Real estate has always been all about location, location, location, since some places are more Special than others.  If you’re looking for property in Redwood City, then the right side of El Camino is south and west, as you head toward 280 and away from 101.  Here’s a Right Side of 82 property that burbed reader sonarrat wished to share, noting that the price was closer to 2006 than 2010.

301 ENCINA Ave Redwood City, CA 94061
$599,000

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Sq. Ft.: 950
$/Sq. Ft.: $631
Lot Size: 5,500 Sq. Ft.
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Style: Cottage/Bungalow
Stories: 1
View: Neighborhood
Year Built: 1915
Community: Horgan Ranch
County: San Mateo
MLS#: 81004537
Source: MLSListings
Status: Active
On Redfin: 218 days

THIS PROPERTY HAS MANY UPGRADES INCLUDING NEW KITCHEN, BATHS AND LANDSCAPE. THERE IS A "RENTABLE" GUEST AREA, PLUS THE GARAGE HAS BEEN USED FOR HABITATION. MANY FEATURES INCLUDE BUILT-IN STEREO AND AIR CONDITIONING.

Quite a find, indeed!  It’s not every Redwood City house that can boast it’s just one block from Atherton!  Sure, the streets are built to keep 94027 and 94061 in their separate corners:

But that means those toffee-nosed nobs won’t be coming ‘round to sneer at your landscaping!  I’m sure the current sellers did the best they could.  Besides, you aren’t buying this home so you can water your own lawn, because there isn’t any.  You’re buying it for the cash flow up front.  As the agent tells us, “THERE IS A "RENTABLE" GUEST AREA, PLUS THE GARAGE HAS BEEN USED FOR HABITATION.”

Perfect!  You can rent out the garage to the hired help who work for nouveaux riches in Atherton who didn’t build a servants’ wing.

Plus “THIS PROPERTY HAS MANY UPGRADES INCLUDING NEW KITCHEN, BATHS AND LANDSCAPE.”  I bet those upgrades are spectacular!  They’re so good the agent doesn’t want us to see any photos, except the landscape.  Boy, can you imagine what the landscape looked like before the upgrade?

Maybe it was just dirt.  Now that it’s all paved, good thing there’s air-conditioning inside, because you are going to roast if you host a garden party.  But why did they pave paradise?  Is this house near a Superfund site too?  They weren’t kidding about the many features!

So, readers: is this a 2006 price on a Redwood City hovel or a 2010 price on a West Atherton cottage?

This property is a burbed two-fer.  It’s both a multi-million dollar listing… and the house is probably only being held together by the termites having a big ol’ group hug.  Yup, expensive signature showpiece or overpriced pile of crap?  How about both!  It’s a floor wax and a dessert topping!

Many thanks to burbed reader sonarrat for this fantastic find!

1005 Lakeview Way, Redwood City, CA 94062
$2,549,000

Beds: 4
Baths: 2.5
Sq. Ft.: 3,820
$/Sq. Ft.: $667
Lot Size: 1.01 Acres
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Style: Spanish
Stories: 1
View: Lake
Year Built: 1926
Community: Farm Hills Estates
County: San Mateo
MLS#: 81040895
Source: MLSListings
Status: Active
On Redfin: 5 days

Opportunity to own this one of a kind Lake front property. Over an acre of completely useable land on privately owned Emerald Hills upper Lake, Lake Lynda. Build, develop, subdivide, or restore this tranquil property. FISH, SWIM, BOAT, in your own backyard. TRUELY A MUST SEE!

Yes, indeed, this is a privately owned lake, and this house comes with 1/11th of it!  But, do you see a house in those pictures above?  There’s supposed to be a big house on this one-acre lakefront property, but the agent seems to have neglected to post any pictures of it.  Instead we get 9 photos of the lake.

And PropertyShark (registration required) says there is a small house at this address: 600 square feet, with a grand total of three rooms. Plus a 630 sf garage.  You’d think a house built in 1926 would know how big it is by now. Here’s the one room the agent was willing to show us:

Wow, they sure knew how to party in 1926.  Just imagine 3820 square feet of house needing to be restored.  Or 600.  TRUELY A MUST SEE!

Also, the agent is making a very big deal about the privately-owned lake, so let’s take a good look.

Whoa…. that lake may be green, but I don’t think I’d call that shade Upper Emerald.  I’d go with Acme Algae or Summit Scum.  Now, can we get a peek at the house?  Google Streetview can take us where no agent dares.

Uh,,,, yeah, that’s a roof all right.  And a roof job.  A very expensive-looking roof job.  Maybe it’s a good thing the house is hiding under the driveway.  So: floor wax or dessert topping?

