Category Archives: Tour Recaps

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 Some of the features of the home have been well updated (namely the appliances), but many of the features are outdated.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.

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, April 19

What a week for Palo Alto! We’re finally getting some new inventory, and much of it is in the starter range for the city. We’re finding fewer and fewer mid-range homes, but seeing a lot of homes for sale in Old Palo Alto over the last few weeks, which is unusual.

Here are Palo Alto’s new homes:

171 Middlefield Road - 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2,522 SF House | 7,500 SF Lot | $2,395,000. The spaced of this home are very well laid out, but there’s a lot to be remodeled. I like that the home has a reasonable backyard for the size. The master bedroom is on the more spacious side. You will want to keep in mind the noise that this property gets from both Middlefield and Embarcadero.

321 Poe Street - 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 678 SF Unit | 1,260 SF Lot | ____ HOA per Month | $649,000. Ok I’m a little biased because I’m listing this property. This unit has a solid floorplan and makes a great starter condo for a young/old couple with no children. The backyard is a rare feature for a downtown condo, and the new kitchen, carpeting, and floors are a nice touch. Also, the HOA dues are very low when compared to almost every other condo complex in north Palo Alto.

101 Alma Street, #204 - 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 913 SF Unit | $690 HOA per month | $575,000. 2nd floor unit in a large complex. The remodel on this unit was well thought out. Although I am not typically a fan of vinyl floors, this particular unit picked out a good tone for them. The unit feels a little small for the square footage given the hallways and spaces. A good starter option for a condo, but be aware of the high HOA dues.

460 Matadero Avenue - 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,220 SF House | 6,000 SF Lot | $1,195,000. Neat starter home in Ventura. We’re seeing Ventura gentrifying very quickly, and homes like this are becoming a great investment. This particular house has a large backyard and does a good job of laying out the interior spaces for a large living room and dining area. The best part is that the home has been remodeled enough that it is move-in ready. This would make an excellent choice for a family with 1 to 2 small children.

595 Homer Avenue - 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,524 SF House | 2,500 SF Lot | $1,995,000. This downtown home is built to impress. Although only covering a small plot of land, the home itself has top notch finishes and a decent amount of space. My only complaint is that some of the spaces felt narrow. However, the proximity to downtown is nice to have. The price feels big to me, but it may work given that the home is only 2 years old and has a nice location.

3806 Louis Road - 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 1,865 SF House | 6,825 SF Lot | $1,638,000. Two year old home in South Palo Alto. The design on this home is well planned for family gatherings, as there is a sitting area as well as an open kitchen/dining room. The bedrooms are on the smaller side.

3993 Laguna Avenue - 5 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 3,485 SF House | 9,779 SF Lot | $2,795,000. Perhaps the best feature of this home is how unassuming it looks from the street, yet the home itself is very large and on a large lot. The home has been well renovated and would make a very comfortable home for a larger family. Given how uncommon it is to find a 5 bedroom home in Barron Park, I think this home will be a big hit.

731 Loma Verde Avenue #B - 2 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,554 SF Unit | $630 per month HOA | $898,000. The location and age of this complex are big pluses. On the newer side for a condo complex, this unit has two nice, large bedrooms. The interior needs to be updated, and to me the spaces felt a little tight and narrow. The kitchen layout could also use some work. The angled patio is a nice touch for someone looking to have some comfortable outdoor space.

1911 Waverley Street - 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3,028 SF House | 7,546 SF Lot | $3,750,000. An older but well kept up home. For the price of the home, the putting green in the back felt tacky. That aside, the grounds are gorgeous, and the interior, although dark, has a floorplan with a lot of potential. This home’s location is prime Old Palo Alto, and the home’s size make this an excellent option for someone looking to renovate an older house in a prime location.

744 Ramona Street - 2 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,350 Unit | $794 per month HOA | $1,100,000. These condos are really nice inside. One of my favorite condo complexes in Palo Alto, the Ramona Commons have units with generous floorplans and a very comfortable feel to them. They are not a good option for older families, given that there are so many stairs. This particular unit needs to be updated, but will definitely work for a family that needs a place now. With 2 bedrooms, it makes a great work-at-home option with the second bedroom as an office.

