710 KNOLL Dr, San Carlos, CA 94070 | MLS# 80937091
710 KNOLL Dr San Carlos, CA 94070
Price: $1,850,000

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Sq. Ft.: 1,940
$/Sq. Ft.: $954
Lot Size: 0.69 Acres
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Style: Traditional
Stories: 1
View: Bay, Neighborhood, Valley, City Lights
Year Built: 1940
Community: Howard Park
County: San Mateo
MLS#: 80937091
Source: MLSListings
Status: Active
On Redfin: 16 days
Location is in the heart of San Carlos. Walk to downtown SanCarlos. Rare opportunity for 30,000sqft parcel ! Over 30,000 feet with panoramic bay views!! You have great pool site and possible tennis court!! Plenty of level area for great yard!! This is 2 lots with 2 APNs – so you could remodel current home to dream home and sell off lot to pay for remodel!! Great possibilites both lots have plans.

The listing agent also has a bridge they want to sell you! Check it out!

Just kidding. This is actually a pretty amazing deal – you’re actually buying 2 lots! And you can sell the other lot to pay for the remodel of the current house.

Frankly, I’m not sure I understand why the owner is giving away the house like this. Why wouldn’t he sell the two lots separately and make even more money?

Any good theories here?

441 MENLO OAKS Dr, Menlo Park, CA 94025 | MLS# 80924368
441 MENLO OAKS Dr Menlo Park, CA 94025
Price: $1,800,000

Beds: 2
Baths: 1
Sq. Ft.: 790
$/Sq. Ft.: $2,278
Lot Size: 0.43 Acres
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Stories: 1
View: Neighborhood
Year Built: 1923
Community: Menlo Oaks Area
County: San Mateo
MLS#: 80924368
Source: MLSListings
Status: Pending With Release
On Redfin: 76 days
Perfect setting for anyone???s dream home. This sunny, flat lot is located in a serene and rustic environment with mature Oak and Redwood trees. The numerous luxury properties that already exist in the neighborhood make this an ideal place to build a quality home. A perfect lot in a great neighborhood – don???t miss this exceptional opportunity! The Property is being sold as land value only.

Holy cow! .43 acres! That’s a huge amount of land!

Here’s what Burbed reader Sonarrat had to say about this house:

Could anyone justify this? Seriously. If it was zoned R3, sure. It’s close to the apartments on Coleman Road, so it would be a nice site for a new complex. But it’s not, it’s R1.

I think you’re missing the point. This is your opportunity to build your dream home, your trophy home. Your home that says “I just IPOed!” Your home that says “Silicon Valley makes everyone rich!” This one isn’t about monetization. It’s about showoffization.

Just think of how envious others will be when you build your own Menlo Park version of Versailles on this .43 acre plot of land.

The first thing I would do? Give the estate a name.

I’d call it “Athertonish”.

414 OCONNOR St, Menlo Park, CA 94025 | MLS# 80848553
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Price: $1,299,400

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Sq. Ft.: 1,677
$/Sq. Ft.: $775
Lot Size: 10,200 Sq. Ft.
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Style: Country English
Stories: 1
View: Neighborhood
Year Built: 1926
Community: Willows/O’Conner Area
County: San Mateo
MLS#: 80848553
Source: MLSListings
Status: Active
On Redfin: 216 days
Classic design. Totally remodeled (95% new)3 bedrooms w/ 2 full baths. Just a short walk to University Ave. shops & restaurants. Kitchen has granite counters & custom cabinets w/ professional stainless appliances. Open light & bright main living areas w/ patios off dining and family rooms. Spacious master suite w/ hipped ceiling & French doors lead to beautiful secluded garden. MenloPark schools

Finally, a property that makes Menlo Park proud to be a member of the Real Bay Area. $1.3 million with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Ahhhhhh.

What’s fascinating is that this place is totally remodeled and is thus 95% new. But if it were 95% new, wouldn’t you build a bigger place? Especially with this large lot? What gives?

And while we’re at it, what’s going on in this picture outside?

The reminds me of the scene in Terminator 2 where Sarah has the dream about the playground that is covered in ashes. I mean, this is seriously creepy. Has the technological apocalypse happened already in Menlo Park? Has SkyNet finally risen out of the wacky projects in Palo Alto and started to terminate humanity?

I don’t know the answers – but I do know that you should feel pretty safe on this huge lot with French doors!

5674 San Felipe Rd, San Jose, CA 95135 Evergreen MLS# 80785209 – Property Details

$1,649,000

* Status: Active
* Bedroom: 4
* Bathroom: 3
* Year Built: 1975
* Lot Size: 74923
* Square Footage: 3200
* List Date: 3/17/2008
* Garage Spaces: 3
* MLS#: 80785209
*

PRICED WAY BELOW MARKET FOR FAST SALE! DO NOT THIS OPPURTUNITY! WALK TO SILVER CREEK COUNTRY CLUB! WALK TO SILVER OAK ELEMENTARY! BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY ESTATE ON 1.74 ACRES! RUNNING CREEK ! LUSH LANDSCAPING ! A MUST SEE! WE ARE LOOKING FOR SERIOUS BUYERS! THIS IS THE BEST DEAL IN THE SILVER CREEK AREA! DO YOUR HOME WORK! ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL!BRING ALL OFFERS MOTIVATED SELLERS!!!

