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Open House Review: 11 Waterway

Woodbridge Condo Near the Water

11 Waterway #13 $1,190,000

Driving up Thunder Run from West Yale Loop was very familiar, as I remembered other condos that I had seen on Waterside and Waterway in the South Lake area of Woodbridge. One in particular, had a similar floor plan, and sat right on the water. The outdoor space was a wraparound deck with a front row seat at the lake. It is 12 Waterway #22, listed at just a smidge under $2 million, and, not surprising, still on the market.

This one at 11 Waterway #13 is very similar in space and layout, but outside it’s a different story. A position on the water is missing. This condo offers a wraparound lawn and patio with greenbelt view instead. It will be interesting to see how it does on the market.

Significant Numbers: This four bedroom, 2.5 bath condo is new to the market (about two weeks). HOA dues are $292. Built in 1985 the split level condo is 2,700 sq. ft. with 1,000 sq. ft. lot, at $441/sq. ft.

CloseUp: As you move up the steps into the entryway, an airy, split level town home offers a nice helping of open space, as one room opens to another, or provides cut-out views. Each room is polished to show, with artwork making the most of the two story high walls.

Mixing hardwood floors and carpeting into the high ceiling, light filled rooms creates a welcome elegance, where parties could flow from room to room and then out onto the patio and the lawn.

From the entry immediately to the left there is a powder room, followed by steps to the left going up to the family room with fireplace and wet bar. This room has a cutout wall that overlooks the kitchen.

On the right of the entry, the master bedroom has a walk-in closet, double vanity and luxe tub.

Then straight ahead the dining room is flanked by the kitchen and a casual dining area on the left, with the living room with fireplace and sliding doors leading to the patio and lawn area on the right.

The next level up leads to a bath and 3 bedrooms, currently being used as bedrooms, office and guest rooms. There’s laundry with sink at this level.

There is a double garage and guest parking.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 4

Baths, 2.5

Double garage

Attached one common wall

Association pool, spa

Central air

Irvine Unified School System

Two parking spaces

Inside laundry

What will be considered here? How will the price play out for this Woodbridge home in the South Lake area that has 2,700 square feet and a very appealing interior, plus a good sized lawn and patio, but no position on the lake or lagoon. Recently, single family homes, not too far away, in the same price range were also beautifully finished, with about the same amount of outside space, and they sold within a week of listing.

Who will be moving in? Someone who loves to entertain and enjoys all that Woodbridge has to offer including the lakes, trails and parks might be attracted to this condo. If they travel, entertain a lot, and need a key Irvine base, this could be it. With four bedrooms, the condo could house a family and guests with ease.

Recent listings: 12 Waterway #22, $1,999,900; 20 Rainbow #6, $809,000.

Recent sales: 35 Waterway, $930,000; 15 Lakefront #13, $1,060,500.

Open House Review: 91 Highland View

Turtle Rock Penthouse Condo with a View

91 Highland View $739,000

Some of Turtle Rock’s best ingredients come together in this secluded top of the hill condo on Highland View. Nicely remodeled, carefully upgraded and polished to show, this condo scores points throughout. As the upper corner unit with an appealing penthouse perch, the view delivers city lights, golf course, hills, mountains and valleys. But if you are not into steps, this one may not work for you.

Significant Numbers: New to the market (7 days) and built in 1978, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,600 sq. ft. condo has been skillfully remodeled and upgraded, and it will be interesting to see how it fits into the current market.

CloseUp: Walking across the driveway up to the home, the corner location offers a sweep of green with a view to the left and steps straight ahead. The detached garages are over to the right.

Inside there is an expanse of light filled space with a relaxed open floor plan. To the left the kitchen has been opened up and beautifully redone to blend into the overall space with the living room with fireplace and dining room. Beyond the living room your eye is drawn to the deck and the view. The deck is snug but there is room for a barbecue and dining.

The kitchen has upgraded cabinetry, recessed lighting, inside cabinet lighting, granite counters, and stainless appliances.

The master and bath is to the right. It also offers a nice helping of light and the view. The other two bedrooms and bath are also to the right.

Throughout the home, walnut wood flooring, ceramic tile, crown molding and richly colored paint dramatize the space. At 1600 sq. feet the space is not huge, but it is well used.

