Comparable Sale basement or ground level

[Terrel L. Shields]

Looks like a split foyer or bi level.

Center is halfway between the lower level and upper level so there are 3 levels. A classic design. And, imnsho, the worst design ever crafted by an architect. aka Tri-level

 

[timd354]

Center is halfway between the lower level and upper level so there are 3 levels. A classic design. And, imnsho, the worst design ever crafted by an architect. aka Tri-level

I have never seen this design called a tri-level before, but design names are very local-centric, so maybe that is what it is called in your market. The only "level" between the lowest level and top level is a small landing/foyer behing the front door in the middle of the stairwell, so I personally would not called it a tri-level, but I guess calling if it is called that in some markets, I get it.

This was quite a popular design in the 1960's, along with 3, 4, and 5 level split level homes such as this one, which could have been yours recently for the low, low price of $875,000:

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Seems here that the split-levels were a fashion thing from the late 60s to mid-70s and fell out of favor with the subsequent high cost of heating after the energy crunch of 73 locally. The ones with the lower level partially underground however should have been more energy efficient.

Bermed homes were so badly discounted in the market, they simply never caught on here.

 

[NJ Valuator]

Ok, if the basement floor is level with the bottom of those windows, then it is not below grade. But, then you prolly have a 5' basement ceiling height. Is that visualization helpful.

I do not know if it is level with the bottom of the windows because I have not been in the house.

 

[NJ Valuator]

Center is halfway between the lower level and upper level so there are 3 levels. A classic design. And, imnsho, the worst design ever crafted by an architect. aka Tri-level

It is 2 levels. Called bilevel in these parts. Sometimes the first floor is partially below grade and sometimes it is fully at grade. The subject's first floor is fully at grade, but not sure if this sale would qualify as a comparable since it looks to be partially below grade.

 

[Mark K]

I just want to get everyone's opinion if it looks like the right side is below ground?

Yes, below grade. Look at the windows. there's about 3-4' under ground.

Around the Midwest we call them bi-level. Upper is usually 2-3 BR, Kit, DR, LR. Lower is often a BR or Den, Family room, full bath and, obviously, the garage.

 

[NJ Valuator]

This is the property.

667 New Dover Rd, Edison, NJ 08820 | Zillow

667 New Dover Rd, Edison NJ, is a Single Family home that contains 3086 sq ft and was built in 1962.It contains 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.This home last sold for $827,500 in February 2025. The Zestimate for this Single Family is $834,800, which has decreased by $13,306 in the last 30 days.The...

www.zillow.com

BTW that 3086 sf does not appear to be accurate regardless if it is at grade or below grade. Also, tax records only reports the 2nd level GLA because Edison never includes the first floor of bilevels regardless if the first floor is at grade or below grade.

 

[NJ Valuator]

Yes, below grade. Look at the windows. there's about 3-4' under ground.

Around the Midwest we call them bi-level. Upper is usually 2-3 BR, Kit, DR, LR. Lower is often a BR or Den, Family room, full bath and, obviously, the garage.

Called bilevels here too. Sometimes the first floor is at grade sometimes partially below grade.

 

[Mark K]

Called bilevels here too. Sometimes the first floor is at grade sometimes partially below grade.

Isn't a 2 level home with the first floor at grade simply a two-story. Unless you fall into the camp that believes that you can have an above grade basement.

 

[timd354]

I do not know if it is level with the bottom of the windows because I have not been in the house.

There is a 100% chance that the lower level of this home is below grad and that the floor is at least 2 - 3 feet below the bottom of the window and is most likely even with the floor in the garage or maybe one or two steps above the floor in the garage.