Today I saw a two level home featuring a bedroom on the ground floor. 2 Alameda is in Northwood’s Park Paseo Community. It sits on the corner of a cul-de-sac street with Santiago Hills Elementary School and the community pool, clubhouse and tennis courts at the end of the cul-de-sac. Children can walk to Santiago Hills Elementary School without crossing any streets.

Asking Price: $850,000

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Square Footage: 2,271

Lot Size: 3,920

$/Sq Ft: $374

Days on Market: 6

Property Type: Single Family Residence

Year Built: 1978

Community: Northwood – Park Paseo

HOA dues are $89 per month and there are no Mello Roos taxes.

Prices in Northwood have been on the rise. In the past 3 to 6 months houses in Northwood have sold at an average of approximately $387 per square foot. This house is in very clean condition and has been partially upgraded. There are some original features, such as the windows, cabinetry and some of the lights, but the ceilings have been scraped, floors replaced and kitchen and bathrooms remodeled. The yard is smaller for the neighborhood, but there is a patio and a little bit of grass at the end of the patio. Being on the corner of Alameda and Park Place, there is some noise from passing cars on Park Place, but Park Place is an internal street in the neighborhood and Alameda is a cul-de-sac street. The home feeds into Santiago Hills Elementary School, Sierra Vista Middle School and Northwood High School. The elementary and middle schools are walking distance from the home.

The double front door is located on the side of the home. Once inside the cathedral ceilings provide a sense of spaciousness. Directly in front of you is the side of the staircase and a hall leading to the back of the home. To the right are the living and dining rooms. To the left are the bathroom and bedroom. An abundance of natural light comes in from the large windows throughout the entrance, living and dining rooms. The tile flooring in the entrance area continues back through the hall and into the kitchen and family room. The rest of the rooms have wood laminate floors.

The first floor has a bedroom with cathedral ceilings at the front of the house. It has double doors leading into the room. It is bright with three windows, one being high up on the wall. The room has a small closet with sliding doors. The adjacent bathroom has a single sink and a stall shower. The flooring and sink hardware have been updated but the original fluorescent lighting still sits above the sink. The cabinetry has been painted white, but is also original.

The living room is a small step down from the rest of the house. It has vaulted ceilings and is a good size. The windows look into the backyard.

The living room opens to the dining room, which has space for a large table. A short rail separates the two areas. I have seen models with the railing removed to create an open flow between the rooms. The large window looks into the backyard.

The coat closet sits in the hallway leading back to the kitchen and family rooms. The family room has a white-painted brick fireplace and French doors leading to the backyard. It is a decent size room and there is an open solution into kitchen. On the back side of the kitchen wall, at the end of the peninsula is a built-in bookshelf.

The kitchen has been partially remodeled with a mix of white and stainless steel appliances and granite tile countertops. The pantry is to the left of the doorway, located across from the main kitchen, with space in front of the pantry for a computer table or small eating table. The garage entry is located next to the pantry. To the right is the kitchen with the counter in a U-shape. The refrigerator and electric stovetop sit on the back wall, next to the garage door entry. The sink, with a garden window, looks out to the side of the backyard. The counter wraps around onto a peninsula with space for bar seating on the family room side. Cabinets sit above the peninsula which provides plenty of storage, but hinders some of the open feel to the area. At the end of the peninsula is a short wall with the built-in microwave and oven. The kitchen still has the original panel lights and the original cabinets which have been painted white.

The backyard is small for the neighborhood. Outside of the French doors is a narrow covered patio with a high retaining wall on the backside. To the right is a small grassy area.

The stairs have the original railing but are updated with laminate wood flooring. On the landing is a set of lower linen cabinets. The master faces the back of the house and is a good sized room. It has vaulted ceilings. There are two sets of closets, each with mirrored doors. One set is located in the bedroom while the other is in the bathroom area. The master bath has two sinks with a vanity area in the middle. The cabinetry is original but has been painted white. The flooring has updated tile and the shower area is remodeled by removing the tub and creating a large shower with a bench. A large window sits above the shower, bringing in a good amount of natural light. Without a privacy door into the bathroom area, the light may disturb someone who is still in bed, but they have hung decorative curtains to block out most of the light.