The home has central air, custom closets, mirrored closet doors and new Milgard windows

Specifics:

Condominium

Bedrooms, 3

Baths, 2

Detached double garage

Irvine Unified School System

End unit, attached wall

Association pool, community pool

Two parking spaces

What will be considered here? The size, price and location will all come up for discussion. For someone seeking seclusion, ease and a view, the condo will work quite well. If you are not eager to negotiate steps and like private outside space, then the deck might seem a bit tight. For someone seeking a sleek Irvine base near Shady Canyon Golf Course, Irvine Spectrum and Fashion Island, this will work. Top schools and Turtle Rock’s inviting canyons and trails add to the value, along with the nicely done package of upgrades and remodeling.

Who will be the next residents? Currently there is a family with very young children here. Obviously, the unit will not work as well as their children move into the toddler stage. But the home would be ideal for a professional couple, or a small family with an older child, especially if they are also drawn to a key Irvine location, top schools and the Turtle Rock landscape.

Recent Listings: 15 Moonlight, $629,000; 14 Emory #78, $615,000.

Recent Sales: 24 Brigmore Aisle, $735,000; 9 Sunup #35, $600,000

Open House Review: 4 Wetstone

Woodbridge Townhome with Mixed Options

4 Wetstone #61 $615,000

Last week I looked at another similar Woodbridge home at 6 Woodland Drive, just around the corner from this one. But it was in the outer loop and backing up to Culver Street traffic. This one is in the inner loop in a quiet, private spot. The two homes are in the same price range and have been on the market about the same amount of time.

It is interesting to compare overall house size and price along with the location and closeness to traffic noise. Below, you can compare the significant numbers and location details for the two properties:

Significant Numbers for 4 Wetstone #61, Price $615,000: Built in 1978. This single story three bedroom, 2 bath home has 1,404 sq. ft. at $445/sq. ft. The property has been on the market about 50 days. It was initially listed for $625,000 in May. HOA dues are $406 month. The location is in the inner loop, turning off of West Yale Loop onto Stonecreek, and then onto Wetstone.

Significant Numbers for 6 Woodland Dr., $609,900: Built in 1976, the home is a two level, three bedroom, 2.5 bath condo with 1,655 sq. feet. $/sq. ft. is $368. HOA dues are $332. The lot size is 2,309 sq. ft. The home has been on the market about 45 days. Initially, the listing for the home in May was $649,000. The location is in the outer loop, backing up to Culver St., near Barranca Parkway.

CloseUp: Stepping into the single story town home on Wetstone I had the immediate impression of mixed assets. It is nicely situated in a quiet, private location, and has an inviting presence from the curb. Inside, the vaulted ceilings, and open, airy glass effects of patio and atrium add to its appeal. But at the same time, the entryway and kitchen flooring are ripe for upgrading, along with counters and appliances in the kitchen. The open living and dining areas with patio and atrium access and the windowed area to the kitchen create a nice space for family events and weekend entertaining.

There is a secluded master suite with double vanity and access to the patio. One bedroom includes a pull down Murphy bed. There is a double garage and newer AC and heater.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 3

Baths,

2 Attached 2+ Common Walls

Double Garage

2 Parking spaces

Central heat and air

Association pool and spa

Laundry in garage

Irvine Unified School System

What will be evaluated here? Woodbridge’s first class lake, recreation and school assets help set the pace here, along with a quiet, private location in the inner loop. The need for flooring upgrades in the kitchen and entry way, along with kitchen counters and appliances will be part of the evaluation. Also the home is a little tight for space at 1,404 square feet. As noted, the other property on Woodland Drive in the outer loop backing up to Culver’s traffic, is larger and slightly lower priced.

Who will choose this townhome? A young family looking for all of Woodbridge’s excellent assets, along with a desirable location might be drawn to this home. A couple seeking a prime Irvine location might also choose this home opting to invest in the area and invest in some upgrades.

Recent Listings: 8 Alderberry, $630,000; 19 Crivelli Aisle, $650,000;

Recent Sales: 6 Driftwood, $525,000; 16 Millstone #127, $ 580,000

Open House Review: 6 Woodland Drive

Woodbridge Park Home in Outer Loop

6 Woodland Drive $609,900

From the street this two level home has an inviting presence, and inside there is mixed potential that could be developed. Located in Woodbridge’s outer loop with Culver Street traffic nearby there is some noise here. There is a tree buffer area, and the home does have central air. Also, additional landscaping on the patio could be used to screen the area.