808 Richardson Court - 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,584 SF House | 7,040 SF Lot | $1,299,000. Eichler home in South Palo Alto. This home needs to be totally updated, and is priced at lot value. The layout is standard for a 3 bedroom Eichler with 2 bedrooms to one side, and the master on the other. This home could be a nice project for a buyer who does not need to move in immediately.

1945 Byron Street - 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,523 SF House | 7,370 SF Lot | $2,790,000. Totally original home in Old Palo Alto. I like Byron street, but this home felt overpriced to me given the lot size. The house will need extensive renovations.

2325 Santa Ana Street - 3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 950 SF House | 6,325 SF Lot | $1,298,000. Located in Green Gables, this little cottage is a neat option for someone who is just starting out in palo Alto and wants to live in North Palo Alto. The home could use some light updating throughout, and maybe a change in flooring from carpet to hardwood in some areas. The backyard is nice, and the lot is a solid size. Some of the spaces felt cramped, but given that the home has three bedrooms and is 950 SF, it’s somewhat expected.

555 Byron Street #206 - 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,825 SF Unit | $4,211 per month HOA | $1,100,000. 55+ Buyers only. If you are an active person or couple over the age of 55, this complex provides almost every amenity you would need while allowing you to live with independence. The unit itself is reasonably updated, and having two master suites makes it possible for in unit-care if needed.

1016 Cathcart Way - 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,534 SF House | 11,880 SF Lot | $1,720,000. Stanford Faculty/Staff Only. If you are part of Stanford faculty and don’t mind doing some remodeling work, this home may be a nice option. The house layout was surprisingly large, and with some surface remodeling throughout the home, the house could be really neat. You will definitely want to take a look at the backyard on this property and imagine what it would be like if the overhang were new and covered enough to provide more shade.

3807 Corina Way - 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,651 SF House | 6,500 Sf Lot | $1,499,000. This home is similar to Richardson Court except that it has been remodeled. You’ll find that the floorplan is almost identical. This home has seen some nice remodeling, and is located in a nice part of Adobe Meadows. The kitchen remodel wasn’t done on a grand scale, but it did a nice job opening up the kitchen and making the home better for entertaining.

1854 Bryant Street - 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3,166 SF House | 6,534 SF Lot | $3,100,000. Stellar location in Old Palo Alto. I used to ride my bicycle by this house as a kid and always wondered what it looked like inside. It lived up to the hype. Really neat vaulted ceilings give almost every room in the house a cathedral like feel. Although the lot isn’t enormous, the backyard spaces are well closed in and usable. The upstairs suffers a bit from the sloped ceilings, but overall it isn’t as bad as it looked in the pictures. This home would make a fun, if not unique, family home.

572 Vista Avenue - 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,109 SF Unit | $406 per month HOA | $650,000. Located in the Green Acres neighborhood, this condo needs an update. The spaces are well laid out and provide a generous living room, but the entry feels a bit on the small side. The entire condo will need some updating. If you are looking to get into the excellent schools, this could make a solid option. Keep in mind the HOA fees, which are about average for Palo Alto.

3309 Emerson Street - 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 2,420 SF House | 6,250 SF Lot | $2,195,000. The kitchen alone make this house worth a visit. This newer house in Midtown has some large, open spaces, yet does a good job with keeping the bedrooms bright and cheerful. The second floor layout is a bit funky, but flows well enough. Given the size and price of this home, don’t expect it to last long on the market.

Palo Alto’s New Homes, April 5

I believe I can finally say that the inventory is coming in Palo Alto. With this week we have more than 15 new properties hitting the market, along with an off-market estate. Could it be that the selling season is finally here?

OFF Market – ~5,000 SF House | ~18,000 SF Lot | Price Withheld. Located in the heart of Old Palo Alto, this property is priced more for lot value than for the house itself. The home is quite large with some recent remodeling (like the kitchen), but there is some remodeling work that still needs to be done.

