244 Lakeside Dr #9
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
28% of that payment is not the mortgage. The HOA fee alone is $122,520 over five years — money that buys you no equity. A calculator that defaulted the fee to zero would have quoted you $13,262.
Not FHA-approved. No 3.5%-down FHA financing on this unit, so the realistic floor is a 5%-down conventional loan ($99,750). 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
✅ Fairly steady · +1%/yrReconstructed from 9 units of recorded sales at 244 Lakeside Dr — every recorded sale carries its HOA fee and date. No listing site shows this.
These dues have held relatively steady (about +1%/yr over 5 years across 9 units) — a good sign. Only the reserve study confirms the building is keeping up with its big-ticket repairs.
🏢 Get this building's full reserve & assessment report — free →✅ Positives
- In-unit W/D
- Garage parking
- Low HOA (1.2%/yr)
- HOA steady in this building (~1%/yr over 5yr)
⚠️ Cons
- 42% above model fair value
- HOA $2042/mo
- Older building (1926)
🚩 Red flags
- Very high HOA $2042/mo (full-service high-rise)
Photos
Price history (this unit)
- Sep 10, 2026 — Listed $1,995,000
- Feb 29, 2024 — Sold (Public Records) $1,650,000
- Apr 24, 2015 — Sold (Public Records) $1,100,000
Description
Perched on the 7th floor of the historic Bechtel Building on Oakland's Gold Coast, this one-of-a-kind 3BD/3.5BA residence spans 2,400+ SF and captures a rare vantage point on Lake Merritt - where water, sky, & parkland fill every window. At the heart of the home, a truly exceptional kitchen designed in collaboration with award winning McCroskey Interiors pairs sculptural beauty with professional-grade performance. At its center sits a 14-foot Calacatta marble island, conceived as both function and art, surrounded by a full suite of Sub-Zero, Miele, Gaggenau, and Wolf appliances. Every detail is thoughtfully executed: a custom soapstone fireplace, spa-like tadelakt baths, & a serene primary…