Category Archives: Real Estate Analysis

Open House Review: 2 Alameda

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: 2,271Lot Size: 3,920

$/Sq Ft: $374

Days on Market: 16

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.

Open House Review: 10 Palmatum

Last week I reviewed the same one level floor plan at 38 Christamon West, which sits across the street from Santiago Hills Elementary School. This week I am visiting 10 Palmatum which sits across the street from the back of Santiago Hills Elementary School. Although the model is the same, 10 Palmatum kept the original layout inside the home while 38 Christamon restructured the kitchen and dining room area.

Asking Price: $835,000

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Square Footage: 1,664

Lot Size: 5,663

$/Sq Ft: $502

Days on Market: 12

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. This home advertises for $835,000 versus Christamon’s $875,000 and while the price difference is reasonable, I wonder if either justifies the higher square footage price of over $500?

Directly across the street is the end of the elementary school’s large green soccer fields. Upon entry, the flooring has new tile which looks like wood. The tile flooring continues throughout the dining area, back through the kitchen and family rooms and down the hall and into both bathrooms. The step down living room and the bedrooms have clean neutral carpet. Unlike 38 Christamon West, this home still sports the original windows. The smooth ceilings are cathedral height and the lighting has been updated with recessed lights. There are plenty of windows which bring in an abundance of natural light

To the right, the step down living room is a decent size. The dining area can fit a good size dining table.

On the other side of the dining room wall are the kitchen and family rooms. The kitchen counter is in a U-shape with the refrigerator and gas stovetop to the right. At the end of the U is a large window looking out to the side of the home, with the sink and dishwasher below it. The counter wraps around to a peninsula with bar seating and an open view to the family room. There are overhead cabinets and at the end of the peninsula is the built-in microwave and oven. A potential pantry sits in the wall across from the kitchen, but is located more on the family room side so I am not sure if it is meant as a pantry or storage for the family room. The space was used as an entertainment center in 38 Christamon West. All of the home’s cabinets are original but have been stained a dark brown and fitted with new hardware. The appliances are white, apart from the stainless steel refrigerator and the countertops have been remodeled with black granite. There are plenty of cabinets for storage and countertop space.

The family room has windows in two of the corners plus a large window above the sliding glass door. At the end of the kitchen peninsula, on the other side of the microwave/oven is a built-in bookcase with a couple of cabinets. A nicely remodeled fireplace sits to the right of the sliding glass door.

Outside of the sliding glass door is a covered patio. The concrete area extends out further and wraps to the left to a small in-ground Jacuzzi. There are some larger trees lining the back wall which takes up space in the yard but provides privacy. The side yard is landscaped with some fruit trees. It is still private, but much smaller than the yard on Christamon.

The hallway leading to the bedrooms and garage is lined on the right with upper and lower wood cabinets. On the left is a large coat closet with folded sliding doors.

The first secondary bedroom has double doors leading into the room. It is carpeted with double sliding closet doors.

The middle bedroom is similar in size and is outfitted with double mirrored sliding closet doors. It too, is carpeted.

The shared bathroom sits across from the bedrooms. It has a single sink with a granite countertop, updated mirror, lighting and tile floors. The tub/shower combo looks original and has the original 4×4 tile wall surround, but it is in very clean condition.

The master bedroom is located at the end of the hallway, with a sliding glass door leading to the backyard. The view looks out to the Jacuzzi. With cathedral ceilings and multiple windows, it creates a light and spacious feeling. The same neutral carpet is found in all of the bedrooms. The bathroom is located through an open doorway. 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 same original cupboards which have been stained. The mirrors and lighting have been updated. To the left t 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, but again, it is in very clean condition. A large window sits above the tile surround. On the opposite side of the vanity is the large walk-in-closet which is furnished with an organizer.

10 Palmatum is clean and move-in-ready. The yard is private, but I was surprised that the kitchen lacked a pantry and the bathrooms needed new tubs. Although I feel the price may be high, I think the price difference between the two properties is justified due to the upgrades and backyard. 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. Children can go to the elementary school without crossing the street since Palmatum is a cul-de-sac street, and the middle school is also within walking distance. One level homes are highty sought after and rare in the neighborhood.

