Berkeley Home Sells for Nearly Double Asking Price to Avoid Bidding War

A determined homebuyer in Berkeley, California, opted to pay nearly double the asking price for a 1906 Craftsman-style home to bypass a competitive bidding war. The property, listed at $1.095 million, sold for approximately $2.05 million, an increase of 87% above the asking price.

The home, located at 2129 Roosevelt Ave., was on the market for only four days before a deal was struck, according to listing agent Jodi Nishimura of Kai Real Estate. The final sale price represents an additional $1 million on top of the initial listing.

The three-bedroom, two-bath home spans 1,490 square feet and sits on a 6,500 square foot lot. Nishimura described the property as "on fire from the start," noting that the agent preview was exceptionally busy, with queues forming outside the house.

An unsolicited offer was submitted the same evening disclosure documents were sent out. However, the seller, who resides on the East Coast, was hospitalized with a broken kneecap after an accident involving her dog, delaying the acceptance of the offer. During this period, weekend open houses were still held, attracting over 200 potential buyers.

Once the seller was able to review and approve the offer, the property was removed from the market, much to the disappointment of other interested parties. Nishimura reported receiving numerous inquiries from agents who had not had an opportunity to submit their own bids.

Berkeley is known for its competitive real estate market, where low list prices are often used to generate interest and multiple offers. Data from Zillow indicates that approximately 89.2% of homes in the city sell above their asking price, with a median sale price 29.6% higher than the list price. While this markup is significant, the recent sale's 87% premium is notably higher than the typical overbid in the area.

Nishimura noted that this particular sale's premium was exceptional, even compared to previous high-demand sales she has handled. Last year, she sold a different home for 101% over its asking price.

The appeal of the Roosevelt Avenue property, Nishimura explained, was not tied to a famous architect but rather its setting. The house is situated well back from the street on a large lot with extensive tropical plantings, creating what she described as a "secret garden" atmosphere. The seller had maintained a room in the house even after moving to the East Coast, allowing her to continue tending to the garden.

Inside, the home features original redwood ceilings and wainscoting, alongside modern updates such as a new foundation, updated systems, and a refreshed kitchen. Young families appeared to be the primary demographic of interest, drawn to the spacious yard and the convenience of commuting from central Berkeley.

While early, compelling offers can sometimes preempt the standard selling process, Nishimura stated that as a listing agent, she is obligated to present all offers to the seller. She acknowledged that such offers can be frustrating for buyers hoping to participate in a bidding process.

The hot market extends to other parts of the Bay Area. In San Francisco, fueled partly by a boom in the artificial intelligence sector, homes sold for an average of 26% over asking price in July, the highest in 21 years. The first half of 2026 saw 144 homes in San Francisco sell for at least $1 million above their list price, a significant increase from the previous year. Crowds at open houses have become a common sight, with reports of long queues of prospective buyers.