108 D St Redwood City, CA 94063

$580,000

Beds:	2
Baths:	1
Sq. Ft.:	820
$/Sq. Ft.:	$707
Lot Size:	4,300 Sq. Ft.
Property Type:	Detached Single Family
Style:	Contemporary
Stories:	1
View:	Neighborhood
Year Built:	1942
Community:	Lenolt
County:	San Mateo
MLS#:	81016318
Source:	MLSListings
Status:	Active This listing is for sale and the sellers are accepting offers.
On Redfin:	34 days

Move in condition. Clean and Cozy. Home ready to show. Nice Hardwood floors, dual pane windows, and newer roof. Close to schools, and downtown. * * * AS-IS SALE * * * NOT A SHORT SALE NOR FORECLOSURE. SELLER ARE MOTIVATED.

Maybe rose-tinted isn’t the right choice. Violet? Purple?

Or… maybe this is just the setup for a new J. J. Abrams movie! Are the dual pane windows keeping the weather out? Or are they keeping something in?

Do you have the bravery to find out?

1773 W SELBY Ln Redwood City, CA 94061

$1,395,000

Beds:	4
Baths:	2.5
Sq. Ft.:	2,470
$/Sq. Ft.:	$565
Lot Size:	10,030 Sq. Ft.
Property Type:	Detached Single Family
Style:	Craftsman
Stories:	1
View:	Neighborhood
Year Built:	1948
Community:	Horgan Ranch
County:	San Mateo
MLS#:	81021204
Source:	MLSListings
Status:	Active This listing is for sale and the sellers are accepting offers.
On Redfin:	2 days

Almost new single story home custom built by owner. Tremendous curb appeal, fantasy backyard & ideal floor plan. A rare gem on almost 1/4 acre. Stainless kitchen features 48��� DCS Fisher & Paykel range & huge granite island with seating for 4. Sumptuous master suite boasts spa-like master bath & huge master closet. 3 additional bedrooms, one with built-in desk and Murphy bed. This home is a must see!

Thanks to Burbed reader Nate for this find. This is what Nate had to say:

Sometimes standard realtor-speak isn’t enough to adequately convey the value of a property feature and the agent has to go to the thesaurus for the big-guns.  This is the case with this listing, where phrases like "lush", "expansive" and "professionally landscaped" just don’t do justice to the backyard.  According to the listing, this house has a "fantasy backyard." 

Judging by the picture, it appears the "fantasy" in this case includes a lot of lawn care.

Based on my handy dandy guide to realtor-speak, "fantasy" ranks above terms like "pristine" and "flawless", but indicates slightly less value than yards that are "plantasmical" or "organigastic".
In case you’re wondering, to communicate the ultimate, never-to-be-topped backyard, the phrase is, "A yard of such perfection, a zombie Claude Monet would claw out of his grave to paint it."   

What? You’re not fantasizing about this?

What are you, some sort of freedom hating terrorist?

Personally, I think the most awesome part of this house is the Murphy bed:

Just make sure it doesn’t fall on you when you’re at your desk! All for just $1.4M!

Thanks Nate!

590 HURLINGAME Ave Redwood City, CA 94063

$225,000

Beds:	2
Baths:	1
Sq. Ft.:	760
$/Sq. Ft.:	$296
Lot Size:	2,500 Sq. Ft.
Property Type:	Detached Single Family
Stories:	1
Year Built:	1964
Community:	Dumbarton
County:	San Mateo
MLS#:	81013621
Source:	MLSListings
Status:	Active This listing is for sale and the sellers are accepting offers.
On Redfin:	7 days

Great single family home located on a desirable corner lot. Must see this charming two bedroom, two bath home with many updates. Garage has been converted with unknown permits. Ready to move in. Very cozy, close to all amenities.

Thanks to Burbed reader Nate for this find.

Wait a sec… haven’t we seen this before somewhere?

http://www.burbed.com/2008/10/29/houses-on-hurlingame-being-snatched-up-fast/

Huh… so… maybe tings aren’t selling as fast as I thought they would be. Let’s take a look at the history:

Wow… what a roller coaster!

Hey… but 2007 was nearly 5 years ago, and we all know that real estate is on a 5 year cycle. So this could be the year this house comes back!

318 A St Redwood City, CA 94063

$650,000

Beds:	2
Baths:	1
Sq. Ft.:	850
$/Sq. Ft.:	$765
Lot Size:	5,000 Sq. Ft.
Property Type:	Detached Single Family
Style:	Contemporary
Stories:	1
View:	Neighborhood
Year Built:	1945
Community:	Lenolt
County:	San Mateo
MLS#:	81011921
Source:	MLSListings
Status:	Active This listing is for sale and the sellers are accepting offers.
On Redfin:	3 days

Absolutely charming 2 bedroom 1 bath. Pride of ownership. Many upgrades including the kitchen, bath, landscaping newer windows, nearly new furnace and central air. copper pipes, new fence. Hardwood floors and hot tub in rear yard.

Have you ever wanted a realllly short address? And a memorable one at that? Well, now’s your chance!

318 A St is an address that will enable you to fill out surveys, raffle drawings, and emails from Nigerian princes in a jiffy. No need to waste your time writing out something like “Alameda de las pulgas”. Just imagine how much better your kids will do in school because they can focus on the SATs and not filling in their address for the SATs!