Open House Review: 19 Sycamore

Turtle Rock Single Family Detached Patio Home Near UCI

19 Sycamore $1,375,000

Heading up Campus and turning onto Turtle Rock Drive quickly takes you to this quiet spot on Sycamore. New to the market, about 6 days, this single level 4 bedroom, 2 bath detached homeoffers a good sized lot in Turtle Rock’s interior loop location, tucked away, but still close to UCI and Orange County’s many options. According to public records the property sold for $1,139,000 in 2006.

Significant Numbers: Built in 1977, this 2,348 sq. ft. single family, 4 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on a 6,612 sq. ft. lot. HOA dues are $98 and the price per sq. ft is $586.

Close up: Stepping inside, the atrium courtyard in the center of the house really defines the mood of the home. Everywhere you look there are cathedral ceilings, skylights, large windows, sunlit views and doors accessing garden areas.

The formal sunken living room with fireplace and dining room are on the right.

Down the hall the kitchen opens to a good sized family room with fireplace that leads to the covered patio.

The kitchen has a garden window, granite counters, stainless and black appliances, breakfast bar, and a casual eating area next to the family room.

The covered patio, wraparound yard and nicely landscaped gardens provide a private retreat and a focal point for views throughout the house.

Double doors open to the master suite off to the left of the entry. The master bath includes double vanity with granite counters, tub alcove and separate shower, recessed lighting and ample closets.

The three other bedrooms and full bath are near the inside laundry.

Gleaming wood, lush carpet, marble and travertine floors and plantation shutters are well done and nicely maintained.

More specifics:
Single family home
Bedrooms, 4
Baths, 2
Detached, no common walls
Central furnace, central air
Laundry inside
Two car garage
Two parking spaces
Association pool, spa
Irvine Unified School District

What should be considered? This single family home is completely detached and all on one level in a prime spot in Turtle Rock. It can work well for all ages. Plans for expansion or more upgrading would work or it is move in ready for families or professional couples looking for a key Irvine spot right now. It will be interesting to see how it competes with other Turtle Rock homes with prime locations and good sized lots.

Who will move in? Families or couples involved with UCI will be attracted to the location. The green belt, private tennis courts and pool will appeal to all ages. Turtle Rock’s award winning local schools and hiking trails will attract active families.

Recent nearby listings: 18741 Via Sienna, $1,498,000; 4962 Paseo de Vega, $975,000

Recent nearby sales: 28 Sycamore Creek, $1,450,000; 17 Morning Dew, $1,360,000

Open House Review: 63 Turnbury Lane

I recently saw 63 Turnbury Lane in Northwood Pointe’s Carlyle at Lanes End community. The house is now pending, but they are accepting backup offers.

The basics:

Asking Price: $773,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Square Footage: 1,857
Lot Size: 2,862
$/Sq Ft: $416
Days on Market: 28
Property Type: Single Family Home
Year Built: 1998
Community: Northwood Pointe, Carlyle at Lanes End

HOA dues are $136 ($96 + $40) per month and there are Mello Roos.

This single family home is attached on one side; however, only the garage and master bathroom share a wall with the adjoining house, so noise shouldn’t be an issue. The tandem, two-car garage has access both from the street in front and the lane behind, so the cars won’t ever block each other in. I haven’t seen this feature before but I think it’s a great way to design a tandem garage.

From the entry, a long hallway leads straight to the back of the house. The dining room is on the left when you first enter the home. It has French doors on one wall (leading to the front porch) and large windows on another. There is plenty of room for furnishings and it has Berber carpet.

As you walk down the hall, there is a good-sized coat closet on the right, along with a set of cupboards (standard on the bottom, glass-fronted on top). Just past that, a short hallway leads to the half bath and garage. The small bathroom has a pedestal sink.

The kitchen is on the left. It has white, plantation-style cabinets with no handles or drawer pulls. The stainless steel appliances include a five-burner stove, oven, microwave and dishwasher. The cabinets and backsplash are white tile while the floor is a darker tile. A window above the sink looks out to the yard. The kitchen isn’t large, but makes really good use of the space.

