Tag Archives: Tour Recaps

photo cropped

Palo Alto’s New Homes, August 30

Iiiiiiiiiit’s back!  Your new home reviews are back as of this week. I’ve been on vacation and thus the new home write ups have suffered.  All is now well and you can expect to see these reports each week.

This week has been slow, which I expected due to the holiday on Monday.  Expect to see an onslaught of homes hitting the market starting next week and continuing until late October.  We’re officially in the second part of the selling season!

See below for this week’s new homes:

OFF MARKET – Barron Park | 1,500 SF House | 11,250 SF Lot | Guest House | $2,195,000.  Lightly remodeled home on one of the nicest streets in Barron Park.  A larger lot size on this property means that there is some space to expand.  The home is mostly older, but appears to be in reasonable shape.  The home also includes a small but usable guest house.

101 Alma Street #207 – 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,855 SF Unit | $1,072 per Month HOA | $1,199,000.  Nicely remodeled corner unit on the second floor of this larger building.  Although I am not a big fan of this development because of the interior layout and extremely high HOA Dues, this particular unit was quite nice.  The three bedroom units in this building are quite large, and this unit’s remodel made the spaces feel bright and open.  If you’re looking for a downtown location and don’t mind the building’s apartment-like feel or high HOA dues, this unit is a winner.

252 Colorado Boulevard – 5 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2,879 SF House | 8,470 SF Lot | $2,695,000.  Large residence in Midtown.  This newer build has fantastic curb appeal and tons of nice interior spaces.  Although the property is located on a busy street with arterial roads nearby (Alma, El Camino and Oregon Expressway), the residence is quiet inside.  The floor plan is not as open as many modern houses, but there is ample space to entertain.  I loved the vaulted ceilings on the second floor, and I liked that the bathroom was nicely sized, but not over the top like in many homes.

428 Alder Lane – 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2,873 SF Unit | $328 per Month HOA | $2,200,000.  One of the larger residences in the Arbor Real complex.  This particular town home has a nice, big first floor with a lot of clean and large spaces.  The floor plan felt a little disjointed to me, but altogether it’s not too bad.  The second floor is well built but felt bland.  The spaces are decently proportioned, but the layout reminded me of a cookie cutter design.  The second master suite was a nice touch, but given the layout and size, the price feels a little big to me.

 

photo cropped

Palo Alto’s New Homes, August 2

And just like that, August is upon us.  This is likely to be the last big week of inventory until September comes rolling around.  This week we saw a lot of property starting to come out for sale in South Palo Alto, along with a wonderful property in Professorville and some great newer construction in Midtown.  See below for this week’s new homes:

3238 Waverley Street – 6 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 3,737 SF House | 6,250 SF Lot | $3,198,000.  Newer construction in Midtown.  The floor plan on this home is really well suited for a large family.  Happily, I found the design on this newer construction to be nicely laid out rather than cramped in certain areas.  The living room has a really nice feel to it, and the kitchen is top notch.  My only complaint, which is impossible to fix, is that the house feels extremely large for its lot size.

1560 Mariposa Avenue – 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,900 SF House | 6,000 SF Lot | $2,180,000.  Charming home in Southgate.  I love this neighborhood, as all the houses seem to have their own bit of character.  This home is no different.  Although on the smaller side, this home has a reasonably large lot for this particular neighborhood.  The surfaces could all use some modernizing, and the kitchen felt cramped to me.  One thing to keep in mind with this neighborhood is that there is definitely noticeable noise from the train, and some noise from Alma does get through.

3949 Park Boulevard – 3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 1,228 SF House | 6,678 SF Lot | $928,000.  Older home with an Eichler-esque feel to it.  Park Boulevard is an interesting street because sections of it are not so nice, and other parts are wonderful.  This particular section of Park Boulevard is the nicer part.  The home itself has some obvious work to do, from removing the wood paneling which prevails in the property to re-landscaping certain spots.  The biggest drawback of this home is the family room which is obviously a conversion.  Since the living room is quite large, that room feels unnecessary and detracts from the open but cozy feel of the home.

3553 Alma Village Circle – 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,754 SF Unit | $245 per Month HOA | $1,798,880.  This townhouse feels like a home.  I liked the layout on this new construction, but the complex itself is somewhat of a cramped complex.  The layout on this unit flows well, but the unit feels very basic in the way its spread out.  The upstairs bedrooms are sized fairly well, but the third bedroom could have been larger.  Buying one of these units is somewhat of a gamble given how press the units have received during their construction.

125 Hawthorne Avenue – 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 1,306 SF House | 5,340 SF Lot | $2,000,000.  Older, but well updated home in the Downtown North neighborhood.  Although the home is definitely livable, the real money in this property is in the zoning.  I would check to see if there is a historical rating on this home with the city and then look to develop the property.  The lot is on the smaller side at 5,340 SF.  The home itself appears to be well maintained, but at 77 years old, make sure to pick at the disclosures.

4211 Rickeys Way #A – 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,214 SF Unit | $299 per Month HOA |  $1,548,000.  I really like the way this complex was built, and think these units are wonderful.  This particular unit is one of the larger floor plans in the complex at 3 bedrooms, and the location within the complex is solid.  The first floor feels a bit small in the living room, but the kitchen is well set up and flows well.  The upstairs bedrooms are not bad, but the bathrooms are on the smaller side.  The HOA on this complex is, from my last recollection, a strong plus.  The pricing feels big to me, but given the size, it will be interesting to see where it sells.

2577 Louis Road – 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 1,162 SF House | 10,783 SF Lot | $1,798,000.  Palo Alto’s funkiest kitchen in a nice starter home.  One of the obvious draws to this property is the lot size, but the home itself has its own charm. As an expansion project, it would be a good option.  Most of the home is fairly dark, and given the age of the home, it might be an interesting project to update the wiring.  For a smaller home, the layout is well thought out to maximize the family room and bedrooms.  Unfortunately, the kitchen space and bathroom space suffer for it.  This home will be a nice purchase for someone looking to expand an older home, or build new.

850 Loma Verde Avenue – 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,561 SF House | 6,019 SF Lot | $1,425,000.  This home would be a great option for a young couple looking to entertain groups.  The layout of the home is not bad, but feels disjointed in several places.  The big sell on this property is that the backyard is sizable given the orientation of the home on the lot.  The remodel on this home was pretty quickly done, but all the right things were updated.  Pick it up soon and you’ll still have time to barbecue for Labor Day!

