Mid-Peninsula: The Other Side of the Tracks
To some, this phrase may have a negative connotation in terms of real estate, and life in general, but on the Mid-Peninsula, the other side of the tracks can mean high-end mansions in Atherton or Menlo Park or affordable housing in Redwood City, San Carlos, Belmont and other suburban cities. So don’t be too quick to judge those homes located between El Camino Real and Highway 101. There can be bargains there and a great place to find a starter home.
Case in point are two properties, less that one mile apart but in two different cities, that offer great options for a first-time buyer. You can choose from a blank palate to remodel or a completely updated, ready-to-move-in property, depending on your pocketbook and handy(wo)man skills. And although both lie between the railroad tracks and Industrial Road, there was no excessive road or train noise detectable and the neighborhoods were well maintained.
First up is the San Carlos property listed at $699,000 at 986 Hall Street. Listed at $599,000 in 2006, it sold in the neighborhood of $625,000. However, after front yard landscaping, refinishing the hardwood floors, and painting each room, the owner has had to put the home back on the market, where it has been for almost 3 months. This 63-year-old cottage, weighs in at 910 square feet and has great remodel potential. Listed as a 2/1, there is actually a third room off the kitchen that has a closet and could be used as a bedroom, dining room, or office. Because the kitchen has not seen any major renovation in its lifetime, it could use a complete update, and my inclination would be to tear down the shared walls of the kitchen, living room and bonus room and make a large living area. This would allow for a more modern, larger kitchen, formal dining area, and a great family/living space. Also in need of an update is the bathroom, which contains its original blue tub, toilet, and sink (you hardly see those anymore!). The bedrooms are in good condition and overlook the backyard. Installing French doors in one of the rooms would also be a great addition. The yard itself has a patio of large pavers, a lawn, and a detached garage with laundry room and loft. The garage was inaccessible during my visit, but the listing shows the loft could be used as an office. While the price per square foot seems a bit high to me ($768), the home is in a very desirable school district, is close to downtown, CalTrain and Highway 101. Definitely worth a look.
The second property, located at 308 G Street in Redwood City, is a new listing on the market at $769,000. A two-bedroom/two bath rancher, this home is in move-in condition. The current owners have made some great improvements in the two years they have owned the house. The home has been completely repainted inside and out, in everything but a neutral beige. The random plank hardwood floors are in gorgeous condition, and the kitchen has been completely remodeled with granite countertops, new appliances and stone tile floors. An addition by a previous owner in 1985 expanded the main living area to include a family room, and made a small bedroom into a large master suite. The front bedroom is very good sized as well. The backyard consists of a covered patio and lawn area. I was very impressed at how handsome this home is, with a neat and trim front yard. And once I spent some time walking around the house, I warmed up to the interior color schemes. As a bonus, this neighborhood is zoned for Clifford School, one of the top performing schools in the Redwood City School District.
Although “location, location, location” is the mantra of many realtors and investors, don’t be too quick to judge specific locations. They can be better than imagined on a Yahoo map and can offer an affordable solution to Uncle Sam eating up your hard-earned tax dollars.
