Estate

Latest articles from Real Estate Local Experts

2012-02-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

Latest articles from Real Estate Local Experts

Important Considerations in Selecting Chemical Compounds to Eradicate Pests
Rent A Furnished Apartment And Enjoy Your Holiday
AC and Furnace Technicians Are Your Friends
Garage Opener Installation
Consider Buying Condos And Lofts
Interior Window Curtains Decoration
Choosing Mover Service Companies
Tips When Searching for a New Home
Choosing A Professional Painter
The Advantages of Frosted Film
Where To Find Apartments For Rent
The Benefits Of Understanding What Mortgage Brokers Do
The Mortgage Broker Course Process – A Path to a New Career
Extended Stay Hotels: Your Home Away From Home
5 Tips For Buying Tools for Handy Folks On Your List
Making the Best of Car Insurance
Windows And Doors And Insulation
The Many Useful Reasons Why People Use A Maid Service
Storage Containers Are Certainly Worth The Money
Why Hiring Home Movers Is Always The Best Choice
How to Get a Fair Price From Plumbers
How to Prevent Clogged Drains
Explore The Advantages Of Investing In Condos And Lofts
The Synergy of Polycultures
Hiring The Right Heating And Air Conditioning Company Should Not Be Tricky
Great Tips For Lowering The Heating And Air Conditioning Bills
Bed Bug Extermination Services – Better Safe than Sorry
Storage Containers Provide Peace Of Mind
Finding The Best Windows And Doors
How To Select A Good Eavestroughing Service
Air Con Maintenance
Repair Garage Door Springs
Common Plumbing Tools
What to Consider When Shopping for Nanny Cameras
The Many Services Offered By a Moving Company
What Are Emergency Plumbing Services?
Why You Should Avoid Drinking Tap Water
How to Buy Investment Properties
Basic Considerations While Picking The Right Outdoor Furniture
Simple Space Saving Interior Design
Finding A Moving Company For Your Needs
Making The Most Of Bathroom Renovations
What You Can Manage When You Find Quality Pizza Oven For Your Restaurant
Finding The Right Domestic Helper
Aluminium Window Girlls
Luxury Bedding Sets: What To Look For
Using Gas Fireplaces And More
Treating Carpet Water Damage
Regular Air Con Service Check Up
Tips On Hiring House Cleaners

Important Considerations in Selecting Chemical Compounds to Eradicate Pests

Posted:

Pests are type of creatures that will enter your home and would create a significant destruction on your health as well as property. Having them inside your house is definitely not a good idea especially if you are aiming at providing a healthy environment for your entire family to reside. And because of this goal, [...]

Important Considerations in Selecting Chemical Compounds to Eradicate Pests is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Rent A Furnished Apartment And Enjoy Your Holiday

Posted:

Are you planning for a long trip whether for business, tourist, or education purposes? It is a fact that we all want comfortable accommodation when staying away from home. We want to feel at ease especially when we are away from our own comfort zones. There are many different choices of accommodations one can select [...]

Rent A Furnished Apartment And Enjoy Your Holiday is a post from: Real Estate Experts

AC and Furnace Technicians Are Your Friends

Posted:

It’s essential that you have a great heating and air conditioning system in your home or business. In Utah or any other state, your living and working quarters need to be properly heated or cooled, depending on the weather variables, in order to live comfortably. Have you ever lived in a home that has no [...]

AC and Furnace Technicians Are Your Friends is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Garage Opener Installation

Posted:

Garage door opener installation is one of tasks that you’re able to do yourself when it comes to garage doors. Several companies supply garage opener installation kits which you can easily do yourself. Should you choose to install it yourself, you will want to keep in mind every one of the potential safety hazards. Even [...]

Garage Opener Installation is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Consider Buying Condos And Lofts

Posted:

There are advantages in owning condos and lofts, such as attractive pricing and low-maintenance. In comparison to detached homes, they provide for more free time as one does not have to do yard work or home improvements. These properties are often found in urban locations offering one easy access to city life. The terms are [...]

Consider Buying Condos And Lofts is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Interior Window Curtains Decoration

Posted:

Curtains are an important part of the window covering overall, but what accessories are available to improve how they are used is the main concern of most of us today. Curtains can be made from a huge range of fabrics including block out, cotton, lace, polyester, and so on. Curtains have a striking influence on [...]

Interior Window Curtains Decoration is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Choosing Mover Service Companies

Posted:

Relocating is an extremely difficult and tedious job. Many people continue staying in expensive arrangements so that they will not have to move all of their belongings. But when you are left with no choice but to actually move, what is the easiest and the most affordable option – hiring a moving company or moving [...]

Choosing Mover Service Companies is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Tips When Searching for a New Home

Posted:

Buying a home can be a very intimidating and scary process, especially in a bad economy. It can also be a very exciting time that should be approached with caution. Here are some tips to think about before searching through the various homes for sale. - Make sure your credit is as good as it [...]

Tips When Searching for a New Home is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Choosing A Professional Painter

Posted:

Hiring a painter in one of the painting services means minimum stress and disorderly disturbance. Because the painter is trained to handle various combination of circumstances and situations, you’re left with little to bother with and are liberated to concentrate your attentions on other important tasks. Whether you wish to repair or reinvent your home [...]

Choosing A Professional Painter is a post from: Real Estate Experts

The Advantages of Frosted Film

Posted:

Having the best in privacy often means exploring the benefits of frosted film in rooms throughout the home. One of the most popular rooms for privacy tint is found within the bathroom. There is a need for privacy with people using the bathroom for a lot of personal needs that deserves a certain amount of [...]

The Advantages of Frosted Film is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Where To Find Apartments For Rent

Posted:

With all of the available technology, many people forget to check in the newspaper. This is still a popular place to advertise, and many people and companies still use it. Even a weekly free paper, such as the Sunday paper in some places, may have advertisements of this type as it is generally less expensive [...]

Where To Find Apartments For Rent is a post from: Real Estate Experts

The Benefits Of Understanding What Mortgage Brokers Do

Posted:

The current real estate market has made many people suffer in recent years. Though, for some who have a dream of owning their own home which they couldn’t afford in the past, this is the perfect time to see what’s available to make your home owning dream a reality. Who will help aid you in [...]

The Benefits Of Understanding What Mortgage Brokers Do is a post from: Real Estate Experts

The Mortgage Broker Course Process – A Path to a New Career

Posted:

For those seeking an interesting and rewarding profession, becoming a mortgage broker might be the right career path to follow. A broker acts as the intermediary between the borrower and the lender with the intention of helping the borrower procure the best possible home loan. The process of finding the most beneficial mortgage has proven [...]

The Mortgage Broker Course Process – A Path to a New Career is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Extended Stay Hotels: Your Home Away From Home

Posted:

Extended stay hotels have now become the perfect choice for business travelers in search of comfortable, apartment-style living when they are away from their homes. Available rooms and suites are often affordably priced, with most locations easily accessible to major interstates and highways, dining, shopping, and entertainment areas. This offers you great convenience to acquire [...]

Extended Stay Hotels: Your Home Away From Home is a post from: Real Estate Experts

5 Tips For Buying Tools for Handy Folks On Your List

Posted:

When it comes to tools and giving them out as gifts, and especially to your friends who love handy jobs around their homes, the choices do not come as easy as running to the local hardware and just picking up the latest one. Most people are quite particular about what they want in such an [...]

5 Tips For Buying Tools for Handy Folks On Your List is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Making the Best of Car Insurance

Posted:

Car insurance is legally required to drive in the United States and, when wisely selected, can do a great deal to bring a driver peace of mind while complying with the law. Some Basic Terminology Deductible A deductible is that amount of the claim that must be paid by the driver before their insurance kicks [...]

Making the Best of Car Insurance is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Windows And Doors And Insulation

Posted:

When people want to redecorate or redesign their home a lot of planning needs to be put into this and therefore it can sometimes be difficult to decide what kinds of windows and doors one will want to put on the place. A lot of individuals feel that the market value of their home might [...]

Windows And Doors And Insulation is a post from: Real Estate Experts

The Many Useful Reasons Why People Use A Maid Service

Posted:

Many individuals, families and businesses would benefit greatly from hiring a maid service, for a variety of reasons. Whether people simply lack time, have limited mobility or desire a professional appearance for their business, a maid cleaning service would assist all of these people in meeting their unique needs. For those who are elderly, being [...]

