Today I visited a two level condominium in The Lakes tract of Northwood.  It is the same layout as September 2013’s review of 3 Lakepines.  3 Lakepines was originally asking for $427,000 but dropped their price to $375,000 while 193 Pineview is asking $399,900.  The biggest differences between the two residences are the patio and master bathroom.  Pineview’s patio is not enclosed/fenced in like Lakepine’s property.  Instead, the patio overlooks the stream and ultimately has access to neighboring yards.  Pineview’s master bathroom does not have a private bathroom, but shares part of the functionality with the shared bathroom.  I will also be comparing this home to next week’s review just 4 doors down at 197 Pineview, which is also the same model and listed at $394,900, but is the end-unit. 

Overview
Asking Price: $399,900
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1.75
Square Footage: 1,202
Lot Size: 871 sq ft
Price per Square Foot: $333
Property Type: Condominium
Style: Two Level
Year Built:1977
Community: Northwood, The Pines
HOA Fees: $310
Mello Roos: No
Days on Market: 17

The home is a middle unit, sharing walls with neighbors on each side, so windows are only on the front or back of the home.  It is a bit of a walk from its designated carport and parking space, but sits nicely across from the tennis courts.   The kitchen, dining area and living room are downstairs and the two bedrooms are upstairs.  It is move-in ready with scraped ceilings, dark laminate floors, clean carpeted stairs, updated lighting, remodeled bathrooms and laundry hookup located in the patio closet.  All windows are original.

Upon entering, you have the view to the over-sized sliding glass door at the back end of the condominium.  The entry area, kitchen and bathroom are nicely tiled, while the dining and living rooms have laminate floors. 

Immediately to the right, behind the open front door is the updated half bathroom.  The location is awkward if you like to keep the front door open, since you will have to close the front door in order to access the bathroom door.  The original cabinets are painted white while the countertop is granite and the mirror has been updated. A coat closet is next to the bathroom. 

Immediately to the left is a small functional kitchen with updated stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.  The older cabinets are painted white and everything looks clean.  The pantry sits on the outside wall of the kitchen, at the end of the kitchen peninsula, facing the coat closet.  To the left of the kitchen entrance are a set of cabinets with ample counter space. A large window looks out to the front of the home.  On the other side of the window, along the perpendicular wall are the refrigerator and electric range with a microwave hood vent.  It appears that a small cabinet that sat between the refrigerator and range was taken out, but the cabinet above the countertop remains.   The peninsula contains the double sink and dishwasher.  The kitchen offers an open view to the rest of the first floor with space for some bar seating.

The dining room is on the other side of the bar seating.  It can fit a good size dining table.  The living room is a couple steps down from the rest of the first floor, which clearly defines the areas. The step is a small size, only running a small portion on the right hand side, therefore something may need to somehow accentuate the drop between levels.   The living room is a nice size with an updated fireplace and built in bookshelves. 

The living room opens up to the patio, which has an outdoor closet area for laundry.  At the end of the patio slab are plants which borders along the man-made stream running down between the buildings.  The patio is defined by a square concrete slab, but it does not hinder you from walking across the plants to your neighbors’ patios. 

 
Coming up the carpeted staircase, I notice one of the home’s two large skylights above, which brings in a lot of light.  The high vaulted ceilings provide an open spacious feel. The bedrooms have the same laminate flooring as downstairs, while the bathrooms have the same tile as the tile downstairs.

The first bedroom is a regular size, but the vaulted ceilings and a good sized closet create a spacious feel.  The window faces out towards the front of the home. 

The hall bathroom separates the two bedrooms.  Since it is the only area to bathe or use the toilet upstairs, it also has an entrance into the master bathroom vanity area.  Like downstairs, the cabinets are painted white and the countertop is granite.  Since the fiberglass tub material does not reach the ceiling, the shower head is coming out of the drywall. 

The master bedroom is a decent size with built in cabinets and walk-in closet.  The large set of windows and the skylight from the master bathroom’s vanity area bring in a lot of natural light.  The large windows overlook the patio and creek.  The vaulted ceilings and space at the top of the wall separating the bathroom brings in light from the bathroom skylight.  The master bathroom, unlike the home on Lakepines, does not have a private toilet or shower.  The area has another mirrored closet and dual sinks.  The sinks match the shared bathroom’s granite counter tops and white cabinets.  I definitely prefer the layout at 3 Lakepines, with a single sink, shower and toilet. 

The updated condominium has a great open layout.  Having laundry on the property is another big convenience.  The grounds are maintained nicely and the unit comes with one carport and one open parking space.  However, someone may want to consider the fact that although it is nice to have the patio open up to the stream, it may be nice to have some sort of private patio instead.  I noticed some piles of furniture and other discarded belongings in other patios within view and neighbors across the stream can also see into your patio area.  After seeing how 3 Lakepines converted their master bathroom into a full private bathroom, it was hard for me not to be disappointed with the original layout found in this home.  The home is walking distance to Santiago Hills Elementary School and close to the walking paths.  Let’s see what your opinion is after comparing 3 Lakepines review to this week’s 193 Pineview.  I will be comparing both against 197 Pineview next week.