One of the other bedrooms has double doors and high ceilings. The window faces the side of the home. One wall is taken up by a three-door closet. The other bedroom also has high ceilings and there is a closet in one corner with mirrored doors. The window faces out to the front of the home.

The upstairs bathroom has one sink with good counter space and a shower/tub combo. The cabinets are original but have been painted white. The floors have new tile and the shower/tub combo has been remodeled with a new tub and updated tile surround. A window sits above the vanity mirror which brings in natural light into the area. The high ceilings create a spacious feel to the space.

Looking at current listings and recent sales, the price for this house seems reasonable. The flow is nice and the downstairs bedroom will appeal to many buyers. The only downfall is the smaller backyard and location on the corner with cars turning onto the Alameda in front of the home. But the home’s location, being so close to the elementary school and community amenities will appeal to many families.

Today I am reviewing a one level home in Northwood’s Park Paseo Community. 38 Christamon West is found on a larger internal corner lot and directly across from Santiago Hills Elementary School and community amenities. If you are looking for a one level home with a pool, then this is a home worth looking at.

Asking Price: $875,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Square Footage: 1,702
Lot Size: 6,970
$/Sq Ft: $514
Days on Market: 9
Property Type: Single Family Residence
Year Built: 1980
Community: Northwood – Park Paseo

HOA dues are $89 per month and there are no Mello Roos taxes

Prices in Northwood have been on the rise. The average price for properties sold in the past 3 months has been about $383 per square foot. However, one level homes have definitely sold at a higher price per square foot. Compared to other one level homes I have reviewed in Northwood, this is the first one that does not share a wall (zero lot line) and it also has the largest lot size, but is this home worth the $514 per square foot price?

Colored stamped concrete leads up the driveway and continues up to the front door. Directly across the street is the elementary school’s green fields and playground. Once inside the double front doors, the first thing I noticed was the roaring water from the backyard’s pool rock formation. It is an impressive feature.

The tile entrance flooring continues throughout the kitchen, family room, hallway and bathroom. The windows are new. The dining room, open kitchen and family room are all on the left side of the home. The smooth ceilings are cathedral height and the lighting has been updated with recessed lights. The dining room, which was formerly a living room, is a step down room. The floor is stamped concrete. There are plenty of windows and a pair of French doors leading to the side patio which brings in an abundance of natural light.

The kitchen has been completely remodeled and has two large windows. Instead of the original dining area, the kitchen has been converted into a large open solution with space for a computer work station, a large wrap around island with space for bar seating, and a peninsula at the far end that overlooks the family room. There is space for bar seating at the peninsula as well. The countertops are black granite and appliances upgraded to stainless steel. There is also a wine frig installed in the island. There is plenty of counter space and lower cabinets, but there are limited upper cabinets and the kitchen lacks a pantry.

The family room has a couple of windows in the corner and a large window above the sliding glass door. It is a decent size room with a remodeled fireplace. At the end of the kitchen peninsula is a built-in bookcase with a couple of cabinets. Across from the pillar, on the back wall is a built-in entertainment center. Unique to the space is a tri-fold glass door that leads to the backyard.

The backyard has plenty of entertainment space in front of the pool and Jacuzzi. The pool has a rock formation with a built-in slide. With the water on, it creates a water fountain coming from the rocks. To the right is a hardscaped area with a basketball net. There is no grass in the backyard, but plenty of space for entertaining. The yard wraps around to the side of the house. It is partially separated by the pool equipment, which is the only downfall to the layout of the yard. On the back patio area is the air conditioning unit, but it is wide and spacious enough for plenty of patio furniture.

The hallway leading to the bedrooms and garage is lined on the left with upper and lower wood cabinets. Fogged glass sliding closet doors line the right hand side.

The first secondary bedroom has wood laminate floors and the matching sliding doors as the hall closet. The closet has been removed and built-in shelves and cabinets have replaced the area.

The middle bedroom is similar in size and the double sliding closet doors have been removed. The flooring is a neutral colored carpet.

