In the late 1940s, real estate developer Joseph Eichler began to develop the homes that now are commonly referred to as “Eichlers.” This period signified a time of national economic prosperity, and the prolific development of Eichlers throughout prime Californian communities symbolized the burgeoning attraction of the suburbs for comfort-seeking Americans. Today, Eichler homes—often still featuring original details like wood paneling, walls of glass, clerestory windows, and/or radiant floor heating—are considered the “classic cars” of modern homes, coveted by those who have done well in the Bay Area’s tech and design industries.
Upgraded Or Original?
Towards the middle of the last decade, it was not uncommon for a “mint-condition” Eichler in the Bay Area to be sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars over its $1M+ asking price. In more recent years, prices have continued to soar for Eichler homes in popular Bay Area neighborhoods within cities like Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale—areas that harbor some of California’s largest inventories of surviving Eichler homes.
Upgraded Eichlers blend the stylistic trends of Mid-Century Modern living with the comfort and convenience of today. Because they offer the best of both worlds, these modernized versions can sell for as much—if not more—than other homes in the same neighborhood that may be bigger and/or newer.
Interestingly, many Eichler homes in original or near-original condition can still command very high prices, considering their lack of upgrades. This is often due to their locations in very central and popular neighborhoods, coupled with their historic relevance. Despite their impressive prices, these un-remodeled homes still consume an elevated degree of buyer attention. After all, Eichlers are sought after for their remodeling potential, and many of the most stylish homes on the market today are redesigned, reinvented Eichler homes.
Historic Importance
Every situation is different, but as a rule, buying an Eichler with the intent of remodeling it is no small feat.
Over 11,000 residences in California were designed and developed in partnership with Joseph Eichler’s company. Of these, over 2,000 are located in Palo Alto—one of the most popular shopping centers for Eichler aficionados. The Eichler-designed neighborhoods of Green Gables and Greenmeadow in Palo Alto have even been listed in the National Register of Historic Places (view map of Palo Alto’s Eichler tracts). These homes impart a large deal of historic significance to the local community; as such, the city has gone to great lengths to ensure they are preserved.
In 2018, Palo Alto’s City Council adopted Final Eichler Neighborhood Design Guidelines pertaining to residential neighborhoods developed by Joseph Eichler’s development firm, Eichler Homes. These guidelines provide technical details necessary for potential buyers of an Eichler home, including compatibility criteria for remodels, additions, and new construction within the Eichler neighborhoods of Palo Alto. They also offer advice for executing remodeling work that doesn’t interfere with the architectural character of these treasured districts.
Educated & Experienced
Julie and her team have helped hundreds of clients find their homes in the Bay Area, and several of these have been Eichler-built residences. We can provide you with invaluable information and connections, including remodeling expectations and navigating the ins and outs of the complex permitting process. Our commitment is to guide you every step of the way.
Plus, with twenty years of serving the real estate needs of choice buyers in our area, we are uniquely positioned to find the Eichler home of your dreams. We even have the experience and resources necessary to link you with a vetted contractor who has extensive experience in repairing and reviving Eichler homes, and who can arrange to assess the property before purchase.
Can We Help?
Please contact Julie at 650.799.8888 or Julie@JulieTsaiLaw.com to schedule a free consultation.