Burbed reader Sonarrat had this to say:

It’s the most expensive house in the whole ZIP code, the fireplace has a horrible case of backne, and they’re using one of those OMG MOTIVATED SELLRS realtors. Not sure how this could be considered a good deal, even with two acres. There’s a plot of 18 acres available on San Felipe for $1.95M.

Uh… but sonarrat you missed something:

This house comes with a tree house. Just look at picture #5! Hello, just think of the revenue opportunities of that tree house! You could totally rent it out and help pay down some of your mortgage!

See sonarrat, you’re simply not groking the entreprenurial spirit that Silicon Valley is so famous for. I think it may even have its own address! Cha-ching!

Personally, I would buy this house, then try to flip the treehouse separately. I wonder how much that would go for. Here! I’ll even write the copy for you: “cozy cottage w/ez access to fresh air, great views good schools”. Sweet!

163 WILLOW Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025 | MLS# 80850784
163 WILLOW Rd Menlo Park, CA 94025
Price: $1,695,000

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Sq. Ft.: -
Lot Size: 0.46 Acres
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Style: Traditional
Year Built: 1951
Stories: 2
View: Neighborhood
Neighborhood: Menlo Oaks Area
County: San Mateo
Dont miss this opportunity for multiple uses. Two charming homes on large lot. Almost 20,000 sq. ft. Perfect for two families, Live in one and rent the other, Rent out both homes for investment or build your dream home. Possible lot split. Contact city to verify. Close to Sunset Magazine, Downtown Palo Alto, and Stanford University. Excellent Menlo Park Schools,

Burbed reader Steve sent this in and thanks to his sharp eye, it turns out that this was previously seen on Burbed. Let’s take a look:

September 1, 2008

Labor Day Sales in Menlo Park – buy a house, get one free!

Ouchers! A 23% price cut! Still, it’s in the million+ range. Phew. That was a close call. Menlo Park, you’re still in the Real Bay Area, but please be more careful in the future.

That said, this is still an enormous lot and a great opportunity for potential landlords. Cha ching!

355 Woodland Dr, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 Scotts Valley North MLS# 80850169 – Property Details
$299,900

* Status: Active
* Bedroom: 3
* Bathroom: 2
* Year Built: 1979
* Lot Size: 39500
* Square Footage: 1360
* List Date: 12/18/2008
* Garage Spaces: 1

* MLS#: 80850169
Great opportunity to own a piece of Scotts Valley! Home details are from last MLS listing. Home was left in the middle of major recontruction. Fixer upper or tear down. No kitchen, only one bath. Please view with caution. Unsafe deck. The information is provided by others and has not been verified by CENTURY 21 Alpha, seller or listing agent. Not a short sale!

Burbed doesn’t usually venture to Scotts Valley, but fortunately Burbed reader Scott (no relation) did and this is what he found!

Wowsers. Talk about affordable. And its just a short commute on beautiful 17.

The fact that this is half finished is what makes this an amazing deal. Look at some of the work that has been done already:

If that’s not an awesome design I don’t know what is. After a long day of work you can come home, soak in the bathtub, and admire nature all at the same time. Wowsers. And if you have to go potty, it’s right next to it!

This house is just waiting for you to complete the masterpiece. Quick! How will you complete this:

Wow. I think the boundaries between space and time are collapsing here. Hey, that means you can build an unpermitted addition into the 4th or 5th dimension!

300 Santa Rosa Dr, Los Gatos, CA 95032 MLS# 80812137 – Property Details
$3,900,000

* Status: Active
* Bedroom: 5
* Bathroom: 4
* Year Built: 1986
* Lot Size: 51836
* Square Footage: 7500
* List Date: 5/30/2008
* Garage Spaces: 3
* MLS#: 80812137

THIS IS A UNIQUE HOME UNLIKE ANY OTHER! COMPLETELY CUSTOM BUILT HOME! This home is one of a kind contemporary master piece-sold WAY under valued. Live in the prestigous neighborhood on Santa Rosa Drive with unparallel views of the valley below! Beautiful contemporary estate. HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! MAKE YOUR OFFER!

Well, this is certainly an unusual house, and an unusual way to start the week. Let’s see what the anonymous Burbed reader who sent this in had to say:

I hate to pick on a house once owned by RBA-king Steve Wozniak, but I’ve been watching this one with interest for at least a year.It started at a $10 million list price and after at least four cuts, the realtor screams “HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! MAKE YOUR OFFER!”No kidding, what a bargain at $3.9M, huh?I actually feel bad for the flipper (or at least the financiers behind it), and even before the crash late last summer I thought he overpaid by a couple million.He paid $6.9 million after all.The bubble owner/sellers must be very happy now!

