311 Oak St #507
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
36% of that payment is not the mortgage. The HOA fee alone is $71,340 over five years — money that buys you no equity. A calculator that defaulted the fee to zero would have quoted you $4,189.
Not FHA-approved. No 3.5%-down FHA financing on this unit, so the realistic floor is a 5%-down conventional loan ($31,250). 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 · +7.5%/yrReconstructed from 18 units of recorded sales at 311 Oak St — every recorded sale carries its HOA fee and date. No listing site shows this.
These dues climbed 43% in 5 years — about +7.5%/yr across 18 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
- 26% below its 2018 peak
- Upper floor (fl 5)
- In-unit W/D
- Garage parking
⚠️ Cons
- HOA $1189/mo
- Photos look dim — verify light in person
🚩 Red flags
- Very high HOA $1189/mo (full-service high-rise)
- Listed BELOW its 2018 sale ($850k) → value eroding
Photos
Price history (this unit)
- Sep 23, 2026 — Listed $624,999
- Jan 19, 2018 — Sold (MLS) $850,000
- Jan 19, 2018 — Sold (MLS) $850,000
- Jan 19, 2018 — Sold (Public Records) $850,000
- Dec 19, 2017 — Price Changed $850,000
- Dec 14, 2017 — Listed $825,000
Description
Exceptional Jack London Square Condominium Live in the heart of Oakland’s vibrant Jack London Square in this exceptional 5th-floor, two-level residence at The Sierra. This unique 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condominium features a versatile loft and a sophisticated urban layout designed for comfortable city living. Enjoy convenient access to BART, with the Lake Merritt station just a few blocks away, as well as I-880, the Alameda/Oakland Ferry, and Amtrak. Oakland International Airport is also just a short drive away. Step outside and you’re minutes from the dining, shopping, entertainment, waterfront, and historic charm of Jack London Square. The Sierra combines innovative architecture, natural…