The Many Useful Reasons Why People Use A Maid Service is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Storage Containers Are Certainly Worth The Money

Posted:

If you have too many items cluttering up your home then you may wish to take advantage of storage containers companies in your area. There are now more of them around than ever before and this does help you out as it means you can take some time browsing through the options before ultimately deciding [...]

Storage Containers Are Certainly Worth The Money is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Why Hiring Home Movers Is Always The Best Choice

Posted:

It is no surprise why people are initially tempted to move by themselves, rather than hiring professional home movers. There is a misconception that moving your belongings yourself is virtually free, while a moving company carries a great financial burden. The truth is that this is not the case and, when all is said and [...]

Why Hiring Home Movers Is Always The Best Choice is a post from: Real Estate Experts

How to Get a Fair Price From Plumbers

Posted:

Like with many services, price is often a major factor when shopping around for plumbers. Pricing for plumbers isn’t set in stone and isn’t always the same across the board. The desire to get a fair price from plumbers for quality work is strong for most people, and many will shop around until they find [...]

How to Get a Fair Price From Plumbers is a post from: Real Estate Experts

How to Prevent Clogged Drains

Posted:

Clogged drains are one of those annoyances in life that aren’t usually very serious, but can still ruin your day. Seeing drains in your bathroom, kitchen or basement gurgle and refuse to let any water through is a major cause of frustration for many people. It means you have to break out your tool kit [...]

How to Prevent Clogged Drains is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Explore The Advantages Of Investing In Condos And Lofts

Posted:

There can be many advantages to owning condos and lofts. In today’s somewhat uncertain economic environment, the attractive pricing and low maintenance costs associated with these residences have seen their popularity increase considerably. When compared to most detached housing, the benefits of buying a condo or loft are obvious. If you are on a tight [...]

Explore The Advantages Of Investing In Condos And Lofts is a post from: Real Estate Experts

The Synergy of Polycultures

Posted:

Most every flower will grow with every other flower, and some are going to provide benefits to any other plant. But, something interesting happens with specific plants are paired together. It is called synergy. And it is odd because when you have one plant that grows this well in a flower bed and another plant [...]

The Synergy of Polycultures is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Hiring The Right Heating And Air Conditioning Company Should Not Be Tricky

Posted:

With regards to trying to pick the right heating and air conditioning company then it really is quite simple if you do not rush through looking at the options. You are best to take your time with this in order to ensure you hire someone who is actually good and knows what they are doing [...]

Hiring The Right Heating And Air Conditioning Company Should Not Be Tricky is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Great Tips For Lowering The Heating And Air Conditioning Bills

Posted:

The average homeowner in the United States spends over 2200 dollars per year for heating and air conditioning. For many the cost to keep the temperature comfortable puts a strain on the household budget. Fortunately, there are several things that can be done to lower the cost of utilities. Insulate the home. While most homes [...]

Great Tips For Lowering The Heating And Air Conditioning Bills is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Bed Bug Extermination Services – Better Safe than Sorry

Posted:

The increased use of hotels and other lodging by business and vacation travelers, combined with the ability of a certain insect to adapt to new environments and survive in very adverse conditions has created a growing epidemic of bed bugs. These hardy little brown insects are very difficult to see, ranging from the size of [...]

Bed Bug Extermination Services – Better Safe than Sorry is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Storage Containers Provide Peace Of Mind

Posted:

There are many situations in which someone may want some extra storage space. A homeowner may have just had a flood or fire and needs to keep essential items in stored away until the damage is taken care of. A homeowner may be moving and needs some storage containers to take from home to home. [...]

Storage Containers Provide Peace Of Mind is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Finding The Best Windows And Doors

Posted:

If you are decorating a home, office, or any other building you own, you know how important each and every detail can be. Choosing the perfect windows and doors is an essential component to designing the overall aesthetic of a building. The correct choices can stylistically transform any room or building. However, before you set [...]

Finding The Best Windows And Doors is a post from: Real Estate Experts

How To Select A Good Eavestroughing Service

Posted:

Quality eavestroughing specialists are qualified to help persons who need expert advice. They can install channels and troughs which carry rain and sleet off roofs. They fix roofs on both residential and commercial buildings. A flooded basement usually indicates that their help is needed. While many homeowners choose to patch gaps and seal joints on [...]

How To Select A Good Eavestroughing Service is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Air Con Maintenance

Posted:

There is a great deal of importance attached to air-conditioning systems in modern lives. They are compulsorily required for comfortable conditions of indoor temperature levels especially in the months of the summer months. There are many areas of commercial use of air-conditioner services that are compulsory and essential. These are places like hospitals, airports, emergency [...]

Air Con Maintenance is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Repair Garage Door Springs

Posted:

Being a property owner means that you will do a lot of improvements to your property but when it comes to replacing your garage and even replacing your garage spring, you may want to think a little bit on that one. Fixing garages tend to be somewhat dangerous and when set up improperly they can [...]

Repair Garage Door Springs is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Common Plumbing Tools

Posted:

Plumbers are highly skilled tradespeople who have gone through extensive training to learn their craft, but in certain situations they are only as good as the tools they use. Plumbers require pretty specific tools to get their job done properly, and without them wouldn’t even be able to make the repair at all. Other tools [...]

Common Plumbing Tools is a post from: Real Estate Experts

What to Consider When Shopping for Nanny Cameras

Posted:

One of the most important security tools of modern times would be nanny cameras. Not only can these cameras be used to ensure that your children are being treated well when you are away, they can also be used to capture images of theft or other misconduct. Even the best screening methods simply cannot guarantee [...]

What to Consider When Shopping for Nanny Cameras is a post from: Real Estate Experts

The Many Services Offered By a Moving Company

Posted:

A moving company can offer a diverse range of difference services designed to ensure a relocating to a new residence or office remains a smooth and positive experience. Those seeking to hire the services of such a company are commonly under the assumption a mover simply transports your belongings from one location to another. A [...]

The Many Services Offered By a Moving Company is a post from: Real Estate Experts

What Are Emergency Plumbing Services?

Posted:

Sometimes, when you need a plumber you need a plumber right away and every second that passes without one means damage of some sort taking place in your home. Emergency plumbing services are something most people rarely ever need, but when they do, it can make for quite the frantic scene inside the house. In [...]

What Are Emergency Plumbing Services? is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Why You Should Avoid Drinking Tap Water

Posted:

The use of water filtration systems is becoming more and more popular as people look for ways to purify their drinking water. Some claims estimate that most drinking water sources are polluted to some degree due to the use of chemicals in agriculture and other industries. When chemicals are used as part of various business [...]

Why You Should Avoid Drinking Tap Water is a post from: Real Estate Experts

How to Buy Investment Properties

Posted:

Buying investment properties is a steady way to make income in even the most volatile real estate markets. An investment property is bought by the owner and then rented out for profit. While buying real estate for investment is not rocket science, there are many pitfalls for first-time buyers that can be easily avoided by [...]

How to Buy Investment Properties is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Basic Considerations While Picking The Right Outdoor Furniture

Posted:

There are several factors to consider while picking the right outdoor furniture. This process may seem a daunting task for many people due to the boundless selections on the market. However, purchasing the best one would result to ultimate satisfaction whether it is meant for the patio, garden, front yard, or backyard. Primarily, the aesthetic [...]

Basic Considerations While Picking The Right Outdoor Furniture is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Simple Space Saving Interior Design

Posted:

As family lifestyles change, the home changes along with them. Over the years, most people tend to acquire new possessions as they lose more and more of their valuable space. There are simple space saving interior design ideas which are sure to offer efficient solutions for every room. More than any other room in the [...]

Simple Space Saving Interior Design is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Finding A Moving Company For Your Needs

Posted:

From time to time, everyone has to move. Some people find the strength to do everything themselves, from packing to hauling all the items to setting everything up in the new house. But for most people, there the need for a little help. So for those that need an extra back or two, finding the [...]

Finding A Moving Company For Your Needs is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Making The Most Of Bathroom Renovations

Posted:

Most homeowners will want to change the rooms in their house at some point and this can be a daunting experience if they are not sure what they are doing. This is especially true of the bathroom, which is the smallest room in the home but the one that people change the most. Bathroom renovations [...]

