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January 11, 2010

What You Can Buy for $1.5M

The $1.5M price point is actually quite popular in San Francisco, so today we take a look at what you can get for your money: a view home in Noe Valley, former firehouse in Hayes Valley, and what appears to be a wannabe presidential residence on the West Portal/St. Francis Wood border.

Let’s start with 744 Duncan at Diamond, in Noe Valley:

Last sold in 2003 for $1,050,000, the sellers are now looking for $1,495,000 for their 2,000-square foot, 4BR/3BA home with a nice yard and views. There are three bedrooms on the top floor, and this master suite with killer bay and city views:

Next up is 229 Oak at Octavia:

This 2500-square foot home was built in 1913 and originally housed a commercial fire dispatch headquarters. It now has four bedrooms and three bathrooms on two levels, complete with a loft office space, garden and two-car parking. The property sits on the same lot as a newly constructed luxury home on Lily that just came on the market for $1.9M, and the lot will be officially split at close of escrow.

229 Oak was first listed last year at a whopping $1,760,000 and was relisted in December at its current price. The location on Oak between Octavia and Gough isn’t too bad; 101-bound, cross-city commuters will turn right on Octavia, so the 200 block isn’t as heavily trafficked. But it is fairly busy. The property is currently in contract, awaiting its buyers’ close of escrow on their own home. A great house for those who’d love a lower level workspace.

Finally, we have 1550 Portola at San Leandro. If Obama and his family are looking for a San Francisco place, this is probably a good White House substitute (at least, in theory):

The 5BR/4BA home was built in 1920 and boasts 5,000 square feet. There’s a lot of mahagony woodwork, period detail—and wallpaper. Lots of wallpaper.

I couldn’t leave out a photo of my favorite bathroom. Michelle Obama would have a field day redecorating:

The home was first listed in June 2009 for $1,595,000, and then reduced last September to its current price. Portola is another busy street, but for a buyer who doesn’t mind constant traffic outside the door and who’d appreciate the close proximity to the West Portal retail area, this home will do the trick.

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