Various and sun-drenched--928 San Antonio Ave, Alameda, CA
Calling all fine neighborhoodlums, today's good-sized Colonial on a miniature lot has a lot to recommend it: location, location, location, size, the whole neighborhood's extraordinary curb appeal, and an interesting pricing strategy.
From the outside, it's pretty and certainly holds its own against its neighbors; at least as much as the big Craftsman right next door to the Zeus temple building a couple of blocks away, if it weren't for the tiny lot and possible garagelessness. But what's of interest is that the asking price is almost reasonable given the area ($423 / sqft), and is strategically below $600,000, which seems to be the sweet spot for "starter homes" in Alameda--except it's a lot larger and/or in an arguably better neighborhood than most of its sub-$600K brethren. Another notable tidbit is that $600,000 is precisely what the owner paid four years ago, almost to the day:
Unless there's something truly wretched about this property, I expect it won't last terribly long.
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1,389 sqft, 1,980-sqft lot, MLS(r) #40376605, $588,000
Alameda's Gold Coast calls those who want a fine neighborhood AND a classic Colonial Revival. [...] small lot has an afternoon sun-drenched garden. Nice sized rooms on both levels [...] surrounded by many of Alameda's large stunning properties.
From the outside, it's pretty and certainly holds its own against its neighbors; at least as much as the big Craftsman right next door to the Zeus temple building a couple of blocks away, if it weren't for the tiny lot and possible garagelessness. But what's of interest is that the asking price is almost reasonable given the area ($423 / sqft), and is strategically below $600,000, which seems to be the sweet spot for "starter homes" in Alameda--except it's a lot larger and/or in an arguably better neighborhood than most of its sub-$600K brethren. Another notable tidbit is that $600,000 is precisely what the owner paid four years ago, almost to the day:The list price is also less than the current Zestimate of $615,000, the much-maligned inaccuracy of which some agents are very willing to ignore when it serves their interest.Last sale and tax info
- Sold 10/19/2004: $600,000
- 2007 Property Tax: $7,644
Unless there's something truly wretched about this property, I expect it won't last terribly long.
No offstreet parking. Corner lot. Same lot size as the "Spite House".
If you see if from the side, it's built butt up against the adjacent house --noise issues will probably be an issue.
No yard for a family with kids, and too many stairs for seniors. Kinda hard to figure out who this is good for.
In case folks were wondering (I had heard of the house but didn't know where it was), the Spite House is 2528 Crist Street, at the corner of Broadway and Crist.
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2528-Crist-St-Alameda-CA-94501/24859128_zpid
Wow is this guy way off base with his thoughts on this home. I am a long time neighbor of this amazing house. If I could afford it I would buy it myself. Yes there is no garage, but parking is easy. The neighborhood is wonderful, very peaceful. I asked the current owner if noise was an issue with the home next door, and I was told. "no one has ever heard a thing."
There is a beautiful small back yard, and lots of room to add on on the first floor. So why are stairs an issue?
On a side note, this house is listed in the Alameda Historical listing as a Colonial Revival, not a Spite house. The real Spite house is much smaller and does not have the massive Bay Window this home has.
Thanks for the comment. I drove by the other day and noticed there's so little space between this house and its neighbor I don't think it's possible for a human being to paint or maintain the back wall, which is a problem considering the paint is peeling.
Yes the space between the homes does need painting, however it is possible for a person to fit between the homes to paint. I have looked at this closely, it would be good for someone to build scaffolding a scrape the original paint in the section before re-painting.
By the way I have read the disclosures they are very thorough.