In what might come as a surprise to some, the real estate market has thrown up yet another curious listing. A house in Monrovia, or rather, half of it, has been listed for sale after being partially destroyed by a fallen tree earlier this year. Priced at $499,999, the property situated at 113 S. Mountain Ave. near Foothill Boulevard, has caught the attention of prospective buyers despite its heavily damaged state.
As reported by KTLA, back in May a giant pine tree succumbed to gravity, crashing down upon the one-bedroom, one-bathroom 645 square-foot residence. The incident, which occurred just after 7 p.m. on May 9, was described by a renter at the property, known as Shelly, as sounding "like a bomb had exploded." While two people, and two dogs were inside the property at the moment of the calamity, there were no severe injuries, although a van parked in the driveway wasn't as fortunate. In a statement obtained by KTLA, listing agent Kevin Wheeler discussed the significant interest the property has garnered, saying offers have been made in the aftermath of the incident, some as low as $300,000.
Wheeler, managing the sale, brings an upbeat perspective on the property, emphasizing its potential to CBS News. The sunlight, no longer obstructed by the tree, now generously bathes the 2,504-square-foot lot. He quipped about the sale, "Some people ask if I'm embarrassed to put a teardown on the market. As my UCLA TV Professor Jerry Katzman (he ran William Morris) used to tell us, 'Sell it, don't smell it'." Electricity has been turned off at the residence, but the plumbing remains operational. Under normal circumstances, demolition for properties over 50 years old would mandate an extensive review, but, due to the home’s partial destruction by what is described as an 'act of God,' this requirement is waived, Wheeler informed CBS News.
Despite the damage, which includes a ruined roof and a toppled chimney, the property listing suggests there is “lots of meat left on the bone for investors.” Interestingly, the Zillow listing describes the lot as "ready for new construction or rebuild," and calls it "A miracle on Mountain." Meanwhile, the public reaction has been one of fascination, with NBC Los Angeles reporting a considerable buzz due to its below-market asking price. Wheeler, speaking to NBC, said he’s received "an astronomical number of calls on this property," even winning, what he calls "the contest of ugliest duckling in my brokerage with this home." He cautions that the next owner must fully understand the permitting required to restore the space. Interested parties can seek more information as provided in a statement obtained by NBC Los Angeles. As Monrovia looks towards rezoning, the future of the property remains a speculative talking point among investors and curious onlookers alike.