Making The Most Of Bathroom Renovations is a post from: Real Estate Experts

What You Can Manage When You Find Quality Pizza Oven For Your Restaurant

Posted:

There is a lot of risk that can be associated with running any sort of business. If you are operating within the food industry, this can be even worse then you would expect. One of the many things that you can do to make sure you keep showing a profit, it to serve popular food [...]

What You Can Manage When You Find Quality Pizza Oven For Your Restaurant is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Finding The Right Domestic Helper

Posted:

It is never easy to find the right domestic helper, that is why researching and planning before hiring one can save you loads of time. 1. Identify your requirement for a maid. Once you uncover your self overcome using too many home pursuits and necessity one far more combine of fingers to improve you out, [...]

Finding The Right Domestic Helper is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Aluminium Window Girlls

Posted:

A great way to add security to some home is having a window security grill. Security grills shouldn’t be wrongly identified as window security bars. Yes, security bars are effective, but they can be an ugly eyesore, as most people feel that they provide a house the look of a prison. However, a window security [...]

Aluminium Window Girlls is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Luxury Bedding Sets: What To Look For

Posted:

Luxury bedding sets makes a room whether in a hotel or a home into something that sets the overall status of the house and its habitants or the hotel and its management. Money is usually not the constraint that an individual would place for a bed that is being purchased for the house. The same [...]

Luxury Bedding Sets: What To Look For is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Using Gas Fireplaces And More

Posted:

Many people in today’s world are going to understand just how important it is to make sure that the atmosphere stays clean, and therefore there will be a lot of concern for the environment and more. As a result, gas fireplaces seem to be becoming incredibly popular and many newly built houses are going already [...]

Using Gas Fireplaces And More is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Treating Carpet Water Damage

Posted:

Having carpet water damage is never a pleasant issue. When this damage does occur, action needs to be taken quickly to ensure that further damage does not occur. The water damage must be remedied within 24 to 48 hours of the initial damage to prevent mold, mildew, and other bacteria from growing. This article will [...]

Treating Carpet Water Damage is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Regular Air Con Service Check Up

Posted:

With regards to a building, there are few things that tend to be more vital that you the comfort of a building a lot more than ac. Keeping things cool once the weather turns warm is vital in any sort of structure, from the business or business building to some home. This is especially important [...]

Regular Air Con Service Check Up is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Tips On Hiring House Cleaners

Posted:

Home cleaning done correctly. You’re tired. You get up early, work very long days, get home – preparing meals for kids – feed the animals – perform the laundry – focus on your calendar – assist with homework and get the children to sleep. Now you have to wash the house. Well someone’s gotta get [...]

Tips On Hiring House Cleaners is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Irvine Housing Blog

2012-02-23T07:35:00.001-08:00

Irvine Housing Blog

Active topics this week at Talk Irvine

Posted: 23 Feb 2012 04:00 AM PST

There are some great discussions around Irvine real estate taking place in the Talk Irvine forums. Take a look and join in!

Irvine Housing Blog

2012-02-22T07:17:00.001-08:00

Irvine Housing Blog

The Neighborhood of University Hills

Posted: 22 Feb 2012 04:00 AM PST

University Hills is the University of California, Irvine's campus housing community for individuals holding full time employement at UCI. Seeing some of the homes in University HIlls from Bonita Canyon makes me want to get a job at UCI. Part of the appeal is that it's kind of exclusive. It's not like other parts of Irvine where (as long as you have enough money), you can buy or rent in any neighborhood. The other draw is that the homes are so said to be much more affordable than their equivalents down the street in other parts of Irvine.

According to the Irvine Campus Housing Authority website, "University HIlls...is generally regarded as the most successful on-campus housing program of its kind in the country." It is an academic community in residence to provide affordable housing to eligible full time employees of the University of California, Irvine. University HIlls is located on the South end of campus, and is bordered by Anteater Drive, Los Trancos Drive, Gabrielino Drive, Vista Bonita Drive and California Avenue.

Community Map

Note: Information from http://www.icha.uci.edu/

Within University HIlls there are three apartment communities, two condo associations, townhomes, paired homes, single family detached homes, and even a few custom homes. It has 250 apartments for rent and 940 for-sale homes on over 200 acres of University owned land. There are several recreation areas that include parks, pools, volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts, tot lots, barbeque and picnic areas. The amenities are quite nice; check out the University Hills Community Center:

I took a drive around University HIlls and like many neighborhoods in Irvine, I saw manicured landscaping, lovely parks, nicely kept walking paths that were well lit for evening strolls, young children on the street playing, and of course, seemingly close together homes with little to no yards. There really were some nice paths to walk on, accompanied by sitting areas with vista points providing views of Turtle Ridge, the University, most of Irvine and beyond and the airport area.

Children who live in University Hills can attend University Montessori, Turtle Rock Elementary, Rancho San Joaquin Middle School, and University High School, though only the Montessori is within short walking distance.

FOR SALE HOMES:

As you can imagine, the for-sale homes are highly sought after and a priority system has been put in place to help sort through requests. According to the ICHA website, "on average, approximately 25-35 resale homes are available for sale each year, including new homes." Full time University employees are entered on a waiting list for homes based on the following priority system:

Newly recruited members of the Academic Senate and the Senior Management Group ("newly" is defined as within 1 year)
Current members of the Academic Senate and the Senior Management Group
Newly recruited members of the University's non-Senate Academic Staff and Management and Senor Professional Group (Examples of these include clinical and adjunct professors, lecturers, post doctoral and profecssional researches, specialists and librarians)
Current Academic Staff and Management and Senior Professionals
Other University Staff

All homes in University Hills are located on lots OWNED by The Regents of the University of California and are LEASED by the Irvine Campus Housing Authority. Homeowners then essentially SUBLEASE the land upon which their home sits. According to documents on the site, subleases are long term and end in 2082. The ICHA gives three payment plans to pay land leases.

There are three restrictions in reselling University Homes:

You must try to sell to the University, the faculty or staff when you decide to sell. If you can't sell within a specified (?) period of time, and the University doesn't exercise its option, you may sell your home to a member of the general public. That person would be subject to the same terms. My guess is that there's pretty much always faculty or staff that is interested in buying the homes in University HIlls and if by chance a home did not sell, the University would buy it temporarily.
Resale prices of homes are restricted. Ground Sublease indices control pricing in University Hills with the intent to provide affordable housing and to prevent the homes from serving as speculative investment vehicles. Get outta here, flippers!
If the circumstances of employment with the University change, you may no longer be eligible to own in University Hills.

Currently, new homes are under construction off of Gabrielino. Because the homes have been constructed over the last 25 years, it's an interesting mix of homes within the area of a typical village in Irvine. The older ones are much like what you'd see in Woodbridge and as the styles in Irvine changed over the years, so did the styles with University Hills. You can see the various floorplans here. Of course, the homes are somewhat cookie cutter and any exterior changes must be approved by the ICHA.

RENTALS:

There are three unfurnished on-campus apartments available for UCI personnel:

Gabrielino Apartments - the smallest of the three apartment complexes. Gabrielino offers Junior and 1 Bedroom apartments with 1 bathroom. They are 560-750 sq ft and cost $1035-$1205 per month
Las Lomas Apartments - 2-3 bedrooms with 1-2 baths. These units are between 970 and 1200 sq ft and cost $1290-$1590 per month.
Santiago Apartments - 1-3 bedrooms with 1-2 baths. Units here span the greatest range - 632-1254 sq ft and cost $1212-$1844

Priority is given in the same sequence as the home sales above and faculty, academic and University staff are eligible to stay up to 5 years.

Additionally, there are three Furnished Short term apartments for rent:

Sage at Gabielino Apartments - Jr 1 BR, 1 Bath - 560 sq ft - $1575
Willow at Gabrielino - 1 BR, 1 Bath - 650 sq ft - $1788
Amapola at Las Lomas - 2 BR, 1 BA 970 sq ft - $2010

Not cheap! Do any of you live in University Hills? What do you like about living there? Any drawbacks? What's it really like? What do taxes, home owners association dues (or their equavalents), etc add up to? Anyone know how much these homes actually sell for?

Discuss below or at Talk Irvine.

Is it Time to Refinance Your Florida Mortgage?

