876 Balra Dr, El Cerrito, California 94530, El Cerrito, - bed, bath

home-pic
ACTIVE$1,495,000
876 Balra Dr, El Cerrito, California 94530
3Beds
3Baths
2,148Sqft
5,360Lot
Year Built
1957
Close
-
List price
$1.5M
Original List price
$1.65M
Price/Sqft
-
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
41114460
Home ConditionGood
Features
Excellent View: Bay, Bridge(s), City Lights, Hills
Deck
Patio
ViewBay,Bridge(s),City Lights,Hills

About this home

Lovingly maintained mid century home in El Cerrito Hills with SF Bay & Sunset Views from most rooms looking toward Golden Gate Bridge Inviting & warm with light filled rooms, gleaming hardwood floors and special decorator touches thruout in this 3 bedroom & 2.5 bath home. Entry foyer to living room with cozy fireplace & picture window views. Bright kitchen with birch finish cabinets, recessed lighting, breakfast bar and open to dining room area with door to secluded rear yard. Lower level of home features oversized family/gathering room, complete with wet bar, custom wine storage area, laminate flooring & guest powder room. Low maintenance landscaping front & back for easy care living. Rear yard with patios, terraced rose garden and deck areas to enjoy morning tea or evening sunsets. Upgraded with newer cental heating system, tankless water heater, professionally engineered earthquake retrofit and additional insulation for energy efficiency. Conveniently located minutes to several shopping areas, BART Stations, many tasty restaurants, neighborhood cafes and various recreation areas including SF Bay Trail. YOU WILL LOVE LIVING HERE !!!

Price History

Date
Event
Price
10/29/25
Price Change
$1,495,000-9.4%
10/10/25
Listing
$1,650,000
Neighborhood Comparison

 SubjectAverage HomeNeighbourhood Ranking (76 Listings)
Beds33
50%
Baths32
60%
Square foot2,1481,865
65%
Lot Size5,3605,000
58%
Price$1.5M$1.4M
61%
Price per square foot$696$728
45%
Built year19571950
75%
HOA
Days on market27149
1%
Condition Rating
Good

This mid-century home, built in 1957, is in good overall condition, benefiting from significant functional upgrades such as a newer central heating system, tankless water heater, earthquake retrofit, and additional insulation. The hardwood floors are well-maintained, and the lower-level family room with a wet bar appears more recently updated. While the kitchen and main bathrooms are clean and functional, their styles (birch cabinets, older white appliances, dated countertops/backsplash in the kitchen; pink sink, older fixtures, and wallpaper in one bathroom) are significantly outdated and would likely require renovation for modern aesthetic appeal. However, the property is move-in ready with no immediate *functional* renovations required, and major systems are within their expected lifespan, aligning with the 'Good' score criteria.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Exceptional Panoramic Views: The property boasts stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, city lights, and sunsets from most rooms, significantly enhancing its appeal and value.
Strategic Location & Accessibility: Located in the desirable El Cerrito Hills, offering convenient access to shopping, BART stations, diverse dining options, and various recreation areas including the SF Bay Trail.
Key Structural & Efficiency Upgrades: Recent upgrades include a newer central heating system, tankless water heater, professionally engineered earthquake retrofit, and additional insulation, contributing to safety and energy efficiency.
Enhanced Entertainment Spaces: Features an oversized lower-level family/gathering room complete with a wet bar and custom wine storage, providing excellent space for entertaining and relaxation.
Thoughtful Outdoor Living: Offers low-maintenance landscaping, a secluded rear yard with patios, a terraced rose garden, and deck areas, ideal for enjoying morning tea or evening sunsets.

Cons

Perceived Overpricing: The current listing price of $1.495M is notably higher than the estimated property value of $1.293M, which may deter potential buyers seeking market-aligned value.
Mid-Century Age & Potential Modernization: Built in 1957, while maintained, some aspects of the mid-century design and original features may require further modernization to align with contemporary buyer preferences, despite noted upgrades.
Recent Price Reduction: A significant price reduction from the original $1.65M to $1.495M could signal challenges in attracting buyers at the initial price point, potentially raising questions about market appeal or underlying value.

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