251 Lincoln Avenue – 5 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 3,400 SF House | 7,880 SF Lot | $3,800,000.  Very neat, older home in Professorville, one of Palo Alto’s premier neighborhoods.  I absolutely loved this home.  The home could use some contemporary updates, but for the most part, I like that the remodeling did not diverge too far from the home’s older feel.  The bedrooms in this home are all well sized, and although there aren’t many bathrooms in this home for the number of bedrooms, the are unique.  The lot size on this home is also larger, so there is ample space in the backyard (but it could be landscaped differently).  If you’re in the market for a larger home in Professorville, I would jump on this because it won’t last long.

3198 Fallen Leaf Street – 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2,340 SF Unit | $131 per Month HOA | $1,385,000.  If you don’t mind stairs and some freeway noise, this unit is fantastic.  It’s well sized and designed to maximize open spaces while embracing a modern feel.  Young professionals will find this home an excellent option.  Given the number of bedrooms, the space is also flexible and could work for a family.  My only real complaint is the kitchen layout, which feels somewhat jarring given how it’s placed in the unit.  I would have opened it up a bit more so that the flow would improve.

937 Ilima Way – 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,850 SF House | 6,038 SF Lot | $1,785,000.  Well updated rancher home on one of Barron Park’s premier streets.   Personally, this is my favorite street in Barron Park.  this tree-lined street is a wonderfully friendly and charming section of the neighborhood.  This particular home is well updated, and they did a nice job updating the kitchen so that you can look out the front window.  The bedrooms are fairly small on this home, but they work.  Although the countertops have been updated, more work will likely be done to update the bathrooms and flooring in some areas.  This home will make someone a wonderful family home.

424 Homer Avenue – 5 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,200 SF House | 3,920 SF Lot | $2,875,000.  I’m often asked how it is possible to charge so much for a home of this size.  Think about it this way: if you were to live across the street at the Woodmark, you’d be paying a similar amount for a similarly sized condo, and also paying almost $800 per month in HOA Dues.  With that in mind, this particular home is well sized and has a ton of bedrooms.  The main problem is that most of the living spaces feel small.  This is likely because the main priority seems to be adding bedrooms rather than open spaces.  This home is currently being used as a duplex, but would be very easy to convert back to a single family home.

715 Charleston Court – 6 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,830 SF House | 8,918 SF Lot | $2,198,000.  Nicely sized home and lot in South Palo Alto.  For a larger family, look no further.  This home has room to spare and the sixth bedroom is an anomaly.  I really liked the layout and the backyard’s configuration.  The way the pool is set up makes it a benefit for entertaining groups.  The location is nice, although there is a lot of commercial use properties nearby.  I especially liked the kitchen set up, which was obviously designed with family meals and watching children in mind. Altogether a great property for a larger family.

 

photo cropped

Palo Alto’s New Homes, July 26

With August coming, fewer properties hit the market this week than in previous weeks.  This is not unusual, as the real estate market usually has a decline in inventory up until September.  For the next month, expect to see fewer properties hit the market.  This is due to the fact that many families are in transition this month, as they go on one last vacation or prepare for the upcoming school year.  Nonetheless, we had a few new properties this week.  See below for this week’s new homes;

2680 Waverley Street – 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,517 SF House | 8,308 SF Lot | $1,798,000.  A nice property to remodel or build new.  Some of the features of the home have been well updated (namely the appliances), but many of the features are outdated.  The bathrooms felt small, and the third bedroom felt more like an office than a bedroom.  The floor plan has a decent flow to it.  Given the lot size, I think the buyer for this home will probably expand.  The driveway is very long and that space could cover up some of the floorplan’s eccentricities if it were built out.

298 E Charleston Road – 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,295 SF House | 7,200 SF Lot | $1,399,000.  Standard 3 bedroom, two bathroom Eichler configuration.  Since the floorplan is standard, I’ll focus more on the details.  The remodel seemed fairly cursory.  The main features of the home, like the kitchen countertops and appliances were not updated, but smaller items like the paint was new.  Staging aside, the home has not seen much work.  The main selling point for this home is the lot size, but given the size of the home (I’m not counting the bonus room in the garage, but rather the assessor’s square footage), the price feels big to me.

2456 Indian Drive – 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,400 SF House | 6,000 SF Lot | $1,198,000.  Clean and bright Mackay home in South Palo Alto.  Similar to Eichlers in that the home has large windows and lots of light, Mackay homes are interesting properties.  This particular home has not seen many updates since its construction in 1954.  Located close to Oregon Expressway, the street noise was definitely noticeable.  The bedrooms are well sized, and the bathrooms were not as claustrophobic as Eichler bathrooms tend to be.  With this style of home, a careful read through the disclosures is especially important.

953 Roble Ridge Road – 5 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 5,538 SF House | 71,441 SF Lot | $8,200,000.  Quite an estate in Barron Park.  On well over an acre, this enormous Palo Alto home is a very neat house to see.  The drive up Roble Ridge is an interesting experience, but the home itself looks great.   Matadero Creek separates sections of the properties, so the building potential, and backyard spaces are somewhat limited for the total lot size. There are some older details to the home which could be updated, and at times the floor plan felt like it was meandering from one section to another.  Nonetheless, for a large family home, this is an impressive property.

4013 Amaranta Avenue – 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,687 SF House | 7,910 SF Lot | $1,798,000.  This home shows the power of new paint and staging.  Although the home needs updating throughout, it looks livable due to the excellent staging.  The backyard is sizable and inviting.  The living room was very spacious, and the bedrooms weren’t small, which is a nice change from most of this week’s tour.  Of this week’s properties, I would say that this would be the best purchase.

photo cropped

Palo Alto’s New Homes, July 19

It’s officially tear down special week for North Palo Alto.  More than 20% of the homes this week were tear down properties in Palo Alto.  Given that we’re nearing the August lull in new properties, expect things to slow down after next week.  As for this week, there are a few good purchase options.  See below for this week’s new homes:

1525 El Camino Real – 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,458 SF House | 5,250 SF Lot | $1,279,000.  Nicely sized and surprisingly tucked away home in Southgate.  I couldn’t believe how tucked away this home was for being located on El Camino.  Another big surprise of this home was the how well sized it is.  Although it only has two bedrooms, they are both very well sized.  The layout is also generous and makes the property feel like a bigger home than it is.  The major downside to this home is the lot size.  The backyard is all decking and garage, which is a bummer.   The house itself would make a nice starter home for a young family.

