Who would’ve thought we’d see the day that a single-family house is sitting on the market 100 days, comparably priced to what a tenancy-in-common fetched just five years ago? Alas, the times have most definitely changed. And, as for the seller of 546 Monterey Boulevard in San Francisco’s Sunnyside neighborhood, the struggle is real. According to their listing agent, this seller is motivated — that’s REALTOR® speak for please oh please bring an offer.

Before being purchased in early 2021, the property had been owned by the same party for 30+ years. Its disjointed layout and worn out finishes, entirely cringey but very workable, would be the starting point for renovation. Keeping (mostly) within the existing envelope of the structure, conditioning substandard space at the upper and lower levels was the most obvious value-add. Today, two years later, the home is impeccably reimagined boasting 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and ±2,311 square feet.

Following two price reductions, 546 Monterey Boulevard is currently listed for sale at $1,890,000. Let’s take a look at the before & after…

The interior transformation begins just beyond the front door. A seamless expanse of wide-plank hardwood flooring, abundant recessed lighting, and deleted partition walls achieve a crisp contemporary aesthetic. Integrated LED strips illuminate a reconfigured glass-clad staircase to the second level. First impression: fabulous.

Previously a living room, the new primary suite includes one of the home’s four well-proportioned bedrooms — of which all but one enjoys an attached full bath. A built-in countertop and shelving adds thoughtful functionality.

Featuring a suite of premium Bosch appliances including 4-door smart refrigerator and gas cooktop, the kitchen has multiplied in size by capturing a former bathroom. Quartz surfaces unite high-gloss and warm wood-tone cabinetry. A recessed serving area, complete with beverage cooler, anchors the dining space. Outside the sliding glass door, an expanded deck welcomes al fresco entertaining.

The new open design living area has gained a sleek floating fireplace surrounded by sculptural tiles. What do you think of those tray ceilings?

Atop the second-floor landing, a new skylight adds to the airy quality. What was an odd and underutilized space now contributes to a bath and closet. Storage is abundant in this home and carved from practically every corner possible.

This south-facing bedroom with ensuite bath has ±100 square feet of closets tucked under the roofline. Notice the hardwoods in all sleeping quarters.

One of two original baths, only this upstairs facility has retained its footprint. The reconfigured space is nearly unrecognizable however. Its large-format porcelain wall tiles, glass shower enclosure, high-gloss cabinetry, and lighted medicine cabinet are a theme shared among all four full baths. There is a similar powder room located on the main level.

Another bedroom suite is situated at the rear of the upper level. It, too, has no shortage of closets (four, to be exact). Two dormers added at the west side of the property afford a larger area of suitable ceiling height here and in the adjoining bath.

A series of bonus rooms located behind the garage presented valuable square footage just waiting to be made legally habitable. And so it was. There is now a living space with separate sitting room, bedroom and bath. This lower floor is accessible from the home’s main level as well as via the garage and from the exterior, making it conducive to multi-generational arrangements or guest stays.

New fencing. Same mature landscaping (including an avocado tree).

Leaving no stone unturned, the garage has been freshened up with sheetrock and paint. The vehicle entrance has also been widened for ease of coming and going.