1 Lakeside Dr #410
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
40% of that payment is not the mortgage. The HOA fee alone is $59,880 over five years — money that buys you no equity. A calculator that defaulted the fee to zero would have quoted you $2,692.
Not FHA-approved. No 3.5%-down FHA financing on this unit, so the realistic floor is a 5%-down conventional loan ($19,950). 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 · +6.3%/yrReconstructed from 20 units of recorded sales at 1 Lakeside Dr — every recorded sale carries its HOA fee and date. No listing site shows this.
These dues climbed 28% in 4 years — about +6.3%/yr across 20 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 97 days → strong negotiating leverage
- Upper floor (fl 4)
- In-unit W/D
- Garage parking
⚠️ Cons
- HOA $998/mo
🚩 Red flags
Photos
Price history (this unit)
- Jul 6, 2026 — Listed $425,000
- Jul 11, 2014 — Sold (Public Records) $395,000
Description
The Essex is a Luxurious & Sophisticated Condominium on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland. Enjoy the comforts of an urban vibe and effortless lifestyle - conveniently located by Lake Merritt’s natural surroundings and downtown Oakland’s dining and shops. This stunning 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom with hardwood flooring, carpet, bathroom tiles, stainless kitchen appliances, and new paint throughout. A large living space with direct curved balcony view of Lake Merritt. 1 parking space in a secured garage, HOA amenities: 24/7 lobby front desk; Pool; Spa; Fitness Center; Library; Conference Room + more. Conveniently located near BART and public transportation.