1486 Dana Avenue – 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,782 SF House | 11,160 SF Lot | $3,198,000.  Tear-down property.  This property displays the power of photography for making homes look good.  Take a look and you’ll see what I mean.  Not an altogether bad option if you’re looking to build, as the location/lot are both solid.

561 Lytton Avenue – 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 1,425 SF Unit | $97 per Month HOA | $1,735,000.  Nice unit with a very modern look/feel.  I liked that the property was able to fit three bedrooms and three bathrooms so close to downtown, and with dues that low, I’m sure this property will be popular.  I did not like the layout of the master bedroom or other two bedrooms.  The shape of the lot for these units made the bedrooms feel small and narrow.  The downstairs is well set up, and the unit feels very trendy.  I would have preferred a wider unit, as this unit and 563 Lytton both felt cramped at times.

563 Lytton Avenue – 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 1,425 SF Unit | $97 per Month HOA | $1,735,000.  See 561 Lytton review.

4050 Verdosa Drive – 3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 1,132 SF House | 6,930 SF Lot | $1,199,000.  What, another tear down?  Yes, it’s true.  This home could definitely be expanded for a new buyer, but it’s being priced and set up as a tear down house.   There is a lot of land on this particular property, so there is the potential to build something very nice.  Given how far back on Verdosa this property is, the price makes it an enticing option.

3657 Bryant Street – 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,755 SF House | 6,111 SF Lot | $1,495,000.  One of several lot value homes this week.  Fortunately, this one was cleaner than the others.  You could remodel this Eichler home, but given that it’s been expanded, I would honestly tear down and build new.

3150 Greer Road – 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,458 SF House | 6,000 SF Lot | $1,399,000.  Good family home on Greer Road.  Yes, the home is on Greer and gets some road noise.  However, the home itself is well suited for a small family.  Proportionately sized rooms and living spaces are a big plus to this home.  I liked the layout of this particular property, and the way the bedrooms are situated works really well for a family with young children.  The remodel work on this home was well done (one of the best remodels from a home on tour).  The backyard was the highlight of this home.  There are some nice concrete spaces which would be nice for entertaining, but enough green space to make the backyard feel private and peaceful.

277 Bryant Street – 2 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,320 SF Unit | $484 per Month HOA | $995,000.  After seeing the photos online, I couldn’t wait to tour this property.  Perhaps my expectations were too high, but the property didn’t quite live up to the photos.  The big positives to this unit are that the unit is located downtown, has some nice open spaces, and has been updated to feel modern.  With that said, the kitchen needs new countertops and the laminate floors have a few bends in them already.  The basement is a really neat feature of this unit, but the washer/dryer are there, which means carrying laundry up two floors.  If you’re looking to live downtown and want a starter unit, this would be a fairly good choice.  Expect it to sell for around $1.1M or slightly over that.

383 Maclane Street – 3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 1,050 SF House | 5,600 SF Lot | $1,188,000.  Starter home on the edge of the Ventura Neighborhood.  You can’t really go wrong with this home if you’re looking to buy your first property in Palo Alto.  Although the home and lot are small, the three bedrooms and solid schools make it a nice option to start a family.   Unfortunately, the layout on this particular home felt fairly disjointed for me, and the kitchen felt small and dining area was, well, claustrophobic.  The upgrades throughout the home are a nice touch, and if you can overlook the small spaces, this could be a good purchase.

789 Encina Grande Drive – 5 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,691 SF House | 7,590 SF Lot | $2,438,000.  Larger family home on one of Green Acres’ best streets.  I love this particular street.  Some call this section Barron Park (incorrectly) because there are no sidewalks.  Debate aside, this particular home has some nice features.  I liked the sizing of the bedrooms and the open feel to the kitchen.  I would consider a remodel to most of the surfaces in the home, namely countertops, cabinets, and reworking the bathrooms (one more bathroom in this home would be a big value add).  I loved the backyard, and with the larger lot on this property made the open spaces feel impressive.  A really nice family home, in a solid family neighborhood.

440 Cesano Court #311 – 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 1,103 SF Unit | $445 per Month HOA | $549,000.  What a difference living a bit further south in Palo Alto makes when looking at condos.  This particular unit is a light remodel away from being something special.  Although only a 1 bedroom, this unit has lots of space and a killer living room.  I liked the set up the bedroom, and there is ample space for an office.  Altogether, this home will make a fantastic purchase for a young individual or older couple.

455 Oregon Avenue – 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,851 SF House | 7,150 SF Lot | $1,895,000.  In my opinion, this home was the best of tour for today.  Although the home is located near Oregon Expressway and does get a fair amount of street noise, the layout of the home and serene feel given off by the front landscaping make the home feel welcoming.  Inside, the layout flows fairly well with a nice sitting area, dining room, and separate kitchen.  The bedrooms are well sized, and the backyard feels very private.  There is some potential to remodel, but the home is definitely turn-key.  Located in Old Palo Alto, this home will make someone an excellent first home or family home.

365 Forest Avenue #3B – 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,695 SF Unit | $525 per Month HOA | $1,299,000.  Neat complex with large, single level condominiums.  This particular unit follows a similar floor plan to the others in the complex which means two oversized bedrooms, a smaller bedroom, and well sized living spaces.  I liked the remodel work with this particular unit.  The upgraded kitchen and well updated bathrooms make this unit a great choice for an individual or couple looking for downtown living and some elbow room.

1210 Newell Road – 3 Bedrooms | 1.5 Bathrooms | 1,176 SF House | 9,555 SF Lot | $1,998,000.  It doesn’t seem that way from the initial photo, but this house is a major tear down.  I’d wear gloves inside.  Take a good look at the lot.  It’s large but longest around Newell Road rather than Parkinson Avenue.  This would mean a home would mostly be facing Newell, the busier street. Be careful walking in the backyard if you have flip flops on; I found a lot of nails, a sledgehammer, and a few pieces of broken glass.

