Comparing 3 Woodbridge Condos      
38 Lakeshore $709,000

Woodbridge condominiums come in many flavors.  Recently, I sampled three: at 35 Waterway, 26 Summerwind, and most recently, 38 Lakeshore.

The condo at 35 Waterway cost the most and offered a plush lagoon setting with an equally sleek interior.  The condos on Summerwind and Lakeshore were closer to each other in price. But they offered two different flavors.

The condo at 26 Summerwind could pass for a single family home if you half closed your eyes. But 38 Lakeshore was a traditional condo, close to North Lake, and defined on several levels with greenbelt/park views. The Summerwind condo covered all of the bases for family living, while 38 Lakeshore sketched in a little more dreaming room in a thoughtful floor plan with a view.

Significant numbers  

CloseUp at 38 Lakeshore:  Built in 1977, this three bedroom, 2.5 bath home has a prime location and an impressive street presence. Inside, the entry presents a variety of levels and spaces with most of them pulling you toward the glassed end of the home and sweeping view.

This condo just seems to be a natural for parties, with a formal dining room to the right, comfortable family room, kitchen with granite counters, breakfast nook and bar on the left. Below, there is an ample living room and music/family room with sliding doors leading to the patio.  It is easy to see a New Year’s celebration or a family gift exchange with a festive dinner here with lots of leisure time on the patio.

A remodeled kitchen and bath, recessed lights, crown moldings, new paint and hardwood floors throughout the house work to create a feeling of function and ease.

All bedrooms are upstairs with a good sized master and master bath, and balcony with a greenbelt view and sliding glass doors. There is a double garage and inside laundry.

Specifics:
Bedrooms, 3
Baths, 2.5
Sq.Ft., 2042 sq. ft.
$/sq.ft. $347
HOA, $372 per month
1 common wall attached
Association pool and spa
Forced air heating, central air
Inside laundry
Double garage, 2 parking spaces
Community, Woodbridge
Irvine Unified School System

What should be considered here?  Prime location near North Lake, greenbelt view, and square footage will all be factored in with the price. Top flight recreational facilities and schools will be added in. Finally condo versus single family home might be evaluated. 

Who will be the next party planners here?  A busy couple who love the location and all that Woodbridge offers might make this their Southern California base.  An active family attracted to the schools and the lake’s recreational facilities could easily settle in here.

Recent sales:  97 Lakeshore #50, sold for $650,000 in May; 5 Woodgrove #10 sold for $625,000 in July.   

Recent listings: 34 Willowgrove, $749,000; 5 Pinewood #3, $629,900.