$1,180,000 for Dirt

Before reading on, I wanted to let you know that the following property listing nearly floored me. We have profiled several ridiculously overpriced properties the last 2-3 weeks but this one gets to take home the prize.

1015 S 8th Ave
Arcadia, CA 91006

*Estimated monthly payment assume 20% down, 30-yr fixed @ 6.50%

$1.18MM for a property located approximately 6-8 blocks from the Monrovia gang shootings back in January. Not only that, you only get a 1,374sf 74 year old home so a new construction is in order. Essentially, you are buying a piece of land just shy of half an acre.

I know what this seller is thinking – “Just like my neighbors, this lot is big enough to be split into multiple smaller lots so it must be worth a fortune.”

Unfortunately, there’s nothing in the listing saying that the owner got the Permits approved or even bothered to get plans approved for a new McMansion. All they did over the last 2.5 years was water the grass until it was green again (aerial photos show a brown piece of dirt).

If you were to buy the property and live in it, you’d be paying a whopping $859 per square foot. Lets compare that figure to its neighbor located right next door.

725 Tiffany Terrace

2,777sf
4bed 3bath
Listing price: $998,000 ($359 per sf)

For $182,000 less, you get a livable decent sized home. Oh yea, this property has been sitting on the market for 221 days, has 2 price reduction and is a short-sale.

I’m not nitpicking with my properties either. Just 2 blocks South is 1318 8th St.

This home was completely gutted and remodeled several months ago. It’s currently listed for $928,000 ($414 per sf).

After construction, new landscaping, permit and financing costs, today’s subject property will cost you over $1,700,000. Would you spend that kind of money to live on 8th Street?