 

Palo Alto’s New Homes, March 22

Palo Alto seems to be having an oscillation problem in terms of inventory.  In contrast to the nearly 20 homes which hit the market last week, this week only offered 9 new listings and a few off-market opportunities.  See below for an overview of each property:

OFF MARKET - Downtown Palo Alto | Bedrooms 1  |  Bathrooms 1 | Home 680 SF | 1,260 SF Lot.  I really like the fact that you can walk downtown, yet are on a quiet street.  Although on the smaller side, the layout and backyard make the space feel large. Newly remodeled kitchen, refinished hardwood floors, and new carpeting in the bedroom make this unit feel contemporary.  This unit is a win-win for a starter condo…entry level price and low HOA Dues.  Price upon request.

OFF MARKET - Crescent Park | Bedrooms 4  |  Bathrooms 2.5 | 2,800 SF House  |  7,000 SF Lot.  This updated New England colonial home on a cul-de-sac location makes this property a rare find.  Although I’m not usually a fan of formal layouts, the remodeling helps with the home’s flow.  I also like that you can walk downtown from this property yet the street is quiet.  Price upon request.

OFF MARKET - Professorville | Bedrooms 5  |  Bathrooms 4.5 | 3,800 SF House |  9,200 SF Lot.  A totally turn-key Craftsman style home which would be a perfect match for a larger family who likes to entertain.  One neat feature of the home is that it has a 4th bedroom upstairs.  Traditional floor plan.  The side yard is also a force to be reckoned with and has enough space for summer parties and entertaining guests.  Price upon request.

722 Ashby Drive - Bedrooms 4  |  Bathrooms 4 | 4,302 SF House  |  9,360 SF Lot.  This Crescent Park home feels much larger than the listed size.  The kitchen layout and flow into the dining room make this home a solid purchase for a growing family.  The open spaces also provide lots of space to entertain.  Given the location and size of the home and lot, this home has a lot to offer. Listed for $4,995,000.

249 Kipling Street - 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,655 SF House | 4,400 SF Lot.  This home rocks!  Built in 1906, the floor plan on this home is surprisingly open for the time period it was built.  The remodeling work throughout the home is well done, and the home feels larger than most 1,600 square foot homes.  Although the lot size is on the smaller side, there is still a small yard, and better yet, Johnson Park is across the street.  My only critique is that the stairway to the cellar is not for the timid.  Expect this home to sell well over list price.  Listed for $1,995,000.

122 Santa Rita Avenue -  4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2,040 SF House | 5,625 SF Lot.  Location is the biggest selling point for this particular property.  The home itself has undergone a light remodel for the sale, and the finishes look good.  The layout on this particular property is long and narrow, with an open kitchen and modern appliances.  I am impressed with the amount of backyard space that this home has for the lot size.  Listed for $1,998,000.

140 Tennyson - 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 1,875 SF House | 3,750 SF Lot.  Brand new construction in Old Palo Alto.  It’s nice to see new construction in Palo Alto that isn’t over the top.  This home has some nice finishes, and does a really good job utilizing the space.  Given the small lot size, the home is well positioned.  The upstairs layout could be re-worked a little bit, but for most families it should be fine.  Unfortunately, there is no real yard.  Expect to pay a premium for the new construction.  Listed for $1,998,000.

396 Stanford Avenue - 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,240 SF House | 7,500 SF Lot.  Located in Evergreen Park, this home has potential for anyone looking for a starter home.  This corner lot home has a more traditional layout, and a kitchen which could use a bit more space.  Some of the home could use a light remodel, but the exterior of the home and lot are well tended to and attractive.  This home was sold two years ago and is now on the market for about the price it sold for in late 2011.  It will be an interesting property to watch!  Listed for $1,495,000.

439 Maureen Avenue - 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,127 SF House | 6,200 SF Lot.  This cute Midtown home has some very interesting angles to it.  The roof line makes for some nice vaulted ceilings throughout a good portion of the home.  I especially liked the upstairs master bedroom, which has its own deck.  The kitchen felt a little cramped, but overall not a bad home.  Listed for $1,849,000.

2777 Kipling Street - 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 880 SF House | 5,750 SF Lot.  This starter home in Midtown is on the smaller side, but has potential to be something nice with some work.  The house is dated, and a significant remodel will be needed to make the home feel up to date.  However, this is not a bad purchase, as an expansion or rebuild would put a future homeowner in a desirable location.  Listed for $1,295,000.

3953 Laguna Avenue - 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2,810 SF House | 6,877 SF Lot.  Victorian inspired home in Barron Park.  This home will have appeal to those looking for a more traditional floor plan.  The kitchen and dining rooms are separate, and there are several nice living spaces.  I really enjoyed the upstairs master bedroom; the vaulted ceilings add a nice feel to that space.  The home could use a light remodel in the bathrooms and kitchen, but overall the home looks good.  Keep in mind that Laguna Avenue is an arterial street for Barron Park, so you will get some traffic noise throughout the day.  Listed for $2,250,000.

4137 Thain Way - 3 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom | 1,629 SF House | 4,225 SF Lot | HOA Fees $631 / Month.  Upper level Barron Park condo.  This is really a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo with an office, but nonetheless, the unit has a lot of space.  I would have liked to see some more updates in the home, as some of the surfaces are dated.  The HOA Fees seem high to me given that there is no Earthquake insurance, but I like the fact that there is a reserve fund.  Listed for $925,000.

Palo Alto’s 17 New Homes, March 15

What a week!  Palo Alto debuted 17 homes this week, with many homes priced at the lower end of Palo Alto pricing.    See below for an overview of this week’s listings:

1041 Fife Avenue -  5 bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3,557 SF House | 10,000 SF Lot.  Located in the coveted Crescent Park Neighborhood, this recently built home offers a fairly traditional floor plan, but has opened up the kitchen to create a great room.  Given the large lot and very comfortable layout of this home, this home makes an excellent choice for a growing family or anyone who likes to entertain.  Listed for $3,950,000.

3449 Ramona Street - 3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 1,027 SF House | 6,250 SF Lot.  This Midtown starter home has a lot going for it.  A light remodel has updated several of the home’s older features, and the bamboo floors are a nice touch.  The washer/dryer combination in the kitchen is interesting, but nonetheless, it is a good use of space.  Listed for $1,298,000.

