irvine_home_owner - 06 November 2009 04:53 PM

Congrats… and uh… without getting too personal… does it have a garage?

Heh.

Yes, It’s in the back off the alley. It’s wider than a 2 car garage but not big enough for 3. Sorry to disappoint. I don’t know, what would that be a 2 1/2???

None of my neighbors have driveways. The houses are set nicely back from the street with a continuous front lawn down the block with no barriers between the yards.

graphrix - 06 November 2009 09:49 AM

McD, congrats to you and your family on your new, er well built timely classic and vintage home. I remember how you said you had narrowed it down to two streets that you want to live and now you get to live there. In any market, hot, cold, or dead cat bounce that is tough to find, and since you used the IHB calculator to show it costs less to own than rent… you not only got the home that you want but regardless of the market you got a deal. Can’t wait for the party.

And it is nice to see so many positive comments about t-man. I take back some of the things I have said about him, but not all.

So many people thought I was a nutter when I said I was waiting for a house on those two particular streets. So many times I heard “you better broaden your search or your never going to find a house, blah blah.” Glad I tuned them out.

Oh, and Graph, I wanted to thank you. I took note of all your posts about thoroughly inspecting homes. We made sure to get a inspector experienced in homes from the 20’s and we got several specialists out to the property to give opinions and estimates on needed repairs.

One thing we are looking into doing is a seismic retro-fit. Do you have an opinion on this? We found one guy out in Pasadena that is highly recommended but he won’t do the OC for some reason.

Mcdonna1980 - 06 November 2009 07:57 PM

Yes, It’s in the back off the alley. It’s wider than a 2 car garage but not big enough for 3. Sorry to disappoint. I don’t know, what would that be a 2 1/2???

That’s good… 2 is too small and 2.5 is usually big enough… even for me. Need a place to put the bikes, the garage fridge and all my shoes (I used to be a he-cayci back in the day).

irvine_home_owner - 06 November 2009 08:36 PM

Need a place to put the bikes, the garage fridge and all my shoes (I used to be a he-cayci back in the day).

She can help you build a glass shoe cabinet if you need some help with that? You got ponies too?

graphrix - 06 November 2009 08:38 PM

irvine_home_owner - 06 November 2009 08:36 PM

Need a place to put the bikes, the garage fridge and all my shoes (I used to be a he-cayci back in the day).

She can help you build a glass shoe cabinet if you need some help with that? You got ponies too?

Transformers… it’s all about Transformers*.

*This is either a funny lie… or the ugly truth.

Mcdonna1980 - 06 November 2009 08:25 PM

Oh, and Graph, I wanted to thank you. I took note of all your posts about thoroughly inspecting homes. We made sure to get a inspector experienced in homes from the 20’s and we got several specialists out to the property to give opinions and estimates on needed repairs.

One thing we are looking into doing is a seismic retro-fit. Do you have an opinion on this? We found one guy out in Pasadena that is highly recommended but he won’t do the OC for some reason.

There was a seismic retrofit done on our Paso home and the inspector RAVED about this.

I find the stories of people finally buying their home so heart warming. Congrats McD! While the bear consensus is that prices still will fall much further, finally there are homes that are affordadble for people that waited years and years. It’s so exciting to buy your home. You have all the chaos of going through escrow, sign all the papers and then the fun really begins. You transform this decision into your home and continually become more and more comfortable in it.

Part of me feels bad for the people who bought during the bubble, but a big part of me doesn’t. Those people helped drive up prices, keeping buying a home out of reach for the rational. The latter waited years and it gives me such joy to hear the tales of finally getting there. Enjoy!!

PS I’m so jealous…. that’s exactly the kind of home that is my dream house.  Paso here we come

Congratulations Mcdonna1980! I hope you enjoy your new home and the monthly savings each month.

IrvineRenter - 07 November 2009 04:36 PM

Congratulations Mcdonna1980! I hope you enjoy your new home and the monthly savings each month.

Do I get a diploma now? I think I put more time into studying IHB than college. And you know what I think my IHB diploma might give me a better ROI.

Oh, about the monthly savings. I know this really isn’t going to turn out to be a cost savings move. I full self awareness that this house is going to turn into a black money hole with me buying the nice furniture to match my craftsman home, all the gardening I’m going to do, and got have those vintage replica light switches, and on and on and on. But at least because the house is affordable, I have the money left over to do those things. So I’m very pleased.

graphrix - 06 November 2009 08:38 PM

irvine_home_owner - 06 November 2009 08:36 PM

Need a place to put the bikes, the garage fridge and all my shoes (I used to be a he-cayci back in the day).

She can help you build a glass shoe cabinet if you need some help with that? You got ponies too?

I need Cayci to come over a consult with me over what in the world I’m going to do with all my shoes. Judging by the size of the closet’s in my house, women of the 20’s only had like two outfits.

