This house hit the market today. It's in one of my favorite areas. It has a pool (the kids want a pool, dad, not so much!) and it has a synthetic putting green (oh yea, dad likes that). The price is very good for the area (currently). It is a two story and we really would prefer a single. My wife didn't like the finish on the kitchen cabinets. But when she saw the pool she gave it the thumbs up anyway. I'm quite sure this will go quick and probably for way more than the $482k it's listed for. This one is by far the best deal in the area currently. The only drawback I see is the location. It's on the corner of two busy streets. This home sold new in 2004 for $704k. It sold again in 2005 for $815k. I assume that there folks put the pool in and the rest of the lanscaping. They had it on the market for quite a while at 1.13 Million. The banks took it back for $462k. That woulda been a great deal to pick up on the court house steps! Unfortunately my checking account is about $461K short.....
So far this week I have seen at least 6 homes hit the market at prices that make me want to get off my butt and go see them. Although they are still more than I want to pay, they are getting closer. Of course who knows what they will end up selling for.
I've noticed more homes hitting the market each day too. Maybe the banks are getting caught up with that new foreclosure law. Lets hope so. It's been quite slow for the last few weeks.
I think I will take a week off, go on a cruise and ponder when to break out the low-ball cannon.
13 comments:
Golfer, the pool will add from $250 to $600 per month for electricity and maintance. I actually passed on several homes with really nice pools because of the additional monthly cost. I love swimming pool but can't justify the monthly cost. Good luck any way.
I've lived in a pool home before too. It didn't add that much in electricity for me... more like $60/month but I was only running the filter/pump half as much as you are "supposed" to and the pool was half the size of this one. But then you do have to add in the pool guy and everything else... pools are absolutely awesome in the middle of summer but the maintenance and upkeep are a real PITA.
Aside from that, though, I absolutely would not buy a pool with a Northern orientation like this house has. My house was like that and if you look at the pic of this place you will notice that the house completely shadows the pool with the exception of the dead of summer.
What this means is that basically unless you have a pool heater this pool will be too cold to use about 9 months out of the year. Even today, for example, it is 90+ degrees right now but I'm betting that water is frigid. If you get a pool house, make sure the pool is between the range of a fully Southern to fully Western orientation so that you can maximize your usage window. Otherwise the amount to keep the pool just isn't worth it when it's too cold outside of June through September.
If i contribute toward the down payment can I come use the pool until I buy my own place?
I really don't want a pool but my wife and kids do. No pool on a home I like is not going to kill the deal. But having one will definitely make it easier for my wife to give it the thumbs up. I'll have to check the compass, but I think this pool is on the west side of the house. The street runs north/south so I don't see how that pool could be on the north of the house. I would fully expect $200 to $300 extra a month because I WILL have a pool guy in addition to the extra electricity.
You will not like Norco. While this house is in the hills, you will get lots of dirt in the pool due to the wind in the area (which is one of the reasons citrus was never grown there). You will not like the town's flavor unless you are a horseperson and you really won't like the traffic when you want to use the fwys.
I like Norco just fine. This house is not even in "real" Norco. It's actually over in what I would almost consider Corona. I agree that Norco proper can be dusty and smelly at times but the location of this tract is not nearly as bad as on the other side of the hill.
DON'T DO IT...homes prices will keep going down some more...
golferX sure does have expensive taste. Almost all the homes you post that you like have that McMansion-ish look to them. At least it's good taste. Just an observation. Almost 500k for a home in the IE is too rich for my blood.
No doubt!
Hey X,
Regarding the orientation, I was going off the redfin satellite view. The pool is NNW of the house. While it's not the absolute worst orientation, the water will run colder due to the relatively large amount of shade it gets from the house the majority of the year. Orientation is just something that most people looking at pools overlook and IMO is important to take into account. Plus, most people either build their pool or buy their house during the summer so they don't realize how cold it gets until after it's all been done.
I'm late on this post but just wanted to say, this location does not have the Norco, Horsetown USA feel. My Mother lives off 6th street in Norco - that is quite far from this neighborhood. Is this area even zoned for horses?
Anyway, I know how you feel - it cracked me up reading that you are almost ready to shoot the lowball cannon. When I see great houses I can afford in my dream neighborhood, it is hard not to go for it.
I live 2 houses down from this home. (I am currently renting). I love this area. I have been here for 2 years. It is not REAL Norco. If you cross the street you are in Corona. Its a 2 minute drive down to Mckinley for all your groceries and stuff. Freeways are not that bad. 91 west is really bad in the mornings, but thats from anywhere in the IE. Its hard to find lots this big anywhere else. Norco requires that all builders alot at least .5 acres for each home. I am sitting on 1 acre with a really nice view.
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