Judging a House by Its Cover

Today on Broker’s Open House caravan we saw  4320 The Strand – on the market for over 700 days – looks dingy and cramped from the exterior – and has been difficult to show.  We almost didn’t go to the open as from the outside it screams “tear down.”

However, as someone who grew up in this Beach town, I have fond memories of when a majority of the City was filled with little beach shacks like this one. So what’s a buyer to do?  Pay over $2,000,0000 for a shack?  Tear it down and build on this slightly larger than usual 1/2 lot?   The question is always a balancing act of purchase price – remodel budget and what is it worth post-remodel or as a new construction home?  This one has the further consideration of who will occupy this little slice of beach front real estate…a tenant after a paint and carpet job, a young couple building their dream home,  a couple of young professionals who will split the purchase and each live in one of the units, or will an investor turn it into a dreamy little Vacation rental?

Most would say: UGH! tear it down.  However, this place could be remodeled.  It has some nice features.  The studio over the garage is VERY small, but would be cute with new floors and tile finishes. It does have an ocean view.  The two units share a cozy little patio in between the two units – no ocean view from this space, but supremely private outdoor space – something Strand homes don’t often have.  Also the main unit is adorable; it has a wonderful fireplace, two cute little bedrooms and a kitchen that would respond well to paint and new hard surfaces.  The agent recent had the front unit staged  – think Coastal Living – and it really is amazing how several well-chosen furniture pieces gives this little place real charm.

So, if you have $2,000,000+ burning a hole in your pocket and you like the idea of owning your own piece of vintage 1950’s Manhattan Beach home, call us to take a look and let your imagination wander down the avenues of possibility. Since there are no photos online of the interior, here is some inspiration that I found to get your creative juices going!

the vibe on the inside. Note: this is not of the property

The Curb Appeal