The English Garden ** Final Update **
This property went back to the lender on 11/9/2007 for $506,429. Apparently the seller bought the property with a $460,000 negative amortization loan with a 1% teaser rate. I don't see a second, so it appears the $125,000 downpayment was consumed by the negative amortization on the loan and the dropping property values.
The property was originally posted here: The English Garden.
Now the property is back on the market at a significant discount. If they get their asking price, they stand to lose $96,800 after commissions.
Old Asking Price: $595,000
New Asking Price: $530,000
Purchase Price: $575,000
Purchase Date: 1/30/2006
Address: 54 Paisley Place, Irvine, CA 92620
Beds: 2
Baths: 2
Sq. Ft.*: 1,050
Year Built: 1999
Stories: 2
Type: Single Family Residence
View: Hills
Neighborhood: Northwood
$/Sq. Ft.*: $567
MLS: S476148
Status: Active on market
On Redfin: 42 days
In my opinion one of the most notable features of this bubble has been the increase in price of entry level housing product. I suspect this is a result of sub-prime lending and/or exotic financing terms. Back when you could not afford to finance more than 3 or 4 times earnings, entry level housing was priced at $200,000 or less. During the rally when 10 to 12 times earnings could be easily borrowed, $200,000 properties where bid up to $550,000. Nobody was actually making any more money, they were just borrowing a lot more. Once the limit of borrowing was reached last year, the rally fizzled. Now that credit is tightening, those who bought at the top are having difficulty finding buyers. The result of all this borrowing is properties like the two I am featuring today.
First, I want to say this is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Irvine. It features architecture reminiscent of a small English village with quaint cottages. There are few visible garages, the sidewalks are detached from the street, and the trees make for a great street scene. It is very close to Canyon View Elementary in Northwood. If prices were not ridiculous, I would buy in this neighborhood.
These two flips are showing signs of stress. They are overpriced and hoping a greater fool comes along to save them. 206 Garden Gate Lane has been on the market nearly 100 days. If they get their asking price of $655,800 assuming a 6% commission, they will lose $8,548.
The flipper at 54 Paisley Place gets their asking price of $595,000 assuming a 6% commission, they will lose $15,700. Does anyone want to go up there and pay well over $500 per square foot for some 8 year old properties when you could buy 75 Chantilly, a nearly new, much larger 2 bedroom over in Woodbury for $370 per square foot? I think I will pass.
