Author Archives: SMS

Open House Review: 10 Sarena

Turtle Rock Pointe Condo – It’s all about the view!

10 Sarena $849,000

Last week I visited a single family home in Woodbridge at 12 Silkleaf that had 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It was in the same price range as this Turtle Rock 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo. Both are well maintained, inviting properties with distinct asset lists that will attract totally different buyers.

Driving into the gated community at Turtle Rock Pointe, it was hard not to marvel at how quiet and secluded the area was. 10 Sarena #52 is neatly tucked into a quiet spot. Then when you step inside, you get the message. It’s all about the view. As a JM Peters home, the location dictates design in this elegant condo that makes the most of canyon, hills and golf course views with a sweeping two level floor plan, and bricked patio.

Significant Numbers: New to the market, this 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo was built in 1985. It has 1830 sq. ft. HOA dues are $487 month with $/sq. ft. at $464.

CloseUp: Double doors open into a tiled entry leading into a huge light filled living room with cathedral vaulted ceiling and fireplace. Here’s your ringside seat for entertaining, nicely linked to the bricked patio and view beyond. To the left, there is a formal dining area, then a snug breakfast nook with view and patio access, backed up by a small but sleek kitchen with handsome cabinetry and granite counters.

Upstairs, there are two bedroom suites and a good sized loft area that could be converted to a third bedroom, or used as a family room, study, library or office. The master suite has a double vanity and makes the most of the view.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 2

Baths, 2.5

Attached Double Garage

Two parking spaces

Forced air heating, central air

Association pool, spa

Attached 2+ common walls

Slump stone fence, brick patio

Irvine Unified School System

What will be considered here? The private gated community in Turtle Rock Pointe, offering a top of the line view in a JM Peters home will be weighed against the price and the number of bedrooms. The loft could be converted to make a third bedroom. All bedrooms are upstairs, which can be a limitation for some buyers.

Who will move in? A couple or individual who values quiet and privacy, treasures the view, wants a key Irvine/Orange County location, and likes to entertain will be attracted to this property. The buyer will enjoy being near everything, but still nicely removed. Turtle Rock’s natural setting, top schools and other recreational pluses all work too.

Recent listings: 16 Mirador #3, $899,000; 1 Del Rey #7, $1,024,000.

Recent sales: 3 Alejo. $740,000; 10 Del Rey #16, $1,250,000

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,3913.0.html

Open House Review: 12 Silkleaf

Woodbridge Single Family Home – Nice Mix of Assets

12 Silkleaf $881,000

The South Lake area of Woodbridge is known for exceptional properties. And recently there has been a steady stream of million dollar plus single family homes and condos appearing there in open houses as the market goes up. Some have swooped in and out of the market at a record pace.

Thinking about this, I was curious to see this Woodbridge single family home, a little farther from the lake but still within the loop, in a lower price range. What I found was right in line with Woodbridge’s pattern. The home has a distinct charm and covers a lot of ground.

Significant Numbers: Built in 1980 this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is 2,050 sq. ft. on a 4,356 sq. ft. lot. The home is $430/ sq. ft. and HOA dues are $137. There is no Mello Roos. It has been on the market about 12 days.

CloseUp: From the curb this two story home has a strong presence. Inside, the entry opens to a good sized living room with vaulted ceilings and fireplace off to the left and a stairway straight ahead. The home has been upgraded and remodeled with travertine tile, partial carpet and laminate wood floors.

Moving through the home, the formal dining room leads to a side patio. Next comes an ample family room and gourmet kitchen.

The kitchen has granite counter tops, and stainless appliances and works as a unit with the family room which also leads to the patio. This is obviously a key area for family time and casual parties.

All of the bedrooms are upstairs, including an upgraded and expanded master suite that has a nursery/den/study room. It is currently being used as a nursery, which looks like a perfect solution for infant care. Later it could work as a home work/library retreat.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 3

Baths, 2.5

Detached, no common walls

Double attached garage

Central heating and air

Association pool and spa

Irvine Unified School District

What will be considered here? The desirable Woodbridge area with key recreation and top schools paired with a comfortably sized, upgraded two story home will be weighed against the price. Other Irvine areas such as Quail Hill and Turtle Rock will compete, and the buyer will have to weigh individual priorities.

Who will move in? A young family will be attracted to the comfortable layout of this home which functions well for guests and family. They will also be drawn to top notch schools and the lake facilities. This home would also work for an active professional couple seeking a convenient Irvine location. Extra bedrooms might be used for guests, and the master suite would be an excellent retreat.