2012-02-22T07:05:00.001-08:00

Harp 2.0 Proives Unlimited Loan-to-Value And Same Great Rates

2012-02-10 08:45:00-05
The revamped HARP 2.0 program is expected to be generally available beginning Monday, March 19, 2012. Related posts:

Revamped HARP Program Offers Hope for Underwater Homeowners The Federal Home Finance Agency announced big changes to its...
Government Issues New Info to Help Underwater Homebuyers Tuesday, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac unveiled lender instructions for...
Plan To Sell Within 5 Years? Consider An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage. If you plan to sell your home within 5 years,...

Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of February 13, 2012

2012-02-13 08:45:00-05
Consider locking in your Florida Mortgage rate this week, as rates are at all time lows. They won't stay this way forever! Related posts:

Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of January 16, 2012 If you're still floating a Florida mortgage rate or have...
Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of October 24, 2011 Mortgage markets improved last week on worries that Eurozone leaders...
Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of February 6, 2012 Florida mortgage rates are still quite low, but positive economic...

Florida Home Prices Rise as Consumer Confidence Increases

2012-02-15 08:45:00-05
If you have plans to buy a home in 2012, the best time to buy may be now. Today's Florida mortgage rates are low and so are the home prices -- a combination that's unlikely to last. Related posts:

Florida Mortgage Rates May Climb as Retail Sales Go Up Consumer spending continues to rise nationwide, fueled by jobs growth...
Low Florida Mortgage Rates and Affordable Home Prices Boost Housing Market The housing market continues to show signs of improvement, propelled...
Retail Sales Numbers May Mean Higher Florida Mortgage Rates Florida mortgage rates might see an increase as the new...

Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of February 21, 2012

2012-02-21 08:45:00-05
Mortgage markets worsened last week as the Eurozone moved closer to a bailout agreement with Greece, and the U.S. economy displayed more signs of growth. Mortgage rates climbed. Related posts:

Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of February 13, 2012 Consider locking in your Florida Mortgage rate this week, as...
Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of June 27, 2011 Mortgage markets improved again last week on a revised economic...
Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of January 16, 2012 If you're still floating a Florida mortgage rate or have...

Foreclosure Filings Down 19 Percent In One Year

2012-02-22 08:45:00-05
Foreclosure filings fell 19 percent last month versus one year ago, says foreclosure-tracking firm RealtyTrac. It's yet one more signal that the U.S. housing market may have already climbed off its bottom. Related posts:

For The 9th Straight Month, Foreclosure Filings Fall According to foreclosure-tracking firm RealtyTrac, the number of foreclosure filings...
Foreclosure Filings Fall To 49-Month Low Foreclosure filings are fewer these days, according to foreclosure-tracking firm...
Bank Repossessions Drop To A 44-Month Low According to foreclosure-tracker RealtyTrac, November's foreclosure filings fell 3 percent...

Kevin Sandridge - Florida Mortgage Broker
Email: kevin.s@sigfunding.com Phone: 863-604-3019 Fax: 888-496-0265

Winter Haven, FL 33884, USA

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Latest articles from Real Estate Local Experts

2012-02-21T16:08:00.001-08:00

Latest articles from Real Estate Local Experts

Benefits of Using a Junk Removal Service
Respect Your Neighbours By Soundproofing Where Required
Garage Door Repair Services – Why You Need Them
Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Solar Water Fountain
House or Flat? The Pros and Cons of Buying in London
Metal Wind Chime
Commercial Retractable Awnings
It’s Easy To Save Money Every Month With These Fantastic Home Improvement Tips
How To Fix Up Your House Without Spending Too Much Cash
The Hidden Benefits of Organic Pillow Cases
A Fundamental Guide To Home Theatre
Gardens and the Danger of Monocultures
Using Cellulose Attic Insulation Successfully
Why Hiring An Insulation Company Is Better Than Self Installation Tactics
5 Projects When It’s Easier to Hire a Northern Virginia Handyman
Window Treatment Options When Remodeling the FROG
How To Get The Best Plumbers
Know More About The Storage Services
The Modern Way To Protect Your Home – Wireless Burglar Alarm Systems
What Is The Best Way To A Discount Furniture Shop?
The Job Description Of A Florist
Pros And Cons Of Equity Loans
Learn How To Have A Memorable Springs Lodge Vacation
Why You Need A Certified Mortgage Securitization Audit
Northern Virginia Custom Remodeling Enhances Condos
Growing Edible Flowers At Home And Eating Them
Custom Remodeling: How to Update the Kids’ Bathroom
Rhododendron the Valentines Flower
Best Ways To Clean Your Windows
Buy Your New Window Blinds
What Makes A Good Estate Agent?
The Benefits Of Vinyl Siding On A Home
Lighting System As A Year-Round Decoration
Considering Movers And Moving Day
Finding Good Storage Containers For Food
What to Do When a Guest Requests a Refund for Their Stay at Turkey Villas
Top Reasons to Choose Property in Turkey in Istanbul
What Are Guests Searching For in A Rental Property in Turkey?
Moving Does Not Have To Be Difficult
Safety Tips for Women on Turkey Holidays
Choosing The Perfect Windows And Doors For Your Home
How Will You Get the Keys to the Guests of Your Holiday Turkey Property Rental?
Homes Get Refreshed By Giving Attention To Windows And Doors
Choosing The Best Benefits Of Hiring Movers
Why Staying in a Property in Bulgaria is Better Than a Hotel
What Is Your Changeover Day for Your Rental Property in Bulgaria?
Choosing The Right Moving Company Is Key
View All News Should You Give Guests of Your Property in Bulgaria a Refund if the Airport Closes?
Should You Have an All-Inclusive Rate for Your Holiday Property in Bulgaria?
How a Crawl Space Company Can Help You!

Benefits of Using a Junk Removal Service

Posted:

Sometimes, it just happens that you find yourself in a situation where you need help getting rid of items from your home, garage or property. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve become a hoarder and can’t walk from one end of the house to the other, it just means that outsourcing the junk removal is [...]

Benefits of Using a Junk Removal Service is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Respect Your Neighbours By Soundproofing Where Required

Posted:

When you buy a home, own or rent a flat you have a responsibility to keep the noise down as much as possible to avoid getting into conflict with your neighbours. A loud TV or stereo system, barking from your pet dog or just talking loudly indoors with friends and family can all be enough [...]

Respect Your Neighbours By Soundproofing Where Required is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Garage Door Repair Services – Why You Need Them

Posted:

Don’t underestimate the value of a functional garage door – that is why you will likely need to contact a garage door repair service as soon as possible whenever your garage is not working as expected. After all, garages are also entrances to our houses and at the same time they make up half of [...]

Garage Door Repair Services – Why You Need Them is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Solar Water Fountain

Posted:

Water fountains are among the most popular home decorations available on the market because they are beautiful, serene and interactive. The latest trend in garden fountains is solar technology. Self-sustained solar fountains are an impressive improvement over traditional models that require a power source. Choosing a solar water fountain can help you save money and [...]

Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Solar Water Fountain is a post from: Real Estate Experts

House or Flat? The Pros and Cons of Buying in London

Posted:

In this current economic climate it is no surprise that people are slightly wary when dealing with the property market, particularly in the city. But perhaps it is not caution which dictates their decisions but in fact a lack of knowledge about what is best for them at the time and for the future. The [...]

House or Flat? The Pros and Cons of Buying in London is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Metal Wind Chime

Posted:

There are few people who don’t enjoy the sound of an outdoor wind chime and many who do find the sound of a metal chime to be the most pleasing. Their sound is pleasing and soothing and many people find it relaxing to have a set of chimes outside of their home, where the sound [...]

Metal Wind Chime is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Commercial Retractable Awnings

Posted:

Commercial retractable awnings are something which many businesses owners may choose to have installed. They’re a versatile method of sun protection as well as shielding the entrance to the business from rain and snow which improve energy efficiency while being durable and requiring very little in the way of maintenance, all at a very low [...]

Commercial Retractable Awnings is a post from: Real Estate Experts

It’s Easy To Save Money Every Month With These Fantastic Home Improvement Tips

Posted:

Making ends meet these days is getting harder and harder. Stretching that paycheck to the end of the month is something that is becoming more and more difficult. If you own your own home, then it’s likely that your home is worth less now than when you bought it. This can have a very negative [...]

It’s Easy To Save Money Every Month With These Fantastic Home Improvement Tips is a post from: Real Estate Experts

How To Fix Up Your House Without Spending Too Much Cash

Posted:

If you own your own home, then you are standing on top of the American Dream. Of course, it wasn’t always like this. In times past, people were just happy enough to have a good job with good benefits, and raise children. But with the advancing economy, it has become easy for many more people [...]

