Top 5 real Estate Buys in San Mateo County, week of August 11, 2008

1) 370 Hillview Avenue, Redwood City (Mt. Carmel). This is a  bank-owned property (still somewhat rare for this neighborhood). Not much from the outside; paint is dated, iron fence is a bit….tacky, but it’s on a huge lot, has some 1920’s charm and it’s on a FANTASTIC block. Get your contractor and make an offer becasue this will go FAST. The current home’s stats are almost irrelevent but here you go: 3 bed/2 bath, 1190 square feet. Lot is 9,000 (mature fruit trees, too). $635,900 (be pre-approved, have your deposit ready, and move fast… as with all bank owned properties). Listed by Bruno Baldini, Century 21. 

2) 3901 Christian Drive, Belmont. This home needs some more updating, but at this price you could likely afford it and see a nice return on your investment should you ever decide to sell. Belmont schools are all good and resale is a snap. Located up Ralson, close to the intersections of 92 & 280. It’s a spacious 3/2 of 1660 square feet. 6633 square foot lot. Nicley maintained and move-in ready. Cute! Listed at a very competetive $899,000 by Scott Miller, brokerage unknown (from the 408 area).

3) 727 East 5th Avenue, San Mateo. This is such a cute 1927 California bungalow in a great neighborhood adjacent to the new and exciting downtown San Mateo (seriously…go hang out there sometime). Neat as a pin, 2/1 1190 square feet with a lot just shy of 6,000 square feet. Nicely landscaped, remodeled kitchen. Great home. Listed at $685,000 (nice) by Rip Miller of Alain Pinel.

4) 251 Hedge Road, Menlo Park (Flood Park). This is one of Menlo Park’s oldest neighborhoods and it’s enjoying a rennaisance. Older homes being bought up quickly and remodeled. Throw in the outstanding Menlo Park school district, and you’ve made a VERY smart real estate investment. This home is move-in ready and well-maintained. Slightly dated cosmetically but who cares at this price. Its a spacious 3/1 rancher with a nice 5500 square foot lot. Listed at $739,000 (you better hurry), by Mary Tan of Coldwell Banker.

5) 2621 Hopkins Avenue, Redwood City (Mt. Carmel). Lots of great buys in this neighborhood lately; this one is no exception. It’s a 1940 classic stucco home, lots of original detail, at 1280 square feet. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. Tons of character you can play upon and owned by the same family for 50 years.  The best part is the 7500 square foot corner lot. Located within walking distance from Stafford Park, and if you are not familiar with the charm & popularity of this neighborhood, take a drive around. It’s a mid-Peninsula favorite. Listed at $725,000 (wow…) by Jamie Jones of Intero.