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1820 Santa Cruz Ave
Score
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Menlo Park, CA

1820 Santa Cruz Ave

4.0M
4 bd • 3 ba • 2,013 sf

This analysis was generated on 2/19/2025. It is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as real estate or investment advice.

AI Property Analysis

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0:00 / 0:00
List Price

$3,998,000

Price/Sq.Ft

$1,986

Year Built

1953

AI Property Analysis

A comprehensive evaluation of this property's features, market position, and investment potential.

The Good

• Excellent School District: The property is located within the highly regarded Menlo Park City Elementary School District, with access to Oak Knoll Elementary School (9/10 rating). Proximity to good schools is a major draw for families and can positively impact property value. • Desirable Features: The property boasts several attractive features, including a chef's kitchen with a large island and gas range, two en-suite bedrooms, a backyard with an in-ground pool and built-in BBQ, central AC, and a cozy fireplace. These amenities enhance the living experience and appeal to a wide range of buyers. • Functional Layout: The 2,013 sqft layout includes 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, providing ample space for families. The open kitchen-family room combo creates a modern and inviting living area. The en-suite bedrooms offer added privacy and convenience. • Outdoor Living: The backyard with an in-ground pool and built-in BBQ is a major selling point, especially in Menlo Park's mild climate. This outdoor space provides opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and entertaining. • Strong Market: Menlo Park has a high median income ($183,750) and strong rental rates, indicating a healthy real estate market. This can provide confidence to buyers regarding future property value appreciation and potential rental income.

The Bad

• High Price per Square Foot: At $1,986.09 per square foot, the property is significantly more expensive than the Menlo Park average, which hovers around $1,600 per square foot. This premium may not be justified for all buyers, even with the recent renovations. • Age of the Property: Built in 1953, the home is relatively old. While the property description mentions updates, potential buyers should anticipate the possibility of needing to address aging infrastructure such as plumbing, electrical, and roofing in the near future. Homes built post 2000 in the area average around $1700/sqft, so there is a price decrease for older homes. • High Estimated Insurance: The estimated annual insurance cost of $14,392.8 is very high. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the property's location, value, and potential risks (although the climate risk scores are generally low). Buyers should factor this significant expense into their monthly budget. • Air Quality Concerns: The "severe" air quality risk (7/10) and 12 bad air days per year are a significant concern. This could necessitate the purchase of air purifiers and may impact the enjoyment of outdoor spaces. Menlo Park has worse air quality than 73% of other cities in California. • Limited Lot Size: While the 7,140 sqft lot is decent, it is smaller than the average lot size in Menlo Park, which is approximately 10,000 sqft. This could limit expansion possibilities or the feeling of spaciousness.

The Ugly

• Significant Price Increase: The property is listed for sale at $3,998,000, a 73.8% increase from its sale price of $2,300,000 in 2018. While some appreciation is expected, this large jump raises concerns about overpricing, especially given the age of the property. A bubble may be forming as the average price increase in the area since 2018 is closer to 35-40%. • Potential Overvaluation: Based on the price per square foot ($1,986.09) and the age of the property, there is a risk of overvaluation. Buyers should carefully compare this property to recent sales of similar homes in the area to determine if the price is justified. • High Total Cost of Ownership: Considering the high listing price, estimated insurance costs, and potential for future maintenance, the total cost of ownership for this property is likely to be very high. Buyers should carefully assess their budget and financial situation before making an offer. • Reliance on Past Data: The rental rate data is from 2023. Current rental rates should be checked to ensure accuracy in assessing potential rental income. Market rates may fluctuate.

Who is this property for?

These details are presented solely for entertainment purposes and are not meant to steer or limit any prospective buyer.

Best For

• Buyers seeking a family-friendly neighborhood with access to top-rated schools like Oak Knoll Elementary (9/10 rating) and Hillview Middle School (8/10 rating). The proximity (0.3-0.5 miles) provides convenience for families. • Individuals or families who value outdoor living and entertaining. The property features a backyard with an in-ground pool and built-in BBQ, ideal for gatherings and recreation. • Buyers who appreciate modern kitchen amenities and open-concept living. The chef's kitchen with a large island and gas range, combined with the kitchen-family room combo, creates a desirable living space. • Those looking for a home with en-suite bedrooms for added privacy and convenience. Two en-suite bedrooms provide a comfortable living arrangement. • Buyers who prioritize updated features and move-in readiness, including central AC, forced air heating, walk-in closet, and included washer/dryer.