733 Colorado Avenue - 2 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 811 SF House | 4,620 SF Lot.  Another Midtown starter home, this home is definitely for a young couple or an older family without children who are looking to downsize.  Fortunately, the floor plan is simple and works well for the home’s size.  Anyone looking at this home should also look at 3507 Park Boulevard, which is very similar.  Listed for $998,000.

256 Walter Hayes Drive - 6 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,389 SF House | 6,240 SF Lot.  Located in the Green Gables Neighborhood, this home is unique because of its 6th bedroom.  Some light remodeling to the home (floors and kitchen) would really make it shine.  A few of the bedrooms felt small to me, but given the home size and number of bedrooms, the overall layout is impressive.  Listed for $1,895,000.

919 Clara Drive - 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,535 SF House | 6,720 SF Lot.  This Midtown home offers many of the amenities those looking for a starter home will find attractive.  The light remodel that has been done to the home adds a nice touch.  The backyard is mostly hardscaped, so there is not much lawn in the backyard.  Also, be aware that the property has no garage.  Listed for $1,298,000.

360 Everett Avenue, #4B - 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,762 Unit | HOA Fees: $771 / Month.  A very spacious unit with an oversized balcony and large bedrooms, this unit has a lot going for it.  The dues on this building are high for 2 bedroom unit, but the complex offers a lot in return.  Typically the view from this level in this building would be of other complexes, but a nice line of trees blocks the view of the neighbors.  Listed for $1,295,000.

1512 Mariposa Avenue - 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,571 SF House | 6,000 SF Lot.  Located in the Southgate Neighborhood, this home is super cute inside.  The size makes this home an ideal option for a family with a child.  The guest house is a neat addition, but it comes at the expense of a garage.  Street parking in Southgate can be tricky, so the garage would have been nice.  This property is priced low at $1,295,000.

3291 Berryessa Street, #1 - 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,775 SF Unit | HOA Fees $329 / Month.  This unit is all about the modern look and feel.  Taking a nod from the loft style units which have been the craze recently, this two year old unit has some modern touches in both the exterior and interior.  If condo living is for you, and you want lots of space (and a two car garage), this home may be a nice option.  The dues are also low, which is a definite plus.  Listed for $1,250,000.

2450 Cowper Street - 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,920 SF House | 8,340 SF Lot.  Located on Midtown, this home is an older property which has been well taken care of.  The kitchen has some nice touches, but a new buyer may want to consider some light remodeling throughout the house.  Given the spacious size of the home (for a starter home) and the spacious backyard, this home is worth taking a look.  Listed for $1,695,000.

450 Lowell Avenue - 2 Bedrooms | 1.5 Bathrooms | 1,367 SF House | 7,500 SF Lot.  Located in the heart of Old Palo Alto, this home is a rare find.  Although the home is on the smaller side, the lot is something to marvel at.  The large lot size and A+ location of this home are what steal the show.  This home will be a good barometer for lot value in Old Palo Alto.  Listed for $2,595,000.

256 Fulton Street - 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2,055 SF House | 5,000 SF Lot.  Located in Crescent Park near the border with the Downtown North and Willows Neighborhood, this neat home offers the ability for residents to walk to Downtown Palo Alto.  Given the smaller lot size, this home is laid out really well, with a nice open floor plan.  The kitchen could use some light touch up, but even the tiles look nice with the rest of the home.  Listed for $1,950,000.

1801 Waverly Street - 5 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2,982 SF House | 9,000 SF Lot.  This is an impressive home in the heart of Old Palo Alto.  the fifth bedroom is a nice addition to an already stunning home.  The traditional floor plan is still able to create some nice gathering spaces, as the living room and dining room are both oversized.  The master suite on the top floor is something to be seen, and the master suite on the first floor is a nice touch.  Listed for $3,295,000.

1143 Guinda Street - 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,532 SF House | 7,500 SF Lot.  This home is a light remodel away from being a stunning house.  The homes on Guinda have been selling very well over the last year and a half, and this home is a good example of why.  The countertops throughout the home could use some refreshing with a different material, but I think the home’s layout make this home a hidden gem.  The backyard and carport are a nice addition to avoid the need to park on the street.  Listed for $2,595,000.

836 Colorado Avenue - 5 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,330 SF House | 6,322 SF Lot.  Everyone loves a putting green and hot tub, and this house has both.  Located on Colorado Avenue, and arterial street for Midtown, this home has an interesting layout, with three of the bedrooms on the main floor and two bedrooms on the second floor.  Unusual, but a nice touch for older families who want to avoid stairs, or parents with teenagers, who want to avoid, well, the teenagers.  The kitchen and living room flow well, but the backyard could have been worked better to feel less choppy.  Listed for $2,288,000.

746 De Soto Drive - 3 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom | 1,914 SF House | 8,190 SF Lot.  A 1952 built Eichler home in nearly original condition.  Located in the Green Gables Neighborhood, this home has the standard Eichler floor plan.  Plan on saving some funds for a remodel to the kitchen, bathroom, and possibly the floors.  With that said, people do love the layout and indoor/outdoor feel of Eichlers, and the location is prime.  Listed for $1,800,000.

 292 Carolina Lane - 4 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom | 2,064 SF House | 7,192 SF Lot.  Built in 1951, this home has an Eichler feel with a few modern touches.  The remodel to the floors and kitchens  is a nice touch, but wood paneling in the bonus room did not flow with the rest of the home.  The lack of a garage is also a downside to the home.  However, given the overall home size and price, and location a block offset from Charleston Road, this home may be worth a look.  Listed for $1,688,000.

3375 Stockton Place - 4 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom | 1,716 SF House | 6,400 SF Lot.  Eichlers, Eichlers, Eichlers.  This home and neighborhood is a haven for Eichler construction.  Although this home has not seen much remodeling since its initial build in 1958, the home seems to be well maintained. With a little TLC, this home could be a neat starter.  Listed for $1,299,900.

Palo Alto’s New Homes, March 9

What a change one week makes!  Last week it seemed at inventory would finally be on its way for Spring.  However, this week we saw a significant reduction in the number of new homes.  Only 8 homes were introduced this week, one of which is off-market.  See below for an overview:

OFF MARKET - Crescent Park Home with 3 Bedrooms and 1 bathroom.  On the smaller side, but could work for a family looking for a higher end starter home.  Given the lot size (7,000+ square feet), there is room for a possible expansion.  The home has an interesting floor plan and could use some newer finishes.  Call me for the listing price.

