We’ve been discussing where all the hot markets are in the Bay Area, and Mountain View is hot, hot, HOT! So today, let’s play Why Isn’t This House in Mountain View Selling?  Thanks very much to Burbed reader LomaLuvr who sent this in and Burbed reader Real Estater who mentioned this house in comments.

753 INDEPENDENCE Ave
Mountain View, CA 94043
$698,000

3 Beds
2 Baths
1,347 Sq. Ft.
$518 / Sq. Ft.
Built: 1946
Lot Size: 6,720 Sq. Ft.
On Redfin: 103 days
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Community: Rengstorff
MLS#: 81303560

Great Potential in Monta Loma Neighborhood. Open Floor Living, Dining, Kitchen. Some Marble Floors. Remodeled Kitchen, Granite CounterTops. Stainless Steel Appliances. Large Master Bedroom Suite Completed 2003. Central Heating. Dual Pane Windows throughout. Large Patio Deck. Large BackYard. Long RV Parking-Near Silicon Valley, Google, Schools, Transportation-Few Blocks from Monta Loma Elementary School.

Not only has this house been on the market more than a hundred days, it got relisted!  Let’s see what’s inside to get just a taste of what it has to offer.

And, WOW! Can you say FIVE different Redfin agent tour insights?  Okay, one of them posted twice.

Who cares about natural light? Probably some Googler is going to buy this house and never come home during daylight hours because there’s free food for every meal.  And noticeable sloping means MARBLE RACEWAY!

Like any long-running blog, Burbed has developed a few inside jokes.  One of them is our fondness of the most important element in classical architecture.  That’s right.  Mawbul Kawlums.  (And if you haven’t seen this video yet, please go watch it, because it’s a classic.  Ha ha!  Classic, get it?) 

Ever since we featured this empty spec house, Burbed readers have asked for more homes in KawlumVision.  Today’s featured listing says “Break out the red arrows!”

Thanks very much to Burbed reader Swan for this super structure in Saratoga at an even more super price!

13815 PIERCE Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
$6,988,000

BEDS: 6
BATHS: 5.5
SQ. FT.: 8,000
$/SQ. FT.: $874
LOT SIZE: 1.87 Acres
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STYLE: Mediterranean
STORIES: 2
VIEW: Mountains
YEAR BUILT: 2008
COMMUNITY: Saratoga
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 81215397
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 13 days

This elegant 8000+/- sf Italian Villa on 1.5+/- view acres will awaken all your senses. The elaborate paver driveway with 3 entrances leads you to a beautifully designed front steps and door. Great curb appeal! The 3 levels include an excellent open floor plan with 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, Brasilian Cherry hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, spiral staircase, Best Anderson windows and More!

Here’s why Swan shared this home with all of you:

I am in mawbul kawlum heaven!

Kawlums in front, kawlums at the garage, kawlums in the entry hall, kawlums in the master bath, kawlums in back, kawlums at the gazebo!

Are there enough red arrows in the world for this home?

This house may very well have broken the Burbed KawlumVision generator, because there actually are kawlums hiding behind other kawlums.  We assure you that every single red arrow in the big picture above is pointing to a unique kawlum. It’s just that some of them are shy.

You can see the wallflower kawlums from this slightly different angle of the façade, available from this home’s virtual tour. Plus it also has the aforementioned garage kawlums. 

The MLS listing has 14 yummy pictures, many of them with kawlums to drool over.  But if you can’t get enough kawlumnage, plus more eye-popping “They put that in there?” you simply must check out the tour as well.  And bring your red arrows.

Remember, nothing says “Rich people live here” like mawbul kawlums.  Well, that and a $7 million listing price.

Yesterday we suggested you could spend more than two million dollars on an empty spot of land in the middle of flipping nowhere.  Today we’re also flipping, with a quick-turnaround sale found by Burbed reader Mr. Kiasu.  Oh, and did we mention that the market is hot, hot hot?  Except for here.

