L.A. homes under $500,000, under 750 square feet

Although multimillion-dollar mansions and homes built on speculation fuel fantasies and headlines, there are plenty of people in the market for something with a lesser footprint. Here’s a sampling of homes in Los Angeles County built on a smaller scale and priced under $500,000.

MOUNT WASHINGTON: This two-bedroom home, built in 1910, features original wood details, a covered porch and a lofted view of Mt. Washington.

Address: 409 Isabel St., Los Angeles, 90065

Listed for: $499,000, two bedrooms, one bathroom, 744 square feet (3,404-square-foot lot)

Features: Updated kitchen, original interior details, tiered deck and patio

About the area: In the 90065 ZIP Code, based on 29 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $635,000, up 12% from the previous year, according to CoreLogic.

HOLLYWOOD: A faux garage door hides a frontyard patio and the entrance to this one-bedroom bungalow.

Address: 763 N. Gower St., Los Angeles, 90038

Listed for: $475,000 for one bedroom, one bathroom, 650 square feet (1,000-square-foot lot)

Features: Kitchen with updated appliances, laundry area, renovated full bathroom

About the area: In the 90038 ZIP Code, based on five sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $856,000, down 24.8% from the previous year, according to CoreLogic.

SOUTH PASADENA: Trimmed in white, this Craftsman-style cottage has hardwood floors and an outdoor hot tub.

Address: 1133 Oxley St., South Pasadena, 91030
Listed for: $488,000 for two bedrooms, one bathroom, 638 square feet (2,074-square-foot lot)

Features: Bonus room, privacy hedges, citrus trees

About the area: In the 91030 ZIP Code, based on 13 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $1.325 million, up 636.7% from the previous year, according to CoreLogic.

LONG BEACH: A red door provides a visual contrast to the blue exterior of this renovated two-bedroom home.

Address: 264 E. Eleanor Lane, Long Beach, 90805

Listed for: $354,900 for two bedrooms, one bathroom, 720 square feet (4,535-square-foot lot)

Features: Remodeled kitchen, open-area floor plan, paved patio, citrus trees

About the area: In the 90805 ZIP Code, based on 44 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $350,000, up 5.2% from the previous year, according to CoreLogic.

WOODLAND HILLS: Beamed ceilings and stained-glass windows are in keeping with the period ambience of this cottage, built as a model home by developer Victor Girard in 1925.

Address: 4208 Alhama Dr., Woodland Hills, 91364

Listed for: $489,000, two bedrooms, one bathroom, 726 square feet (2,901-square-foot lot)

Features: Remodeled kitchen, restored wood-plank floors, landscaped yard with raised patio

About the area: In the 91364 ZIP Code, based on 34 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $785,000, up 16.1% from the previous year, according to CoreLogic.

HIGHLAND PARK: This single-story home touts an open kitchen new countertops and laminate floors.

Address: 5652 Meridian St., Los Angeles, 90042

Listed for: $329,000 for two bedrooms, one bathroom, 532 square feet (1,610-square-foot lot)

Features: Walled perimeter, breakfast bar, paver patio

About the area: In the 90042 ZIP Code, based on 38 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $580,000, up 13.7% from the previous year, according to CoreLogic.