1085 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, California 94301, Palo Alto, 94301 - 4 bed, 4 bath
1085 Emerson Street
Palo Alto, California 94301
Property Price
SUMMARY
Analysis of 1085 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, California 94301 reveals a property with a current list price of $3,998,000, which is 4% above the estimated $3,828,707 Fair Market Value. Buyers should carefully evaluate the pricing and consider negotiation opportunities. The property maintains a Fair Condition Rating (50/100), suggesting the property is in acceptable condition with potential for value enhancement through selective updates and improvements. Located in a high-demand neighborhood within the Palo Alto Unified School District, this asset is categorized as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition suitable for both Buy-and-Hold Investors and Owner-Occupants willing to undertake light renovation work.
Estimated Market Value
Comparable Sales Map
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 1085 Emerson Street Subject | $3,998,000* List Price | 4 | 4 | 2,268 | $1,688 | - |
A 1015 High Street Sold | $3,800,000 | 2 | 3 | 2,526 | $1,504 | 0.1 mi |
B 1100 Bryant Street Sold | $3,900,000 | 3 | 2 | 2,290 | $1,703 | 0.1 mi |
C 566 Addison Avenue Sold | $3,325,000 | 3 | 2 | 2,316 | $1,436 | 0.4 mi |
D 727729 Middlefield Road Pending | $3,100,000 List Price | 4 | 3 | 2,499 | $1,240 | 0.6 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Condition Analysis
OVERALL CONDITION SCORE
Property is moderate renovation needed.
This 1909 historic home is well-maintained and retains significant architectural character, but it has not been on the market or substantially renovated in over 40 years. While the hardwood floors and original woodwork are in good condition, the kitchen and bathrooms are dated, featuring vintage elements like an O'Keefe & Merritt range and older cabinetry. The property analysis explicitly mentions 'deferred modernization,' suggesting that while the home is functional and livable, it requires updates to its major systems and interior finishes to meet contemporary standards.
PROSSTRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES
- Great Schools
High School: Palo Alto High School (9/10).
- Prime Professorville Location
Situated in one of Palo Alto’s most prestigious historic neighborhoods, this property offers exceptional walkability to downtown amenities and proximity to top-rated schools like Palo Alto High.
- Income-Generating Cottage
The separate, self-contained one-bedroom cottage with its own address and utilities provides rare flexibility for rental income, a private home office, or multi-generational living.
CONSRISKS & DEFICIENCIES
- MLS Listing Discrepancy
Living area discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing living area = 2268, other record living area = 2108. Bedroom count discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing bedroom count = 4, other record bedroom count = 5.
- Deferred Modernization
Coming to the market for the first time in 40 years, the property likely requires significant capital investment to update aging systems and interior finishes to meet contemporary luxury standards.
- Limited Enclosed Parking
With only a one-car garage, the property may fall short of expectations for buyers in this price tier who typically require more extensive secure parking or storage space.
About 1085 Emerson Street
Opportunity Knocks in Professorville. First time on the market in over 40 years, this gracious two-story home sits on a generous lot surrounded by a beautiful garden, inviting patio, and towering redwood and oak trees that create a peaceful, private retreat. Inside, youll fall in love with the original woodwork, diamond-paned windows, gleaming hardwood floors, and sun-filled rooms that showcase the homes timeless character. The second floor features three spacious bedrooms, including a lovely primary suite with a large walk-in closet, abundant natural light, and an en suite bath with separate tub and shower. Perfect for entertaining, the family room opens seamlessly to the expansive backyard. The kitchen is highlighted by a classic OKeefe & Merritt range a true centerpiece for those who appreciate vintage charm. A separate, cozy one-bedroom cottage offers its own address, private entrance, and utilities which is ideal for guests, extended family, rental income, or a home office. Parking is easy with a one-car garage, carport, and additional space, all conveniently accessed from the alley behind the home. Located in sought-after Professorville, just steps from downtown shops, restaurants, and transit, this special property is ready for its next chapter.
Property Details
Public Facts
- Property Type
- Single Family Residence
- Year Built
- 1909
- Lot Size
- 6,300 Sq. Ft.
Interior
- Total Bedrooms
- 4
- Total Bathrooms
- 4 (4 Full, 0 Half)
Exterior & Parking
No exterior & parking available.
Utilities & Misc
- HOA Fee
- $0 / Month
Neighborhood Insights
Palo Alto Unified Schools
Addison Elementary School
Grades K-5 • 0.5 mi
David Starr Jordan Middle School
Grades 6-8 • 1.1 mi
Palo Alto High School
Grades 9-12 • 0.2 mi
Sensitive Facilities
No sensitive facilities data found.
Neighborhood Comparison
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 4.0 | 4.0 | 50% |
| Baths | 4.0 | 3.0 | 58% |
| Square foot | 2,268 | 2,316 | 45% |
| Lot Size | 6,300 | 6,420 | 48% |
| Price | $4.00M | $4.28M | 36% |
| Price per sq ft | $1.8K | $2.2K | 24% |
| Built year | 1909 | 1923 | 27% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 9 | 156 | 3% |
Pricing History
Listed for Sale
Feb 26, 2026
$3,998,000
Initial Listing