US woman buys house on eBay for $2.60

MICHIGAN - A Chicago woman has bought a house on eBay for an abandoned home with a bid of just US$1.75 ($2.60).

Joanne Smith's bid was one of eight for the home in Saginaw, Illinois.

"I am going to try and sell it," she said. "I don't have any plans to move to Saginaw."

Smith said she hasn't seen the property or visited Saginaw, which has been hard-hit by economic troubles in recent years.

There's a notice on the door of the home saying a foreclosure hearing is pending, the newspaper said.

She must pay about US$850 in back taxes and clean-up costs.

- AP