With 21 bids and over 25,000 "lookers" over a 30-day period, rock legend Bob Dylan's boyhood home in Duluth, Minnesota was offered for sale and sold on eBay, for a flat $50.00 listing fee. The process started May 31st, with an opening bid of $85,420.00 and ended with a final bid of $94,600.00 on June 23rd.
Dylan, whose real name is Robert Allen Zimmerman, was born in Duluth on May 24, 1941. While in high school he formed his own bands, including the 'Golden Chords' and 'Elston Gunn and His Rock Boppers.' He attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and performed folk and country songs at local cafés, taking the name "Bob Dylan," after the late Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.
According to the seller's ad on eBay, "Rock Legend Bob Dylan's first steps were taken in this charming duplex located in Duluth Minnesota. Both spacious units have 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, overlooking beautiful Lake Superior on the Northern Shore. The original woodwork still shows the initials young Dylan scratched in his bedroom. There is approximately 1800 sq. ft. of finished living space as well as an unfinished attic and basement ripe for development.
Visions of added living space or a small cafe or gallery for fans of Dylan's to come and feel the artistic vibe within the walls. Located in Duluth's Central Hillside neighborhood. Large Bay windows give a 180-degree view of beautiful Lake Superior. This is a must have for the ultimate die hard Dylan fan, or someone wanting to experience the serenity of Northern Minnesota, where life still seems simple. Beautiful woodwork and leaded-glass windows add to the charm of this fantastic property. "
The seller later noted that although previous owners of the home had seen the alleged initials scratched in the wall, she has not seem them herself so could not verify the claim.
Auctions for homes and properties on eBay are subject to special rules concerning real estate. They note that since there are a "wide variety of laws governing the sale of real estate, eBay auctions of real property are not legally binding offers to buy and sell that property. Instead, they are simply a way for sellers to advertise their real estate and meet potential buyers. At the close of the auction, the seller should contact the high bidder to discuss entering into a contract for the real property. However, neither party is obligated to complete the real estate transaction."
Pat Rioux