Oh, and the original website set up to market this house even had quotes of praise from Thomas Kinkade.(Yes, the franchised purveyor of so-called “fine art.”)

Wow! Wow! Wow!

This is your last chance to own a piece of Silicon Valley history. Imagine living here? It’s amazing. It’s stunning. It’s too awesome to believe!

And now, just $3.9 million. Could it be worth it?

Thanks anonymous Burbed reader for this amazing find and backstory!

2995 Waverley St, Palo Alto 94306 (Midtown)
$1,500,000

* Status: Active
* Bedroom: 1
* Bathroom: 1
* Year Built: 1949
* Lot Size: 11610
* Square Footage: 861
* List Date: 4/9/2008
* Garage Spaces: 1
* MLS#: 800730
ADDRESS ON HOUSE IS 2993. Rare opportunity in “Midtown” area of PA Located on one of Palo Alto’s most desirable streets, this home built in 1949 offers great potential. Lot size 11,610 per county records. Buyer to confirm with the City of Palo Alto regarding any remodeling and/or building possibilies. OPEN SUNDAY Probate sales & subject to overbid.

I thought I’d wrap up the week with a reminder of what it means to live in the Real Bay Area. At $1742 per square foot, this house actually gives many apartments in Manhattan a run for the money (SWEET!).

But the real reason I chose this house is because frankly I appreciate the open candor of the listing. You see, I’m a fairly straightforwards kind of guy – I believe in cutting the b.s. and getting straight down to business. And that’s why I love this listing: “subject to overbid.”

This house only wants real (tech) men (and women) to play The Game. It doesn’t want any of you poseurs or wannabe’s. It’s saying “I’m a Palo Alto house, and you my bitch.” $1.5 mil is going to cut it for this sweet piece of Midtown lovin’. Get read to man up, and spend $2 mil ‘cuz this is going into OVERBID baby! OVERBID!

17140 La Rinconada Dr, Monte Sereno 95030

$1,299,000
Status: Active
Bedroom: 3
Bathroom: 2
Year Built: 1955
Lot Size: 10126
Square Footage: 1711
List Date: 4/30/2008
Garage Spaces: 2
MLS#: 805414

Description of 17140 La Rinconada Driv, Monte SerenoExcellent Monte Sereno Location. Large lot. A definite fixer. Good bones. Double driveway with room for RV, Boat, etc. Seller’s illness has caused sale. Permanentguaranteed Odor removal by Rainbow Services of $16,800. Seller has two bedrooms unavailable to see-personal. 6 year old roof. Two driveways. New carpet. Bring your clients who want a home in an upscale location. Disclosures available.

Frankly, I’m a bit confused as to what is going on here. Is the Seller including permanent guaranteed odor removal by Rainbow Services? Or is the Seller saying that $16,800 of permanent guaranteed odor removal by Rainbow Services is required?

But in the end, does it really matter? This house is in Monte Sereno – can you say executive class? Sure you can’t see 2 of the bedrooms, but does it really matter? It’s got new carpeting! And besides, for $1.3 million, this is a deal – houses in that area regularly go for $3 million.

The hallmark of a good executive is being able to make decisions with incomplete information. Let’s face it, if you couldn’t make the easy call to buy this house, then you’re not an executive. And if you’re not an executive, you’re not meant to live here.

’nuff said.

(Thanks to Burbed reader Brian for this find.)

KINGSLEY Ave Palo Alto, CA 94301
Price: $10,500,000

Beds: 4
Baths: 4
Sq. Ft.: 5,025
$/Sq. Ft.: $2,090
Lot Size: 0.74 Acres
Age (Years): 85
Year Built: 1923
Type: Detached Single Family
Style: Mediterranean
Stories: 2 Stories
View(s): Neighborhood
Neighborhood: Professorville
County: Santa Clara
MLS#: 763160
Source: MLSListings
Status: Active
On Redfin: 175 days
Unsold in 90+ days
Expanded, remodeled, restored 2006.Traditional floor plan. Grt for entertaining. All bedrooms w/ baths. Second family room upstairs. Professorville Estate on nrly 3/4 acre w/ detach garage w/ space for carriage house. Wide terraces to terrific grounds. Grand kit/fam rm. Banquet size dining room. Study w/ FP. Master suite w/ sitting room w/ tree top views. Attic and basement. Oak floors. 9′ celings. Elegant !

Burbed reader Madhaus suggested I post this. I hemmed and hawed. Indeed the price has fallen:

Listing Price History
Date Price
Nov 15, 2007 $12,500,000
Jan 21, 2008 $11,500,000
Mar 04, 2008 $10,500,000

I couldn’t decide whether to feature this or not. You see, featuring price drops like this is sort of like talking about suicides on the Golden Gate Bridge, or showing Bin Laden videos – you’re just encouraging copy cats and terrorists. Do you really want others to think that it is ok to drop your offering price? Do you really want to showcase people who drop their offering price? Is this at all ethical?

I’m not sure. I leave it to you readers – is the owner of this house committing insane fiscal terrorism upon Palo Alto? What should we as Bay Area citizens do to him/her?