Unique Homes

Apache is functioning normally

Many people want waterfront lots, and they’ll pay good money for them.

But what about an underwater lot?

A roughly quarter-acre water lot is available in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Alameda, CA, for $400,000.

The listing is quite upfront about the splashy property: “This is a water lot,” it states, adding that the parcel is “an investor’s/developer’s opportunity where location, location is everything.”

However, building in a water lot has its own special set of challenges.

The perfect buyer “is someone who is not afraid of the challenge of being creative,” says listing agent April Jones, with April Jones, Broker.

She suggests there could be “some type of houseboat” here, noting, “There are homes that are currently built in that lagoon already.”

A roadway bridge is near the lot.

(April Jones)

The property assessor’s office in the county lists it as vacant residential land with zoning for a single-family home or a structure with up to four units. The water part wasn’t obvious.

“I was asked to list a vacant lot and went out to take pictures of it and come to find out, it was underwater,” Jones says, adding her GPS took her to a different address. She had no idea that the listing was a water lot.

“I really know how to read street signs to find addresses and kept going when I got there,” she says. “I stopped and said, ‘This is where it should be, this should be the 600 block of Grand.’”

Her next task was to use the county system to view the lot.

“It came up as the water where I was over the bridge, or under the bridge actually, so I was surprised,” she recalls. “I was sure my seller was not aware. He thought he was getting vacant land.”

Jones says the county sold the land because of a tax lien. Currently, there is nothing on the lot, which is near a roadway bridge.

“I’m not sure how deep it is, but it is deep enough that currently where the lot is located, it acts as a waterway or an easement that maintenance workers can go from one side of the lagoon under the street bridge to the other side of the lagoon,” Jones explains, adding that the seller “bought it as an investment for his family. He had been trying to buy land or property since 2014 and said he thought this was a good deal. I’m just hoping to find buyer, so at least my seller can recoup what he put into it.”

Homes nearby are selling in at least the $1 million range.

“It’s a very desirable location,” Jones notes. “It’s near the beach, near shopping, and good schools. There are some nice parks. The lagoon area is peaceful. If you live on the lagoon, you could walk out and have a cup of coffee. It’s just relaxing.”

Jones notes that the buyer will need approval from various agencies before building, but it has potential—for someone who has the money, creativity, and patience for the project—to build something as unique as its locale.

“It’s a lot that is really underwater,” Jones muses. “You don’t come across those very often, so it’s one-of-a-kind.”

Source: realtor.com

Apache is functioning normally

If you’ve found yourself wondering, ‘What exactly is a twin home, and could it be right for me?’ you’re in the right place. Among the various housing options available, one term that frequently piques interest is the ‘twin home.’ But what does it mean exactly? Is it a duplex, a townhome, or something entirely different? 

In this Redfin article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about twin homes. We’ll cover the unique features of this home type, discuss the advantages and drawbacks, and help you determine if it’s the right housing choice for you. So whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Columbus or considering renting in Houston, keep reading to learn all about twin homes.

What is a twin home?

A twin home is also known as a semi-detached home. It’s a residential property with two separate living units, each having its own entrance and private space, housed within one building. The units are usually mirror images of each other in terms of layout and design. Unlike a traditional single-family home, where the dwelling stands alone, twin homes share a common wall along one side.

Twin home vs. duplex: What is the difference? 

While twin homes and duplexes may seem similar at first glance due to their shared wall structure, they possess distinct differences that set them apart. A duplex generally refers to a building divided into two separate units, often stacked one on top of the other or side by side. These units can have different layouts, sizes, and designs, whereas twin homes typically mirror each other in layout and design, offering a sense of symmetry and balance. In a twin home, the design intention is to create a harmonious look, as if two identical homes were joined together.

“It’s critical to know if you’re buying a duplex or a twin home because of the difference in how the land is divided,” says Mark Shattuck of Dream Home Studio. “Duplexes are two attached homes with separate ownership, yet the land that both residences sit on is co-owned and co-maintained by both duplex owners. This makes duplexes multi-family properties. However, twin homes are classified as two attached single-family homes (and only two, as opposed to townhomes) because twin homes have separate land ownership, both split along a common property line and shared wall. Nothing looks visually different between duplexes and twin homes, but the land ownership, rights, and classification are very different.”

