San Francisco Schtuff

By Farrah:

As prices have dropped in many East bay neighborhoods, people who were shut out of the market before are finding that they might finally be able to afford to purchase a home. Of course, if you’re looking for a home in the lower price range, you have to kiss a lot of frogs before finding your dream home prince. I’ve found several neighborhoods that are cute, conveniently located, have well maintained homes and are very affordable.

• Durant Manor: This tiny community is on the eastern most edge of Oakland between East 14th Street and Bancroft bordering San Leandro. The modest two and three bedroom Bungalow, Storybook, English Tudor and Mediterranean style homes built from the 1920s through the 1940s sold for up to $575,000 several years ago with an average sold price of around $430,000. The average sold price in Durant is now about $225,000.
  • This cute Durant Manor home is listed for $180,500.

• Northeast Richmond: This area has more in common with its quiet, family filled neighbors of San Pablo and East Richmond Heights than troubled South Richmond. With the BART station nearby, it’s very convenient for commuters. I’m sure that Richmond’s reputation, like East Oakland, keeps prices low even in the more desirable areas of the city.
  • This basic Northeast Richmond house is in a neighborhood where homes are selling for up to $300,000. It’s listed for just $162,500.

• East Vallejo: The only time many Bay Area residents visit Vallejo is on a pit stop on the way back from Tahoe. Unbeknownst to them, Vallejo has some adorable, tree-lined neighborhoods. These neighborhoods have always been more affordable than most other East Bay cities that are closer to San Francisco but they are now very affordable.
  • This Vallejo home is listed at $189,900:

Although you can find houses in this price range, it can take a while to find one that doesn’t need serious repairs. If you’re looking for one of these homes, you have to watch MLS closely and be ready to pounce as soon as you see one that you like because, chances are, other people feel the same way. The nicest homes in this price range sometimes sell for more than asking price.

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