2601 College Ave #207
Higher is a better buy. 50 is "priced about right for what it is". The last step curves the raw advantage onto 0–100, so points stop being one-for-one at the extremes.
💵What this unit actually costs per month
35% of that payment is not the mortgage. The HOA fee alone is $62,280 over five years — money that buys you no equity. A calculator that defaulted the fee to zero would have quoted you $3,858.
Not FHA-approved. No 3.5%-down FHA financing on this unit, so the realistic floor is a 5%-down conventional loan ($28,750). Common for small associations and not a defect on its own, but it does remove FHA buyers from your resale pool.
Minimum realistic down payment here: 5% · verify on HUD's lookup
Rate is the Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year average for the week of 2026-10-08 — a national survey figure, not a quote. Tax, insurance and closing costs are estimates; your own Loan Estimate is the real number.
This building's HOA fees
🚩 Rising fast · +8.3%/yrReconstructed from 11 units of recorded sales at 2601 College Ave — every recorded sale carries its HOA fee and date. No listing site shows this.
These dues climbed 49% in 5 years — about +8.3%/yr across 11 units of recorded sales, well above inflation. A rise this steep is a leading signal of a special assessment, a drained reserve fund, or an insurance shock. The listing never shows it; the building's documents are where the "why" lives.
🏢 Get this building's full reserve & assessment report — free →✅ Positives
- On market 52 days → some leverage
- Garage parking
⚠️ Cons
- HOA $1038/mo
- Older building (1962)
- Photos look dim — verify light in person
🚩 Red flags
- HOA rising ~8%/yr in this building ($692/mo in 2021 → $1032)
- Very high HOA $1038/mo (full-service high-rise)
Photos
Price history (this unit)
- Aug 20, 2026 — Listed $575,000
- Dec 7, 2024 — Rental Removed $2,500
- Jul 3, 2024 — Price Changed $2,500
- Apr 23, 2024 — Listed for Rent $2,700
- May 11, 1998 — Sold (Public Records) $140,000
- Jun 15, 1989 — Sold (Public Records) $168,000
Description
Bright and inviting condo in the desirable Elmwood District, offering approximately 684 sq ft of comfortable living space. The living room features built‑in bookshelves and opens to a private west‑facing balcony with bay views. Both the living room and bedroom enjoy the same bay outlooks, creating a naturally lit interior throughout the day. Functional floor plan with ample closet space. Located in a secure gated multi‑story building with deeded parking and convenient access to UC Berkeley, cafs, markets, parks, and public transit.