| Fall Real Estate - Friday, October 26, 2012
Weighing your options
What can you find at different price points?
by Carol Blitzer
Whether you're looking for a big house or small, price is usually the most compelling factor.
But if one is willing to compromise on location or amenities, it's possible to maximize what you can get at your particular price point.
At the lower end one can find a pair of comparably walkable homes in Mountain View and Menlo Park. The Menlo Park one is a smaller, older home (but upgraded) on a bigger lot. The second is both nature- and commute-friendly.
Walkability scores range from 5 in Portola Valley, which is closer to horse trails than restaurants, to 66 in Mountain View in the Blossom Valley neighborhood.
$800,000:
MENLO PARK
Address: 189 Buckthorn Way
List price: $779,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Interior: 980 sq. ft.
Lot size: 4,192 sq. ft.
Date built: 1920
Walk score: 62
Located right on the edge of Atherton, and an easy walk to Holbrook-Palmer Park, this cottage was upgraded in 2006 with vaulted ceilings, dual-pane windows, new flooring and an upgraded kitchen with hand-painted tiles. A front gate assures secluded front and backyards.
MOUNTAIN VIEW
Address: 208 Orchard Glen Court
List price: $799,000
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 partial
Interior: 1,258 sq. ft.
Lot size: 2,787 sq. ft.
Date built: 1996
Walk score: 60
Location is a key asset here: It's not far from Google, plus it's near buses and trains for commuters. Not far from the Stevens Creek Trail and Shoreline Park, this Craftsman home sits on a private cul de sac. High ceilings make it light and bright, a place to entertain or just sit out on the front porch. The home features both a master and a junior suite.
$2,000,000:
MOUNTAIN VIEW
Address: 1432 Brookdale Ave.
List price: $2,100,000
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 partial
Interior: 3,698 sq. ft.
Lot size: 11,120 sq. ft.
Date built: 1949
Walk score: 66
Right in the middle of Mountain View's desirable Blossom Valley neighborhood, this home boasts two master suites (note the Italian porcelain tiles), bamboo flooring, up-to-date kitchen, hardwired office, and a fireplace between living room and family/billiard room. The ample lot leaves plenty of room for both a cottage and a landscaped yard.
PORTOLA VALLEY
Address: 117 Pinon Drive
List price: $2,200,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 partial
Interior: 2,330 sq. ft.
Lot size: 111,078 sq. ft. (2.55 acres)
Date built: 1966
Walk score: 5
Sitting on 2.5 acres in the Westridge area of Portola Valley, this ranch-style home offers two fireplaces — one in the living room and dining room, the other connecting the family room and updated kitchen. Large windows offer breathtaking views. Flooring includes slate, hardwood and carpet. Close to walking, biking and horse trails.
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