Thanks very much to Burbed reader steve for calling this house out in comments.  Yes, an actual house (not a condo!  not a townhouse!) in 94301 in a nice area (not near train tracks!  not on or near El Camino or any other busy street!)  This was a fine find requiring an official site visit with some custom photos you won’t see on the listing.  Plus, it’s about time we featured another pink house.

And since it’s in Palo Alto (hot! hot! hot!), it’s probably pending already, despite this article being written up the night of the Open House (4/29).

746 HOMER Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
$838,000

BEDS: 2
BATHS: 1
SQ. FT.: 660
$/SQ. FT.: $1,270
LOT SIZE: 1,960 Sq. Ft.
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STYLE: Cottage/Bungalow
STORIES: 1
VIEW: Neighborhood
YEAR BUILT: 1926
COMMUNITY: Community Center
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 81215282
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 4 days

Tucked away in Community Center end of cul de sac, Palo Alto. A charming 1926 remodeled bungalow Fondly referred to as the "Pink Bungalow" it has 660 interior sq ft, 1,960 ext sq ft, 2 br & 1 ba. fully remodeled, hardwood floors! Tranquil and peaceful yet blocks to Downtown Palo Alto. Addison, Jordan and Paly

Look at those incredible schools.  Whoever buys this house can fill it to the brim with kids to take advantage of Addison, Jordan, and Paly.

There is actually a driveway for this house, which I had seriously doubted after seeing how small the lot is (1,960 ext sq ft).  However, that picture above doesn’t really do justice to how useful that “garage” is.  Have a look with an actual non-1926 vehicle parked in front to get a sense of scale.

Much more photos after the break!

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Burbed continues with Burbed reader Petsmart Groomer week, and now we return to Palo Alto.  Ah Palo Alto, home of high prices for working-class residences.  This fine investment property/teardown/whatever cannot be yours because it went pending in just six days.  Let’s drool on it and hope the sale falls through.  We’ll use Zillow this time because Redfin already took the listing copy and pictures down.

2316 Amherst St
Palo Alto, CA 94306
$1,498,000

Beds: 4
Baths: 3
Sqft: 2,025
Lot: 6,098 sq ft / 0.14 acres
Type: Single Family
Year built: 1959
Parking: —
Cooling: —
Heating: —
Fireplace: —
On Zillow: 9 days
MLS #: 81211442
County: Santa Clara
Legal description: —
Parcel #: —
Per floor sqft: 2,025
Zillow Home ID: 2120434658

Sold in conjunction with 2320 Amherst. Two buildings: 2316 is spacious 1/1 with hardwood & updated kitchen. 2320 has 2/1 downstairs with refinished hardwood & updated kitchen; small 1/1 upstairs with huge deck and lovely views of the hills. Both buildings have laundry facilities. Legally 2 lots, zoned R1. Fabulous College Terrace location – Move in, buy for investment or build a new home! [Listing information © MLSListings Inc. All rights reserved.]Brokered And Advertised By: Dreyfus Properties, Inc.Listing Agent: Lucy Berman

This one is a Wow!  As in Wow, that photography really hurts to look at.  We’ll include a number of pictures in case the listing is scrubbed from teh internets forever.

You can also try your luck with the Virtual Tour, which has the same pictures, only in much sharper focus.  The color intensity is still dialed up to 11, though, so you keep that feeling you accidentally wandered into The Bee Movie.

This photo at right is from the Virtual tour.  It’s the only one not on Zillow as well, and lucky for us, it’s got that riot of color so distinctive of this photographer.  The kind of buyer who wants an investment property in Palo Alto will definitely appreciate this effort that makes it look like a Henri Rousseau painting.

The rest of the photos, available after the break, are straight from Zillow.  That way you can enjoy the blurry effect on top of the bright colors.

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It’s been far too long since we’ve heard from Burbed reader dollarbin.  Let’s check in with this palace in Palo Alto!