How To Fix Up Your House Without Spending Too Much Cash is a post from: Real Estate Experts

The Hidden Benefits of Organic Pillow Cases

Posted:

There is a great deal of interest in organic products in the consumer market. In fact, consumers might end up becoming very surprised when they discover the sheer scope of organic products which are available. One such product that raises eyebrows would be organic pillow cases. The reason organic cotton pillowcases raise eyebrows is not [...]

The Hidden Benefits of Organic Pillow Cases is a post from: Real Estate Experts

A Fundamental Guide To Home Theatre

Posted:

These days home theatre is larger than ever. Years back is started with laser disc, DVD made it mainstream, and today with Blu-ray and cheap high definition TVs, the house theatre experience is really open to anyone. Nowadays, a great home theatre system can certainly equal the quality of any nearby cineplex, and except for [...]

A Fundamental Guide To Home Theatre is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Gardens and the Danger of Monocultures

Posted:

Monoculture is the act of cultivating a single crop over a large area of land, which is usually done by professional farmers trying to earn a living. This, however, can cause some problems for modern industrial agriculturists. Each plant provides its own specific benefits to a garden, some are going to provide nutrients to the [...]

Gardens and the Danger of Monocultures is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Using Cellulose Attic Insulation Successfully

Posted:

A home must be properly insulated for two reasons. First, the air temperature in the home needs to remain consistent regardless of the temperature outside, whether this means keeping the home warm or keeping it cool. Second, the home has to be cut off from the sounds of the outdoors. There is nothing that can [...]

Using Cellulose Attic Insulation Successfully is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Why Hiring An Insulation Company Is Better Than Self Installation Tactics

Posted:

When a person is building or remodeling their home, they need to put in the right insulation between the exterior walls and the interior walls. This also needs to be put into the roof, in the space that is created between the roof itself and the ceilings that are seen from inside of the home. [...]

Why Hiring An Insulation Company Is Better Than Self Installation Tactics is a post from: Real Estate Experts

5 Projects When It’s Easier to Hire a Northern Virginia Handyman

Posted:

One of the challenges of being a homeowner in Northern Virginia is having a long list of repairs and home improvement projects to do around the house. Sometimes the list grows long when there is not enough time to get them done, or the homeowner is not sure how to carry out the repairs. It’s [...]

5 Projects When It’s Easier to Hire a Northern Virginia Handyman is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Window Treatment Options When Remodeling the FROG

Posted:

Remodeling companies call the finished room over the garage a FROG, and it’s often the one room in the house most in need of a kiss from a decorating princess. A FROG offers a lot of square footage, but if the room is over a double-car garage, its dimensions will be long and skinny like [...]

Window Treatment Options When Remodeling the FROG is a post from: Real Estate Experts

How To Get The Best Plumbers

Posted:

It is common that when you have plumbing problem at home is the time you take concern to find a specialist to help you fix it. You are however advised to look for these plumbers before and keep them to ensure that whenever there is such an issues you could call them. This is the [...]

How To Get The Best Plumbers is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Know More About The Storage Services

Posted:

Every given entrepreneur knows that, getting the best storage services is never a smooth road all the way to heaven. Being well aware of this fact, he or she should know that taking time to pick on a good company to entrust with the job, is more than mandatory. If you have intentions of getting [...]

Know More About The Storage Services is a post from: Real Estate Experts

The Modern Way To Protect Your Home – Wireless Burglar Alarm Systems

Posted:

In all states of USA, statistics on burglary crime had gone high. Could this be due to the tight financial condition? Most of the burglaries are committed by thieves who find big opportunity to intrude into your home. Most often, these thieves easily gain entry to your home such that burglar alarms are must-haves for [...]

The Modern Way To Protect Your Home – Wireless Burglar Alarm Systems is a post from: Real Estate Experts

What Is The Best Way To A Discount Furniture Shop?

Posted:

The economy has not recovered from the economic crisis that had hit the universe almost a decade ago. This compels many people to struggle in their search for discounted items and this includes your choice for furniture. Some would not consider the furniture as extremely necessary, but then, they really are. Searching for a cheaper [...]

What Is The Best Way To A Discount Furniture Shop? is a post from: Real Estate Experts

The Job Description Of A Florist

Posted:

A florist is an individual who focuses on buying, arranging and selling different varieties of flowers. We all use flowers for a number of purposes. In most cases however, we need florists to assist us to use the flowers for decorative purposes. Usually, we call the experts when we are preparing for a big event. [...]

The Job Description Of A Florist is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Pros And Cons Of Equity Loans

Posted:

When a homeowner pays off any mortgage to a lender, they build on what is called equity- an asset which they can use to get equity loans. In this case, the borrower puts up their home as collateral in case they default. They are seen as second mortgages but their advantage is that the interest [...]

Pros And Cons Of Equity Loans is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Learn How To Have A Memorable Springs Lodge Vacation

Posted:

A holiday is very important because it gives people a chance to relax and take a break from work related and everyday’s stresses. You can have a memorable holiday at springs lodge. The key to having a great vacation is advance preparations. Preparing in good time for the vacation helps to make important decisions in [...]

Learn How To Have A Memorable Springs Lodge Vacation is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Why You Need A Certified Mortgage Securitization Audit

Posted:

Pro Per litigants and Attorneys fighting foreclosure in civil or bankruptcy court need a Certified Mortgage Securitization Auditor to investigate the referenced foreclosure documentation and investigate the legitimacy of claims being made by the party seeking to foreclose. We have seen too often how a wrongful foreclosure lawsuit can have disastrous results to the borrower, [...]

Why You Need A Certified Mortgage Securitization Audit is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Northern Virginia Custom Remodeling Enhances Condos

Posted:

For many, living in a Northern Virginia condominium is a comfortable lifestyle of convenience. Most condominium communities are ideal homes for singles and couples. There is limited grounds keeping involved, if any. These are usually smaller homes, which makes them easier to maintain. Unlike rentals, with condominium ownership comes the freedom for indoor choices in [...]

Northern Virginia Custom Remodeling Enhances Condos is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Growing Edible Flowers At Home And Eating Them

Posted:

Before you start eating every flower that you find you will want to understand the risks. Take caution, flowers may be tasteless, bitter, or even unpleasant but more importantly some are extremely poisons. Plants have chemicals in them called glycoalkaloids, which are toxic and could possibly kill you or maybe even give you an upset [...]

Growing Edible Flowers At Home And Eating Them is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Custom Remodeling: How to Update the Kids’ Bathroom

Posted:

A bathroom remodeling project is a fun way to update the home. There are many different elements that can be added in to the design. Narrow down the choices by deciding who will most likely use the bathroom the most often. For example, a children’s bathroom should have very different features from the guest bath. [...]

Custom Remodeling: How to Update the Kids’ Bathroom is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Rhododendron the Valentines Flower

Posted:

Flowers are used very often to express feelings; in times of sorrow they are presented as a symbol of empathy, in times of victory they acknowledge achievement, but most of all they are presented as a symbol of ones love. On Valentine’s Day there are more roses received as romantic gifts than on any other [...]

Rhododendron the Valentines Flower is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Best Ways To Clean Your Windows

Posted:

Everyone has there own way of cleaning those disgusting windows. A window is a very crucial part of a structure. It allows you to see outside if it is part of a building. It lets you see where you are going when you are driving your car. Because it is such a important element of [...]

Best Ways To Clean Your Windows is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Buy Your New Window Blinds

Posted:

When purchasing new window blinds for the home or office, considering design and style are things that must be done. Knowing the type of blind to buy, the colors, materials, and overall look they will provide, should also be considered. As there are several style options one can choose from, deciding which ones to purchase [...]

Buy Your New Window Blinds is a post from: Real Estate Experts

What Makes A Good Estate Agent?

Posted:

Selling a home can be a complicated process. Whilst it’s possible to do it yourself and save money, using an estate agent will streamline the process and sell your property at a price you want. If you are a landlord, going through a letting agents will safeguard your investment and ensure you get tenants who [...]

