Fremont doesn’t get anywhere near enough attention from Burbed, but today we take a step toward correcting that oversight.  This is a DEAL, DEAL, DEAL that should make anyone happy. 

Fremont: Close enough to Silicon Valley that commuting is in the realm of possibility, yet with all the quality features we’ve come to expect from close-in areas such as Redwood City, East Palo Alto, or Alum Rock!

57 Sycamore St, Fremont, CA 94536
$147,250

BEDS: 3
BATHS: 2
SQ. FT.: 845
$/SQ. FT.: $174
LOT SIZE: 4,237 Sq. Ft.
TYPE: Detached
STYLE: Fixer/Handyman Special
STORIES: 1
YEAR BUILT: 1905
COMMUNITY: Fremont
COUNTY: Alameda
MLS#: 40551215
SOURCE: EBRD
STATUS: Pending
ON REDFIN: 27 days

View of Creek Hills, Trees, View of Niles River directly behind property, Very Scenic Location. Dual Pane Windows, Walk to Park. Sold in AS-IS condition.

Walk to Park.  Well, I’m sold!  Although I would love to see the inside.  How did they fit 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in 845 square feet?  Did they leave out the living room and the kitchen?

The house has plenty of history, too.  Plenty of listing history.  BUY NOW!!!!!!

1623 OAK Ave Redwood City, CA
$400,000.00

Beds: 3
Baths: 1.5
Sq. Ft.: 1,300
$/Sq. Ft.: $308
Lot Size: 5,000 Sq. Ft.
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Style: Traditional
Stories: 2
View: Neighborhood
Year Built: 1925
Community: Central Park
County: San Mateo
MLS#: 81128665
On Redfin: 22 days

Build a new home. Definite tear down. Doubt anyone would want to rehab. Being sold for land value. Sold “As Is. ” MUST BE A CASH BUYER. Zone R-2, Possible Duplex site.

What a deal! Only $400k for a lot you have to scrape a festering craps off of before having a chance to build something decent! But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a closer look to see if the Realtor is correct in doubting anybody would want to rehab it.
Okay, so maybe I’d be afraid of dropping a hammer and causing the whole structure to collapse on me. That’s what illegal immigrantsbudget contractors are for! Plus, I’m not sure what that tiny second story over the… porch I think it is… is for. Storing midgets? Sniper loft? Emergency kayak supply location?

Anyway, let’s just concede it’s a tear-down. I figure the cheapest you can remove a house for is about 20-40k, so take a look at what your 440k could be getting you a few short blocks away! An actual house! That’s like buying this house, plowing the existing junks under, and having a house magically appear! Of course, you could scoff because since that lot has an ACTUAL house on it, it must be worth far less because raw land is impossible to come by, I suggest you have a look here for what $420k will get you with nary a house in sight! As a bonus, that you get pre-approved plans ready to build there! As the Realtor says, just pull the permit and build!

Doing that would be crazy, though! Instead, you can enjoy the blazing glory of burning down a dump to get around the demolition permits! That’s the bay area entreprenual spirit! And as the listing says, MUST BE A CASH BUYER. However, they’ll probably accept your Facebook stock options in lieu of cash.

Thanks to Burbed reader Real Estater who shared this house in comments, and calls this “Unbeatable value in 94301.”  I think he misspelled “Uninhabitable.”

434 FULTON St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
$599,950

BEDS: 1
BATHS: 1
SQ. FT.: 1,224
$/SQ. FT.: $490
LOT SIZE: 3,936 Sq. Ft.
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STORIES: 1
YEAR BUILT: 1912
COMMUNITY: Crescent Park
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 81113725
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 1 day
NEW LISTING (24 HOURS)

Strictly Land Value! Substandard but buildable lot! Existing structure no value/no foundation. No reports. AS IS-WHERE IS for house, systems, any pers. prop. Buyers to do all due diligence in advance. Per City PA (not guaranteed. Buyer to independently investigate/confirm) No 2nd story or basement allowed. New Requires 1 covered + 1 uncovered parking. .45% FAR with restrictions.

Another refreshing entry!  How many homes for sale in Palo Alto have the word “substandard” in the listing or say the house has no value or foundation?  Too few!  And no reports.  And no 2nd story or basement.  Remember, you may deserve a Yes in San Jose, but all you’re getting in Palo Alto is a bunch of No no no no no (buyer to independently investigate/confirm).

As to the .45% FAR;  It does say POINT four five percent above, right?  Decimal point and a percentage. Math class is tough! 

That means 0.0045 of the land can be built on.  So, .0045 times 3936, carry the three, um… you can build a 17.712 square foot structure on this lot.  Yes, under eighteen square feet.  Here is something that is 18 square feet, the kitchen on the right.