3500 South Court - New Construction in South of Midtown.  This 2,400 square foot home has all the right finishes and a generously spaced layout.  My only critique is that a few of the bedrooms felt small, given the size of the home.  However, I think that is unavoidable given that the home has a fifth bedroom in its floor plan (usually with this size home we see four bedroom floor plans).  Expect to pay a premium for new construction.  Listed for $2,598,000.1550 Castilleja Avenue - Located in the Southgate Neighborhood, this neat 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has 2,144 square feet of living space on a 6,200 square foot lot.  This is a cute home that has been well taken care of.  As for the location, I consider Southgate one of Palo Alto’s hidden gems, so long as you are not completely turned off by some train noise from the nearby Caltrain.  Although the home is older, the touches and remodeling are all kept within the architectural style.  If you like Spanish architecture, this home may be a nice option.  Listed for $2,495,000. 1830 Newell Avenue: A newer property on the smaller side (1,965 square feet).  Constructed in 2001, this home features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.  The home is well placed on a 6,600 square foot lot, leaving a large backyard.  The floor plan on this home is more on the traditional side, without much of an open feel.  For someone looking for a turn-key, traditional style home in a great neighborhood (Leland Manor), this may be a solid match.  Listed for $2,395,000.

2001 Webster Street - Rarely are homes like this for sale in the Old Palo Alto neighborhood.  This home features over 5,000 square feet of living space on an 8,757 square foot lot.  The home is only 9 years old, and is one of my favorite architectural styles, Santa Barbara Mediterranean.  The 5 bedrooms in this home are well laid out and over-sized, and the spaces seem to never end.  The backyard is on the smaller side, and a large pool takes up a substantial portion of the backyard.  Listed for $6,375,000.

3281 Berryessa Street, #3 - Given that the complex is only about 12 years old, these town homes are just starting to be sold by their pioneering occupants. Located in Leland Manor, this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit has a well planned floor plan with 1,307 square feet of living space.  I would seriously consider a look if you are looking for a starter property in Palo Alto.  Although there is no real yard to speak of, the complex has some nice amenities. Listed for $828,000.

890 Mockingbird Lane - Located in what can technically be considered Palo Alto Hills, this property is perfect for a family looking for a lot of land near town.  As with many lots in Palo Alto Hills, the lot size is just about 1 acre.  The 2,360 square foot home has some updated features, and nicely laid out kitchen/dining area.  Given the lot size, I would expect more of a yard, but you can’t win them all.  Also, there will be significant street noise, as the property backs up to Arastradero, and is located near Foothill Expressway.  Listed for $2,495,000.

3413 Thomas Drive - This Eichler home could make a solid starter home for a new family who really wants a fourth bedroom.  An impressive atrium in the center of the home provides an interesting indoor/outdoor feel to the entire home.  Some light remodeling has been done to the home, but there remains some areas that a new owner could improve.  Given the proximity to Highway 101, expect some street noise.  Listed for $1,499,000.

Palo Alto’s New Homes!

Spring, it seems, has come early for the Palo Alto market.  This week there were more than 15 homes brought on the market, which is more than double the number of new homes last week. See below for a quick overview and my thoughts regarding this week’s properties!

386 Everett - Located in the Downtown North neighborhood, this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo has been tastefully remodeled and features some nice large spaces.  Buyers will want to use their imagination when going through the unit, as the staging is not in place.  However, the amenities in the HOA are strong, and although the dues are on the high end ($502/mo) the amenities included are worthwhile.  Given the location, remodel, and size, expect this condo to sell well over the listing price.  Listed for $899,000.

101 Alma Street #101 - Located on the first floor of “The Palo Alto” condo complex, this unit will definitely accommodate anyone looking for a little space.  At 1,478 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this unit is one of the larger units you will find in Downtown North.  However, keep in mind the exceptionally high dues ($1,104/mo).  I have written about this complex before, and a list of its amenities can be found here.  Given the need for a bathroom remodel and first floor location in the building, this unit is properly priced.  Listed for $799,000.

1030 Palo Alto Avenue - Located on border of Palo Alto and Menlo Park, this home is a Spanish Colonial Revival built in 1928.  The grounds are impressive and the enormous 17,000 square foot lot is well portioned to offer an expansive backyard.  The interior of this 3,800 square foot home will appeal to many Francophiles, but the many hallways and hidden areas of the house will be difficult for some families to live in.  Given the home’s proximity to University Avenue and being on the outskirts of Crescent Park, the price feels big to me.  Listed for $5,600,000.

1317 Forest Avenue - This 3,088 square foot home is located in one of the more sought after areas in Crescent Park.  With a comfortable floor plan, and nicely sized master bedroom, this home is a fantastic purchase for anyone looking to move into Crescent Park.  While you’re there, take a look at the impressive Magnolia tree, which dominates the back of the property’s 6,420 square foot lot.  Listed for  $2,999,000.

375 N. California Avenue - This home is ideal for anyone looking to move into an Old Palo Alto starter home.  This 1,276 square foot home is well situated on a 6,150 square foot lot.  With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, it will be on the small side for a growing family, but for a young couple or empty nester family, this would be a wonderful option.  The home needs a basic remodel and some landscaping, but the potential is there.  Listed for $1,895,000.

2290 Cornell Street - If you are looking for a home to remodel to your tastes, look no further.  Located in College Terrace, this 1,020 square foot home is in mostly original condition from its build in 1918.  With 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this home could be expanded.  Like many other homes in College Terrace, the lot is on the smaller side at 5,000 square feet.  Listed for $1,048,000.

447 Wilton Avenue - Like many homes in the Ventura neighborhood, this listing provides an opportunity for someone looking for an investment property.  The interior will definitely work as is for a renter, but if you are looking to re-purpose the home as a single family home, you will need to do some remodeling.  Listed for $1,098,000.

3464 Cowper Court - This is a home for those looking for newer construction.  This 2,583 square foot home was built in 2007 and has been well maintained by the current owners.  The layout is inviting, and the open kitchen/living room feel is a nice touch.  Although the stairway feels like too much of a center of focus in the home, the generous master suite is worth seeing.  With this home, a little more closet space would go a long way.  However, the pricing feels low for new construction in a cul-de-sac, which offers some fantastic privacy.  Listed for $2,488,000.

