Story writing contest for a Cupertino house [Burbed.com]
Elsie Says:
May 10th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

Looked this house up on Zillow

Last time sold: 11/08/1999: $500,000

Scary thought: Apparently also listed in the zip code and Cupertino at the “median” price
• 95014 ZIP code $1,175,500
• Cupertino $1,175,500

So question: did they overpay in 1999 or is it reasonable to get 8% per year (over 9 years compounded interest) in increase in their “investment”?

What is a reasonable rate of return on a house?

Good question… what is the reasonable rate of return on a house? I’m guessing 10% for a Real Bay Area House

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Thanks to Stevo for finding this. For those who are unfamiliar with our fine fine home of Silicon Valley, this should help you learn the basics of what’s what.

Santa Clara County Califoria Real Estate Market Conditions Bay Area Real Estate Market Newsletter, Northern California, Silicon Valley, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey Counties-Current statistical market data when to buy or sell real estate
. The different areas are:

expensive - Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Menlo Park & Atherton
moderately expensive - Almaden Valley, Cupertino, Sunnyvale and Mt View
moderate - Santa Teresa, Evergreen, Berryessa, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Willow Glen, Blossom Valley, Cambrian and Campbell
affordable - Central, South and East San Jose
South County - Morgan Hill, Gilroy and San Martin
townhouse/condo - is for the moderate priced areas listed above.

Alright! With that part over, let’s take a look at the numbers that go with those designations:

I like how the numbers are only called out for expensive. Well, that makes sense - look at how cheap the yellow one is for mod: just $625k by my judging.

So… do you feel insulted based on these classifications?

728 Stendhal Ln, Cupertino
$1,100,000

* Status: Active
* Bedroom: 4
* Bathroom: 2
* Year Built: 1961
* Lot Size: 6000
* Square Footage: 1516
* List Date: 4/1/2008
* Garage Spaces: 1
* MLS#: 788429
*
Description of 728 Stendhal La, Cupertino
Charming Cupertino Eichler-styled home, Features include 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Wood Ceiling with Foam Roof, modern kitchen, spacious counters and lots of cupboard space, large living/dining room for entertaining. This home is perfect for a large family with school age kids - schools are within walking distance. Large front atrium with glass throughout for viewing common areas. Internet Access.

Sweet! It’s a see through home. And it’s got a foam roof. (Does that mean asteroids will bounce off of it? What the heck?)

But wait… there’s more!

Alright Burbed readers! It’s Friday! That means it’s: “Write a story day”

My challenge to you: write a short story that explains what’s going on in these photos, why this person is selling, and what the guy in the photo saying to the potential customers.

Ready? Get set! Go!

1876 Luby Dr, San Jose 95133
$635,000

* Status: Active
* Bedroom: 4
* Bathroom: 2&1/2
* Year Built: 1979
* Lot Size: 3480
* Square Footage: 1681
* List Date: 2/4/2008
* Garage Spaces: 2
* MLS#: 776136
Newer Carpet and Hardwood Flooring, Newer Furnace and AC, Newer Appliances and Garage Door (2006). French Doors lead out to Covered Patio with Hot Tub. Garage has been converted to Living Quarters (permits unknown). Current owner has added New Tile flooring in Dining Room and New Paint Inside! Beautiful Kitchen Cabinets and Designer Crown Molding/Base Boards.

Wow… just look at all the parking this house has. You can easily fit 2 pickup trucks and a car - maybe even more! And look at the metal gate on the front door - I feel more secure already.

Let’s face it, there’s really nothing terribly wrong with this house. It’s 1681 square feet, build in 1979, and is reasonably priced at $635,000. But what I think is most noteworthy is the fact that this house has designer crown molding and base board.

That certainly has my attention. Is is Armani? Cartier? D&G? Vera? Who is the designer? I simply must know!

And what happens when you have people from LA over? Do they ask “OMG, whose crown molding and base boards is your house wearing?”

Watch out - the TMZ might be camping out in your driveway if you buy this house!

746 Homer Ave, Palo Alto 94301
$775,000

* Status: Active
* Bedroom: 2
* Bathroom: 1
* Year Built: 1926
* Lot Size: 1960
* Square Footage: 660
* List Date: 4/3/2008
* Garage Spaces: 1
* MLS#: 789008

Absolutely adorable cottage with gorgeous landscaping! Deck with built in hot tub, new lawn, gorgeous slate entry, wood floors, remodeled kitchen with corrian counters and cottage style cabinets, gas stove, fresh paint, and period details.

Thanks to Burbed reader Ross for this find. At $1174 per square foot, this Palo Alto house proves that everything is just fine in the Real Bay Area. Bubble bursting my ass. You’ll be lucky to win this house at
$775,000! I’m guessing it will clear an easy mil. Why?

Two words: period details

That’s right. This house showcases the best that the 1920’s had to offer. Just look at them in this photo. Oh wow! I feel like I’m in the 1920’s right now! It’s roaring! Roaring! And unstoppable just like the 1920’s!

96 Buckingham Ave, Redwood City 94063

$609,000

* Status: Active
* Bedroom: 3
* Bathroom: 2
* Year Built: 1924
* Lot Size: 3360
* Square Footage: 1000
* List Date: 4/9/2008
* Garage Spaces: 2

* MLS#: 800694
Completely remodeled. Open kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances. Kitchen overlooks dining area and living room. Remodeled bathrooms. Convenient inside laundry area. Detached 2-car garage. Nice lawn and deck. This is not a short sale!

They say that a man’s house is a man’s castle. This Redwood City house clearly emphasizes that point. Driving by you might wonder “Is that a mini-Costco?” - but then you see the turrets on top and realize “Wow, it’s someone’s castle in Redwood City!”.

You know what this really needs? A moat.

A moat filled with sharks with lasers. Oh yes, how awesome that would be. And of course the requisite drawbridge.

Then you’d really have a Costco Castle.

And it makes sense - after all you live on Buckingham. What’s more fitting for you - The King Owner?

Akismet marked a bunch of your comments as spam. I’ve brought a few back. Argh.