our Privacy Policy click here). To view our full Disclaimer, click here.
If you have a Lustron/parts to sell…
- Create a Listing in the Lustron Scrapbook
- Consider listing it on your favorite on-line auction site.
- Visit the Rumpus Room where you will find a link to Lustron Homes, the Lustron Yahoo Group, send a message to Lustron Homes with information on the Lustron you are selling.
- Post it on Craig’s List.
- Contact the Recent Past Preservation Network, ask them to send a message out to their list-serve.
- If you are working with a realtor, educate your realtor about the unique qualities of your Lustron home.
- If you are selling your Lustron and it has a high-degree of integrity, contact your statewide or local preservation organization. Some statewide and local preservation organizations maintain lists of properties for sale or maintain a list-serve. Ask what they can do to help get the word out.
- Assemble the documentation on the Lustron that you have (Erection Manual, brochures, photos and other documents) and make it available to prospective buyers.
If you are looking to buy a Lustron…
- If you know the Lustron that you want to buy, check the records at your assessors’ office to see if you can determine the value of the home, make an offer directly to the owner.
- Visit the Rumpus Room where you will find a link to Lustron Homes. Send a message to Lustron Homes expressing your interest in acquiring a Lustron, search previous postings for Lustrons for sale
- Review the Lustron Locator to find Lustrons. If an address is listed, send a letter to owners, expressing your interest in purchasing a Lustron.
- Use your favorite search engine with keywords like “Lustron sale”
- Search your favorite on-line auction sites, Craig’s List and other similar sites.
If you are looking for Lustron parts…
- Sign up for alerts from your favorite on-line auction search using the keyword “Lustron.” When Lustron items become available, you will get a message in your e-mail inbox.
- Visit the Rumpus Room where you will find a link to sign-up for Lustron Homes, monitor posts for Lustrons that are being demolished or salvaged.
- Send a message to Lustron Homes with information on the parts that you are looking for.
- Search on Craig’s-list.
June 16th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
For sale on auction Thursday June 26, 2008 at %PM. In Owensboro, KY a Lustron 2 bedroom model will be offered at public auction. Home has been nicely maintained in mostly original condition. Home sits on large corner lot in very nice area of town with qualty homes nearby.
Call Tony Clark Realtors at 270-9260055 or Mark Brockman, auctioneer at 812-630-4398 for more information.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I am a Realtor and we currently have a Lustron home we have listed to sell in the St.Louis area (Columbia Illinois). I was happy to see a way to reach out to people who love the homes!
September 24th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Our office number is 618-281-3959, please ask for Kris!
November 24th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Hello! We had a Lustron home in immaculate condition in Lake City, Iowa for sale.
Features include:
- Natural Gas Forced Air Radiant Heating in Ceiling
- House built on concrete slab. This is the ONLY NON-STEEL item in
the house
- Over 1,000 square feet of floor space and no basement to worry
about in heavy rains
- Contructed with prefabricated panels made of steel and coated with
colored porcelain enamel (Same finish found in bathtubs and
appliances)
- Lustron has minimum maintenance cost. Fireproof, rodent-proof,
decay proof, termite proof. Never fades, cracks or peels
-Perfect for someone with allergies.
- Never needs painting, refinishing or re-roofing
- Roof, gutters, exterior and interior walls made entirely of colored
porcelain-enameled steel (this house is surf blue exterior and dove
gray and desert tan interior)
- walls and ceiling insulated with fire proof material helping to
keep house cool in summer and warm in winter. Ceiling has over 15″ of
insulating blown in.
- There are two window air conditioners - one in each bedroom
- Vinyl Low E Glass Replacement windows - Double Pane - 8/02
- Two larson Storm doors - 8/02
Sets on large corner lot - 1 block from the City Square and
Businesses.
- From 1948-1950, 2,498 Lustron Homes were built. THis home was built
in 1949 and is number 945. The number left in the US is over $1500 in
36 states.
- Lustron homes are listed on the National Historic Registry
- Real Estate Taxes under $650 a year
- SElling price $89,000
Please contact me if interested in learning more or seeing home.
Thank you!!
Karyn Carroll
904-382-7771
May 4th, 2009 at 10:15 am
can lustron homes be moved to another location without wrecking them?