The shared bathroom sits across from the bedrooms. It has a single sink, updated mirror and lighting and tile floors. The bathtub has newer glass sliding doors, but the bathtub is original with a worn tub that would need to be replaced or resurfaced. It has the original 4×4 tile wall surround.

The master bedroom is located at the end of the hallway, with a sliding glass door leading to the backyard. It has cathedral ceilings and plenty of natural light coming into the room from multiple windows. It has neutral colored carpet. The bathroom is located through an open door. Without a privacy door, the lights and noise from the bathroom area may affect someone who is still in bed in the mornings and evenings. The master bathroom has cathedral ceilings which creates a spacious feel. The dual sink area has the cupboards which have been painted and installed with hardware. The mirrors and lighting have been updated. To the left is a large walk-in closet. To the right is the separate toilet and tub. The original tub is sunken in the ground and completely lined with the original 4×4 tiles. It is dated and may want to be upgraded.

38 Christamon West is nicely remodeled. Compared to last week’s 40 Christamon West, the location is not as prime since it sits on the corner across from the cul-de-sac, so there may be slightly more traffic in front of the home with cars that come down Christamon and turn onto the side street, Owari. However, Owari leads back to a short cul-de-sac street so there is limited traffic apart from school hours. The yard is private and large, but I was surprised that the kitchen lacked a pantry and the bathrooms needed new tubs. But having the luxury of an open green field across the street and the community’s pool and tennis courts just steps away, makes it a nice location. One level homes are highly sought after and rare in the neighborhood.

18 Prescott is a two level townhome with two bedrooms and a loft. It is located in an area with very low traffic due to surrounding cul-de-sac streets. The home gets street noise from Irvine Boulevard, but it does not back directly to Irvine Boulevard. In fact, the backyard gate opens to the walk-way leading just a short distance to the community pool. The home fell through escrow and is now back on the market. Originally listed at $529,000, the price increased just two days later to the asking price of $535,000.

Asking Price: $535,000
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2.5
Square Footage: 1,430
Lot Size: 2,178
$/Sq Ft: $374
Days on Market: 30
Property Type: Townhome Two Level
Year Built: 1980
Community: Northwood – Sheffield Manor

HOA dues are $245 per month and there are no Mello Roos taxes.

This house is in very clean condition. It was originally a model home, which has a unique loft area. Upon entry the staircase is immediately to the right. To the left is the living room with the open loft partially above the room. A short hallway with a coat closet and bathroom is straight ahead which leads to the kitchen and dining area.

The home has been upgraded with glossy laminate wood flooring, clean cream carpet in the living room, staircase, upstairs hallway and bedrooms, and clean walls. With homes on each side of the shared walls, it is still a light and bright home with multiple large windows in the front and back. The windows are original.

The living room has high ceilings with an open loft above part of the room. The loft has skylights which also bring in natural light to the area. The fireplace is located next to the front windows. Lining the opposite wall is a wood built-in entertainment area.

The bathroom has been updated with a new vanity and mirror. The laminate floor continues into the bathroom.

The kitchen is light and bright with painted white cabinets, new hardware, white appliances and clean 4×4 tile countertops. The original fluorescent lights have been replaced with recessed lighting, partially raising part of the ceiling. The kitchen has an open solution with a peninsula long enough for some bar seating. It overlooks the dining area. There is plenty of cabinets and counter space but it lacks a pantry.

To the left is the indoor laundry room. On the left is space for a side-by-side washer on the dryer. On the right are additional lower and upper cabinets for more storage.

The dining area sits in front of the sliding glass door. It is a nice spacious area. The back patio is large for a townhome. It has a small area for entertaining, artificial grass and some citrus trees. The garage entrance is located in the patio. The back patio fence opens up to a back trail which leads to the community pool.

Once upstairs the small loft area is straight ahead. There is light coming through from the skylights. It is narrow but big enough to be used as a small play area or office area. On the back wall are some closets. To the right is a hallway lined with some linen cabinets on the right hand side.