Not For

• Buyers who are strictly budget-conscious. At $1,986 per square foot, this property is priced at a premium compared to some other areas. The high estimated insurance cost further adds to the overall expense. • Individuals seeking a very large lot or extensive outdoor space. While the 7,140 sqft lot is generous, it may not satisfy buyers looking for significantly larger properties. • Buyers highly sensitive to air quality. The "severe" air quality risk (7/10) and 12 bad air days per year may be a concern for some. • Those prioritizing a brand-new or recently constructed home. Built in 1953, the property may require ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades compared to newer constructions. • Buyers seeking a guaranteed investment property. While rental rates are strong, market fluctuations can impact returns. The 73.8% price increase in recent years also warrants careful consideration of future appreciation potential.
Demographics
Area Median Income

$183,750

Property History

Price History
Ownership Timeline
$2,300,000Financed
May 16, 2018
Nartha Pigaone, Pigaone TrustAdam Elrohuvy, Nadeem Soliuman
Grant Deed
Standard Sale (Purchase/Resales)
$0Cash Purchase
May 17, 2011
Rosa ValdesMartha Pignone, Rosa Valdes Trust
Other
Non-Residential Arm's Length Transactions
$0Cash Purchase
Dec 8, 1994
Rosa ValdesRosa Valdes, Leopoldo B Valdes
Intrafamily Transfer
Non-Arm's Length Transactions
$485,000Financed
May 25, 1994
Mark D Gerhart, Lisa Keith GerhartRosa Valdes
Grant Deed
Standard Sale (Purchase/Resales)

Property Taxes

$33,196
2024 Tax Assessment
2.2%from previous year
Assessed Value$2,774,231
Tax Rate1.20%

Sunlight Analysis

Visualize how sunlight affects this property throughout the day and year.

Sunlight Analysis

Data provided by Shadowmap

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Schools

Nearby school quality by education level

Elementary

8.8/10
Excellent

Middle

7.7/10
Good

High

8.0/10
Excellent

Financials

Monthly Costs
Market Rent (4 bed)

$2,520

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Location & Comparables

Subject Property
Comparable Sales
View on Zillow

Subject Property

Price
$3,998,000
Price/sqft
$1,986
Layout
4 bd3 ba
Days on market
36 daysat time of analysis

Stats in the Area

Based on 6 comparable properties nearby

Average Price

$3,840,500

4.1%

Your price is 4.1% above average

Median Price

$4,050,000

1.3%

Based on 6 recent sales

Price per Sq.Ft

$1,787

11.1%

Your price is 11.1% above average $/sqft

Comparable Properties

12 Maywood Lane, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Price: $5,025,000
Sq.Ft: 1,910
Beds/Baths: 4/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$2,63132.5%
Sale Date: 10/28/2024
20 Vasilakos Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Price: $3,835,000
Sq.Ft: 1,920
Beds/Baths: 3/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$1,9970.6%
Sale Date: 10/25/2024
2401 Sharon Oaks Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Price: $1,933,000
Sq.Ft: 2,030
Beds/Baths: 3/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$95252.1%
Sale Date: 9/24/2024
1155 Hidden Oaks Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Price: $4,150,000
Sq.Ft: 2,370
Beds/Baths: 4/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$1,75111.8%
Sale Date: 9/16/2024
1000 Trinity Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Price: $4,050,000
Sq.Ft: 2,390
Beds/Baths: 4/4
$/Sq.Ft:
$1,69514.7%
Sale Date: 2/11/2025
1000 Trinity Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Price: $4,050,000
Sq.Ft: 2,390
Beds/Baths: 4/4
$/Sq.Ft:
$1,69514.7%
Sale Date: 1/29/2025

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