What Makes A Good Estate Agent? is a post from: Real Estate Experts

The Benefits Of Vinyl Siding On A Home

Posted:

If you have an older home and the outside is starting to look quite shabby, you should start to think about improving it with new siding. The first impression of the home or curb side appeal is the first factor in valuing a house. You should understand the benefits of vinyl siding on a home, [...]

The Benefits Of Vinyl Siding On A Home is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Lighting System As A Year-Round Decoration

Posted:

People had been accustomed to decorating their homes during the Yuletide season. This is not only done in America but all over the world. However, every homeowner should remember that Christmas is not the only occasion to make your home festive. Celebrations and holidays are year-round. Thus decorating should be made all throughout the year. [...]

Lighting System As A Year-Round Decoration is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Considering Movers And Moving Day

Posted:

Moving day is coming and everyone’s in a panic! Fortunately there are things a person or family can do to make moving from one house to another fairly stress free. Hiring the right movers and following these tips can make this important transition go very smoothly. One of the first things to do regarding moving [...]

Considering Movers And Moving Day is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Finding Good Storage Containers For Food

Posted:

Most of the time, after every meal, there are usually leftover food. Since it cannot be thrown away, it should be stored in a clean and air tight container. There are various sizes and shapes of storage containers which can be used. Any kind of food can be stored in it, and there is assurance [...]

Finding Good Storage Containers For Food is a post from: Real Estate Experts

What to Do When a Guest Requests a Refund for Their Stay at Turkey Villas

Posted:

There are no official industry guidelines to go by for owners of Turkey villas, so it is hard to know whether or not you should give your guest a refund in this situation. On the one hand, you will want to compensate them with the aim of providing good customer service, especially if their complaints [...]

What to Do When a Guest Requests a Refund for Their Stay at Turkey Villas is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Top Reasons to Choose Property in Turkey in Istanbul

Posted:

This city, known throughout history as Constantinople and Byzantium, is the largest metropolis in Turkey and is considered the economic and cultural heart of the country. It is located in the Marmara Region and stretches across the Bosphorus Strait, with one side in Europe and one in Asia making it the only city in the [...]

Top Reasons to Choose Property in Turkey in Istanbul is a post from: Real Estate Experts

What Are Guests Searching For in A Rental Property in Turkey?

Posted:

If you are looking to invest in a property in Turkey with the intention of renting it out as a holiday home, it is a good idea to know what features your potential guests will be searching for. If you choose property in Turkey with these amenities and highlight them on your ads and rental [...]

What Are Guests Searching For in A Rental Property in Turkey? is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Moving Does Not Have To Be Difficult

Posted:

Moving is something that nobody looks forward to doing. It takes days of hard labor and weeks of planning to accomplish this feat, and that’s not even counting the emotional tolls of transferring to a new place. Even so, most people underestimate the amount of time that it will take to go through all of [...]

Moving Does Not Have To Be Difficult is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Safety Tips for Women on Turkey Holidays

Posted:

Travelling on your Turkey holidays as a solo female is not dangerous at all, as long as you are aware of the local customs and attitudes and take common sense precautions just as you would in any country you visit. If you are a female traveller planning exciting Turkey holidays, here are some tips: When [...]

Safety Tips for Women on Turkey Holidays is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Choosing The Perfect Windows And Doors For Your Home

Posted:

With the concept of going green, many people are looking for ways to conserve energy in new homes. This includes ways to keep your home both cool and warm. This not only requires proper insulation but choosing the perfect windows and doors. Whether you are replacing existing units, or building new, there are things to [...]

Choosing The Perfect Windows And Doors For Your Home is a post from: Real Estate Experts

How Will You Get the Keys to the Guests of Your Holiday Turkey Property Rental?

Posted:

If you live far away from your holiday Turkey property you will not be able to meet your guests upon arrival every time a new booking arrives. You will need to develop a failsafe way of making sure that the keys to your Turkey property are received by your guests when they arrive at their [...]

How Will You Get the Keys to the Guests of Your Holiday Turkey Property Rental? is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Homes Get Refreshed By Giving Attention To Windows And Doors

Posted:

Home owners looking to give their homes a face lift, could do well to look at their windows and doors. Installing a carefully selected door and window range is a cost effective way of giving a home a refreshing new look. Quite frequently when people move into a new property, they feel like making alterations [...]

Homes Get Refreshed By Giving Attention To Windows And Doors is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Choosing The Best Benefits Of Hiring Movers

Posted:

Nothing in life stays the same as people move from one place to another in order to be close to their place of work or their children’s schools. When looking to relocate to other areas, it is always advisable to consider the benefits of hiring movers to help one with their relocation.The work of going [...]

Choosing The Best Benefits Of Hiring Movers is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Why Staying in a Property in Bulgaria is Better Than a Hotel

Posted:

If you are like most people, you will have considered a hotel as your first option for accommodation when visiting Bulgaria. However, have you ever considered a different option, such as renting out someone else’s holiday property in Bulgaria during your stay instead? Many people own property in Bulgaria, from chic studio apartments near the [...]

Why Staying in a Property in Bulgaria is Better Than a Hotel is a post from: Real Estate Experts

What Is Your Changeover Day for Your Rental Property in Bulgaria?

Posted:

When it comes to most holiday homes in Europe, the usual day for arrivals and departures is a Saturday. However, your changeover day is completely up to you and there can be many advantages to making the changeover day for your rental property in Bulgaria NOT on a Saturday. Here are some of the reasons [...]

What Is Your Changeover Day for Your Rental Property in Bulgaria? is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Choosing The Right Moving Company Is Key

Posted:

When you are moving house then you are going to want to be sure that you have hired the right company to come and help you with this. There is a great deal of trust because they will be handling all of your belongings so you will wish to be absolutely sure about who you [...]

Choosing The Right Moving Company Is Key is a post from: Real Estate Experts

View All News Should You Give Guests of Your Property in Bulgaria a Refund if the Airport Closes?

Posted:

Thousands of flights have been cancelled and holidays have been put on hold. It is predicted that more volcanic eruptions could occur in the near future and travellers should be prepared for the risk of more flight shut-downs. What should you do if you are the owner of a property in Bulgaria and your guests [...]

View All News Should You Give Guests of Your Property in Bulgaria a Refund if the Airport Closes? is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Should You Have an All-Inclusive Rate for Your Holiday Property in Bulgaria?

Posted:

There are many factors which go into calculating the optimum rate for your holiday property in Bulgaria, such as the size of the home, its location, and what amenities are available. Another important factor to consider is whether or not you will charge an all-inclusive rate which covers the extra costs of staying in the [...]

Should You Have an All-Inclusive Rate for Your Holiday Property in Bulgaria? is a post from: Real Estate Experts

How a Crawl Space Company Can Help You!

Posted:

Does your home show signs of structural damage, such as uneven floors, or cracks along foundation walls? When you enter to the lower levels of your home, do you smell a musty odor? Have you noticed that your allergies have worsened over the years, or — even worse — you’re developing respiratory issues? Is your [...]

How a Crawl Space Company Can Help You! is a post from: Real Estate Experts

Irvine Housing Blog

2012-02-21T07:20:00.001-08:00

Irvine Housing Blog

A Review of the San Mateo Tract at Stonegate

Posted: 21 Feb 2012 04:00 AM PST

Déjà vu! San Mateo at Stonegate is the spitting image of the Siena tract at Laguna Altura. I’m not surprised, but am a little disappointed particularly because my original assessment of Siena at Laguna Altura was overpriced. I stand by my opinion. San Mateo is significantly cheaper than Laguna Altura and if I had to choose between the two locations, Stonegate or Laguna Altura, I’d choose Stonegate. I like the neighborhood better and you’re not surrounded by freeways. San Mateo is close to an on premises soccer field and Hummingbird Park. I was impressed with the park and soccer field. Summertime would be fun in this community.

Estimated Property Taxes and Special Assessments:
Base Property Tax: 1.05% of sales price
AD Tax: $1,694 per year
CFD Tax: $1,700 per year
Other Taxes: $152 per year
Overall Effective Tax Rate: Approximately 1.7%

Siteplan

Revised Exterior Renderings

Floorplans

Pricing

Residence 1

Number of bedrooms: 3 bedrooms
Number of bathrooms:   2.5 baths
Square footage:   1,636 sq. ft.
Garage:    2 cars
Base price:   $561,000

Over half a million dollars for this? I don’t think so! I’m comparing the floorplan brochures from San Mateo Residence 1 at Stonegate and Siena Residence 1 at Laguna Altura and they’re identical. Siena Residence 1 started at $590,000 so San Mateo seems more reasonably priced if we were comparing. Rather than cheat and copy my Laguna Altura posts, I’m going to make a few observations about this property and try to rekindle the positives about this floorplan.