Recent listings: 2 New MDWS, $879,270; 15 Toscany, $899,000.

Recent sales: 31 Silkleaf, $725,000; 6 Fairdawn, $708,000

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,3885.0.html

Open House Review: 37 Canopy

Quail Hill Surprise Package Condo

37 Canopy $999,888

Driving up Knollcrest in Quail Hill, I noticed several other streets that I had visited. But I was a little surprised at what I encountered, turning on Peppercorn and then onto 37 Canopy.

This 2 story condo has some prime assets and a price tag that is just a smidge under a million dollars. As a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath detached home in the desired end unit position, it has canyon, hill and city light views, plus a 3 car garage.

For the buyer this could mean comparing this property with million dollar plus homes that have recently sold in Woodbridge near South Lake and in Turtle Rock. They have been slightly higher, but have also offered prime locations with more home and lot space.

Space is always a little snug in Quail Hill. But, in this case, the home makes the most of its space with a fluid floor plan revolving around the backyard/patio with its nonstop view.

Significant Numbers: This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home was built in 2003. The HOA is $207; $/sq. ft $470. The home is detached with no common walls and has been on the market about a month. It’s 2,100 sq. ft. on a 3,000 ft. lot. There are Mello Roos taxes.

CloseUp: Walking up the path with a view of rolling hills off to the right, the entry opens with a music room to the left. On down the hall the living room with natural stone fireplace is also on the left with the dining room and kitchen on the right, and a family room across the way.

One of the home’s best features really is the three separate French door entrances that open to the backyard/patio and the view. All the logistics of family time, parties, and privacy are easily handled as the backyard/ paved patio becomes a natural hub.

A sophisticated kitchen with Caeserstone quartz counters, full back splash and center island, upgraded 5-burner cooktop, custom cabinetry and stainless appliances, sits next to the dining room, which leads out to the patio.

All bedrooms are upstairs, including the master suite that has a view balcony, and bath with a whirlpool Jacuzzi tub. There is also a good sized walk-in closet. The home includes interior fire sprinklers, a surround sound entertainment system, plantation shutters, custom paint, a designer wrought iron staircase and upgraded carpeting.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 4

Baths, 2.5

3 Car Garage, epoxy floor

3 parking spaces

Forced air heating and air conditioning.

Detached with no common walls

Association pool

Irvine Unified School District

What will be evaluated? Starting with the prime view from the key end unit position in the center of Quail Hill, then adding an open floor plan with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, top schools and a natural setting, this home will be compared with other properties in this price range in Irvine and OC. In the end, individual priorities usually deliver the deciding vote.

Who will move in? A young, active family looking for top schools and great local recreation will be drawn here. Professional couples who travel a lot, and entertain at home, might choose this one too. Others who like the nearby freeway access, plus the closeness to Laguna and nearby beaches might settle here.

Recent listings nearby: 297 Tall Oak, $728,000; 11 La Quinta #11, $1,095,000.

Recent Sales: 93 Canopy, $800,000; 61 Canopy, $925,000

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,3846.0.html

Open House Review: 28 Sycamore Creek

Single Family Turtle Rock Home on Huge Lot – Special Auction May 19

28 Sycamore Creek $1,099,000 starting bid

Just off of Turtle Rock Drive, 28 Sycamore Creek, part of the Glen Patio Homes, just moved onto the market with a special auction for pre-qualified buyers scheduled for May 19. Auction details and paperwork are provided at open houses scheduled in May. The literature says this is “a certified pre-owned home with a 3 year warranty. The starting bid is $1,099,000, and total purchase price will be high bid plus 7% buyers premium.” When I was there, a steady stream of visitors were touring the home and looking at the literature.

Significant Numbers: Built in 1977, this single level, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home has been expanded and remodeled with a loft entertainment area. The home is 2,550 square feet on an 8,276 sq. ft. lot that has an additional 3,000 square foot easement that is usable for everything except permanent structures. HOA is $80.

CloseUp: Approaching the home, there is an impressive street presence similar to 19 Rimrock that I saw a week ago. But stepping inside, everything changes. Double doors open into a dramatic two story entryway with skylights. A center staircase to the open loft expansion is straight ahead. A formal living room and music library with fireplace are on the right with dining room and kitchen on the left. Italian marble flooring and carpet work well together.

The kitchen is Euro white with Italian marble, and granite counters with a casual dining area on one side and the dining room on the other.