May 21st, 2009 at 11:15 am
Hi, I believe I am in the possesion of orginial curtains from the dining room. My brother is the only 2nd owner of a Lustron house. I like anything retro so when his wife put up new curtains I got the old ones. I thought I would see if anyone has an interest in them or if they are even original. I can email a picture to anyone who is interested. Thank you
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:38 am
Looking to buy Lustrom in Minneapolis area.
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:39 am
oops email: altx0028@umn.edu
July 17th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I have a Lustron in Palco, KS we desperately need to sell. We will take any offer over $20,000. Keep it here or move it to your lot.
email: divabella26@yahoo.com
July 19th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Is your Lustron a one or two bedroom? What condition is it in? Where is Palco, KS located? not on my KS map. I am in NE OK
Thank you,
Paul Turcott
July 20th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
It is a two bedroom. I’d say it’s in good condition. Palco is west of Plainville about 15 miles.
Nita
August 2nd, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I am a Realtor in the McHenry County in Northwest Illinois. I have just listed a Lustron Home for sale. I think it is a great deal but the sellers and I are looking for the right buyer, who will take care of it the same way that it has been taken care of over the last 50+ years.This one is somewhat special. It is on a large corner lot with a newer 2.5 car garage. Half a block from Fox River with access. It has a full basement with all the mechanicals in the basement and large rec-room workshop and laundry room.It is a 2 bdrm 1 ba Westchester. The sellers hate to sell this home that has been in the family since it was built in the late 40’s or early 50’s. It was originally Grandma and Grandpa’s summer cottage for the kids.It was then used as it now, a full year residence by one of the kid who has recently passed away. Her son now owns the house and property and hates to sell but must. Again, the house is in great shape and if you would like information on it, Please email me or call me. madiganlt@sbcglobal.net or 815-878-3549. Larry
August 21st, 2009 at 9:01 am
We have just taken over a Lustron home in Little Rock, AR with a one car detached garage. Other than the cabinets needing painting and new carpet it is in good condition. It is a 2br/1ba approx. 1085sf. We we thinking about painting it inside along with the cabinets, however would like to put it out there first to see if someone would like to buy it as is before I start painting the cabinets. If there is no interest could someone tell me what type of paint you have used to stick to the metal? We believe it is the Westchester Deluxe model. Theresa Oberle, Twin City Properties 501-312-0913.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:01 am
or my email address is theresa.realtor@yahoo.com
August 27th, 2009 at 8:55 am
I have a Lustron home for sale in the Northeast Ohio (Massillon) area. The house is in very good shape, with updated flooring and cabinets in both the kitchen and bathroom, new carpeting in the living and dining room areas, and an updated furnace. It is a MUST sell, as I have already moved to my new home. Contact Bill at 330-837-2035 for information, or email to jag549@sssnet.com.
September 5th, 2009 at 12:00 am
LUSTRON HOME FOR SALE. PRICE REDUCED. We are selling for aunt who went to assisted living. Very well maintained model 02, serial 01638 with 2 car Lustron garage on large corner lot. Newer furnace with central air, vinyl windows, new carpet, all doors and built-ins are original and in great shape. All appliances stay. Located a few blocks away from the Mississippi River in Clinton, Iowa. Was asking $99,500. Reduced to $79,900 with no realtor. papaterry813@yahoo.com
October 7th, 2009 at 11:44 am
We have finished the work at our Lustron home in Little Rock Arkansas, 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath. We did not paint the walls but did repair and repaint the cabinets. New Carpet, vinyl flooring and it looks great! Ready for a tenant or buyer. Contact me at 501-312-0913 for more information. Twin City Properties
October 29th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Nita, have you sold your Lustron in KS yet. Let me know I am looking for one.
November 17th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Selling Lustron north of Dayton Ohio for less than $44,000. Broker/Owner
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:52 pm
I have a Lustron in Olney IL for sale… It is a tan two bedroom. Pretty much original except for someone changed out the kitchen cabinet. I do have to two upper cabinets still. One needs alot of work the other is in good shape. It could be disassembled and moved or left here on the site. I am relocating to Indiana and have to let it go. I love this house but work out of state calls. Email me at mwhite@birch.net if you are interested. It is priced to move… I could most likely come up with an affordable crew to disassemble the house if needed. Basically I would pass on the names of some people I would trust and have them work directly with you. I hope someone out there has interest in saving these homes. I wish I could.