After reviewing some of the other models at Stonegate, I really appreciate the use of the great room in the San Mateo tract. Residence 1 has a distinction between the dining space and the kitchen. The living room area is a decent size. I think to further create a distinction between the dining space and kitchen I’d invest in the upgrade and get the hutch. Now that I think about it, the hutch does provide a nice countertop and convenient cabinet space. It’s a necessary design element. Anything else would just look silly.

The kitchen is smaller than the other plans, but I still think that it’s an adequate space. The rule is that bathrooms and kitchens sell houses, and I think this kitchen would suffice. There is no full length pantry, which is kind of a bummer, but you still have plenty of cupboard space to store dry goods. I also enjoy the amount of light the windows in the living and dining areas bring in to the space. The backyard is small, but nice. I could fit everything out in the space that I need: seating and a grill. The model has a very well-manicured backyard, but remember when you buy this place you’re inheriting a lump of dirt. A big dog might be cramped in the backyard, but at least you have a backyard for them to wander out in. Essentially, I can’t complain about the ground floor in this plan. I could easily see myself using this space. The upstairs is a whole other story.

Residence 1 includes the loft option. I’m advising that you keep this space as a loft. It would make an awesome entertainment area, or even an office. You can choose to have the upgraded cabinetry and I think I’d opt to have this feature. I would make it into a nice lounge area. There are plenty of options if you utilize this space as a loft. If you turn it into a bedroom, you’re limiting yourself to an oddly shaped room—and you know the closet will be tiny!

The master bedroom is not as big as I’d like it to be. If you choose to upgrade, you can have some nice crown moulding and a ceiling fan. It gives the space a more comforting touch, but I’d need to see the price tag before I sign off on it. I still wish that the master bathroom was larger with a stand-alone shower. Disappointing bathrooms are becoming the theme, or common thread within these tracts. The master bath has a shower/tub combo and the toilet is in a separate room. At least they hit one of my requirements.

The second bedroom is large enough for a child, with no room to grow. The closet is small—no surprise there. I think the size of the second bedroom is what kills this deal for me. It just feels cramped. I’m sure plenty of families will choose this home to raise their kids in, but I personally would want to have my child in a larger room for when they hit the teenager years. I suppose you could make it work.

My biggest complaint about the Siena tract at Laguna Altura was that the bedrooms and closets were too small. Since San Mateo is the exact same floorplan, my opinions haven’t changed. It’s too bad—a little extra square footage would make a huge difference.

Residence 2

Number of bedrooms: 3 bedrooms
Number of bathrooms:   2.5 baths
Square footage:   1,660 sq. ft.
Garage:    2 cars
Base price:   $571,473

San Mateo Residence 2 compares to the Siena tract Residence 2 at Laguna Altura, except the space is flipped. Residence 2 is my favorite floorplan because it feels more inviting. The entry way is larger and it makes a difference in the look and feel of the place. The powder room off the entry way offers a great storage space underneath the stairs. There’s a surprisingly large coat closet located off the stairs.

As I said in the Residence 1 overview, San Mateo maximizes the great room concept and Residence 2 is a reflection of Residence 1. One of the reasons this floorplan is my favorite is because of the optional breakfast banquette in the dining area. This is the only unique feature to the house and it would be on my upgrade list. I like that the kitchen is smaller than some of the other floorplans in Stonegate. Residence 2 doesn’t have the cabinetry that canvasses the entire wall of the kitchen and sometimes this opens the space up. The hutch option is replaced by the banquette in this floorplan. I much prefer not to have seemingly endless amounts of cupboard space. The kitchen offers a pantry as an optional feature. I could take it or leave it.

The second bedroom is actually a nice size. I could probably live in this space. The closet would be a challenge, but I don’t think this size of this space was unreasonable. It’s probably similar to the size of my current bedroom. I don’t think I would have an issue putting my furniture in here. The master bedroom is a nice space as well. I think that the master bedroom and master bathroom have an apartment feel to them. You have the option to choose a shower/tub combo or just a stand-alone shower. The toilet is in a separate room. I liked the walk-in closet. I’d opt to have the mirrors built into the door.

The second bathroom was great. It didn’t feel like a hallway, which is probably why I liked it. The toilet isn’t separate from the shower/tub area, but it wasn’t a deal breaker. The one thing I started to notice in these models is that the shower/tub combos have high ceilings, so you’ll have to find a long shower curtain!

Although this is my favorite plan, I still wouldn’t buy it.

Residence 3

Number of bedrooms: 3 bedrooms
Number of bathrooms:   2.5 baths
Square footage:   1,804 sq. ft.
Garage:    2 cars
Base price:   $597,000 SOLD

There’s really not much to say about San Mateo Residence 3, mainly because it’s sold out. It’s significantly cheaper than the Laguna Altura Siena Residence 3, which started at $630,000. The San Mateo Residence 3 is larger than Residence 3 at Laguna Altura and the difference can be felt in the bedroom size. It has all the downstairs amenities as the other two San Mateo models and the upstairs is a major improvement. If I had a family I would consider this property.

The master bedroom was big—or bigger than most of the other tracts in Stonegate. I would really enjoy the space. The icing on the cake was finding a stand-alone shower and tub in the bathroom that didn’t feel like a hallway. I almost didn’t know what to do with myself! A bathroom that felt like a bathroom! The walk-in closet was acceptable. Finally!

The other bedrooms were livable. Bedroom 2 had some nice sliding glass closet door mirrors. I don’t like things that slide, but I’d make an exception in this bedroom. The larger bedroom make this space more family oriented and if you purchased this property it is somewhere you could stay for a while to raise your family. Well done Residence 3.

Overall, this floorplan left a great impression on me. No wonder it’s sold out!

Summary
I think Residences 1 & 2 are overpriced for the quality of space. Residence 3 impressed me and I would consider spending the money if I lived in a household with dual incomes. Remember, Stonegate pre-qualifies through Wells Fargo, and if you compare the income calculations sheet I snagged at Santa Clara, the mortgage payments were still over-the-top. The payments seemed hard to stomach at Santa Clara, so I can only imagine how much they’d be at San Mateo which is around $200K more than Santa Clara.

Discuss below or at Talk Irvine.

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2012-02-21T03:27:00.000-08:00

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Celebrating 5 Years on ActiveRain

2012-02-21T01:41:00.001-08:00

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Celebrating 5 Years on ActiveRain

Looking back over the past 5 years, I am amazed at how much time I spent making puddles and splashing here on ActiveRain. I have seen so many changes, watched hundreds of people come and go, and even had the pleasure and opportunity to work here as the community manager for three and a half years.

Oh, some of the stories I could tell... haha~

The way we do business has definitely changed. There's been a huge shift in the way people connect and get information now online. Technology has advanced us into a new world with exciting opportunity, and the globe has become a much smaller and accessible place thanks to social media and communities like ActiveRain.

ActiveRain taught me many things over 5 years. I learned that blogging really does work if you have a strategy and the ability to implement an effective plan. I learned that the culture here is really all about people, not just business. I discovered my voice here in the rain, my passions, my purpose, and my desire to help others be successful all right here on AR.

Being surrounded by so many really cool people and supporters never hurts either.

Paying it forward is something you'll learn here. Giving is rewarding, but only when you have no expectations for something in return. Sharing with others unconditionally is when you will really begin to receive, and in abundance I might add. Building a blog with great content is just temporary fulfillment, the relationships you build here will last forever.

In the past 5 years, I have made thousands of friends on ActiveRain, had the pleasure of traveling around the Country with the previous management team Jon Washburn, Bob Stewart, and other staff members. I also found my new home at Zillow partly due to the time and efforts spent here in the rain. Both family's have stood behind me with great patience, support, love, and encouragement. It's been one of life's greatest adventures and career journeys for me.

What I leave behind, what I value most, and what I hope comes from all this ... is that my efforts here will continue to help others learn, grow, understand, and pursue their greatest dreams and passions. I hope that by searching in the rain for information, technology, tips, and tools, that somehow people will not only find what they're looking for, but also find themselves, and find others in the process.