The sunny loft is an all purpose entertainment zone, with dormer windows capturing the light. There is space for a billiards table, TV and games, bar and powder room. This second level bonus area works perfectly to expand square footage and channel traffic for family time or entertaining. For a new buyer with a large family or frequent guests, this area could be converted for extra bedrooms.

The master suite has a walk in closet, double vanity bath, and doors leading to a private patio.

Moving outside, the huge lot size is used well with a private backyard that backs to a slope, a huge side yard and a private patio off of the master suite. There is a bricked patio with built-in fire ring.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 3

Baths, 2.5

Double Garage

Forced air heating, no air

Irvine Unified School System

What will be considered here? That question is trickier with the auction scheduled for May 19. Interested buyers need to visit one of the open houses in May, talk with representatives and review paperwork. From an individual standpoint, the home is a spacious open floor plan situated on a huge lot on a quiet winding street in Turtle Rock. Great schools, superb recreation, and a secluded setting are all part of the package.

Who will be at the auction? Buyers looking for the Turtle Rock location, the lot size, top schools, excellent parks, and a natural setting, may choose to be part of the auction.

Recent listing: 24 Sycamore Creek, $1,499,999.

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,3811.0.html

Open House Review: 19 Rimrock

Supersized Single Family Turtle Rock Home with a View

19 Rimrock $1,650,000

As you turn off Turtle Rock Drive and head up Rimrock the Turtle Rock hills loom at the top of the cul de sac. To the left sits 19 Rimrock, a supersized single family home on a supersized view lot. Part of the Highlands Lusk community, Bonita Canyon Elementary, Chaparral Park and Turtle Rock Community Park are just down the hill. Meanwhile, out In back there’s a million dollar view.

Being partial to natural settings instead of neighbors just over the fence and views that just won’t quit, I could easily rate this home a 10. Having an 8,276 sq. ft. lot ups the appeal too.

Significant Numbers: This two story, 5 bedroom, 2.75 bath home is 3,153 sq. ft. on an 8,276 sq. ft. lot. HOA dues are $169; $/sq. ft. is $523. Built in 1977, it is a custom Tartan plan remodeled, and it has been on the market about 12 days.

CloseUp: Everything clicks as you walk up the steps, take in the perfect landscaping and step inside. To your left, the step down living room with high ceilings, fireplace, and French mullioned windows framed with custom silken draperies sits next to the formal dining room.

The dining room has a dramatic James R. Moder chandelier and French doors opening onto a side patio. Brazilian cherry wood floors, vaulted ceilings, skylights, and multi windows are well used here.

The mood ticks up another notch as you head to the back of the home, where a huge open space offers a sleek kitchen on the left with casual dining area overlooking the patio, and bar, and large family room with a massive dark cherry wood entertainment center on the right. The spectacular finish is the stunning backyard, patio view straight ahead. Lavish parties, family festivities, and any other occasion that you can think of, are practically inevitable.

A bank of French doors take you out to the patio, lawn areas and a sweeping view of Shady Canyon, Bommer Canyon and city lights. Nightcap or morning coffee anyone?

The main floor also has an office/study suite with French doors opening onto an adjoining exercise area. This two room space would also work perfectly for a small library, music or other hobbies. It could also be considered for a downstairs bedroom if needed.

Heading upstairs, the five bedrooms with two baths includes the master suite with views, dressing area, bank of cabinets and closets, shuttered windows, and double vanity. There is also inside laundry upstairs.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 5

Baths, 2.75

Double garage

Association pool, spa

Forced air heating, central air

Detached, no common walls

Irvine Unified School System

What could be considered here? A stunning view, secluded Turtle Rock location, and a supersize 8,000 sq. ft. plus lot, and a 3,000 plus sq. ft. home will all be weighed against the price. Recently I saw a Woodbridge condo right on the water that was approaching $2 million in asking price. Down the street in Woodbridge there were two million dollar properties that sold the first week they were listed. This home rivals all of them and includes similar top flight schools and recreational facilities.

Who will be enjoying the view at 19 Rimrock? A good sized active family looking for top schools, a first class entertainment venue, and a family base will be drawn to this location and this home. A lot of the same qualities that draw families to Quail Hill are here in abundance, with quite a bit more space.

Recent Listings: 14 Southern Wood, $1,299,000; 52 Valley Terrace, $1,529,000.

Recent Sales: 63 Sierra Elana, $1,450,000; 59 Valley Terrace, $1,500,000

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,3780.0.html