Marty
January 23rd, 2010 at 5:44 pm
There is a Lustron for sale in Rocky Mount NC through Wimberly-C lark Real Estate, 252-446-6195. After driving past it for years and recognizing it from some I passed outside Boston in the 50’s as a kid, I finally called the realtor. It’s been for sale for many months, not lived in for a longgggg time; being sold for an estate; probably the original owners had it to the end. Not in great condition inside; some of the built ins have rust, the oringinal sing cabinets and dishwasher/cloths washer here changed. The rest is the original. Outside, garage, roof look good, bad water damage on part kitchen floor against theoutside wall. They are asking 38,000, but this is a buyers’ market here. The realtor I dealth with today had no idea what it was. It’s on Sunset St
January 27th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
A question rather than a comment
How do you determine the current market value of a lustron
degree of preservation, specific design, or location?
can you compare it to a regular manufatured home?
February 7th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Lustron (Model 2, Serial 1428) FOR SALE at 627 3rd Ave in Iowa City, IA.
Available 04/01/2010. $145k.
Informational Flyer: http://lustronhouseiowacity.vflyer.com/home/flyer/home/3106460
Email questions to: lustron [dot] iowacity [at] gmail [dot] com.
February 13th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Im am selling a 2 bedroom Lustron located in Sturgis Mi. I is in need of some repair. Feel free to contact me at 269 689 2278
March 21st, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Hello,
My name is Sheila Williamson and I live in Shreveport, La, which is located in the extreme northwest section of Louisiana, near the Tx/La State Line. I have inherited a Lustron home. It is a 3BR/1B Weschester Model, dove gray both inside and outside. It is located on a double corner lot in one of the best neighborhoods in Shreveport. It is in it’s original condition and in good shape considering it’s age. There is a carport at the front and a double garage at the back. It will need new garage doors and some other maintaince, but overall this house is in good condition. The corner lot is very large and includes 2 residential lots. I am interested in selling this house. It can be bought and moved or lived in where it is. This is a great opportunity to get a 3 bedroom Lustron. Only a few were made. If you would like information, please contact me.
Thanks, Sheila Williamson
March 21st, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Sorry, I neglected to provide you with a way to reach me. You can email me at shewill100@aol.com.
Sheila williamson
March 23rd, 2010 at 3:45 am
OK folks, I really need to get my Lustron sold. It is not advertised locally yet, giving people here one last chance. I have relocated to Indiana and need to get it sold. It is in Olney, IL.. It will go for around $25,000. It can be moved or stay on the lot. 618-838-5662… Marty White
March 30th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
I have a 2 bdrm lustron for sale in Sturgis Mi. 5900.00 Feel free to e-mail me with ?s. mx165soupcan@yahoo.com
March 30th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
I have a 2 bdrm lustron for sale in Sturgis Mi. 59000.00 Feel free to e-mail me with ?s. mx165soupcan@yahoo.com
April 9th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
What is the contact phone number and/or e-mail for Tim P.?
May 11th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
I have just listed a Luston 2 Bedroom/1 bath in Marshall, MO. The exterior is in excellent condition. There have been a few modification to the interior including cabinet replacement. It is listed at $70000. It is on a beautiful lot and sets across the street from another Lustron house. Please contract me if you are interested at sandy@marshalltowerrealty.com or 660-815-1591.
May 13th, 2010 at 10:47 am
i would like to start the construction of a children hospital in your country wealth $60 million and i would like to know where would be the best place am willing to pay a consultancy fee for your advise you can contact me at aung_san2001@yahoo.com
May 15th, 2010 at 10:14 am
We are going to demolish a Lustron home in Auburn Twp., OH. It’s in poor condition throughout but perhaps there is something you need. Anyone interested in buying anything before we haul it off? You can email me at jdf @ jamesfisher . com or 440-363-1330
Thanks
June 16th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
I will be selling our Lustron soon. We are just outside of Des Moines, IA. Ours is mostly original with a remodeled kitchen and bathroom, all in all good condition. It also has new windows. Send me an email if you have any interest, gessner17 at aol . com
July 21st, 2010 at 11:01 am
Our parents passed away in 2007, they bought their Lustron in 1949. We are trying to sell it but are having problems doing it. It’s located in Centralia, IL, mostly original, few changes in the kitchen and bath. Any advise on what can be done to help sell it.
August 19th, 2010 at 8:41 am
I have a Lustron home in good condition I am selling. My aunt and uncle lived in it for over 50 years. Both have passed on we need to settle the estate. It is located in Kenton Ohio on a large corner lot. Most of the house is original except the bath. Let me know if anyone is interest. bjbaker@kenton.com