It’s all about optimization. And for this prestigious address? Just $765 per square foot in redwood city.

And, it comes with Pride of Ownership. Just in case you were wondering.

1115 DAVIS St Redwood City, CA 94061

$249,900

Beds:	2
Baths:	1
Sq. Ft.:	930
$/Sq. Ft.:	$269
Lot Size:	3,306 Sq. Ft.
Property Type:	Detached Single Family
Style:	Ranch
Stories:	1
View:	Neighborhood
Year Built:	1918
Community:	Central Park
County:	San Mateo
MLS#:	81005399
Source:	MLSListings
Status:	Active This listing is for sale and the sellers are accepting offers.
On Redfin:	23 days

2 bedrooms & 1 bath, fireplace in living room, cozy kitchen with tile counters, separate eating area, indoor laundry, 1 car detached garage & more. Property in need of repairs.

Thanks to Burbed reader Nate for this find!

Here’s what Nate had to say:

While many parts of the Peninsula RE market remain near their highs, it looks like the market for 90+ year old shacks on tiny lots in Redwood City is more than 50% off the prices paid during the bubble.

Let’s take a look!

Hello instant equity!

It’s clear to me that Redwood City has reached the absolute bottom. At $269 per square foot, this can’t get any lower. I mean heck, this is practically being given away. Now sure it needs some repairs… but hey its cozy! Cozy! Can you say that about any other 930 sqft house?

It’s only a matter of time before this returns to its $629 per square foot glory. Maybe it’s waiting for you! Some pergo, some granite, some steel – BOOM! This house will take off!

What are you waiting for?

646 DOUGLAS Ave Redwood City, CA 94063

$260,000

Beds:	3
Baths:	1.5
Sq. Ft.:	1,010
$/Sq. Ft.:	$257
Lot Size:	5,000 Sq. Ft.
Property Type:	Detached Single Family
Style:	Mediterranean
Stories:	1
Year Built:	1954
Community:	Dumbarton
County:	San Mateo
MLS#:	80955918
Source:	MLSListings
Status:	Pending With Release This listing is in escrow and all contingencies have been fulfilled. "With Release" means that there’s a release clause with the offer stating that the buyer is trying to sell his current home before closing. A release clause lets the seller back out of the deal if the buyers can’t sell their home within a set time frame.
On Redfin:	87 days

Well mantain house, near freeways and stores

Thanks to Burbed reader Herve for this find!

Unfortunately, this house is already pending. Bummer.

It’s peculiar, usually listings talk about how well maintained they are. This listing? It tells you want to do.

So you’d better maintain this house! You’d better keep it near freeways and stores!

There’s so much other strangeness… for example, why did this realtor take the picture while driving by? Was it to emphasize the dynamics of owning in this neighborhood?

I’m guessing this isn’t going to win the listing of the year.

567 STANFORD Ave Redwood City, CA 94063

$264,000

Beds:	3
Baths:	2
Sq. Ft.:	790
$/Sq. Ft.:	$334
Lot Size:	2,500 Sq. Ft.
Property Type:	Detached Single Family
Stories:	1
Year Built:	1996
Community:	Dumbarton
County:	San Mateo
MLS#:	80940426
Source:	MLSListings
Status:	Active This listing is for sale and the sellers are accepting offers.
On Redfin:	130 days

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath bank owned home is perfect for a family! Great price, don’t wait!

Housing in the Bay Area is now affordable. Where can you find it? Redwood City!

Just look at this beauty – it’s perfect for a family.

But wait, does this house seem familiar to you? It should!

http://www.burbed.com/2006/06/19/599500-for-a-790-sqft-house-in-redwood-city-free-cowboy/

You could look at this and say “OMG! Look at how prices have fallen in Redwood City.” I look at it and say “OMG! Look at the trapped equity waiting to be unlocked!”

So… what will the price of this house be in 2016?

738 CROMPTON Rd Redwood City, CA 94061

$625,000

Beds:	3
Baths:	1
Sq. Ft.:	880
$/Sq. Ft.:	$710
Lot Size:	6,375 Sq. Ft.
Property Type:	Detached Single Family
Style:	Ranch
Stories:	1
View:	Neighborhood
Year Built:	1951
Community:	Farm Hills Estates
County:	San Mateo
MLS#:	80930417
Source:	MLSListings
Status:	Active This listing is for sale and the sellers are accepting offers.
On Redfin:	185 days

This is the right area to move to. Super large backyard with deck and extra garage storage. Short sale, is in progess. Less time until an answer.

This 6,375 sqft house has an “super large backyard”. Impressive!

But what I think is even more impressive is that this 880 sqft house has 3 bedrooms and 1 bath.

But wait, there’s more! Short sale is in progress – less time until an answer. It’s rather cryptic, but so poetic at the same time. Is your pulse pounding? Are you breaking a sweat? Sure it’s been on the market for a while now, but at any moment this might slip away.

Can you live without this amazing house? After all, it’s not every day that there’s a house where the garage can be used for extra storage!