Berkeley and Oakland Homes: Price Cuts Come to Those Who Wait

Given the current state of the market, the argument for waiting before pouncing on a home sale is stronger than ever. An added advantage is you might benefit from nervous sellers cutting their prices.

If you’re in the requisite price bracket, these three homes are worth investigating in my view:

931 Grizzly Peak Boulevard (above)  is that rare thing in Berkeley: a new home. Or effectively new. It was recently rebuilt from the bottom up and is all shiny and squeaky-clean inside and out. There’s a vaguely nautical atmosphere to the way it is being presented (staging by Scout), accentuated by multiple decks and Bay views. The kitchen (above right) is particularly nice. Reduced from $1,499,999 to $1,399,000 ($508/sq ft) after 25 days on the market.

 791 Hilldale Avenue in north Berkeley is an attractive 4/2 traditional on a double lot. It has partial Bay views, a lush garden and its stand-alone studio cottage is a cut above (above right). Its price has been reduced from $1,150,000 to $1,085,000 ($481/sq ft) after 60 days on the market.

6421 Benvenue Avenue in Oakland (above) intrigued me when it was first listed in July. A swift potential sale fell  through and it has been back on the market for a few weeks (although it’s being touted as a new list).

Designed by John Hudson Thomas in 1916, it’s a good-looking house with all the ingredients necessary to make something pretty special — good layout, original features, large bedrooms, a “spa pavilion” and a huge garden. There’s updating to do, a large studio with potential — and a more elegant way to access to the backyard would be nice, but it’s a great neighborhood. I like this place. Price reduced from original $1,095,000 to $1,049,000 ($528/sq ft).