Dilapidated San Jose Home: In a remarkable turn of events, a boarded-up San Jose residence that captured the internet’s attention on Instagram has been sold for nearly $800,000. Real estate agent Jessica Vergano’s humorous video tour of the house showcased its dingy rooms, a massive spider tenant, a spooky basement, and a garage with a makeshift “skylight.” The post went viral with thousands of likes and shares, humorously branding the home as “luxury living” or “Casper the Ghost’s new haunt.”
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom property, situated at 771 N 16th Street, fetched $780,000, exceeding its initial listing price of $715,000 in September. Despite its boarded-up appearance, the house, constructed in 1947 on a 6,631-square-foot lot, was considered a hidden gem by Vergano. The Bay Area’s tight and expensive housing market often makes such refurbishment projects attractive, with the average single-family home in San Jose costing around $1.3 million.
Vergano’s video garnered widespread attention, but the house was eventually not purchased by the family she had shown it to. They faced the classic dilemma: buy it as is or invest in renovations.
Situated near downtown San Jose and the university, this property became the latest online sensation, not far from another viral listing – a $1.5 million home featuring an “inactive meth lab” that still awaits a buyer.
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Our Reader’s Queries
How do I find abandoned property near me?
Take a spin around your neighborhood and keep an eye out for abandoned properties. Signs of neglect like unkempt lawns and shattered windows are dead giveaways. These properties are often left unattended and can be a great opportunity for investment.
How many empty homes are in San Jose?
According to the most recent U.S. Census data, a staggering 13,769 homes in San Jose were unoccupied in 2020. These vacant properties encompass a variety of situations, including those up for rent, waiting to be sold, and even those that have been intentionally left empty. In fact, San Jose had a total of 4,316 off-market homes that were unoccupied last year.
Why are houses in San Jose so expensive?
San Jose’s housing prices are 26% higher per unit compared to neighboring counties like San Francisco and Alameda. This is due to a shortage in the labor market and differences in wage structures, according to a recent report.