580 Washington Avenue - 3 bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,000 SF House | 5,250 SF Lot | $2,795,000. The location of this property in Old Palo Alto is one of the major selling points. There is a neat feel to the home given the ivy growing along the outside, but I would have liked to see a more dramatic remodel. The interior feels tired to me, especially in the kitchen. With that said, I do think the home has a lot to offer for a family with one or two children. The vaulted ceilings also offer a neat touch.

1436 Hamilton Avenue - 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2,202 SF House | 7,500 SF Lot | $2,798,000. One of the more charming homes to come on the market this week. The well-tended landscaping and neat window box set the tone for this Crescent Park home. This particular floor plan has a two bedroom upstairs and two bedroom downstairs layout with a nice flow on the first floor. Although the home has a traditional feel, the kitchen does a nice job opening to the dining area and backyard.

3857 Corina Way - 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,639 SF House | 6,700 SF Lot | $1,595,000. The natural light and dramatic entryway are two of the best features of this home. Keep in mind that this property is not an Eichler, but rather a Brown and Kaufman design (these have their own positives and negatives). The remodeling does seem to be a quick job, but is nicely done. Make sure to take a look at the sun room, which is probably my favorite part of this home.

2500 South Court - 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,275 SF House | 11,025 SF Lot | $1,998,000. This home has a typical ranch layout with the bedrooms all on one side of the home, and the light updating make the home a great purchase. Although this property could use a basic remodel, the potential is definitely there. Expect the property to sell well over the list price.

984 Loma Verde Avenue - 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,674 SF House | 7,696 SF Lot | $1,495,000. This home would make a neat starter home. This particular home could use a bit more of a remodel, as it has only seen an upgrade in the flooring and countertops. Also, the location on Loma Verde means there will be some street noise to contend with. On a positive note, there is a lot of natural light throughout the home, and it appears to be in good shape. Throw in the oversized lot and this property is priced well as a starter.

2951 South Court - 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 816 SF House | 4,958 SF Lot | $1,250,000. This property is actually a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage. For the price, this would make an EXCELLENT purchase. Although the lot is narrow, there is a lot of potential to expand or remodel this property. The layout on this home is thoughtful; a lot of space is given to the living room, and there are vaulted ceilings which make the spaces feel large.

629 Glenbrook Drive - 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 1,934 SF House | 11,245 SF Lot | $1,599,000. Located on the south side of the Green Acres neighborhood, this home is an area which tends to have larger lots. Although listed for lot value, this home could easily be remodeled into something great. The floor plan has an excellent flow, and although the size of the home is nothing unique, the living spaces are generously large.

1110 Embarcadero Road - 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 987 SF House | 5,353 SF Lot | $798,000. If you’re looking to enter Palo Alto on a budget (relatively speaking), look no further. A similar property to 2951 South Court, this home is priced to sell. The interior has gone through a quick remodel, and the landscaping is also fairly basic. There are no frills to this home, the floor plan flows well and you also get a one car garage.

3363 Saint Michael Court | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,652 SF House | 7,280 Lot | $1,698,000. There is a lot of potential in this home. If you are able to look past the need for a basic remodel (and removal of the wood paneling), there is an opportunity to own a solid home. The backyard has ample space for family gatherings and the living room is large. The third and fourth bedrooms felt small to me, but given that is the tradeoff for having four bedrooms in a smaller home. A solid purchase for the list price.

737 Loma Verde Avenue, #9 | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,500 SF Unit | HOA: $275 per Month | $989,000. This townhome will be a popular option for those looking to enter the Palo Alto market. Located in Midtown, this particular unit has a lot of space and amenities for the price. Although the unit will get some noise from Loma Verde, it is close to Philz and many other amenities. The dues are extremely low for the size of the unit, so make sure to look into the HOA.

556 Pena Court - 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,406 SF House | 6,616 SF Lot | $2,200,000. Although listed as a Barron Park residence, this home is technically in an equally fantastic neighborhood called Green Acres. The benefit of this is that the home feeds into Juana Briones Elementary, which has a slightly higher API score than Barron Park Elementary (both are great elementary schools). This particular home fairly new at 19 years old, and the build was well thought out. Generous living spaces on the first floor and an attached two car garage are nice features. The stairway positioning seemed a bit funky to me, and the vaulted ceilings are a mixed blessing. The bedrooms are spacious, but there is an almost attic space which becomes impractical because of the ceiling angles.

