Author Archives: SMS

Open House Review: 5 Rainstar

New to the Market Woodbridge Upscale Remodel

5 Rainstar $995,000

Rainstar is a serene street nestled close to South Lake in Woodbridge, just the right spot for perfecting a single family home. That’s how I found 5 Rainstar to be in this new to the market open house. Overall, it’s a sublime setting and a sleek remodel.

Significant numbers: This 4 bedroom, 2.75 bath floor plan uses 2,411 square feet to good advantage in this two level JM Peters single family home. The HOA dues are $82 a month and it is $413/sq. ft. Built in 1980 on a 5,000 sq. ft. lot, the home has been extensively remodeled.

Close-up: Everything clicks from the curb on through to the lush backyard retreat. Approaching the home, walking past a lemon tree and numerous flowering plants, establishes a mood of perfection. Inside the mood continues with oak hardwood floors and a vaulted ceiling in a formal living room punctuated with new skylights. The living room overlooks an elegant formal dining room.

On through the home a casual dining area is flanked by a sleek kitchen and a good sized family room that has been nicely developed with built in bookcases, fireplace and a wall of sliding glass doors opening to a professionally landscaped private tropical retreat.

The kitchen is remodeled with marble countertops, top of the line stainless appliances including a 6 burner gas stove, Bosch double ovens and dual dishwashers.

There is a guest bedroom and fully remodeled bath on the main floor that would also work as an office. Upstairs, two more bedrooms with cherry hardwood floors have a full hall bath remodeled with travertine and marble countertops.

The master suite with fireplace, vaulted ceilings and private balcony has a remodeled master bath with dual vanities, separate travertine shower and Jacuzzi tub. The walk in closet has custom built-ins.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 4

Baths, 2.75

Sq. Ft. 2,411

Lot size, 5,000 sq.ft.

Double Garage

Inside laundry room

Central furnace, central air

Association pool and spa

New metal roof

Irvine Unified School System

What will be considered? The key location near South Lake in Woodbridge paired with an extensive remodeling of a good sized single family home will be noted and weighed with the price. In a shrinking market someone looking for an investment or an upgraded single family home in Irvine might be taking a second look.

Who will move in? A young active family might make good use of the space and Woodbridge’s top recreational facilities and schools. The local elementary school is just around the corner. A couple who entertains and needs downstairs space for guests will also see the options here.

Recent listings: 8 Rainstar, $885,950; 44 Gilman, $725,000.

Recent sales: 15 Daybreak sold for $880,000 in October; 21 Bayside sold for $950,000 in September.

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,3542.0.html

Open House Review: 420 E. Yale Loop #31

420 E. Yale Loop #31 $574,000

Woodbridge Condo Returns to Market

Driving over to this Woodbridge condo in the South Lake area I was interested to see what the total package would be. On the market about 45 days, this home was first shown vacant, and later staged, playing up the spacious floor plan and numerous upgrades.

Significant numbers: This two level, three bedroom, three bath home is 1,749 sq. ft., at $328/sq. ft. with HOA dues of $467. Built in 1985, the home was listed in December at $598,000. It is now listed at $574,000. It was sold for $430,000 last October. There is no Mello Roos.

Close-Up: Stepping inside there is a crisp feel to the overall upgrades with a new wrought iron staircase, new lighting and chandelier, designer tile, carpeting and paint effectively setting the stage. A good sized living room with fireplace and a formal dining area ringed with shuttered windows leads to an all new kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and designer wood cabinets. The breakfast nook and family room complete the flow of the floor plan.

The bathrooms have been remodeled with spa and tub in the master suite. There are double vanities, walk-in closet and mirrored closet doors too.

The outside covered patio has planter areas and room for a barbecue.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 3

Baths, 3

One common wall attached

Double garage

Association pool and spa

Double garage

2 parking spaces

Irvine Unified School District

What will be considered? Woodbridge’s lakes and many recreational facilities coupled with a roomy floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths and an overall remodeling will give this condo an edge. The sales history in a shrinking market will also be reviewed.

Who will be moving here? An active family looking for excellent schools and the Woodbridge park and lake setting will be attracted to this home. Buyers looking for a first home in Irvine or an investment in the Woodbridge area will also be attracted.

Recent listings: 16 Carnation, $575,000; 3 Pearleaf, $559,000.

Recent sales: 1 Spring flower #144, $519,000; 164 Greenmoor, #70, $485,000.

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,3521.0.html

Open House Review: 10 Morning Glory

Turtle Rock Peters View Townhome

10 Morning Glory – $1,099,000

Winding up the hill and turning onto Morning Glory I discovered another special spot in Turtle Rock. Having just seen a single family home at 14 Hillgrass, a short distance away I was wondering how this home would compare.

The answer was obvious, from the secluded location to the elegant interior and splendid views this Peters View home on Morning Glory competes quite well.

Significant Numbers: New to the market, this 3 bedroom, two bath split level single family townhome is 1,998 sq. ft. on a 7,182 sq. ft. lot with city lights and hill views. Built in 1979, the HOA dues are $379. The $/sq.ft. is $550. There is no Mello Roos and this is a standard sale.

Close-Up: A dramatic entry and living room with two story ceilings, sleek fireplace, and light filled windows easily commands attention. The home is vacant but the floor plan and dynamic design is a winner and it is easy to imagine the flow of a party around the brick floored atrium or festive dinners in the formal dining room. Plantation shutters, ceramic tile, carpet and marble flooring are all effectively used.

The kitchen is remodeled with maple cabinets, pull out drawers, granite counters and a breakfast bar. There is also a garden window with a view. The family room with built-ins, and atrium complete the flow of the split level floor plan. There is also an enclosed patio.

