
267 Riverside Avenue has apparently closed this week for $4,490,000. List: Carol Zuckert Sell: Jared Randall
You longtime readers know my feelings about builders. I vented on the subject back in 2013, but briefly, my complaints (about some of them) are as follows:
- They have no compunction against submitting a phony bid.
- They overprice their houses and waste years of brokers’ time.
- They cut corners to save a nickel.
- They are disloyal to their brokers.
But there are exceptions, and one of them is this fellow Jim Gardiner, who works with broker Carol Zuckert. Gardiner doesn’t submit phony bids, doesn’t cut corners, and remains loyal to broker Zuckert, Best of all, his houses sell quickly!
His latest victory is the quick sale of 267 Riverside Avenue. It didn’t even hit the market before (crafty and swift) broker Jared Randall brought a buyer in and wrapped up the deal with broker Zuckert.
Builder Gardiner paid $2,100,000 for the tear-down and it closed in October, 2015, so a bit over one year from start to finish. Is it any wonder this guy attracts investors?

This is the “before” picture at 267 Riverside Avenue. .54 acres means FAR allowed 7,409 sq.ft.
The house is a very simple, uncomplicated design. Faster build, economies of scale. If he eliminated the ears on the front gambrel profile I don’t think he would have gotten a nickel less.
One:
“Ears”? Did you say “ears”? Hold on a sec whilst I examine the photograph….
Ah! Ok, yeah, you’re right, the “ears” were unnecessary.
What do you think it cost Gardiner to build that house? It doesn’t follow the 1/3 land, 1/3 house, 1/3 profit rule
that rule is a bit ridiculous. I doubt many builds even in riverside follow that “rule”
Anon:
It may be time to retire that ‘rule”…
So how much was construction cost?
Anony:
Beats me, bub! But because I like you, I’ll see if the listing broker will spill.
How in the world is that house worth anywhere near $4.49M?
‘nonymous:
Wanna know how? The two across the street sold recently for around that price, and there are around ten other nearby recent comparable sales, that’s how.
My point is that those homes look like $4M+ houses. This one doesn’t.
‘non:
One photo of the front exterior does not tell the story.
He is the best!