435 Coleridge Avenue - 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 5,882 SF House | 20,000 SF Lot | $17,250,000. This property is something extraordinary. Lush foliage, a newer pool and outdoor fireplace help to make the grounds look like a scene out of a fairy tale. Updates can be seen throughout the home. The oversized lot this property offers makes this home a particularly rare find.

1319 Hopkins Avenue - 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,304 SF House | 3,750 SF Lot | $1,525,000. Located on one of my favorite streets in Community Center, this smaller home is an interesting property. Keep the lot size in mind, because this may limit any developing and expansion on the property. The spaces on this home felt small to me, especially in the master bedroom. For a younger family, this home may be a nice option, as the three bedrooms are nice to have. The outside cottage would make an excellent man-cave.

649 Seneca Street - 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,378 SF House | 5,000 Sf Lot | $3,200,000. I need to get one thing out of the way early. This home is not great for a family with young children. Ok, now that that’s out of the way, everything else about this home is amazing. This is a highly modern home, complete with floating staircases and a modern kitchen with clean lines. Typically Tudor-style homes have issues with the vaulted ceilings closing out bedroom spaces, but this home was able to avoid that. Make sure to take a look at the master bathroom. It’s impressive.

4155 Old Trace Road | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 6,500 Sf House | 38,768 SF Lot | $6,495,000. If you’re looking for a large home with a large lot near Los Altos, this is a great property. This property was previously listed in late 2012 and is being reintroduced to the market. The home feels like a Mediterranean estate, complete with false ceilings and gorgeous gourmet kitchen. Some of the design work feels over the top, but overall, the home feels extremely spacious. With a little work, I think the grounds in the back could be made into something really special.

1125 Ramona Street - 5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3,800 SF House | 9,189 SF Lot | $5,995,000. A turn-key Craftsman style home which would be a perfect match for a larger family who likes to entertain. The interior remodel is stunning; the meticulous remodel makes the home looks like a showroom for Restoration Hardware. The side yard is also a force to be reckoned with and has enough space for summer parties and entertaining guests.

2510 Waverly Street - 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 3,595 SF House | 12,992 SF Lot | $3,000,000. This is definitely a unique home. The remodeling work keeps the original feel and decor which the home highlights. I do not think that this property will work for everyone; the theme is hacienda style. I really liked that there were quite a few niches and areas for storage. The beamed ceilings also make this property feel a vacation location within Midtown.

Palo Alto’s New Homes, March 29

What a week! There were only a few new properties to come on the market for Palo Alto this week, with a majority of the homes being in North Palo Alto. Below you will find a summary of the available homes and one off-market opportunity which became available this week:

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? HAVE THIS EMAILED TO YOU EACH WEEK! SUBSCRIBE HERE

OFF MARKET - Crescent Park | Forest Avenue | $7,000,000. Located in a premium location on an extraordinary lot, this is a LARGE house with a fantastic basement. The overall floor plan of the home is well spaced out, and the four upstairs bedrooms all have their own bathrooms. The master suite has a view which leads out to one of the larger backyards in the area. Below the main level is a full sized basement with an au pair suite and full exercise area. The details of the home have all been updated while keeping true to the original style of the house.

40 Kent Place - 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,782 SF House | 7,020 SF Lot | $3,200,000. Placed in one of the quite cul-de-sac in Crescent Park, this New England Colonial Style home is a rare find. I’m not usually a fan of formal layouts in homes, but the remodeling helps with the overall flow of the layout. The backyard and oak tree are a sight to see; the oak tree is by itself a feature of the home. Given the location and size of the home, this would make a solid purchase for a family that would like to be near Eleanor Pardee Park.

253 Ferne Avenue - 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,298 SF House | 8,330 SF Lot | $1,495,000. This home is an ideal pick as a starter home. The home is located on the front of the lot, so there is plenty of room to expand the home towards the rear of the lot. The home layout is similar to most other rancher style homes, with a large living room and galley style kitchen. I do like that the kitchen has been opened up; this made the living room and kitchen feel a lot more spacious.