The family room sits at the back of the house, just beyond the kitchen. Like the dining room, it has Berber carpet. It has a single French door leading out to the yard, plus two full walls lined with windows. The third wall has a raised, tile hearth running the full length of the room. A fireplace with matching tile and white molding sits toward the back, while a built-in entertainment center is in the middle. The room is pretty big and even has enough space for a large piano.

The stairs to the second floor are at the front of the house. Just a few steps up, there is a small landing with a built-in desk, making it a great space for a small office.

All three bedrooms and the laundry room are on the second floor. The laundry room has a folding counter and a full set of upper cabinets.

The master bedroom is pretty big and, like the rooms downstairs, has Berber carpet. The back wall has two large windows with a window seat running beneath them. It also has a ceiling fan.


The master bath has a large tub in the middle, surrounded by white tile. On each side of the tub sits a pedestal sink with a set of three drawers and small counter next to it. The bathroom also has a small window seat, with storage below. The shower is average sized. There is a walk-in closet with a single shelf and hanging rod.

The other two bedrooms sit across from each other at the end of the hall. They are comparable in size and both have standard, two-door closets. One has windows on two walls. The other has two small windows plus a door that leads to a balcony overlooking the street. The balcony is small and mostly enclosed.

f

These rooms share a bathroom off the hall. It has a single counter with two sinks and plantation-style cabinets. The shower/tub combo is done in basic white tile. Like the master bath, all of the hardware is chrome.

The house has a cute, country cottage style inside and out. It is well-priced for the neighborhood and when compared to similar, nearby homes. I think they made good use of the space and the owners have taken good care of the home.

Open House Review: 32 Morning Dove

Woodbridge Single Family Updated Home in Outer Loop

32 Morning Dove $835,000

Turning off West Yale Loop onto Stone Creek N, and then onto Sparrowhawk takes you to this upgraded and remodeled, detached single family home in the outer loop of Woodbridge. Just reduced from $847,500, the home shows well from the curb and all the way through to the backyard and patio that overlooks the park. Several visitors started their Memorial Day holiday weekend with a Saturday tour of this property.

Significant Numbers: On the market about 45 days, this all on one level, three bedroom, 2 bath single family home has 1,525 sq. ft. on a 4,356 sq. ft. lot. Built in 1977, the home has HOA dues of $82. It is $548/sq.ft. There are no Mello Roos taxes.

Close up: Moving down the side entrance and stepping into the entry, there is a large step down living room on the left with custom mantel fireplace, bay window nook, vaulted ceilings, and new carpeting.

Straight ahead the formal dining area overlooks a striking atrium retreat.

To the right the kitchen and casual dining area overlook the patio and back yard that has wood and wrought iron fencing.

The kitchen has been enlarged with a custom pantry and upgraded with new cabinetry, granite counters and stainless appliances.

Around the corner, the master bedroom overlooks the atrium and has a new vanity and recessed can lighting. There are two more bedrooms and another full bath.

This floor plan has been widely used in Woodbridge but this is one of the nicest interior treatments of it that I have seen.

More specifics:
Single family home
Bedrooms, 3
Baths, 2
Detached, no common walls
Central furnace, central air
Laundry in garage
Two car garage
Two parking spaces
Association pool, spa
Irvine Unified School District

What should be considered? This single family home is completely detached and all on one level. On the plus side, it overlooks the park and has been nicely upgraded throughout. On the down side, the lot has been well used but is a bit snug and the home sits in the outer loop not far from Culver St. traffic. Woodbridge’s Stone Creek Swim Club, tennis courts and top schools are nearby. On the price side, the property competes with a number of other key spots in Irvine and Orange County, also delivering nice asset packages.

Who will move in? A young family valuing the park access and Irvine Unified schools will be attracted. Families with more mature members will be drawn to this all one level home. Professional couples looking for an appealing, move in ready home, needing little updating, that’s close to everything, will check this one too.

Recent nearby listings: 34 Morning Dove, $799,000; 30 Bluejay, $829,000

Recent nearby sales: 3 Ironwood, $839,980; 38 Bluejay, $720,000