Back from the dead... or at least a long slumber!

Sorry folks - work and life generally has kept me busy and some things like this blog have been casualties of late.  Anyhow, saw a new listing on the MLS this morning that got my blogging juices flowing.

This is 1316 Vuelta Place in PVE.  The MLS listing description describes it as "spectacular new construction" of a "custom built" house built, per the MLS build date, in 2013.  Yet upon a deeper dig, this home appears to have just sold in December 2012 for $1.275M (more than $1M less than the current asking price of $2.399M).

The home measures 2,860sf on a nice 0.4 acre lot in Montemalaga.  Curiously, public records show the home as a 2,555sf 1964 build.  The previous listing in 2012, which started at $1.345M and closed at $1.275M looks very very similar to the 'new construction' with some obvious facade tweaks.

The 2012 facade is obviously the original 1964 design.  The 2013 facade of the 'new construction' is really just an update, as far as I can tell, of the exterior of the home to albeit better, more interesting and architecturally accurate design.  The garage, front door, windows, and even the roof are in the same places as its 60s predecessor.  The new front boasts recessed windows, nicer plaster/stucco walls, wooden garage door (although I'm not a fan of the glaze) and nice accent lights.  I do wish the owner would have gone with a white exterior rather than the McMansiony cream color we've seen so much of lately.

The new listing boasts of modern conveniences in the home; however the 2012 listing also touted a remodeled kitchen among other interior improvements.  Given the work done to this house is mostly superficial, does that warrant a near doubling of the asking price?

No interior photos of the new house have been added to the MLS, so we'll see what other changes have been made.  Given that the last sale closed less than 3 months ago, I remain skeptical as to what updates and changes could have been made in such a short period of time (especially given the rather lengthy approvals process in PVE for aesthetics and structural changes).  We shall see.