2750 Bryant Street - Ordinarily I would call a home like this a lot value property, if only because the main home is less than 1,000 square feet.  However, I am tempted to call this Midtown property a possible starter due to the remodeling that has been undertaken to refresh the kitchen, along with the hardwood floor refinishing.  This will be a particularly interesting home to watch, as the pricing suggests the upper end of lot value.  Will it be a builder, or a young family who purchases the home?  Listed for $1,249,000.

920 Moreno Avenue - There is something about Eichler style homes.  People typically love them or hate them.  However, with the remodeling and layout of this particular home, it will be difficult to find much fault in the interior.  Remodeled in 2009, this home is move in ready with ample storage space in the kitchen.  The one big drawback of the home is the lack of a garage, which could possibly be added on later.  Keep in mind that the property also has a foam roof, which has its own advantages and drawbacks.  Listed for $1,698,000.

829 Barron Avenue - This home is seated at the center of the Barron Park Neighborhood.  Located across the street from Barron Park Elementary, this 2,673 square foot, newer construction home has a very comfortable feel and pleasant mix of a traditional and modern floor plan.  Although the front of the home has space for an office and sitting room, the kitchen and living room are open, and also have nice views of the backyard.  The upstairs has a nice feel to it.  Barron Avenue is an arterial street for Barron Park, and buyers should be aware of some noise and traffic from the school.  Altogether, this home would make a fun property for a family with young children.  Listed for $2,498,000.

550 Irven Court - Don’t be fooled by the subdued exterior, there’s a lot going on inside this home.  Built in 2007, this 2,806 square foot property has the makings of a wonderful family home.  I was definitely impressed by the kitchen and living room floor plan, but some of the spaces upstairs felt confusing.  The lot is larger at 7,500 square feet, and the location places this home in Juana Briones Elementary, which has a higher API rating than Barron Park Elementary.  The pricing on this home feels low to me.  Listed for $2,338,000.

740 Chimalus Drive - Lot value home with potential for a remodel.  Although the home has been properly prepared for the market with some finishes, the interior feel and backyard need some TLC.  With some work, this home could be freshened up to be a nice starter home, or you could build new.  Buyers should do some research regarding the adjacent commercial properties.  Listed for $1,278,888.

770 Chimalus Drive - Yet another home in Barron Park built in 2007.  This home has a nice, traditional feel with an open kitchen and dining room.  The home’s placement at the front of the lot makes the backyard feel spacious.  With 2,240 square feet of living space, this home will accommodate many families.  As is the case with 740 Chimalus Drive, buyers should do some research regarding the commercial properties behind the property.  Listed for $1,998,000.

4262 Los Palos Place - Palo Alto Orchards is one of those neat neighborhoods many people do not know about.  Located on the other side of Arastradero, this area is its own little community.  This particular home is larger at 2,429 square feet, and boasts a 10,403 square foot lot.  Although the home is older, the finishes have been mostly updated. There is some work to be undertaken, especially in the bathrooms.  Listed for $1,995,000.

What’s New In Palo Alto this week!

What’s New in Palo Alto

Of the 17 properties on tour this week in Palo Alto, these
are the ones I got a chance to get to….

386 Everett Ave PA

Corner Condo in a Great Location. minutes from downtown Palo
Alto’s University Ave and kitty corner to Johnson Park. This is a single level
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo situated on the 1st floor. It has a
great big balcony that overlooks the park 
and is accessed from both the Kitchen and the Living Room. It is in good
cosmetic condition. Ready to move into. Priced at $899,000.

101 Alma Street
Apt. #101

This building offers the great advantage of having full time
front desk so there is always someone on the spot. It is a great advantage if
you happen to travel often and want the peace of mind that comes along with
this kind of service. Other obvious benefit is the close walk to downtown Menlo
Park, Stanford Shopping Mall and of course downtown PA.

This is a spacious 3 bedroom three bathroom unit, with some
of the generous patio space enclosed to add extra livable square footage. I
like the room sizes of buildings built around this era (60’s/70’s) but it often
goes with other things common to the time like popcorn ceilings (which I am not
so crazy about). List price $799,000.

1030 Palo Alto
Avenue

One of the old time classic Spanish style Palo Alto homes,
complete with tile roofing, wrought iron work and balconies. This is a gem, and
it has been lovingly lived in and upgraded over the years without destroying the
character. Rarely found larger parcel size, this property sits on a 17,000sq ft
lot. It is just across the street from the Creek, which borders Palo Alto from
neighboring Menlo Park. The back garden is lushly landscaped and very private
feeling.

While the choppy floor plan leaves one feeling slightly
disoriented, this is a classic beauty and it was refreshing to see that it has
not been tampered with too aggressively. 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms priced at
$5,600,000.

1317 Forest Avenue

Another lovely Palo Alto Classic, pretty original in feel, and
beautifully upgraded and maintained home, this one was more traditional East
Coast in style. This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home will appeal to many, listed
at just under $3million. It has a traditional floor plan and a more typical
Palo Alto sized lot at 6420sq. ft.

375 North
California Ave

Great location, in Old Palo Alto, this 3 bedroom 2 bathroom
home is a little disjointed in flow. You enter the home past a high fence and
towards the back of the property, which gives more private use of the front
yard. On a 6150 sq ft. lot, this home is on the market for $1,895,000.

447 Wilton Avenue,
Ventura in Palo Alto

A great opportunity to buy a duplex. Two houses, the front
is the smaller with only one bedroom, and the back house has two bedrooms and
two bathrooms with a nice private yard and quite sunny exposure. While it could
benefit from cosmetic upgrading, it looks as if someone could move in right
away. Live in one and rent out the other perhaps? It seems like a good price at
$1,098,000.

2750 Bryant
Street, Midtown

This is a perfectly serviceable 3 bedroom 1 bathroom home.
It has been slightly upgraded for comfort and appeal, but the floor plan is
intact and original looking – no walk in closets or en suite bathrooms here.
No, but the upside is the lovely large sunny back yard. And of course the
location is very good. Priced at $1,249,000 there is lots of potential to add
on alter or expand this traditional Palo Alto 50’s cottage.

329 Barron Avenue,

This Craftfsman style home is only 6 years old so has most
of what today’s buyers are looking for. On two stories, it has 5 bedrooms and
3.5 bathrooms and is priced at $2,498,000. On a 7370 square foot lot, this has
a nice sunny back yard which is enjoyed by the open kitchen/family room facing
it.  This house is directly across the
street from Barron Park School.