Mcdonna1980 - 07 November 2009 06:27 PM

I need Cayci to come over a consult with me over what in the world I’m going to do with all my shoes. Judging by the size of the closet’s in my house, women of the 20’s only had like two outfits.

Classic pieces in neutral colors, then mix and match. 

I don’t know how I missed this until now, but I did.  Congrats to McD and the family.  I know someone who lives over in that area and loves it. 

Yes, I would highly encourage the seismic retrofit.  I think BK had his done at some point and may know someone.  If not, I think Graph would.

You sound really happy, and that’s what’s important, right? 

Before you start anything familiarise yourself with the craftsman vocabulary by books and home tour in Pasadena. Because the era of the Sears Roebuck kit houses many consumers associated those with the Craftsman as well but they are not craftsman. Through out the USA there are many of such houses standing and the market of accessories being labeled as “craftsman” or “art and craft” are just too many.

Crown Hardware in Pasadena is a good start to learn about hardware and accessories. Refrain from the knock offs from DIY home improvement stores such as Lowes and Home Depots.

There are numerous magazines dedicated to this genre. Vromans in Pasadena has a very good book section on Craftsman since the most pedigree of all Greene and Greene originated there.

Good Luck and enjoy your vintage home because having a one of a kind property with a yard and the pride of vintage home ownership are priceless knowing that your home has no vinyl windows, concrete tile roof, drywall finish, hollow core doors, bullnose corners and stucco screed.

The best of all you park where ever you want and no Fking HOA.

What school district is it? Troy? Sunnyhill? South of 91 is the Oxford school district boundary #1 in the USA and OC (US News and Worlds Report). Check if Oxford would allow enrollment from the fringes.

bkshopr - 07 November 2009 11:26 PM

What school district is it? Troy? Sunnyhill? South of 91 is the Oxford school district boundary #1 in the USA and OC (US News and Worlds Report). Check if Oxford would allow enrollment from the fringes.

I thought Oxford was by acceptance only.

awgee - 07 November 2009 11:33 PM

bkshopr - 07 November 2009 11:26 PM

What school district is it? Troy? Sunnyhill? South of 91 is the Oxford school district boundary #1 in the USA and OC (US News and Worlds Report). Check if Oxford would allow enrollment from the fringes.

I thought Oxford was by acceptance only.

Only smart students within district boundary is qualified. The student body is much more diverse and humble. Demographic is from the working class of OC. Poor but smart kids can also attend. As long the kids pass the entrance examination there is no economic discrimination.

A lot more down to earth than the parents and students from #3 University High with noses planted above their forehead.

bkshopr - 08 November 2009 12:41 AM

awgee - 07 November 2009 11:33 PM

bkshopr - 07 November 2009 11:26 PM

What school district is it? Troy? Sunnyhill? South of 91 is the Oxford school district boundary #1 in the USA and OC (US News and Worlds Report). Check if Oxford would allow enrollment from the fringes.

I thought Oxford was by acceptance only.

Only smart students within district boundary is qualified. The student body is much more diverse and humble. Demographic is from the working class of OC. Poor but smart kids can also attend. As long the kids pass the entrance examination there is no economic discrimination.

A lot more down to earth than the parents and students from #3 University High with noses planted above their forehead.

Sorry.  By acceptance, I meant by academic standards only and never even considered economic discrimination.  As far as I know, no public school may discriminate economically, so that would not be an issue in any public school including Oxford, University High, CDM, Century, Pacifica, Troy, OCHSA, Los Al, etc.  What I meant to question was whether or not any child living within the Oxford may attend Oxford.  I do not think that is the case, but rather as you implied, the child must pass an entrance exam, qualify academically, and pass an interview process.  It is my understanding that living in Fullerton or close to Oxford will not help a child be accepted to Oxford.

awgee - 08 November 2009 02:00 AM

bkshopr - 08 November 2009 12:41 AM

awgee - 07 November 2009 11:33 PM

bkshopr - 07 November 2009 11:26 PM

What school district is it? Troy? Sunnyhill? South of 91 is the Oxford school district boundary #1 in the USA and OC (US News and Worlds Report). Check if Oxford would allow enrollment from the fringes.

I thought Oxford was by acceptance only.

Only smart students within district boundary is qualified. The student body is much more diverse and humble. Demographic is from the working class of OC. Poor but smart kids can also attend. As long the kids pass the entrance examination there is no economic discrimination.

A lot more down to earth than the parents and students from #3 University High with noses planted above their forehead.

Sorry.  By acceptance, I meant by academic standards only and never even considered economic discrimination.  As far as I know, no public school may discriminate economically, so that would not be an issue in any public school including Oxford, University High, CDM, Century, Pacifica, Troy, OCHSA, Los Al, etc.  What I meant to question was whether or not any child living within the Oxford may attend Oxford.  I do not think that is the case, but rather as you implied, the child must pass an entrance exam, qualify academically, and pass an interview process.  It is my understanding that living in Fullerton or close to Oxford will not help a child be accepted to Oxford.