2783 RANDERS Ct
Palo Alto, CA 94303
$3,248,000

BEDS: 5
BATHS: 5
SQ. FT.: 5,255
$/SQ. FT.: $618
LOT SIZE: 8,712 Sq. Ft.
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STYLE: Contemporary
STORIES: 3
VIEW: Neighborhood
YEAR BUILT: 2010
COMMUNITY: Midtown
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 81146955
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 147 days

Elegant newly constructed (2010)3 level executive estate in midtown Palo Alto in a cul-de-sac * One of a kind quality & workmanship with mahogany paneling & hand carved custom doors * Gourmet kitchen with S/S appliances, granite counters, custom cherry cabinets & a breakfast bar * Brazilian teak flooring & imported marble floors throughout * Includes library, exercise & media rooms.

Here’s what dollarbin had to say, when passing this parcel along:

Anybody send you this one yet?

Who says Palo Alto is free of McMansions? I had given up the dream of spending less than $700/sq ft in Palo Alto, but this Spec House misadventure proves it saves to buy in bulk. Plus it has a totally classy fountain burbling in the front yard.

This listing caught my eye because I noticed they have a flyer sign out on Colorado Ave that actually lights up at night, so I looked up the Redfin knowing it would be full of win.

Wait… spec house misadventure?  How can anyone have a misadventure when they’ve lit your way there?  Although the price history may tell us a thing or two.

And here we thought the misadventure was the .60 FAR or the 11 HDR.  So let’s help this poor spec house.  What is keeping it from generating dozens of overbids?

Bunus: Mawbul kawlums are rectangular!  Break out the red arrows!

Update 10:41 am: Two more kawlums lurking on the right of this picture, noted by Burbed reader SEA.  Mawr red arrows, please!

Real estate is a great investment that can pay you to live in your house.  That is, it pays you to live in your house if you rent some of it out.  Here’s an investment opportunity too good to miss from Burbed reader Petsmart Groomer.

3799 PARK Blvd
Palo Alto, CA 94306
$1,149,000

BEDS: 3
BATHS: 3
SQ. FT.: 2,236
$/SQ. FT.: $514
LOT SIZE: 6,930 Sq. Ft.
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STORIES: 2
YEAR BUILT: 1979
COMMUNITY: Ventura
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 81207935
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 30 days

Duplex home set up as a two separate units of 1,100sq feet each rents for $1,950. 1 level is a 2 bedrooms/2 baths and the other unit is a 1 bedroom/1 bath rents for $1,500 on a month to month. 1 car garage is rented for $100 a month. Home can be shown by appt only every TuesdayRight fence to be fixed before close of escrow.

The market is hot, hot, HOT here at Ground Zero of the Google-Facebook Nexus.  I don’t understand why this one hasn’t been snatched up yet.

Any ideas why some dot.com entrepreneur hasn’t moved into one unit, rented out the other, did some internets magic in this amazing Garage, and raked in the Profit?

Is it because the listing copy has even Redfin too befuddled to compute a rent ratio?

If we just add up all the dollar amounts mentioned above, we get $1149000 / ($1950 + $1500 + $100) * 12 = 26.97.  That ratio would say “RENT!” anywhere but in Palo Alto.  Here, just getting the privilege to bid on a neglected rental property in a dynamic neighborhood right on the cusp of High Speed Rail is such an honor, the agent won’t show you the inside.  Even though today is Tuesday.

We appreciate listing copy that tells it like it is.  Don’t let frank talk like this scare you: this is an opportunity!  And you can’t beat the price. Thanks to Michael Boltonestater for this palace of possibilities in Palo Alto!

Update 3/7/2012: Added additional comments from Gallileo, who also sent this house in.

3370 PARK Blvd
Palo Alto, CA 94306
$508,888

BEDS: 1
BATHS: 1
SQ. FT.: 928
$/SQ. FT.: $548
LOT SIZE: 5,684 Sq. Ft.
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STYLE: Cottage/Bungalow
STORIES: 1
YEAR BUILT: 1928
COMMUNITY: Ventura
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 81203012
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 33 days

Perfect for the client looking for an opportunity to get into the Palo Alto market at the low end – to use their own talents to develop. This property has been abandoned for years and all of the structures are in deplorable condition. Located in a very convenient neighborhood of nice homes.

