Half of a Home Destroyed by Fallen Tree Listed for Sale in Los Angeles Area for $500,000

A one-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow in Monrovia, California, is now up for sale at $499,999 after being partially crushed by a tree earlier this year. The incident, which occurred while two renters and their dogs were inside, resulted in minimal damage to the occupants. However, the property sustained significant structural damage, including missing walls, hanging wires, and no ceilings, giving it a unique “open-concept floor plan,” as humorously described by the listing agent Kevin Wheeler.

The home, originally measuring 645 square feet (60 square meters), has its electricity turned off but still has functional plumbing. Despite being over 50 years old and falling under Monrovia regulations requiring a review for demolitions on such properties, no review is necessary due to the destruction being classified as an act of nature. This exemption allows potential buyers to renovate the property without the usual bureaucratic hurdles associated with rebuilds.

Kevin Wheeler mentioned to the Los Angeles Times that there has been considerable interest in the property, attributing it to the high demand for housing in the region coupled with limited inventory, especially in this price range. This unconventional real estate listing exemplifies the competitive and unique nature of Southern California’s real estate market, where even a half-demolished home can attract significant attention from prospective buyers.