1448 FOWLER Ln
Los Altos, CA 94024
$2,665,000, reduced from $2,995,000, reduced from $3,295,000

BEDS: 6
BATHS: 3.5
SQ. FT.: 4,876
$/SQ. FT.: $547
LOT SIZE: 0.35 Acres
PROPERTY TYPE: Detached Single Family
STORIES: 2
VIEW: Neighborhood
YEAR BUILT: 1900
COMMUNITY: South of El Monte
COUNTY: Santa Clara
MLS#: 81211504
SOURCE: MLSListings
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 36 days

Turnkey 1900 Craftsman style Plantation home. .. own a piece of LA History. Poss Mills Act Tax Savings. 4800sf + 1800sf basement. Updated w/ new kitchen w/ marble countertops, remodeled baths and wood floors throughout. Newer fndtn, new copper plumbing, upgraded elect. panels, new zoned heating. Expansive back yard w/ pool & large lawn. Great cul-de-sac w/ LA Schools. Poss Seller financing options.

Here’s why Mr. Kiasu thought you’d like to see this home on the front page.

Spring bounce in Los Altos!

Bought in oct 2011 for 1.5, now on sale for 3.29.

Probably a flip but we’d need to see the pictures for last October I guess. Neighbors are all in the 1.5 range.

No history before the October sale, so maybe it’s been in the same family since 1900.

Wait, $3.29?  Not anymore.  Now it’s $2.65.  And still very much for sale.  Even with all those mawbul kawlums.  How could that be?  It’s on a cul-de-sac and there’s a gate to keep out the riffraff and everything.

Fortunately, the old pictures are still available for our perusal, so thank you Redfin!  Here’s a lovely pair from the old and the new of the same room.  Do you think they replaced the pool table?  Which one is the new sale?

Yes, comparing the old and the new listing photos really is something.  For example, just a quick glance led to this find of bunus kawlums not available in the current listing!  So it definitely pays to check selling history when looking at a property listing.  That’s when you notice how many things in this house haven’t been updated and then wonder how the seller can justify more than doubling the price on this flip.  We can see just how successful that gambit was.

Now sit back and listen to some really annoying light jazz while you enjoy the virtual tour.

We’ve been spending too much time in the Valley.  Today’s photopalooza is courtesy of Burbed reader Kevin.  And Kevin’s writeup, coupled with the amazing pictures of this thousand a foot Marina manse, are all that’s needed for a give-it-up Guest Post.

Please give Kevin a big, warm, Real Bay Area welcome as today’s Guest Blogger!

73 Toledo Way
San Francisco, CA 94123
$1,850,000

BEDS: 3
BATHS: 2.5
SQ. FT.: 1,842
$/SQ. FT.: $1,004
LOT SIZE: -
PROPERTY TYPE: Attached, Full, Modified, Single-Family Home
STYLE: Spanish/Mediterranean
YEAR BUILT: 1925
COMMUNITY: Marina
COUNTY: San Francisco
MLS#: 392612
SOURCE: San Francisco MLS
STATUS: Active
ON REDFIN: 86 days

Great Neighborhood and wonderful home. Close to transportation, shopping, schools, and more. House has been well taken care of. One Block from Chestnut, Completely remodeled from previous owner with Seismic Upgrades, Quality Workmanship Throught, Custom Light Fixtures, Hardwood Floors, Fireplace, Custom Kitchen Cabinets/Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite-Marble-Stone Used throught Kitchen & Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Deck & Patio, Mature Landscapping, LARGE 3 CAR Tandem Parking & Stroage Area, Alarm System, Expansion potential in garage area, and more. Seller reserves the right to refuse any and all offers. Please confirm and verify all information stated in listing. The information provided is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

In the category of “bad real estate listing photos”, I’d like to nominate this one:

The photos are pretty priceless:

1.  two front views looking directly into the sun (perhaps to hide how ugly it is from the curb?)

2.  a kitchen photo with as little light as possible.

3.  several of the photos were not rotated 90 degrees.  Classy.

4.  laundry stacked on the washer/dryer.

5.  kitchen counter top stacked high with food.

6.  last but certainly not least, photos of *both* bathrooms have a plunger standing next to the toilet. In case the buyer had any doubts about the plumbing I guess.

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!