816 Embarcadero Road - 6 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3,602 SF House | 9,680 SF Lot | $2,798,000. There were some nice features of this home, especially considering that it is located on Embarcadero. The side-loading garage makes it feel like the home is actually on Newell Road. The floor plan is somewhat meandering, with a lot of rooms which felt unnecessary. The upstairs also has a few areas that are not yet completed near the bedroom. Given the size of this home, the price more than makes up for some of the issues.

4250 El Camino Real #133 - 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 885 SF Unit | HOA Dues $553 per Month | $519,888. Located on the first floor of an FHA approved building (one of maybe 6 complexes in all of Palo Alto), this unit has undergone a neat remodel. The complex itself is something to look into; the dues seem high to me given that the unit is only a one bedroom. Nonetheless, the unit is well laid out, and is quite large for a 1 bedroom.

111 Washington Avenue - 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,113 SF House | 5,625 SF Lot | $1,199,000. SOLD BEFORE TOUR

555 Byron Street #304 - 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,589 SF Unit | 1,432 SF Lot | $1,021,000 | $4,198 / Month HOA Fees. Must be 55+ to qualify. Although the monthly fees for these units is far and away the highest of any Palo Alto condo, the services provided are exhaustive to list. The complex provides assisted living services for those who are active and want to be near downtown. The unit itself is well laid out, and being in a corner gives the unit a lot of light.

991 Addison Avenue - 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,200 SF House | 5,500 SF Lot | $2,695,000. Brand new construction in Community Center. The layout of this home is fairly traditional, but with a great room (open kitchen/living room). I liked the flooring and kitchen layout. The back patio is well suited to entertain. My only critique of the home is that the spaces feel narrow, especially in the hallways. However, if you are a family which loves to entertain, this may be a great option for you.

Menlo Park and Redwood City New Homes – March 26, 2013

Inventory has been fluctuating substantially week by week, and based on
the booked schedules of stagers and home inspectors I would imagine
the first week in April will be a busy time. Here is a recap of homes that
have listed on the MLS in the past week:

MENLO PARK

1144 CASTLE WAY $4,450,000 | 6 Bed/5 Bath | 4,612 ft./9,956 Lot

In case you didn’t see it last time it was listed, Castle Way is back on the
MLS with a reduced price. This recently built home offers plenty of space
for a growing family as well as great access to downtown, nearby parks, and
the bike path to Stanford. Very nicely constructed with thoughtful finishes.

1361 SHERMAN AVENUE | $1,800,000 | 4 Bed/3 Bath | 3,010 ft./9,375 Lot

Sherman offers an expansive home in a central location, and by adding your
own touches you could have a house fit for entertaining all of your friends.

REDWOOD CITY

424 QUARTZ STREET | $1,449,000 | 4 Bed/2 Bath | 2,160 ft./11,682 Lot

Unique and charming are key words for this property. You won’t find anything
like it out there and being tucked away on a flag lot on top of a hill in the
precious stones street, you get views of much of the city. Don’t miss the
hide-away stairs to the rooftop for 360 degree views!

1227 FERNSIDE STREET | $775,000 | 3 Bed/2 Bath | 1,410 ft./6,272 Lot

A spacious fixer on a nice street makes this an ideal purchase for a first
time buyer. This home offers a traditional layout for this neighborhood in
great proximity to Stulsaft Park, commute routes, and walking in Woodside
Hills.

614 LANCASTER WAY | $749,999 | 2 Bed/1 Bath | 1,250 ft./5,500 Lot

A spacious two bedroom home offers a clean slate for first time buyers or
those looking to downsize. A gem with refinished floors and a quiet
neighborhood.

634 RUBY STREET $649,000 | 2 Bed/2 Bath | 1,190 ft./6,175 Lot

What a house! This is my pick for a tremendous starter home in Redwood City,
located in a nice pocket near the park. Ruby offers endless charm and
character with large bedrooms and a very efficient layout. Excellent choice
for first timers!

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.