Guardarraya, Patillas
Why it's interesting
While the home is modern and well-constructed in an acceptable location near Humacao, the couple's core loves are largely absent: no ocean view despite the listing claim, no water features, minimal privacy (urban-lot feel), no evident fruit trees or rainforest. The area has severe documented flood history (Hurricane Maria 4–7 ft inundation, Rio Grande flooding, FEMA disaster designation) that directly conflicts with the FEMA X rating and the ground elevation of only 212 ft in a steep, fast-runoff terrain. The asking price ($220K) undercuts the appraisal by $71K, raising questions about condition, title, or market shifts.
🔄 Refreshed with measured elevation/flood, the cadastre record, and the listing photos on 2026-07-01.
💵 $220,000 asking vs. $291,000 appraisal (0.76× appraisal); discrepancy warrants title/structural inspection and verification of appraisal date and condition assumptions.
What the photos show
The home sits on a modest, nearly flat lot with a concrete foundation and modern construction (3 bed/2 bath, ~932 sq ft). Lush green hillside vegetation rises directly behind the property, indicating tropical growth but no visible fruit trees or rainforest canopy; the rear slope shows secondary growth rather than undisturbed forest. The front faces the street with a black metal railing and modest setback; no views of the ocean or water bodies are visible from the ground-level vantage shown. Road access is direct but the immediate surroundings appear semi-developed residential. The property appraised at $291,000 yet is listed at $220,000, suggesting either a motivated sale or recent repricing.
Read from the listing photos by vision AI — verify against the images yourself.
| Location | Guardarraya, Patillas (tier 2 — farther, “epic-only”) |
|---|---|
| Price | $220,000 |
| Size | not stated |
| Land $/acre | — |
| Fit score | 38/100 |
| Existing home | 3 bed, 2 bath, 932 sq ft, marquesina & 2 balconies; condition unknown. |
Location, terrain & flood
📍 Open in Google Maps — Guardarraya, Patillas, Puerto Rico 🛰 Satellite
⛰ 212 ft elevation 🌊 FEMA Zone X — minimal flood
Barrio-level pin (listings give barrio + municipio, not the exact lot) — verify the parcel location. Elevation: USGS. Flood zone: FEMA NFHL.
Drive times
| Miramar Bar | 30 min | 20.9 mi |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Lucía Disc Golf | 19 min | 12.8 mi |
| SJU Airport | 85 min | 53.7 mi |
| Costco (Caguas) | 56 min | 38.2 mi |
Buildability
Total lot size is not stated (only house footprint: 919.73 m² ≈ 0.227 acres). Without knowing the full parcel size, buildability for expansion or a second structure cannot be assessed. Patillas is coastal/low-lying with flood risk; verify FEMA flood zone and drainage.
Due diligence — verify before buying
- Verify the 'ocean view' claim via site visit and photo from upper floors or balcony; listing photo shows none from ground level.
- Obtain detailed flood history for 919.73 m² parcel (Río Grande de Patillas proximity, Hurricane Maria inundation depth, insurance costs).
- Reconcile FEMA X rating with municipality's 4–7 ft hurricane inundation history and disaster designations; request FEMA elevation certificate and flood insurance quotes.
- Confirm cadastral boundaries, exact lot size, and road easement/access in Guardarraya, Bo. Patillas (verify against listing's 0.23 acres).
- Obtain appraisal date, condition notes, and reason for $71K discount to listing price; inspect foundation, roof, utilities, and septic/water systems.
- Site visit to assess privacy, neighboring density, fruit trees, and rainforest potential; measure any stream or surface water on or adjacent to land.
What the web found
Web search found a 2.3-acre comparable parcel in Guardarraya listed by Paraiso Realty at a higher price; the area is a coastal barrio with beach access near Humacao (35 minutes away), but has documented flood hazards from historical hurricanes and tropical rainfall events.
Also found online:
- Paraiso Realty — 2.3-acre triangular buildable parcel in Guardarraya, walk to Playa Escondida beach
- Findit PR — $1,300,000 house listing at Street #3 Km 112, Bo. Guardarraya; $200,000 house listing at Comm Recio, Guardarraya
- Zillow — Multiple Patillas listings including Bo Guardarraya Prairie Km #3-111.9
Seller / agent: Paraiso Realty: Bob Gevinski, Founder; PO Box 364822, San Juan PR 00936; 787-900-8909
Area intel: Guardarraya is a coastal barrio with mountains meeting the Caribbean Sea. Area has significant flood history: Rio Grande de Patillas experienced major flooding in 1983 and 1985; Hurricane Maria (2017) caused 4-7 ft inundation levels in Patillas municipality; Patillas experienced flooding in 1973 and has been designated in FEMA disaster areas. Terrain is mountainous inland with steep slopes contributing to rapid runoff during heavy rainfall. The area is approximately 35 minutes from Humacao by car via PR-3 highway. Median home values in Patillas are around $717,500.
Description (English)
This beautiful property is located minutes from Route #3, near Playa Inches, restaurants, and other points of interest. Property details: • 3 bedrooms • 1 utility room • 2 bathrooms • Kitchen • Dining room • Living room • GLA: 932 sq ft • Land: 919.73 m² (≈0.23 acres) • Marquesina (covered carport/porch) • 2 balconies • Ocean view. The property appraised at $291,000. Financing aid accepted. Puerto Rico
Original Spanish
Esta hermosa propiedad está ubicada a minutos de la carretera #3, y cerca de Playa Inches, restaurantes y otros puntos de interés. Detalles de la propiedad: • 3 habitaciones • 1 cuarto de utilidad • 2 baños • Cocina • Comedor • Sala • GLA: 932 p² • Terreno: 919.73 m² • Márquesina • 2 balcones • Vista al mar. La propiedad tasó $291,000.00. Se aceptan las ayudas. Puerto Rico
Dig deeper
Original listingGoogle itGoogle MapsSatellite viewRealtor.com compsPR flood map (FEMA)Listing ID 4896730 · scored 2026-07-01 · keyword score, needs review