766 WALNUT St San Bruno, CA 94066

$349,900

Beds:	2
Baths:	1
Sq. Ft.:	760
$/Sq. Ft.:	$460
Lot Size:	2,600 Sq. Ft.
Property Type:	Detached Single Family
Stories:	2
Year Built:	1940
Community:	Belle Air
County:	San Mateo
MLS#:	80957723
Source:	MLSListings
Status:	Active This listing is for sale and the sellers are accepting offers.
On Redfin:	6 days

Updates are Complete! Just Move In and Enjoy this Belleair Jewel! 2 Bedrooms Plus Bonus 3rd Room * Remodeled Kitchen with Limestone Flooring, Tile Counters and Oak Cabinets * Remodeled Bathroom Finished in Italian Marble * Gorgeous Backyard Sanctuary with Built-in BBQ, Hot Tub & Additional Gated Parking via Alley Access. Convenient to Shopping, Walnut Park, Freeways and SFO

There’s a saying: Buy the worst house in the best neighborhood.

But here in the Bay Area, we’re used to being rebels, being innovative, and doing things differently. What better way than to buy a house with fine Italian marble, a gorgeous backyard sanctuary with built in BBQ, and other stunning upgrades here in San Bruno. Your neighbors will simply die of envy.

Let’s also give credit where its due – to the Realtor for being upfront about how easy it will be to get to freeways and SFO. Let’s take a look at the map:

Hey it’s even close to higher education! Who knew!

And look at just how affordable this is. At this price point, you’ll be competing with flight attendants from around the world who will want to stake their claim in having a house in the Bay Area. With fine Italian marble.

Good luck, the competition is going to be tough!

1000 COUNTRY CLUB Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035 | MLS# 80917953
1000 COUNTRY CLUB Dr Milpitas, CA 95035
Price: $5,500,000

Beds: 6
Baths: 7
Sq. Ft.: 15,705
$/Sq. Ft.: $350
Lot Size: 4.02 Acres
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Stories: Tri-Level
View: Bay, City Lights, Golf Course
Year Built: 2009
Community: Milpitas
County: Santa Clara
MLS#: 80917953
Source: MLSListings
Status: Active
On Redfin: 206 days
* * * HUGE PRICE REDUCTION FOR A QUICK SALE * * * ONE OF A KIND LUXURY MANSION WITH SPECTACULAR 360 DEGREES VIEW OF THE CITY, BAY & GOLF COURSE. ALL MARBLE MATERIALS ARE IMPORTED FROM ITALY. MARBLE COLUMNS, INTRICATE CEILING DESIGN, CAROUSEL STYLE MORNING ROOM, 6 MASTER SUITES. * * * NOT A SHORT SALE & NOT AN REO * * *

Thanks to Burbed reader mike w for this find.

Mike thought that the proper description for this house should be:

Contractor’s special.
Perfect for investor or first time home buyer .
Needs a little TLC.

Heh.

Personally, I when I saw this house, I thought… “Who lives here? Saddam Hussein? Saddam Hussein of Milpitas?”

Let’s face it, all the time people are looking for the unique house… Just think, you could live like a dictator… in Milpitas! Just think of all the weapons of mass destruction you can pretend to own and hide in the house. And remember, this is not a short sale and not an REO.

Personally, the first thing I’d do with this house is replace the carousel style morning room with an actual carousel. How awesome would that be? There’d be a line of people waiting to check it out. And you know what that kind of scarcity means – that’s right! Cha-ching!

So go buy this house. Heck, don’t even finish it all at once. Keep at it. Eventually, this could be called the Gaudi of Milpitas!

19670 SANTA CRUZ Hwy, Los Gatos, CA 95033 | MLS# 80918439
19670 SANTA CRUZ Hwy Los Gatos, CA 95033
Price: $3,300,000

Beds: 4
Baths: 4
Sq. Ft.: 4,000
$/Sq. Ft.: $825
Lot Size: 5 Acres
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Style: Mediterranean
Stories: 2
View: Mountains, Canyon, Lake
Year Built: 2009
Community: Los Gatos/Monte Sereno
County: Santa Clara
MLS#: 80918439
Source: MLSListings
Status: Active
On Redfin: 174 days
* Gorgeous gated home w/ 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms * Approx. 5 gorgeous acres bordering Lexington Lake * 3 car garage * Open Kitchen w/ center island, Marble and Limestone floors * Venetian plaster walls, high wood beam ceilings, 2 custom fireplaces, mahogany windows and doors, handmade carved rosewood cabinetry, custom antique light fixtures . * Solar panels * Lake Views *

Thanks to Burbed reader Herve for this find!

