Mirabile Dictu, Price Drops in El Cerrito
Verily, there’s no doubt the slowdown is spreading, or deepening, or something, when prices start going down in El Cerrito. This lovely town is safe, has two BART stations and boasts its own lovely restored movie theater, the Cerrito, along with one of my favorite natural food stores. It’s sorta kinda in between Albany and Richmond, and has pretty good freeway access as well. Check out these recent price drops. (Photo of the Cerrito: ingorr.)
5804 Avila Avenue, El Cerrito: 2 bedrooms/1 bath, 751 sq ft, was $435,000, now $399,000. Okay, take a deep breath and repeat after me: “Neighborhood, neighborhood, neighborhood.” This tiny, undistinguished house with its tar-and-gravel roof (next to a park, wonder how noisy it gets) is smack dab in one of the most appealing ‘hoods imaginable. You can walk to: BART; the Cerrito Theater; amazing coffeehouse Central Perk; the El Cerrito Plaza; Peet’s Coffee.
745 Balra Drive, El Cerrito: 1 bedroom/1 bath, 1,011 sq ft, was $539,000, now $499,000. If you’re unimpressed with the less-than-stellar domicile above, here’s a truly sweet deal to make up for it. This place appears to be a knockout. It has gorgeous views, wood first and an updated kitchen. It’s in the hills, hence further from the attractions in the first place, but still relatively close.
747 Gelston Place, El Cerrito: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2,480 sq ft, was $850,000, now $789,000. We’re told this place is on a cul-de-sac (no photo; what’s up with that?), has panoramic views, two fireplaces, hardwood floors, well-maintained gardens. It’s close to the Kensington border, Kensington being an upscale Contra Costa hill town north of Berkeley and south of El Cerrito.
