JPX, you sure do ask a lot of personal questions…..

JPX - 06 April 2008 06:25 PM

We also believe that the equity of the house will be enough for our children’s college tuition 18+ years from now.

Not to be nosy irvineowner, but can i ask you how old you are? if you are in your early 30s, brother what do you do for a living to be able to purchase a home like Serra at your age? You aren’t one of those chinese or korean immigrants who have a rich dad in Asia who is making a $1M down payment for you are you? I am hearing this is more common than people think in Irvine.

Trooper, I am not a realtor and will never become one. I love my current job too much.

JPX

I have been working hard as a high-tech professional for almost 20 years to earn every penny of my asset.  I can proudly tell you that I didn’t even have more than $500 in my checking account when I graduated from the University.  I had to work as a math/science tutor to suplement my college expenses.  LOL, I don’t think I could have gone to college if I hadn’t had my scholarship.  You got my point?

irvineowner,

I am impressed. I do respect hard working, self made, successful guys like you. I don’t respect the “rich dad in Asia” scenario i told you about   Thanks for letting me know who you used for your lender for best rates. I wish you the best luck on your decision on Serra.

JPX

JPX,
Some builders offer 3% commission for buyer’s agent.  You can get up to 2.5%  from your agent for your closing cost and others.  For my purchase, I’ll get over 32K back from that commission.  So it’s a good idea to get your agent sign you up in your first visit.  Most buyers don’t take advantages of that.

irvineowner, I just asked my agent if she would give me 2 - 2.5% for my closing costs if i buy new construction and she was offended, actually i think she even got mad. Do you know of any agents who are more open to this? Also, if it possible to negotiate with the builders? Did you try negotiating for better prices with the Serra builders, or did they just say, “Take it or leave it” Thanks for the advice.

irvineowner, congratulations on your new purchase. We love 2 of the 3 floor plans. I have a StandPac home, and their customer services has been excellent. Make sure you get the built-in frig from them (similar price to Pacific Sales), otherwise the cabinet won’t be framed right to accommodate a built-in.

JPX - 07 April 2008 12:27 PM

irvineowner, I just asked my agent if she would give me 2 - 2.5% for my closing costs if i buy new construction and she was offended, actually i think she even got mad. Do you know of any agents who are more open to this? Also, if it possible to negotiate with the builders? Did you try negotiating for better prices with the Serra builders, or did they just say, “Take it or leave it” Thanks for the advice.

Get a new agent.

Congratulations on the new home! I absolutely love these homes and would buy one in a heartbeat if I could afford it.

irvine123 - 07 April 2008 01:15 PM

Make sure you get the built-in frig from them (similar price to Pacific Sales), otherwise the cabinet won’t be framed right to accommodate a built-in.

Is the built in fridge not a standard size? So if in the future you want/need a new fridge will it not look nice?

halfnote19 - 07 April 2008 04:06 PM

Is the built in fridge not a standard size? So if in the future you want/need a new fridge will it not look nice?

Refrigerators are available in “cabinet depth” as well as the more common traditional size.  Cabinet depth is a few inches shorter than traditional and is flush w/the kitchen cabinetry.  A cleaner look IMO but you do lose out on some space inside the fridge.

JPX - 07 April 2008 12:27 PM

irvineowner, I just asked my agent if she would give me 2 - 2.5% for my closing costs if i buy new construction and she was offended, actually i think she even got mad. Do you know of any agents who are more open to this? Also, if it possible to negotiate with the builders? Did you try negotiating for better prices with the Serra builders, or did they just say, “Take it or leave it” Thanks for the advice.

JPX, I will send you a PM the name of the agent.  He is a great guy to work with.

irvine123 - 07 April 2008 01:15 PM

irvineowner, congratulations on your new purchase. We love 2 of the 3 floor plans. I have a StandPac home, and their customer services has been excellent. Make sure you get the built-in frig from them (similar price to Pacific Sales), otherwise the cabinet won’t be framed right to accommodate a built-in.

The one I am buying comes with upgraded cabinetry and stainless steel frig/appliances exactly shown in the model home. They are all made by Kitchen Aid.  Good stuffs!