Hey, who doesn’t like rendered movies these days! Pixar! Dreamworks! They’re churning out the movies geeks love!

So doesn’t it make sense that the prestige houses will also be rendered? You can imagine it now! You’re coming home to Sully and Mike, or Alex, Marty, and Gloria!

Maybe you can even get a sticker for your house: “Powered by OpenGL!” Hey you could get it sponsored by Nvidia! Sweet!

I’m sure there are interior pics… but they’re probably being rendered right now… buffering… buffering…

Egads… I have so many back-logged mails from Burbed reader Herve, it’s time for another Herve week. Here’s Day 3:

820 PALM Ave, Redwood City, CA 94061 | MLS# 80911145
820 PALM Ave Redwood City, CA 94061
Price: $689,000

Beds: 3
Baths: 2.5
Sq. Ft.: 1,825
$/Sq. Ft.: $378
Lot Size: 2,740 Sq. Ft.
Property Type: Detached Single Family
Style: Mediterranean
Year Built: 1992
Stories: 2
View: Mountains, Neighborhood
Neighborhood: Central Park
County: San Mateo
MLS#: 80911145
Source: MLSListings
Status: Active
On Redfin: 22 days
Well Maintained Former Model Spanish-Mediterranean House in Gated Community. This Home is 1,825 sq. ft. 16 years old and had one owner. 3 BEDROOMS & 2 1/2 BATHS, LIVING ROOM W/ WOODBURNIG FIREPLACE, GREAT KITCHEN W/ TILED FLOOR & COUNTERS, MASTER BEDROOM SUITE W/ JACUZZI TUB AND MARBLE FLOORS AND WALLS, TWO CAR SIDE-BY-SIDE GARAGE W/ GUEST PARKING, FRONT AND BACK YARD W/ HOT TUB AND SAUNA, CENTRAL A/C.

Lately one of the more obnoxious and odious trends by those who are wealthy and oboxious and odious is to put their house on the market, say there is an open house, have people over, get them all jealous, and then tell them “THIS HOUSE IS MINE!”. It’s called being a “House Tease”

Of course this never would happen in the Bay Area where people are civil. That’s why you haven’t heard of it. But you never know.

The owner and Realtor of this house clearly wanted to make sure that foreigners from other states and countries know that this house is not a tease, but that it is really for sale. It’s for their benefit. And, to help lure in their money.

But just to make sure those who are cynical and jaded feel more comfortable, they included tiny pictures so as have some sort of teasy-ness to it.

And now you know!

780 E Taylor St, San Jose 95112
$575,000

* Status: Active
* Bedroom: 3
* Bathroom: 2
* Year Built: 1938
* Lot Size: 4791
* Square Footage: 1686
* List Date: 2/27/2008
* Garage Spaces: 2

* MLS#: 781035
BANK OWNED* SPANISH STYLE CLASSIC HOME. BATHROOMS W/ITALIAN TILE. MARBLE FIREPLACE* DECO PAINT* DESIGNER CURVED FRONT WINDOW* REFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS. BEAUTIFUL MOULDINGS AND TRIM* BUILT-INS IN BEDROOMS* LOTS OF NOOKS AND CRANNIES* LARGE EAT-IN KITCHEN WITH DISHWASHER, BUILT-IN OVENS, STOVE & VENT HOOD. FULL HOUSE CONCRETE BASEMENT DIVIDED INTO ROOMS* & MUCH MORE, READY TO MOVE INTO* BBQ AREA

Wow… when I first saw this house I thought to myself “Whose castle is this?” Who’s the king? YOU ARE!

I mean, look at the construction. Very very spanish style. Very very classic. It’s like I’m in Europe, but in San Jose at the same time! No need to travel ever again!

With curb appeal such as this, how can anyone resist? Personally I think that you are so fortunate as to win this house in the inevitable bidding war, you really need to add a water fountain in the middle of the front yard. Ask the Vatican for references!

By the way, this last sold on 9/8/2004 for $629,000 – and I bet this will sell at that price again. You just wait.