Pros and cons of living in a twin home

Pros:

Affordability: Twin homes often offer a more affordable housing option compared to single-family homes, making them appealing to first-time homebuyers or those looking for cost-effective alternatives.

Community feel: Living in close proximity to another household can foster a sense of community and provide an added layer of security with neighbors looking out for one another.

Efficient use of land: Twin homes are an efficient use of urban and suburban land, which can lead to shorter driveways, smaller yards, and more sustainable development practices.

Maintenance: With a shared wall, there might be less exterior maintenance compared to standalone homes, and homeowners’ association fees may cover some maintenance tasks.

Potential for Rental Income: One unit of a twin home can be rented out, providing homeowners with an opportunity for passive income if they choose to live in the other unit.

Cons:

Noise: Shared walls can sometimes lead to noise transfer between units, which might impact residents’ comfort and privacy.

Limited customization: While twin homes offer uniformity, this can limit the extent of customization options that homeowners might have compared to single-family homes.

Space constraints: Twin homes could have less outdoor space compared to single-family homes, limiting gardening and landscaping opportunities. Some twin homes may also have limited parking spaces or shared driveways, which can become a logistical challenge, especially if there are multiple vehicles involved.

Are twin homes considered single-family homes?

Twin homes often occupy a gray area between single-family homes and multi-family dwellings. Twin homes have private entrances and separate living spaces, much like single-family homes. However, their distinguishing features are the shared wall and the two units housed within one building. Local regulations and zoning ordinances can vary, and the classification of twin homes might vary depending on how they are legally defined within a specific jurisdiction.

A final note on twin homes

Twin homes offer a unique middle ground between single-family and multi-family homes, providing homeowners with the benefits of both privacy and community living. As the housing market continues to diversify, twin homes stand as a viable option for those seeking affordability, a sense of community, and a distinctive living arrangement.

Source: redfin.com

Apache is functioning normally

You wouldn’t expect to see a log cabin in the Chicago suburbs, but one is there, and has been since 1920.

“It’s an actual log cabin, and it’s kind of smack in the middle of downtown Des Plaines, IL,” explains listing agent Daniel Cartalucca, who’s with Coldwell Banker Realty–McMullen. The log home is located about 20 miles outside of Chicago.

Most likely, a log cabin would have looked a little more at home in the era it was built.

“Probably when it was built, it was mostly farmland surrounding it, or maybe a few single-family homes, but mostly farmland,” Cartalucca explains.

The 2,600-square-foot log home is listed for $472,000.

Entry

(Meg Berger)

Two-story atrium

(Meg Berger)

A tale of taxidermy

Cartalucca says a former Cook County sheriff, who also happened to be the coroner, built the home and had quite a large taxidermy collection.

“The taxidermy count is down to about five, and there used to be a standing giant black bear with his paws up,” he says.

However, the next owner can expect a buffalo head, an elk, a ram, and more that convey with the home.

The home’s heavy front doors open to a two-story atrium.

“Every time I go in, you can feel the history. It’s amazing,” Cartalucca says. “There’s a giant sweeping staircase going straight up, and everyone that comes in does the same thing. You can hear them sigh. It definitely elicits a response.”

Bedroom

(Meg Berger)

Kitchen

(Meg Berger)

Fireplace

(Meg Berger)

Rustic rooms

The home has two bathrooms and four bedrooms, including a suite on the main floor. The living area features a river rock fireplace.

Cartalucca says everything works, but the buyer might want to do some updates, like adding a dishwasher. Currently, the dishes are cleaned in a cast-iron farm sink.

“Inside it has sort of stuccoed walls in some rooms, and in some places, there are still log walls on the inside,” he says. There are many original wrought-iron items like hinges accenting the logs.

“It’s surprisingly quiet in there. You don’t hear trains. You don’t hear airplanes. The logs are so dense and heavy that they muffle any exterior noise,” he adds.

Outdoor space

(Meg Berger)

Living area

(Meg Berger)

Dining area

(Meg Berger)

The current owner has had the place since 1996 and has listed it for sale several times.

“Originally it was surrounded by commercial property. It has an 8-foot-high privacy fence, which is nice, and the backyard has probably 20 trees and is like a private little forest back there,” Cartalucca says.

The home is in an area with commercial and residential zoning, and the listing says it could be a vacation rental, antiques store, or something else.

“We’ve had a few young couples look at it, and they liked the cool factor of it,” Cartalucca says. “It’s not a typical house.”

Source: realtor.com

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