Today, I posted my newest listings, and can't help but be amazed at the wide disparity between these properties. Nearly the same size house and lot, they can't be any more different than they are today. And their prices reflect that. Both located in the beautiful and picturesque city of Alameda.
Encinal house 
The owners have upgraded and remodeled this home that they bought 4 years ago. They painstakingly developed a xeriscape-inspired landscape for their beautiful gardens, added three fountains and a medititation nook as a tribute to feng shui principles of harmony with the elements.
Along the way, they put a new wood shingle roof to conform with the Cape Cod architecture, remodeled and upgraded the kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, put in motorized and retractable awning over the spacious deck that overlooks the garden, refinished the plank wood floors.
This home is simply brimming with curb appeal and charm, and is listed at $525,000.
Schiller house 
On the opposite end of the spectrum is a once-nice Spanish bungalow that time forgot. The elderly widow just couldn't afford the upkeep on her own. Over a period of time, the property suffered, and the condition of the house shows it. There's no heat, no cooling. The roof leaks. There are peeling paper and cracked plaster throughout the house. There are holes in the ceiling, walls and floors. The rear stairs are rickety. It's chockfull of stuff including abandoned cars. The basement and garged are piled high with boxes of books, old clothes, and unusable appliances.
This is a home waiting for a contractor since the repairs are beyond what a handyman can do. It is listed at $350,000.
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