Oh, wait, the rotating kitchen uses up 18 square feet.  We need something that shows how much room you have if your living space is 18 square feet. How about this half-bath plan!

So, the realtard can’t do math and clearly slept through fifth grade when decimals and percentages were covered. Just the trained professional you want representing you in a $600,000 transaction involving lots and lots of minutiae like building codes and escrow balance sheets.  He really meant 45% or .45 FAR.  Palo Alto would never restrict you to an eighteen square foot house when tearing down a 99 year old scraper.  (Piedmont would.)

That means you can build up to a 1771.2 sf house on the substandard lot, whoops, you need a covered parking space plus an uncovered one, guess you better take 200 feet off for the mandatory one-car garage.  Still, a 1571 sf house is bigger than what’s there now.  Plus it will have the added advantage of having luxurious extras such as a foundation. And value.

Sometimes I forget Burbed had its roots in overpriced horrid housing.  Today’s listing reminds us of those humble beginnings that have brought us five years of ridiculously expensive crap.  Remember, any neighborhood can have cheaply built housing, but only the Bay Area can boast the most expensive domestic don’ts in the universe.

836 DWIGHT Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
$325,000

BEDS: 2
BATHS: 2
SQ. FT.: 822
$/SQ. FT.: $395
LOT SIZE: 4,000 Sq. Ft.
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STYLE: Ranch
STORIES: 1
VIEW: Neighborhood
YEAR BUILT: 1944
COMMUNITY: Sunnyvale
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 81112615
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 1 day
NEW LISTING (24 HOURS)

HAVE HAMMER? WILL SAVE. Spruce up this 2 bedroom the heart of Sunnyvale, needs TLC. Bonus room in rear and 2nd bath – permits unknown. Convenient to freeways, shopping, services, and public trans. Possible candidate for renovation financing. Clean up is underway. Corp-owned and sold AS-IS; no warranties or inspections provided by seller.

“Needs TLC” is realtardspeak for about to collapse as soon as a toddler breathes on it.  And it’s got permits unknown, your assurance of a good many days in the Sunnyvale Planning Department.  No wonder it’s selling AS-IS.  No inspections provided by seller, so you don’t have to waste your money on your own.  It’s AS-IS, that means, of course it’s got problems, it’s one continuous problem.

Like the “Clean up is underway” comment.  I don’t think they meant vacuuming the carpets:

Haven’t we discussed this neighborhood before?  Of course we have, this is the Super Fun place!  So when they talk clean up, let’s just say that if you want concrete countertops there will probably be plenty left over for that.

10495 CROTHERS Rd San Jose, CA 95127

$380,000

Beds:	3
Baths:	2.5
Sq. Ft.:	2,352
$/Sq. Ft.:	$162
Lot Size:	1.63 Acres
Property Type:	Detached Single Family
Style:	Contemporary
Stories:	1
View:	Valley
Year Built:	1925
Community:	Alum Rock
County:	Santa Clara
MLS#:	81036177
Source:	MLSListings
Status:	ActiveThis listing is for sale and the sellers are accepting offers.
On Redfin:	173 days

Property is on a hill, which provides a great view of the city and the valley. Off Mt. Hamilton Rd. country styled area, modern home on a flag lot. Plenty of room to roam around. Home has been newly rebuilt in the recent years. Unique floor plan. MUST SEE! SELLER LOOKING FOR AS-IS OFFERS. Please DO NOT disturb next door neighbor (pink house behind subject).

Hm… what do we have going on here? A recently rebuilt house with…

mismatching appliances…

… and columns to make it classsssy. How peculiar!

Fortunately, Burbed reader T has the inside scoop on this house! Take it away T!

Hi Burbed, I have been house hunting every day for 7 months and been
involved in two short sales so far… so I read Burbed and I love your
blog…And,  I keep seeing this house

10495 CROTHERS RD San Jose – Other, CA 95127 ( Mt Hamilton, Alum rock)
Which I have gone to see. If you ever need a house that has so many
complications and its price is about 1/3 of what it started at… This is
it. Bizarre story included, which is not listed in the agent copy. I got it
from the son of the sister.

Brother and sister split a lot there were two small 1940s houses on it. They
share utilities…Brother remodeled front house ( by himself) kind of a
“bury the old house.” His house is a Persian palace style, including palm
trees. He did nothing about the old foundation which the house fell off of.
He did not have the money to remedy.They may have other complications like
sharing more then utilities, driveway and yard.

When I first started looking it was listed near $800,000 I think.  Of course by this point, everyone probably has looked at this house that is looking in the East Hills! I am sure your readership is very broad though, and it is an interesting story of a house gone wrong. Of course the story is hearsay at this point.