The master bedroom is to the right. It has built-in bookshelves on one wall. The large window looks out to the patio and back street entrance to the garage. On the other side of the alley wall is Irvine Boulevard. I could hear some traffic from upstairs. The bathroom is located through an open entrance. Without a privacy door some of the light and noise may travel into the sleeping area in the morning and evenings. There are two sets of mirrored sliding doors. The carpet runs up to the vanity area. Double sinks and newer vanities furnish the area, however there is no true counter space. The separate toilet and shower have tile flooring. The shower base looks a bit worn, but the original 4×4 tile walls are in clean condition.

The secondary bedroom is a standard size. Next to the room is the shared bathroom. It has tile floors and a new sink and vanity. The tub/shower combo is original but is in excellent condition.

18 Prescott is a standard townhome in move-in condition. It feeds into great Irvine schools: Brywood Elementary, Sierra Vista Middle School and Northwood High School. The extra loft in the home is an excellent extra space for the home.

18 Prescott is a two level townhome with two bedrooms and a loft. It is located in an area with very low traffic due to surrounding cul-de-sac streets. The home gets street noise from Irvine Boulevard, but it does not back directly to Irvine Boulevard. In fact, the backyard gate opens to the walk-way leading just a short distance to the community pool. The home fell through escrow and is now back on the market. Originally listed at $529,000, the price increased just two days later to the asking price of $535,000.

Asking Price: $535,000
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2.5
Square Footage: 1,430
Lot Size: 2,178
$/Sq Ft: $374
Days on Market: 30
Property Type: Townhome Two Level
Year Built: 1980
Community: Northwood – Sheffield Manor

HOA dues are $245 per month and there are no Mello Roos taxes.

This house is in very clean condition. It was originally a model home, which has a unique loft area. Upon entry the staircase is immediately to the right. To the left is the living room with the open loft partially above the room. A short hallway with a coat closet and bathroom is straight ahead which leads to the kitchen and dining area.

The home has been upgraded with glossy laminate wood flooring, clean cream carpet in the living room, staircase, upstairs hallway and bedrooms, and clean walls. With homes on each side of the shared walls, it is still a light and bright home with multiple large windows in the front and back. The windows are original.

The living room has high ceilings with an open loft above part of the room. The loft has skylights which also bring in natural light to the area. The fireplace is located next to the front windows. Lining the opposite wall is a wood built-in entertainment area.

The bathroom has been updated with a new vanity and mirror. The laminate floor continues into the bathroom.

The kitchen is light and bright with painted white cabinets, new hardware, white appliances and clean 4×4 tile countertops. The original fluorescent lights have been replaced with recessed lighting, partially raising part of the ceiling. The kitchen has an open solution with a peninsula long enough for some bar seating. It overlooks the dining area. There is plenty of cabinets and counter space but it lacks a pantry.

To the left is the indoor laundry room. On the left is space for a side-by-side washer on the dryer. On the right are additional lower and upper cabinets for more storage.

The dining area sits in front of the sliding glass door. It is a nice spacious area. The back patio is large for a townhome. It has a small area for entertaining, artificial grass and some citrus trees. The garage entrance is located in the patio. The back patio fence opens up to a back trail which leads to the community pool.

Once upstairs the small loft area is straight ahead. There is light coming through from the skylights. It is narrow but big enough to be used as a small play area or office area. On the back wall are some closets. To the right is a hallway lined with some linen cabinets on the right hand side.

The master bedroom is to the right. It has built-in bookshelves on one wall. The large window looks out to the patio and back street entrance to the garage. On the other side of the alley wall is Irvine Boulevard. I could hear some traffic from upstairs. The bathroom is located through an open entrance. Without a privacy door some of the light and noise may travel into the sleeping area in the morning and evenings. There are two sets of mirrored sliding doors. The carpet runs up to the vanity area. Double sinks and newer vanities furnish the area, however there is no true counter space. The separate toilet and shower have tile flooring. The shower base looks a bit worn, but the original 4×4 tile walls are in clean condition.

The secondary bedroom is a standard size. Next to the room is the shared bathroom. It has tile floors and a new sink and vanity. The tub/shower combo is original but is in excellent condition.

18 Prescott is a standard townhome in move-in condition. It feeds into great Irvine schools: Brywood Elementary, Sierra Vista Middle School and Northwood High School. The extra loft in the home is an excellent extra space for the home.