Small, Dated Home Priced At $2 Million In NorCal Causes Social Media Uproar

PALO ALTO, CA — A small, unassuming Northern California home has become a source of shock and confusion for social media users after it was priced at just under $2 million.

The house at 604 Chimalus Drive in Palo Alto is 1,134 square feet with three bedrooms and one bathroom. It was built in the 1950s, has been owned by the same family for nearly 60 years and is located on a cul de sac in the Barron Park neighborhood.

The listing described the property as “delightful” with “unique charm” in a neighborhood that “offers the best of Silicon Valley.”

In mid-May, real estate agent Olivia McNally of McNally and Associates previewed the home with an Instagram reel that had been viewed nearly 14 million times as of Thursday afternoon.

“Here’s a sneak peek at what $2M can get you in this amazing neighborhood,” the caption said. “With a lot of TLC and imagination you can build your dream home in one of the best neighborhoods (in our opinion) on the Peninsula.”

In the video, McNally enthusiastically shows off the home — including the stained olive carpeting, overhead fans and floral curtains — while Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” plays. The reel, and photos from the listing, reveal discoloration on the floors and walls, as well as dated wood paneling and appliances.

“IS the $2m home in the room with us?” one commenter asked.

“This has to be a joke,” wrote another. “I can smell this house through the phone 💩🤢”

However, some came to the home’s defense.

“people don’t get it that Alabama and Oklahoma are cheap cause nobody wants to be there,” a commenter posted. “Real estate is about Location first, and bell and whistles second”

McNally shared a similar sentiment in an interview with Business Insider.

"In the Bay Area, there's hardly any land left," she told the publication. "When land does become available, people will pay a premium for the dirt. That's really what they're buying here — the dirt in this Barron Park neighborhood."

As of April, the median home price in Palo Alto was $3.4 million, according to Redfin.

On Tuesday, McNally had received 10 offers for the house, many over the asking price, and she anticipated a bidding war, Business Insider reported.