There are two main floor bedrooms with bathroom. Upstairs there is a private master suite with double vanity, dressing area and views.

Specifics:

Bedrooms 3

Baths 2

Sq. Ft. 1,998

Lot size 7,182 sq. ft.

Double garage

1 common wall

Laundry in garage

Irvine Unified School District

Association pool and spa

What will be considered here: The 7,182 sq. ft. view lot and good sized distinctive townhome will weigh in along with a prime Turtle Rock location, and excellent schools and recreational facilities.

Who will move into 10 Morning Glory? An active family will see this home as a natural in a great setting. Someone looking for a prime spot in Irvine will be attracted too. Two downstairs bedrooms with bath adds to the home’s flexibility for guests and a home office.

Recent listings nearby: 107 Weathervane, $1,275,000.

Recent sales: 5 Morning Glory, $1,000,000 in November; 5 Starlight, $869,900 in October and 18 Southern Wood for $965,000 in September.

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,3498.0.html

Open House Review: 14 Hillgrass

Turtle Rock Single Family Gem

14 Hillgrass: $1,228,000

New to the market, this single family 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in Turtle Rock’s Highland Gardens has quite a few polished options. From the secluded location on a 7,280 sq. ft. lot to the immaculate custom detailing within, this home was attracting a lot of interest in the open house.

Significant Numbers: This 2 level garden home is 2,541 sq. ft. with HOA of $99 and $/sq.ft. at $483. The home has been remodeled and was built in 1979. There is no Mello Roos.

Close-up: Stepping into a sleek entry there is a good sized living room with fireplace on the right with a sparkling formal dining room beyond. On the left the family room with built in cherry cabinetry pairs with a country kitchen and casual dining area overlooking a rock stone patio with fountain and sweep of green lawn beyond. Entertaining would be a snap inside and out and there is room for a pool as a future option.

The gourmet kitchen has updated appliances, granite counters and recessed lighting.

Custom built-ins, designer window coverings and a refaced fireplace all add to a functional feeling of ease in thus home.

Upstairs there are four bedrooms and two baths including a master suite with retreat and walk in closet. There are double vanities, granite counters and travertine tile.

The roof has been replaced and there are interior and exterior alarms.

Specifics:

Bedrooms 4

Baths, 2.5

Sq. ft. 2,541

Lot size, 7,280

1 common wall attached

Double garage

Inside laundry

Forced air,central air

Association pool and spa

What will be considered here? A prime Turtle Rock location, the ample home and lot size, the price, nearby parks and elementary schools will all figure into the evaluation.

Who will give the next party here? An active family who will enjoy the location and make good use of the home’s many functional options will happily move in. A couple who wants everything in perfect order for easy entertaining and visiting guests may spot this home.

Recent listings:19501 Sierra Sole Rd.,$1,150,000; 144 Tapestry, $1,480,000. Recent sales: 17 Sunrose, $910,000; 18 Southern Wood, $965,000.

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,3482.0.html

Open House Review: 31 Vassar Aisle

Expanded Condo in University Town Center

31 Vassar Aisle #18

$649,000

The story is intriguing in this three story, three bedroom, three bath condo in University Town Center. Billed as an expanded condo, it is tucked into a secluded area of the gated Oxford Court community across from UC Irvine.

As you enter you get the feeling there are surprises ahead, which turns out to be true. From the main entry sweep of space on the first floor all the way up to the third floor hideaway, space has been thoughtfully used and elegantly detailed.

Significant Numbers: This three bedroom, 3 bath condo is 2,300 sq. ft. with HOA of $434 and $/sq. ft., $282. There is no Mello Roos. The home was built in 1988 and has been on the market 89 days.

Stepping into the ceramic tile entry, there is a shuttered den/bedroom with bath to the left, along with a stairway to the upper levels. On the right the kitchen has been opened up and remodeled with granite counters and seating that offers a view of the rest of the main floor. On the left there is a good sized living room with fireplace; on the right a formal dining room, and off of it French doors leading to a large patio with built in fountain and barbecue.

The high ceilings and good sized windows fill the area with natural light and the overall floor plan lends itself to small parties, and dinners. There is a built-in media center and TV above the fireplace and surround sound throughout the three stories.

The kitchen has granite counters, oak cabinets, recessed lighting and a built-in wine bar/pantry.

Upstairs there are two masters. One master has a built-in in gas fireplace and French doors opening onto a view balcony. The remodeled master bath has dual vanities and an oval soaking tub. An Italian made spiral staircase leads to a third floor retreat. The second master bedroom has triple mirrored wardrobes and private bath.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 3

Baths, 3

Association pool and spa

Concrete tile roof

Forced air, air conditioning, ceiling fans

Inside laundry

Double garage

2 plus common walls attached

Full copper plumbing

Irvine Unified School District

What will be considered? The overall size, expansion with a third floor, convenient location in a gated community, and price and upgrades will all be part of the discussion here. For the right buyer the home offers a lot of options and a comfortable setting.

Who will be the next owners? People working with UCI, or professional couples looking for a convenient Irvine base, might welcome the amount of space and detailing in this condo. With three bedrooms, including two masters, the owner options are flexible. A family with an older member would value the downstairs bedroom. A couple with frequent out-of-town guests would appreciate the convenient location and extra bedroom downstairs.

Recent listings: 7 Rocky, $775,000: 6 Whitewater, $630,000. Recent Sales: 30 Rainbow Falls sold for $610,000; 49 Rocky Knoll #37 sold for $635,000.

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,3471.0.html