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Open House Review: 18 Diamante

Posted: 17 Mar 2014 05:00 AM PDT

18 Diamante is a single level, zero-lot-line property with a mix of original features and some upgrades.  One special feature is that the house backs to a walking trail and one of the two Association pools, which provides a private and open feel to the backyard.  The home is walking distance to the pools, elementary and middle schools. 

Asking Price: $718,800
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Square Footage: 1,543
Lot Size: 4,356
$/Sq Ft: $465
Days on Market: 12
Property Type: Single Family Residence
Year Built: 1980
Community: Northwood – Park Paseo

HOA dues are $85 per month and there no are Mello Roos taxes.

With it being on a zero-lot-line there are no windows on one side of the home.  This house has scraped ceilings, updated kitchen and bathroom countertops, stainless steel appliances, updated lighting and a nice private backyard.  The windows are original and some of the carpet is worn.  The bathrooms are a mix of new and old.  The flooring in the home is a mix of tile, laminate and carpet. 

The front door is located on the side of the home, beyond a white iron fence.  The same pathway continues along the side of the home to the backyard.  The entrance leads into a tiled area with a half wall immediately on the left separating the entryway from the step down living room.  Straight ahead is a sliding glass door leading out to the atrium.  In front of the atrium is a set of built-in bookshelves.  The garage entrance is located to the left, between the atrium and the living room.  To the right is a short hallway that leads to the kitchen, family room and back to the bedrooms.


The living room has vaulted ceilings and 3 windows which bring in an abundance of natural light.  The atrium brings in additional light to the area.  The living room has a floral carpet and a remodeled fireplace.  The half wall which separates itself from the entrance is the living room’s built-in bookshelf.

The atrium is tiled and has 3 beams running across the opening up top.  It currently has a lot of plants.  The atrium has two windows along the right hand wall which are the two secondary bedroom’s windows. 

The hallway leading to the back of the house has a coat closet and leads to one big rectangular space which consists of the kitchen, eating nook and family room.  The kitchen is to the right with a peninsula that separates the kitchen from a small dining area.  Both areas have the same tile flooring as the entrance area.  The peninsula has room for bar seating.  The old panel lighting was removed and recessed lighting was installed, partially raising the ceiling.  A large garden window looks out to the same side as the home’s entrance.  The cabinets are original, but the countertop and backsplash are updated with granite and the appliances are stainless steel.  There are plenty of cabinets and drawers for storage, as well as a floor to ceiling pantry.

The eating nook has one of the three sliding doors leading to the yard.  It is a smaller eating area and the tile flooring defines the area, since the family room has laminate wood flooring.

The family room has cathedral ceilings and a large sliding glass door.  It creates an open feel. There are built-in cabinets along the left hand wall, but it does not appear to have an area for a television.  The room creates a good social setting and flow into the backyard. 

Another hallway leads back to the shared bathroom.  A linen closet sits to the left of the bathroom, outside of the two secondary bedrooms.  The master bedroom is to the right, facing the backyard. 

The bathroom is partially upgraded with a new granite countertop, mirror and lighting.  The newer sink and toilet are black.  The tub/shower combo has clean sliding glass doors; however the tub, hardware and tiles look original.

To the right is the master bedroom with a sliding glass door leading to the backyard.  It brings in a lot of natural light.  The carpet is tan, but looks a bit worn.  The room is a decent size with two sets of mirrored closets on separate walls.  The partially remodeled bathroom is located through a large opening and has two sinks and a good amount of counter space. A new mirror, lighting and counter top have been installed.  To the right is the separate shower and toilet.  The shower pan looked a bit worn and while the 4x4 tiles are original, it was in good condition.  A narrow window was located at the top of the shower wall.  There is no tub in the master.   

The other two bedrooms are average in size and have windows looking into the atrium.  The first bedroom has pink paint and pink carpet which is worn.  It has a mirrored double sliding closet.  The other bedroom is used as an office.  It has the same floral carpet as the living room.  The closet doors have been removed and the space is utilized with built-in cabinets and shelves.   

The backyard has no grass, but is nicely hardscaped and has raised planters with fruit trees.  It also has a large retractable awning. It is a great space to eat outside and for entertaining.  With the wall backing to a walking path, which is on a lower elevation, it creates a private, open space.

18 Diamante has a nice, open layout.  It is desirable for anyone looking for a single story home with great community amenities.

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