Significant Numbers: Built in 1976, the home is a two level, three bedroom, 2.5 bath condo with 1,655 sq. feet. $/sq. ft. is $368. HOA dues are $332. The lot size is 2,309 sq. ft. The home has been on the market about 45 days. Initially the listing for the home in May was $649,000.

CloseUp: Stepping into the entry of this Redwood model, there is a light filled, good sized open space that blends the living room with fireplace and wet bar, and a formal dining area near the patio with view of the covered patio and nice sized backyard beyond. The ample open space invites interpretation and could work quite well for day to day family living and entertaining.

The kitchen is nice sized, but could use some upgrading in appliances and counter and floor treatments. There is a half bath downstairs and separate laundry next to the kitchen.

All bedrooms are upstairs, plus two baths. The master suite has a walk in closet. There is a two car detached garage with access to the back and side yard.

Specifics:

Two level condominium

Bedrooms, 3

Baths, 2.5

Double garage

Two parking spaces

Two common walls attached

Central air and forced air heating

Irvine Unified School District

Association pool and spa

Inside laundry on ground level

What will be considered here? The price in the current market which has gone from a May listing of $649,000 to $609,900 now will be considered along with the top notch appeal of Woodbridge’s lake recreation facilities, first rate schools and parks, and the overall floor plan and size of the home. Sitting so close to Culver Street’s busy traffic stream will be part of the discussion too.

Who wlll move in? A young family looking for a first home in Irvine with top schools, parks and lakes might be attracted to this home. The home is close to Stonecreek Elementary, Lakeside Middle School and Woodbridge High School. It might also be considered a rental investment property. The realtor indicated there is a flow of new properties coming onto the market now. A couple that wants a convenient location in Irvine close to shops and freeways, might choose to move in and upgrade this property, building on the ample space and workable floor plan.

Recent listings: 41 Songsparrow, $789,000; 3 Wetstone #61, $615,000.

Recent sales: 12 Woodland Drive, $550,000; 3 Woodland Drive, $540,000

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,4114.0.html

Open House Review: 22 Pinewood

Woodbridge Condo Polished to Perfection

22 Pinewood #58 $890,000

As you turn off of West Yale Loop onto Shorebird, a small lane winds back to 22 Pinewood #58. From the curb the home has a finished presence and it is easy to suspect that will be true inside. Stepping into the gated courtyard with fountain, and then moving inside, suspicions are confirmed. This two level, detached condo is immaculate, beautifully detailed, and inviting throughout. The right buyer can simply move in.

Significant Numbers: This completely detached home has been on the market about 16 days. HOA dues are $456. The home is 2,200 sq. feet and it is $405/sq. ft. Lot size is 5,000 sq. foot. It was built in 1977 and has been upgraded and remodeled.

CloseUp: A formal entry with travertine floors with granite inlays opens into an airy floor plan with cathedral ceilings. The living room with fireplace sits opposite the formal dining area with French doors and multi windows overlooking the patio. Crown molding, carpeting and plantation shutters complete the effect.

The patio is professionally landscaped and beautifully detailed providing an inviting view and a perfect spot for entertaining. There’s also a den and small library.

The kitchen is off to the left of the dining area. It is equally sleek with granite slab counters, two ovens including a convection oven, stainless appliances and light Maple flooring.

Upstairs the Master Suite has cathedral ceilings, custom draperies and a master bath with Ceasarstone countertops, custom glass dual sinks and fixtures, tile flooring with pebble stone insets, pebble stone backsplash and a private balcony. The other bedrooms are also nicely detailed with plantation shutters and recessed lighting.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 4

Baths, 2-1/2

Irvine Unified School System

Double Garage, two parking spaces

Laundry in garage

Forced air heat, central air

Association pool and spa

Detached, no common walls

What should be considered here? This detached home in immaculate condition in the outer loop of Woodbridge will be evaluated for price, location, superb condition, and overall appeal. For someone looking for a turnkey home this one certainly measures up with its immaculate finish and custom details.

Who will move in? A young family looking for a Woodbridge location, will be attracted to this one. Top schools, parks and lakes make this a very popular family choice. A professional couple looking for a key Irvine location, and a base for entertaining might also select this home.

Recent listings: 11 Oakgrove #48, $725,000; 60 Lakefront, #50, $898,000.

Recent sales: 5 Pinewood #3, $610,000; 77 Pinewood, #39, $780,000.