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.
Update 2/22/09: Thanks to readers bespoke and Alameda Realtor, who pointed out this property is back on the market as MLS(r) #40396374, at a lower price ($565,000).
Update 3/21/09: Dropped to $549,000. Death by a thousand price cuts. Maybe next time the owner will buy a property with a garage (or at least a driveway) and more than 24 inches separating it from its neighbor.
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.
Update 2/22/09: Thanks to readers bespoke and Alameda Realtor, who pointed out this property is back on the market as MLS(r) #40396374, at a lower price ($565,000).
Update 3/21/09: Dropped to $549,000. Death by a thousand price cuts. Maybe next time the owner will buy a property with a garage (or at least a driveway) and more than 24 inches separating it from its neighbor.
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