Shopping for the Little House on the Block

There are many advantages to having a smaller home, not the least of which is a smaller mortgage. 

But consider that everything is more affordable, from the PG&E bill to the seven-inch hickory hardwood sold by the square foot. 

A few years ago, the trend was “bigger and better” as people moved up from homes that increased in value. Suddenly, the new trend is “downsizing” which is often a nice way of saying “a more affordable mortgage” but also includes “why would I want to clean six toilets when two is plenty.”

Jennifer Malakoff, whose charming listing on Batavia Avenue in Livermore is the inspiration for today’s theme, had many positive points to make about small-home living including the closeness of family. 

She said that while she appreciates (as a realtor) the beauty of a large home, she enjoys her family time in her smaller home.

"We enjoy interacting with one another and all being on the same couch for family movie night. We are a very busy family and it is wonderful to know what is going on in the house at all times. It is just easier to keep track of everything!"

If a smaller home is what you are looking for, you may want to see these:

Alamo

20 Crest Ct. is offered by Anna Campbell of Prudential Realty. This is a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home with 1,570 square feet, on a large .87 acre lot. There is room to expand with the land surrounding this ranch style home. Enjoy an expansive deck, garden areas and fruit trees. There is also plenty of storage with inside closets and two exterior storage sheds. The property offers views of the Eastern hills and Mt. Diablo. Offered for $715,000. See the virtual tour. Open both Saturday and Sunday from 1-4. For showings or questions, please call Anna at 925-399-1629.

Danville

49 Buena Vista Dr. is offered by Carol Holt of Sotheby’s Realty. This is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home with 1,415 square feet on a .78 acre lot. Close to town and in a neighborhood of larger homes, this may actually be the smallest home on the block, and the potential to build something larger exists. Offered for $649,999. For showings or questions, call Carol at 925-980-1811.

San Ramon

9109 Tangerine is offered by Carol Holt of Sotheby’s Realty. This is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with 1,469 square feet in the Sunny Glen (age 55+) community. There is new paint and flooring in this expanded 2 bedroom. The exterior was just painted and it's in a great location. Offered for $425,000. For showings or questions, call Carol at 925-980-1811.

Dublin

8781 Edenberry St. is offered by Donald Huey of Coldwell Banker. This is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with 1,080 square feet. It's a great single story home in Glen Oaks with dual-pane windows, central heat, and a solar light tube. The roof was recently replaced and it has new carpet and paint. It is also close to transportation, shopping, and freeways. Offered at $399,000. For showings or questions, call Donald at 510-589-0027.

Pleasanton

5240 Genovesio Dr. is offered by Lisa Doyle of J. Rockcliff. This newer home, built in 1995, is 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and nearly 1,200 square feet. This is a gorgeous one-level home located on a quiet court in a beautiful neighborhood. It has an open floor plan, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and a great location: close to freeways and walkable to BART. Offered for $510,000. See the virtual tour.  For showings or questions, call Lisa at 925-855-4046.

Livermore

1096 Batavia Ave. is offered by Jennifer Malakoff of Alain Pinel. This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with almost 1,200 square feet is the home that was a subject of conversation between Jennifer and me that inspired the “little house” theme. The home is ready to move into with hardwood floors, updated bathrooms, dual-pane windows, and other nice updates. It is also located in a desirable school district. See the virtual tour. Offered for $367,500. For showings or questions, please call Jennifer at 925-525-3456.