I know people will read these posts for years to come, but I hope they'll take the time to connect with others online in ways they could never have imagined. Ahhh, to experience that human connection, that digital handshake, then the IRL (in real life) hug or handshake that takes place when finally meeting another member for the very first time. It's so awesome!

There's really nothing like it and there's no other place quite like ActiveRain.

This T-Shirt has been from San Fran to NYC and nearly every state in between.

It's been an incredible 5 years for me here on ActiveRain. I look forward to what the next 5 will deliver and I do it with no expectations. My passion and goal is to continue researching and delivering faster, better, easier, and more efficient ways to help you and others get the job done more efficiently and effectively. (Both on-line and off)

Behind, I leave you with 5 years of content on my blog. You'll find everything from personal challenges, real experiences and how to overcome them, to some moments of great celebration. I've posted every tutorial and how-to I can possibly think of here, I hope they'll continue to help reduce some of that learning curve, inspire and motivate your creativity, and help readers continue to prosper.

There is a lot of love, passion, and transparency that has gone into my work here in this community.
I hope this will be apparent and come through in my Blog. Thank you for a great ride and journey ActiveRain.

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Irvine Housing Blog

2012-02-20T07:40:00.001-08:00

Irvine Housing Blog

2500 Sq Ft in 92602

Posted: 20 Feb 2012 04:00 AM PST

There are 22 homes for sale currently. The median sold price is $810,000 and the median sold price per square foot is $319. With inventory down by 2% on a month-to-month basis, and down 30% on a year-to-year basis, and sale-to-list price at 97%, is it time to buy in the 92602 zip code of Irvine?

Maybe, or maybe not, depending on where you want to buy in the zip code. It covers houses of West Irvine, North Park and North Park Square. Part of West Irvine and North Park Square are gated, all of North Park is guard gated. All of them have Tustin Unified School District Schools with Irvine addresses. All of them are close to Marketplace shopping. All of them have trails and parks in the neighborhood.

But still, there is as much as $75/SF price difference based on their location within 92602.

Today we will see what we pay for a 2500 SF single family residence in these three areas.

North Park:

Property Address: 14 Oroville Sts, Irvine CA 92602
Listing Price: $895,000
Property Type: Single Family Residence
Area/ Lot Size: 2500/4709 SF
Price/ SF Area: $358
Bedrooms/ Bathrooms: 4 Bedrooms/ 2.25 Bathrooms
Down payment (20%): $179,000
Mello Roos and Special Assessments: $3167.38 annually
Mortgage assuming 20% Down payment, 30 Year Fixed @ 3.75%: $3316.00 monthly
Property Tax: $9397.50 annually (@1.05% Purchase Price)
HOA: $155
Monthly Fixed Costs: $4518

This house has been on the market for 30 days. The house is in the guard gated community, and it is within bike-able/walk-able distance to Hicks Canyon Elementary School, Orchard Hills Middle School and Arnold Beckman High School. All schools have a perfect 10 API, and great test scores. Even though the listing says the address falls under Irvine Unified School District, the schools for this area fall under Tustin Unified School District.
More information about these schools can be read here: Irvine addresses served by Tustin and Santa Ana.

The floor plan (Mendocino North, Plan C) is nice, downstairs the garage-kitchen-nook-family room-pantry are all tied in, and in all possibilities this area will be the most used area of the house. The formal dining room and living room might find very little use, ending up only as spaces for entertaining. Upstairs, the secondary bedrooms/optional loft are tied in together, and Master bedroom is private. Coming to the Master bathroom, I have a strong feeling that the architect didn’t believe in gender equality. There are two walk-in closets, one bigger than the other. There are two sinks, one with a longer counter than the other. The owner has put in a lot of work in choosing unique colors and wall papers for the walls. That might or might not appeal to an average buyer. If I want to sell a house in near future, I would choose neutral shades and finishes just to be on the safe side.

The lowest price for this house was in 2001 when it was built: $514,000.

West Irvine:

Property Address: 18 Hidden Brook, Irvine, CA 92602
Listing Price: $735,000
Property Type: Single Family Residence
Area/ Lot Size: 2478/3957 SF
Price/ SF Area: $297
Bedrooms/ Bathrooms: 4 Bedrooms/ 2.25 Bathrooms
Down payment (20%): $147,000
Mello Roos and Special Assessments: $1312.48 annually
Mortgage assuming 20% Down payment, 30 Year Fixed @ 3.75%: $2723.00 monthly
Property Tax: $7717.50 annually (@1.05% Purchase Price)
HOA: $78
Monthly Fixed Costs: $3553

This house has been on the market for 92 days. The house is not in a gated community. It is within walk-able distance to Myford Elementary School, bike-able distance to Pioneer Middle School. Arnold Beckman High School will be at a driving distance. All schools have a 10 API, and they are comparable to Irvine Schools in test scores. Once again the listing agent says that it has “Irvine Schools”. Two schools have Irvine addresses, but all of them fall under Tustin Unified School District.
More information about these schools can be read here: Irvine addresses served by Tustin and Santa Ana.

This is a custom built house. There is no tract or builder information on the MLS. But a quick look at the pictures will tell you that it might need some upgrades. Also, the house is on a “sale-pending” status.

The lowest price for this house was in 1999 when it was built: $360,000
The highest price for this house was in 2005 during the housing bubble: $770,000
The house was foreclosed in 2011 for $614,000.
It is almost close to its bubble price even though the houses in West Irvine are depreciating faster than the houses in North Park.

North Park Square:

Property Address: 36 Whitford, Irvine CA 92602
Listing Price: $938,000 (Listing removed on 02/07/2012)
Property Type: Single Family Residence
Area/ Lot Size: 2450/6634 SF
Price/ SF Area: $376
Bedrooms/ Bathrooms: 3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms
Down payment (20%): $187,600
Mello Roos and Special Assessments: $3508.00 annually
Mortgage assuming 20% Down payment, 30 Year Fixed @ 3.75%: $3473.00 monthly
Property Tax: $9849 annually (@1.05% Purchase Price)
HOA: $140 + $74
Monthly Fixed Costs: $4800

This house has been taken off the market on 02/07/2012. The house is in the guard gated community, and it is within bike-able/walk-able distance to Hicks Canyon Elementary School, Orchard Hills Middle School and Arnold Beckman High School. All schools have a perfect 10 API, and great test scores. Even though the listing says the address falls under Irvine Unified School District, the schools for this area fall under Tustin Unified School District.
More information about these schools can be read here: Irvine addresses served by Tustin and Santa Ana.

The floor plan (Triana Plan A) is a single story house. Master Bedroom is private, and has a view of the backyard too. But the secondary bedroom layout leaves a lot to be desired. One of the bedrooms has a bathroom close by, but the optional third bedroom/ office space has a foyer between the bedroom and bathroom. The house backs to Bryan Avenue. It might not be the busiest street in Irvine, but it definitely gets busy around school time. Arnold Beckman High School is on the other side of the street.

The lowest price for this house was in 2003 when it was built: $527,500.
The highest price for this house was in 2009 during the housing bubble: $920,000.

Which one of these three houses would you buy?
Which floor plan appeals the most to you?
Would you buy a house with “statement” finishes on the wall and floor?

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2012-02-20T04:18:00.001-08:00

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Albuquerque Real Estate Talk

2012-02-19T20:03:00.001-08:00

Albuquerque Real Estate Talk

Albuquerque Uptown Market Report

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 12:08 AM PST

See the most up-to-date list of Uptown Area homes for sale, including single-family homes and condos. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Uptown Area, please contact me today.

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UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center

Posted: 14 Feb 2011 11:10 PM PST

I was up in Northern Meadows today showing houses and when I was done I stopped by the site of the new UNM Sandoval County Regional Medical Center. I wanted to check out the progress.

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Coca Cola Promo

2012-02-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

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Albuquerque Real Estate Talk

2012-02-18T20:04:00.001-08:00

Albuquerque Real Estate Talk

SEO Your Titles, They Make or Break Your Blog

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 06:50 AM PST

The title to a page or article is becoming just as important if not more important than keywords these days. Yes, you will need to know your keywords and phrases before you start out to optimize a...

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Google Maps for Real Estate

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 09:07 PM PST

Creating maps for your real estate listings on Google Maps is a great way to showcase your marketing expertise on your real estate blog or website. Once you've created your first map you'll...

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