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(PacificCoastNews.com)
Here’s the first look at Bristol Palin’s priced- to-move new home in suburban Phoenix.
The former “Dancing” contestant recently closed on a 5-bedroom, 3,900 square-foot home in Maricopa, a 30-minute drive from Phoenix, for a bargain-basement price of $172,000 — just shy of the $174,900 asking price.
And local real estate agents are already seeing an uptick in interest after Palin’s announcement last week.
“I guess they want to live next to Bristol Palin,” said Don Bates, of West USA Realty, after receiving an “unusually busy” influx of e-mails from homebuyers since Christmas.
Bates credited the affordability of area houses with attracting potential buyers.
“It is really not a lot of money to spend — especially for a famous person,” said Bates.
Others contend Bristol may have made a classic, first-time buyer’s mistake by jumping too quickly.
“Most people are kind of baffled,” Dana Hubbell, a realtor in the larger Phoenix market, told The Post.
Hubbell said Palin should have bought in a more upscale neighborhood, since home prices are low across the state.
“I am sure she can afford more and better protect her investment.
At only $44 per-square-foot –Manhattan apartments fetch $1,000 per-square-foot — it appears Palin couldn’t pass up the depreciated dwelling.
“We are hoping people will be calling and asking for the same deal Ms. Palin got,” said Pamela Coleman, broker for Aladdin Properties.
Palin’s new crib first sold for $329,560 in 2006 before being foreclosed.
The home was auctioned off on the courthouse steps and resold for $137,200 to investors Michael and Cynthia Smith, of Minot, ND this past April.
They listed the unit for $185,000 before reducing the price to $174,900.
Palin snapped up the house 90 days later.
The two-story, Southwestern-style home boasts a fenced-in backyard and a three-car garage.
The sunny chef-style kitchen is outfitted with sleek appliances, a glass backsplash, and oak cabinetry.
Other notable features include a formal dining room, 2.5 baths, double sinks, spa-tub and walk-in closets.
Situated on a palm-tree-lined street in the family-friendly subdivision Cobblestone Farm, the home has access to a community pool and playground.