Whoa, that is one friendly looking house.  I bet all the neighborhood kids play here, or at least dare each other to step on the lawn.  Here’s what Gallileo had to say about the place:

A house in Palo Alto for Not a Lot of Money

Palo Alto finally goes affordable! Yes, you too can buy a house for not a lot of money. You only need 100K down and your Facebook salary will cover that without even waiting for the IPO.

Sure, the house has been abandoned for years and all the structures are in deplorable condition, but with a little draino and a couple of light-bulbs (total cost: $47.98), you’ll be right back enjoying that 7% annual appreciation that everyone in this most real of the real bay area gets. 94306 never left the RBA! Its even close to public transportation–very public transportation.

Oh come on, everyone loves trains!  Now let’s have a good look at that very convenient neighborhood.

Convenient all right!  Walk to the Mercedes dealer… and Fry’s! Plus “bunus” PG&E substation across the street.

Today’s home is courtesy of Burbed reader Petsmart Groomer.  Thanks very much for finding perfection in Palo Alto!

742 LOMA VERDE Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94303
$1,495,000

BEDS: 4
BATHS: 2.5
SQ. FT.: 2,008
$/SQ. FT.: $745
LOT SIZE: 6,996 Sq. Ft.
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STYLE: Modern/High Tech, Contemporary
STORIES: 1
VIEW: Neighborhood
YEAR BUILT: 1974
COMMUNITY: South Palo Alto
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 81205952
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 5 days

Sophisticated and contemporary atrium model Eichler in Midtown neighborhood. Bright and open 4/2.5 floor plan of over 2k square feet features slate and bamboo floors and walls of windows. Contemporary kitchen showcasing stainless counters and appliances, dramatic baths, and large lot with spa, and attached 2-car garage make this the perfect home. Award winning Palo Alto Schools.

Here’s why PG thought you’d love this house:

Perfect for Yahoo! employee

I can’t imagine why Petsmart Groomer would say that.  Yahoo! isn’t even in Palo Alto.

Check out what the sellers left in the atrium, though.  Just wrestle this puppy out over the roof, and you’ll have a much easier commute all the way to Santa Clara!

And if the wind is blowing the wrong way, you’re perfectly equipped to hold the meeting at home.

It’s been far too long since we’ve heard from Burbed reader Petsmart Groomer.  PG has been sending in some great finds that are often pulled off MLS by the time we’re ready to give them some good ol’ Burbed lovin’.  But this one was willing to stay put long enough for a big ol’ sloppy Burbed kiss.

651 E MEADOW Dr
Palo Alto, CA 94306
$1,267,000

BEDS: 5
BATHS: 3
SQ. FT.: 2,438
$/SQ. FT.: $520
LOT SIZE: 6,572 Sq. Ft.
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STYLE: Contemporary
STORIES: 2
YEAR BUILT: 1956
COMMUNITY: Midtown
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 81200978
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 9 days

Welcome to this spacious home featuring 5 bedrooms & 2 separate offices with 3 full bathrooms. This special home has a large living room and a fireplace, a convenient separate family & inside laundry room. Attached one car garage w/ ample extra storage. Nice sized patio and fenced yard with mature landscaping and fruit trees. Close to parks & excellent Palo Alto Schools – buyer to verify schools.

This house is Special, the listing copy says so.  The above pictures showcase the luxurious living you get for one and a quarter million dollars.

Or as PG says, “Simply beautiful.”  Let’s see if the Redfin agent agrees.

But the closest schools are a fifth of a mile away, if we go by Redfin’s own school information.  Could the agent have been referring to this place directly across the street?  It looks a church-run day care center.

Oh good, they take older kids as well as babies.  So you’ll be guaranteed to be running into extra traffic at both ends of your commute, and most of the time in between.  It’s the little touches like these that make this house so Special.