It is for sale for $380. Now… foreclosed. A good deal?

Wow talk about a soap opera. Personally, I think this is a great deal in that you could buy it and turn it into the next Winchester Mystery House (ignoring the fact this house is one of the 101 Places Not To See Before You Die [alongside with BART]).

Come on, it’s got columns! This has got to be a good deal!

Yesterday’s house in Newark generated such excitement we’ll look at another fantastic property in South Alameda County.  Drive a little further to work and save, save, save!

3825 Washington, Fremont, CA 94538
$799,000

Beds: 4
Baths: 2
Sq. Ft.: 2,347
$/Sq. Ft.: $340
Lot Size: 10,560 Sq. Ft.
TYPE: Detached
STYLE: Cottage, Fixer/Handyman Special, Other
STORIES: 1
Year Built: 1890
Community: Irvington
County: Alameda
MLS#: 40493041
Source: EBRD
Status: Active
On Redfin: 78 days

Fixer built in the 1800 s 2 homes on one lot with a RARE Community Commercial Zoning. Units are sold AS-IS Lot faces Washington Blvd and back of lot on Main St. .Many possible bussiness possibilities or Residential Income. Do not enter property without Agent present. Zoned Multi-unit Res.

So much that is RARE about this offering!  Not one but two 120 year old properties in Irvington, with that RARE Community Commercial Zoning which is Zoned Multi-unit Res. That’s right, you can build an apartment complex and a shopping mall, both!  Think of the many possible bussiness possibilities there!  Just set up a 7-Eleven for your tenants’ late-night convenience and your round-the-clock profit!

But that’s not all that makes this place Special.  Look how sleek and streamlined this lot is compared to its dumpy plump neighbors.  And not every lot has a couple of scrapers on it older than your great-grandmother.  Think of all the Residential Income you will generate with these Units sold AS-IS.  Just be sure you do not enter property without Agent present.  No telling what could befall you if you did.  Maybe this is a bad neighborhood; somebody stole the For Sale sign from the agent’s photo.

Here’s what the Googlecam has on your new home!

Definitely an up and coming neighborhood to live in.  There’s your new place with all the palm trees!

So buy this RARE fixer build in the 1800 s! For this much commission, the Agent will stay at the property 24/7 after you move in.  Then you can always enter the property with Agent present.  Always.

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?

Thanks to Burbed reader Gallileo for this find!

Excellent Investment Opportunity: Corner Lot Residence in Palo Alto’s Best Neighborhood!
Location: Old Palo Alto
This 3br/1.5ba single-family residence is an owner-occupied, ranch style one-level home (1328 sq. ft.) with a two-car attached garage. The house was built in 1950 and is on a corner lot (5625 sq. ft., Zoned R1) surrounded by multi-million dollar estates in the most prestigious neighborhood of Old Palo Alto located just ten minutes walking distance to University Ave. in downtown Palo Alto.
The owners have lived on the property since 1977 and prefer to continue residing in the home for the next ten years as opposed to accepting a traditional outright sale. Based on a 2007 appraisal, the property was valued at $1.2m. The property’s current fair market value now is estimated to be at least $1.0 million. *According to the City of Palo Alto Development Center, a new house may be constructed up to 2,438 sq. ft. (not including basement area which may also be built up to the same square footage area as the main level.)
The owners are open to all serious offers. However – as a reference point, they have considered the summarized scenarios below which will enable them to continue living in the property.
SCENARIO A
The owner-occupant will accept a $600,000 loan secured by a new first deed of trust at 6% compounded monthly. The owner will continue to live on the property with no loan payments and move out in 10 years with an end payoff to the lender of $1,091k in ten years. An alternative option is the owner would agree to pay a lender 60% of the purchase price in 10 years – allowing the buyer to be paid whichever payoff is higher depending on how inflation affects the property’s value at the end of ten years. *An investor in this scenario would need to consider their imputed interest because an investor making a loan with no payments (such as buying a zero-coupon bond) may still need to pay tax each year on the interest that accrues during the year. In this instance, a retirement account or non-profit entity may be a suitable investor.
SCENARIO B
The owner will accept $900,000 for the property as-is, through an outright sale now. The seller will continue to live in the property for the next ten years. Rather than paying rent to the new buyer (on which, an investor would be required to pay income tax), the seller will instead continue to pay 100% of the ongoing costs of property owner­ship such as insurance, property taxes, and maintenance during the ten years at which time, the buyer can take possession and/or sell.
SCENARIO C
Buyer to purchase a 67% undivided interest in the property for $600,000 cash. At the end of ten years, the current owner will sell their remaining 33% with a first right of refusal to the buyer for its fair market value.
*Buyers are required to consult with their own attorney and tax consultant, and are urged to conduct their own due diligence with the City of Palo Alto Planning Department regarding usage, building restrictions, and zoning laws. Any contracts and/or deed of trust will be recorded with both buyer/seller parties providing their own attorney representation and contract review at their own expense.

