Mid-Century Modern homes in Palm Springs, CA, sometimes seem like a dime a dozen. But the chance to live on a street lined with them is priceless. Or, in the case of this three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch, it's $679,000.
Built on a quarter-acre lot by developer Jack Meiselman in 1957, the home went on the market two months ago and an offer was accepted in late July. The new owners will be in good company. The home is located on East Amado Road, at the corner of North Sunset Way.
"That's the only street where the entire length of one side is all Alexander," says listing agent Alex Dethier, referring to Alexander Construction Co., the Mid-Century Modern builder. The highly desired style often goes for more money in square footage when compared with other housing designs, Dethier adds.
The secret to nailing the sale, says Dethier, was staging. For the first month the home was listed, potential buyers noticed a major design gap between the online photos and what they walked into.
"We actually shot (the home) when it was furnished, then the people moved out and we listed it empty," says Dethier. "With all-white walls and polished-concrete floors, it felt like a bunker."
Staging the house with Mid-Century Modern art and dcor did the trick. "We laid down rugs to warm up the concrete" and also focused on sitting areas and added a bar, says Dethier. Soon, the idea of living inside the stark home wasn't difficult to imagine.
And yet throughout the staging there was a conscious effort to not go "too period" with the staging, says Dethier, in case Mid-Century Modern style wasn't a huge hit with some home shoppers, "and to appeal to a broader audience."
The new buyers -- who will be the seventh owners of the house -- will enjoy design details such as a south-facing wall of glass framing mountain views, as well as an open layout ideally suited for entertaining. Previous owners modernized the property by adding a two-car garage (an update from the era's carports) and more square footage.
It's no secret: This Mid-Century Modern gem will be a joy to live in.