The single-family home market is currently crawling with buyers, and inventory is at a low level for the number of prospective purchasers. Single-family home buyers need to be creative and flexible when it comes to landing the right dwelling, which sometimes translates into considering other types of properties.
Condos with unique, house-like features are out there—from detached Victorian cottages to two-level units. Here are a few homes that are technically condos, but that live like houses and are located in popular, walkable neighborhoods. Here are just a few I’ve seen recently:
75 Wood
Jordan Park/Laurel Heights
4BR/2BA, 1500 sq ft
Leased parking @$300/month available
$1,295,000
The Deets: 75 Wood is one of two cottages, and sits on the rear of the lot. You enter through the breezeway from the street, and there’s a nice courtyard between both cottages. The main level has two bedrooms and the living spaces, and the lower level is connected via spiral staircase and includes another two bedrooms and bath, as well as an office area. Improvements include new foundation, electrical, plumbing and roof. There is also a huge, undeveloped attic, which definitely has possibilities given that this is a standalone building and wouldn’t require messing with a unit below you when it comes to structural work. Though there’s no garage, street parking is not bad and there is also leased parking available nearby.
The Location: Commanding a 96 Walk Score, 75 Wood is an easy hop to the restaurants and shops along Clement and Sacramento Streets, the heart of the Laurel Village retail area, and is more or less situated between the Presidio and Golden Gate Park.
70-72 Walter
Duboce Triangle
70 Walter: 4BR/3BA, 2173 sq ft, 1 pgk: $2,168,000
72 Walter: 4BR/2.5BA, 1907 sq ft, 1 pkg: $1,985,000
The Deets:70-72 Walter offers two recently renovated bi-level units that live like houses. Though the only Victorian element is the exterior, buyers looking for modern, luxury finishes will be thrilled. Each unit has an open living/dining/kitchen scheme, with two bedrooms on each level. Recent structural improvements include new services, foundation, fire sprinklers and a retrofit including steel moment frame.
The Location: In the middle of it all, near Duboce Park, two Muni lines and around the block from the Market Street corridor where you’ll find Whole Foods, more transit options and a variety of restaurants.
471-471A 29th Street
Noe Valley
Two 1BR/1BA cottages, 695/785 sq ft
1 pkg for front building
$950,000 and $1,050,000
The Deets: Both the front and rear Victorian cottages are for sale on this lot. 471-471A 29th Street are well appointed, single-level units with beautiful period detailing throughout. The front building ($1,050,000) has an updated bathroom, bright kitchen, large dining area and garage. Across the courtyard sits 471A ($950,000), which features a living room with fireplace, kitchen open to the dining area, and two private rear decks. Both units share a common water bill and insurance.
The Location: This is Upper Noe, known for its nice weather, convenience to the J Church to downtown, Day Street park and dog run. There are great local spots like newly opened Baron’s Meats, Alice’s Chinese, La Ciccia, Henry’s Hunan, Regent Thai, 30th Street Produce Market, and XO Cafe. You’re also a few blocks from the up-and-coming gourmet gulch along Mission Street that includes lots of new ramen and sushi shops, craft beer bars/restaurants and cafes.
2125 Bryant #308
The Mission
3BR/2.5BA, 1643 sq ft
2 pkg
$1,795,000
The Deets: Union is one of my favorite newer-construction buildings in the Mission. #308 features top-notch finishes like Viking appliances, Carrara marble, and moveable kitchen island. Living spaces and one bedroom are on one level, with two bedrooms up. There’s a small terrace off the kitchen and nice city outlooks. Perks include air conditioning, in-unit laundry, additional storage and two-car parking. Parking is $102/month, and HOA dues are $464.38; they cover water, gas, trash, exterior building maintenance, security service and property management.
The Location: The east end of the Mission continues to develop, with the Tartine Manufactory, Trick Dog, Gus’s Community Market, Blowfish Sushi, Flour and Water and much more nearby.
There are many more condo options currently available, so please contact me if you’d like to hear more about what’s out there. I’m at 415.823.4656 / ebermingham@zephyrsf.com.