Property Location
740 Addison Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
View Map
Features
Bedrooms: 3     Bathrooms: 1.5
Parking Spaces: 2       Year Built: 1950
Lot Size: 5625  Garage Size: 2
School District: Palo Alto      Square Footage: 1328

Here is another one for you. My guess is that someone has had a little too many cash-out refi’s and is looking for a way to stay in their home, but it’s really the bank’s at this point. Just look at the artistic color–easter egg blue is all the rage these days. Plus it is located on the corner of Fulton Street, which is Palo Alto’s “Christmas Tree Lane”–just on the part of it that isn’t part of the show. You get the Fulton street connection with none of the pesky tourists!

And such a realistic price–Just mention the 2007 price and you know you get 200K of instant equity just out of the gate. Now there is an investment worth pursuing.

110 COLLEGE St, Mountain View, CA 94040 | MLS# 80945064
$499,950
110 COLLEGE St Mountain View, CA 94040

Beds: 2
Baths: 1
Sq. Ft.: 760
$/Sq. Ft.: $658
Lot Size: 2,500 Sq. Ft.
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Stories: 1
View: Neighborhood
Year Built: 1962
Community: San Antonio
County: Santa Clara
MLS#: 80945064
Source: MLSListings
Status: Active This listing is for sale and the sellers are accepting offers.
On Redfin: 57 days
NOT A SHORT SALE OR REO. LOCATED IN A NEIGHBORHOOD WITH MANY NEWER HOMES. AN OPPORTUNITY TO JUST MOVE IN FOR NOW AND APPLY YOUR CREATIVE SKILLS LATER FOR VARIOUS POSSIBILITIES TO REMODEL OR REBUILD INTO A NEW 2-STORY HOME. LOTS OF INTERIOR UPGRADES INCLUDING LAMINATE FLOOR ALL THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE, REMODELED KITCHEN AND BATH. AS-IS SALE. Open House on Sunday, Oct. 25th at 2-5pm.

Wow. What an amazing deal! A house for the same price as a condo! Really, if you can’t afford this house, you can’t afford anything.

Just check out the location:

There’s going to be very very little traffic going donw that street, so it’ll be incredibly private. And look! Your neighbor appears to collect historic cars – can you say culture?

Your best bet probably is buy this house, and build a new two story house on the lot, much like the neighbors down the street did.

Sure that’ll effectively double the cost of this house that you’re buying… but guess what! You live on College Ave. Nothing will help your children get into a great school like living on a street called College Ave. It’ll be like a constant reminder that they need to study for the SAT’s!

181 WOODHAMS Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051 | MLS# 80819550
181 WOODHAMS Rd Santa Clara, CA 95051
Price: $570,000

Beds: 2
Baths: 2
Sq. Ft.: 1,240
$/Sq. Ft.: $460
Lot Size: 5,227 Sq. Ft.
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Style: Contemporary
Stories: 1
View: Neighborhood
Year Built: 1954
Community: Santa Clara
County: Santa Clara
MLS#: 80819550
Source: MLSListings
Status: Pending Without Release
On Redfin: 450 days
3/2 IN CUPERTINO SCHOOLS . WALL BETWEEN 2 BEDROOMS HAS BEEN REMOVED/ could be 3 bed. BIG OPEN COURTYARD IN FRONT OFFERS GREAT PRIVACY. Cupertino Schools , Bring all buyers . Termite and roof reports on line, “as is” sale

Thanks to Burbed reader Herve for this find!

Wow… 3/2 of this house is in Cupertino schools! Oh… wait… it means that the house used to be a 3/2.

Hey it can be restored. We have the technology!

Please bring all buyers as per the realtor’s request. And he really means ALLLLLLLL buyers. Even buyers who were looking to buy in Austin TX!

But the real reason Herve thought I should call this out was because when he looked through the pictures, he remembered this:

Neo : Woah, deja vu.

Everyone spins around to look at him.

Trinity : What did you just say?

Neo : Nothing, uh, just had a little..deja vu.

Trinity : What did you see?

Cypher : What happened?

Neo is puzzled by their interest in this.

Neo : A black cat went past us…and then another that looked just like it.

Trinity : How much like it, was it the same cat?

Neo : *shrugs* Might have been, I’m not sure.

Morpheus : Switch, Apoc!

Neo : What is it?

Trinity : A deja vu is usually a glitch in the Matrix…it happens when they change something

Uh oh! Meet your new Agent! Agent Smith!