Tree-crushed California home sells for $500k

The home was flattened by a giant pine, but that did not stop buyers queuing to lay down cash. 

The damaged California property is now under contract for US$499,999, after being on the market for just 17 days. 

In total, the online listing was viewed over 16,000 times. 

The bungalow, which was first built in 1921, was occupied by two renters and their dog at the time the damage took place. 

In May this year, an old stone pine toppled over and smashed in the front portion of the home, along with the tenants’ van, trapping the couple inside. 

Four months on, the wiring and insulation is still exposed from the accident. 

But surprisingly, the bungalow’s dire state did not stop a strong wave of interest from hopeful buyers keen to snatch up a bargain. 

Agent Kevin Wheeler of Century 21 Village Realty told the Los Angeles Times that a lack of inventory in this price bracket was a key reason behind the interest. 

Just days after the house was crushed, buyers were making low-ball offers to the owner. 

“They were trying to buy it for $250,000 or $350,000, but market comparisons for similar properties in Monrovia put the value at $500,000,” Wheeler said. 

Dubbing the property “Miracle on Mountain”, the listing describes the home as a “flat and abated lot” with “lots of meat left on the bone for investors”. 

The 100-year-old bungalow has just one bedroom and bathroom, and 59 square metres of floor space.