The open house was very busy, crowded with multiple parties viewing the home.  This two level condominium has a kitchen, dining area and living room downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs.  It is advertised to have 3 reserved parking spots assigned to the home. The home is a middle unit, sharing walls with neighbors on each side.  It is located at the far end of the community, but is just steps away from the tennis courts and amenities. It is most convenient for guests to park along Park Place, but it was difficult to finding a parking space. A nice feature is that laundry is out in the patio closet, so residents do not have to leave their property or share a laundry facility.

Asking Price:   $430,000
Bedrooms:       2
Bathrooms:      1.5
Square Footage: 1,204
$/Sq Ft:           $357
Property Type: Condominium
Year Built:      1978
Community:    Northwood – The Lakes
HOA Fees:      $355
Mello Roos      No
Schools: Santiago Hills Elementary, Sierra Vista Middle School, Irvine High School

Upon entering, you have the view to the over-sized sliding glass door at back end of the condominium.  The home is in very nice condition with some dated features, but shows nicely.  The ceiling is still textured and wood paneling lines a wall in each room throughout, which some people may like and others may think dates the space.  Windows and bathroom countertops are original, but the patio looks out to the stream and the location is more private in comparison to other units in the community.

Immediately to the left is a small functional kitchen with white appliances, recessed lights, tile floor and 4×4 tile countertop.  The cabinets throughout have been replaced with flat, artificial-wood looking cabinets.  The kitchen offers plenty of cabinetry for storage and an open view to the rest of the first floor with the eating bar separating it from the small dining area.  A pantry sits on the outside wall of the peninsula.

The living room is a couple steps down from the rest of the first floor, which clearly defines the area. Carpet runs throughout the dining room and living room.  The living room is a nice size with a corner fireplace and built in bookshelves. With high ceilings and large windows looking out to the patio, the room feels spacious and tranquil.

The living room opens up to the enclosed patio, which has a closet area for laundry.  The patio is not enclosed, but is set forward from the neighbors which provides some privacy.  Looking out to the stream provides a relaxing atmosphere.  Patios facing the same stream on the other side can easily view your patio, but trees and some plants obstruct the view, providing some privacy.

A small closet and half bathroom are located to the right of the front door. Like the rest of the bathrooms, the countertop looks original and the cabinetry is the faux wood.  It is in very clean condition.

Coming up the staircase, I noticed one of the home’s two large skylights, which brings in a lot of light.  The high vaulted ceilings provide an open spacious feel. The carpet runs up the staircase and throughout the hall and bedrooms.

The hall bathroom separates the two bedrooms, and like the other bathrooms, have the faux wood cabinet, original white countertop and tile flooring.  The tub/shower combo is fiberglass and is in clean condition.  The bathroom has a door leading into the master bathroom.  The master bathroom only has dual sinks and closets.  I have seen this model where the owners have created a separate master bathroom by removing the closets and added a shower and toilet.

The master bedroom is a decent size with built in cabinets and walk-in closet.  The vaulted ceilings and space at the top of the wall separating the bathroom brings in light from the bathroom skylight.   The skylight brings in a lot of natural light.

The first bedroom is smaller, but the vaulted ceilings and a good sized closet create a spacious feel.  The windows face the front of the home.

The condominium has a great open layout.  Having laundry on the property is a big convenience and the location has the advantage of having guest parking off of Park Place, since there is very limited visitor parking throughout the community.  It has been kept in clean, excellent condition.