Plus, the current owners are taxed on a $100K assessment.  Buy this house, remove one more Prop 13 entitlement boomer, and help balance the City budget!

1820 ASH St
Palo Alto, CA 94306

$1,149,500

At $2017 per square foot, this listing is the pride and joy of Bay Area real estate. Now, granted, this isn’t exactly accurate as there’s also a guest house that can bring in revenue – and as we all know, revenue is what counts.

But wait. This house sure seems familiar. Where have we seen this before? Quick! To the wayback machine to a period when I was still regularly contributing to this site!

September 7, 2010

A healthy priced property in Palo Alto

1820 ASH St Palo Alto, CA 94306

$1,499,000

OMG. What. Is. Going. On? No, seriously… what is going on with these prices?

What’s your prediction for what this house will sell for next year? Keep in mind the coming torrent of IPOs that will rock the Valley!

If we’re going to do college towns, it’s only fair we find you a DEAL in Palo Alto!  Why not pick up this place and save big on your Stanford bill?  Then sell it at a profit when your new graduate is ready to move on!

746 SAN CARLOS Ct, Palo Alto, CA 94306
$820,000

BEDS: 2
BATHS: 2
SQ. FT.: 1,012
$/SQ. FT.: $810
LOT SIZE: 4,200 Sq. Ft.
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STORIES: 1
YEAR BUILT: 1945
COMMUNITY: Midtown
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 81150030
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 9 days

Great value single family detached home with 2 bedrooms & 2 baths! Bright & open kitchen next to dining area & living room with access to the backyard through the double door sliding doors. Recently upgraded with new Berber carpeting, new kitchen and baths flooring. New light fixtures, designer mirrors in the bathrooms. Fresh paint! New Stove & hood! Good size yard for kids & entertaining!

Actually, other than these somewhat hideous chairs, I’m having trouble coming up with much else to complain about this listing.  It isn’t too small, or too old, or next to the freeway.  It doesn’t look like it’s only being held together with three layers of Extra-Lead gloss paint last applied in 1949. It isn’t even a thousand dollars a foot, like some small homes in this perennially overpriced city.

That means this is as close to a DEAL in Palo Alto as you’re ever going to find.  On MLS for more than a week, so I suggest you start overbidding immediately.

We’ve been having such a whirlwind tour of the Bay Area that we forgot about one of our favorite places!  And just because the seller took this sky-high priced listing off the market doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider it.  Anyone could contact the agent with the right price to make this sale happen.  Remember, it only takes ONE buyer.  One really misinformed buyer.

Thanks very much to Burbed reader Wendie for this eye-popping palace in Palo Alto!

405 MARLOWE St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
OFF-MARKET ($2,495,000, Reduced to $2,370,000)

BEDS: 4
BATHS: 3
SQ. FT.: 3,108
$/SQ. FT.: $660
LOT SIZE: 10,000 Sq. Ft.
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STYLE: Contemporary
STORIES: 1
YEAR BUILT: 1960
COMMUNITY: Crescent Park
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 80656322
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Sold

Price Reduced Again! Execellent location in Crescent Park. Square 10,419 lot Designed for easy living. Sep guest qrts or recreation room. Very light inside House Sq Ft are approximate. .. Remodel or Build . .Not in Special Flood Zone

Here’s what Wendie had to say about this big lot with location, location, location!

2.4 for an Eichler.

For 2.4 million, you can have your own carport AND hear the travel up and down University! And boy, does this glorified Eichler have some curb appeal!!  Look at that driveway, circa 1957.

So much curb appeal the agent didn’t dare put the front of the house as the first listing photo.  Potential buyers might expire on the spot from the awesomeness of this place with an opening like that.  Execellent!

But Burbed has you covered!  All FOUR of the pictures of this 3100 square foot house are here for your viewing pleasure (two inside, two out!), just in case the MLS copy and pix get yanked.

“Bunus”: it’s NOT in a Special Flood Zone, which is a real shame.  For this kind of money, everything about the house ought to be Special.