AAA-rated--538 Haight Ave, Alameda, CA
When it comes to crafting a listing, some agents go to great lengths to maximize the informativeness of the 300 characters allowed by the MLS(r). Others go for the catchy phrase. Today's miniature bungalow is described as "AAA"--Adorable and Affordable in Alameda. How lovely.
One thing the agent doesn't seem to grasp, however, is that "affordable" is usually a relative notion and essentially meaningless out of context. In this particular case, the sub-$400,000 price point loses a lot of its affordability as soon as you realize it's priced at $490 / sqft, in a mediocre location, and sitting on a lot the size of some tool sheds in Marin county.
Just as 2008 seemed to portend a return to 2003 prices, 2002 vintage prices are looking mighty tempting this year:
1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 775 sqft, 2,310-sqft lot, MLS(r) #40394794, $380,000The agent also maximized her picture allotment--three near-identical photos of the outside, two near-identical photos of the living room furniture, and one photo of a cloudy sky are all you get (at least on the Pacunion page I checked). Maybe the cloud photo is there to highlight the backyard's southern exposure.
Adorable and Affordable in Alameda - AAA! Cute historic cottage [...] close to shopping, commute, beach and more. Front porch, hardwood, tile and carpet flooring. [...] ready to move in. Backyard faces south for outdoor living.
One thing the agent doesn't seem to grasp, however, is that "affordable" is usually a relative notion and essentially meaningless out of context. In this particular case, the sub-$400,000 price point loses a lot of its affordability as soon as you realize it's priced at $490 / sqft, in a mediocre location, and sitting on a lot the size of some tool sheds in Marin county.
Just as 2008 seemed to portend a return to 2003 prices, 2002 vintage prices are looking mighty tempting this year:
The owners might want to consider taking the plunge and dropping their price all the way down to $300,000 as a symbolic gesture. It may help them sell their blue lunchbox a little faster.
Sale History 09/20/2002: $305,000 No other sale data is available
Miscellaneous