550 Irven Court

Like 329 Barron, this too is 6 years old. It looks brand
new. On a nice private court in Green Acres, just off of Arastradero and a close
walk to Terman, Gunn and Loma Vista and Juana Briones Schools as well as Juana Briones
Park. This is a 4 bedrooom, 3.5 bathoom home on a 7500 sq ft. lot. I only
noticed a one car garage.  There is also
an office and den thrown for good measure. Priced at $2,338,000.

770 Chimalus Drive
Barron Park

Is a 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home with an attached two car
garage. Very traditional ‘newer’ home, on two levels with good 2240 sq. footage
and a kitchen/family room which opens up onto the back yard for good
entertaining space. Priced at $1,998,000.

740 Chimalus
Barron Park

Is an older single level home, in fairly original cosmetic
condition. Master bedroom is situated at the back of the house and is quite
remote from the other two bedrooms which were on the front side of the house.
Priced $1,278,000 this is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom older home on a 6872 sq ft
lot.

4262 Los Palos
Place

This is an updated ranch style home on a wonderful 10,403
pie shaped lot at the end of a great cul-de-sac in Green Acres. While is boasts
5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, I was hard pressed to count more than 4 bedrooms.
The master was added onto the top of the garage, while the other three were on
the opposite end of the house. This may not be ideal floor plan for people who
have small children. But could work perfectly for those who have
teenagers.  Yard has an attractive lap pool.
Nice family room/kitchen space. 2429 sq ft of house, priced at $1,995,000. (see
picture)

Palo Alto Tour Friday – February 22, 2013

Palo Alto Tour Friday Feb. 22nd 2013

Like MP Tour on Tuesday, this week was light on inventory,
lots of kids off school and families out of town taking advantage of this, I
would assume. Only 9 properties on our District Tour sheet, and I saw an off
MLS that was open today too.

221 Bryant. Old original PA home, built early 1900’s with
the advantage of having been thoroughly updated like new! So it has all of the
wonderful features like bay windows and wide door casements and hardwood
floors, with all the modern perks like granite counters and recessed lighting.
There is even a wine cave. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathroom two-story home with 3800 sq.
ft. on a 5760 sq. ft. lot, typical for this neighborhood. And outdoor area is
increased by the creation of a large deck on the upper floor. Parking very
tight in this neighborhood. The plus is the close walk to everything! $3,190,000.

1350 Harker is a sunny traditional New England Colonial
style family home on a great street.  Built
in 2001, the floor plan is open, airy and fluid. All of the bedrooms are on the
1st floor, which, while many families with small children will
appreciate, it is always a beneficial to have a bedroom on the ground floor for
visitors. Open Kitchen/family room lines the backside of the house with large
French doors opening out to the patio and generous, sunny back yard. (8000sq ft.
lot) This home is turnkey perfect and should sell very quickly. $3,095,000.

I noticed there is a coming soon sign on a house a couple of
doors away on Harker, something to look out for.

736 Homer is an opportunity to buy a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom
home a stones throw from downtown PA. It is on a super-cute cul-de-sac and is a
cute (small) 660 sq. ft., which is painted and staged and spruced up for sale,
with nice new stainless appliances in the kitchen, but older tile and
countertops and cabinetry. This is a good alternative to condo living. Listed
for $859,000. See attached photo

1530 University Ave, don’t be put off by the street address,
the house is recessed from the street, on a flag lot, and surprisingly quiet
(check for yourself, these things are always subjective). It is a single level
(4bedroom 2.5bathrooms) nicely upgraded ranch style home, long and quite
narrow, with lots of established trees on the 15,950 sq. ft. property.
$2,750.000.

1830 Newell. Nicely recessed from Embarcadero in Leyland
Manor. This is a ranch style home that has been upgraded (coffered ceiling in
L/R and granite counters and new cabinets in the kitchen) and possibly even
expanded to create more square footage. Master suite opens onto the back yard. 4
beds 2.5 baths for $2,395,000. There is a one car attached garage. (Not on MLS)

2065 Alma Street. Property is impacted by traffic noise.
This is also a great advertisement for why we, as Realtors, recommend prepping
and staging (and preferably vacating) prior to putting on the market. It will
be a tough sell (in my opinion) for buyers to see beyond all of the personal
belongings and the tired looking cosmetics of the place. $998.000 – call it a
Million, 1386sq feet with 3beds, 2 baths on a 5000sq. ft. lot. Original
condition. In need of TLC (lots of it). (Or a bulldozing).

420 Cambridge Ave #3. Now this is a fun Townhome/Condo. It
is contemporary urban living at its best. Very stylish. Lots of great storage
space in the kitchen if you like to cook, you will appreciate this. The unit is
right at the back – way off of the street, and very bright. But this one is not
for the vertically challenged. By the time you get to the Master suite, you
have gone up 4 flights of stairs. I liked the astro-turf  touch on the balcony off of the Master. Fall
out of bed and you are right there, on top of all of the fun that the downtown
area of California Ave has to offer! 3/2.5 for $1,498,000.

3500 South Court in Midtown PA is a new construction with
everything that today’s buyers are looking for, with an Italianesque feel. 5
beds and 3.5 baths in a 2400sq ft. space. Room sizes felt tight.  1 car attached garage. But it is new and many
buyers will pay a premium for this. Lot size is 6000sq ft. fairly typical for
the neighborhood. Some lovely features are the sun exposure and the open feel
from the kitchen/family room out to the back yard. $2,598,000.

3851 Corina Way is a contemporary home, flat roof, slab
foundation, very stylishly finished and decorated these homes are enjoying
great popularity at the moment. Nice glass wall out to back yard. Corner lot,
so side of the house is on Ross. This is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home totally
upgraded and turnkey priced at $1,398,000.

In Menlo Park:

940 College Ave in Allied Arts. This is a two-story home
with 4 bedroom 3 bathroom (plus an office) in 2936sq ft. on a 7800sq ft. lot.
It was added onto a few years ago, so has all of the great feeling of a newer
home, with good floor plan and upgraded finishes. Three of the bedrooms are
upstairs and the fourth is on the ground floor. A very traditional home this
will appeal to many. $2,795,000.