645 Congo in Sunnyside is a great example of one of them that also represents what I’d consider to be a good deal.
The updated 2BR/1BA main house has a living room, dining room and remodeled kitchen, with about 1,050 square feet, as per tax records. There’s a built-in sound system, remodeled bath with oversized shower, and refinished hardwood floors. The rear landscaped patio (above) is certainly spacious enough for relaxing and grilling, as well as a cute studio cottage that has its own kitchen, remodeled bath, newer roof and private entrance. (The sellers are also throwing in the patio furniture & window coverings.)
There’s no garage (not a surprise, given the Victorian-era architecture), but Sunnyside is not a neighborhood that’s terribly challenged when it comes to street parking. You’re about five blocks from the Glen Park hub that offers BART and many restaurants and services, as well as a couple blocks to 280 for Peninsula commutes.
Sunnyside lies within what’s known as District 4 in Realtor parlance. The average single-family home sale in the first quarter of 2012 was $877,601, and 114 Congo’s $649,000 list price lands it well below that average. (Though the average price for a 2BR house in Sunnyside is $572,750 year-to-date, none of the four houses sold had legal cottages that could help a homeowner benefit from, say, rental income in a very hot rental market. Considering the amenities and charm the property provides, I’d say this is a good deal. And given the market in this price range, I’d also venture to say that this property won’t be on the market for very long.