You may be right but won’t hurt to ask. Since Fullerton borderline 91.

You are right public schools can’t discriminate economically but residents of the community will by home prices, rent and opposition against affordable housing.

bkshopr - 07 November 2009 11:26 PM

What school district is it? Troy? Sunnyhill? South of 91 is the Oxford school district boundary #1 in the USA and OC (US News and Worlds Report). Check if Oxford would allow enrollment from the fringes.

Fullerton has an open enrollment policy for all schools K-12. If there is no availbility in your school of choice you either go to your home school or another choice. However living in a particular neighborhood will not guarantee you a spot in your home school. The district told me they are turning away neighborhood kids at Fisler.

Fullerton’s three High School’s differentiate themselves through specialized programs. Troy is known for Tech an Science. Sunny Hills is leadership and business oriented, and Fullerton High has the Arts and Humanities with their Speech and Debate team being their most celebrated program. I’m not sure where my kids will end up. I do want my son to strive for Troy. Not because I’m some competitive parent, just he has wanted to be a scientist since he was 6 years old and has never wavered from that. I can not see my daughter going to Troy. Her favorite subjects are reading and writing. I’m also afraid she has the politician gene in my family and will turn out to be one. Fullerton or Sunny Hills would probably be a better choice for her. In middle school the kids will start touring and learning about the different High School programs and hopefully will find a sense of purpose in what ever they choose.

Congrats MacD!! I hope to join the ranks of the landed gentry someday also. Enjoy!!

bkshopr - 07 November 2009 11:26 PM

What school district is it? Troy? Sunnyhill? South of 91 is the Oxford school district boundary #1 in the USA and OC (US News and Worlds Report). Check if Oxford would allow enrollment from the fringes.

It turns out Oxford is located in Cypress and is part of the Anaheim Unified School District.  The following is from Oxford’s website:

Recognized as a California Distinguished School and as one of the top ten high schools in the U.S. by Newsweek and US News and World Report, Oxford Academy draws students from the entire attendance area of the Anaheim Union High School District.

Student Selection
Student selection is limited to students entering seventh, eighth, or ninth grade and involves a competitive application process. After an evaluation of
the student’s past academic records and standardized test scores, eligible students take OA’s entrance examination. Each year, over 700 students test for
200 openings in 7th grade. Based on students’ performances on the entrance examination, OA offers admission to the top 25 students who apply from each
of the district’s eight public junior high attendance areas.

The campus is ethnically and socio-economically diverse
with a student body consisting of 59% Asian, 15% white, 14% Latino, 11% Filipino/Pacific Islander, and 1% black students.

US News and World Report based their ranking on the various test scores and highest AP exam scores in various subjects: Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, History and etc. Oxford scored the 2nd highest in the nation.

Top 100 schools in the nation

Ranking method

The students from these schools are best prepared for college based on the various college level proficiency tests administered in High School. This test is different from the API scores that we have heard of in grading California schools. API is a test for average competency. My daughter took the test and she thought the test was a joke. API is not a test to measure college readiness but a gauge for targeting average competency goal for the schools.

100% of Oxford students advanced to college.

awgee - 10 November 2009 04:46 PM

The campus is ethnically and socio-economically diverse
with a student body consisting of 59% Asian, 15% white, 14% Latino, 11% Filipino/Pacific Islander, and 1% black students.

Is this really ethnically diverse? And I thought Irvine had lots of Asians.

irvine_home_owner - 11 November 2009 01:16 AM

awgee - 10 November 2009 04:46 PM

The campus is ethnically and socio-economically diverse
with a student body consisting of 59% Asian, 15% white, 14% Latino, 11% Filipino/Pacific Islander, and 1% black students.

Is this really ethnically diverse? And I thought Irvine had lots of Asians.

59% of Asians are spread among Thai, Cambodians, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, Koreans, Japanese, Middle Easterners and Indians. Anaheim Asian population is very much diverse due to lower cost of housing. The poor Asians typically are the SE Asians and frugal Indians migrated to Anaheim from Cerritos and North Long Beach.

Irvine has primarily Chinese dominating all other Asian ethnicity.

In term of housing value and best school Anaheim is the best deal money can buy. The only catch is your kids have to be smart to get in Oxford and this is actually a good motivation for children. I know families who sent their kids to Oxford. If you have kids with just average school performance then better earn more money to buy a home in Irvine.  Other Anaheim schools are just bad.

Cost of living for Asians are much lower in Anaheim. 99 Ranch prices in near by Cerritos and Anaheim are 75% of Irvine. So are the Asian restaurant prices too.

Okay, I think I’ve come off my high from the house and anxiety about moving is starting to settle in. I came home today to one packed box. Mc Husband did it while I was at work. Immediately, I snapped “What are you doing?” “I don’t want the house filled with boxes” I know it would probably be good for me to have everything boxed up, less homey. It would be easier to let go if the whole house was a mess of boxes, right? I don’t know where this sudden attachment, to this apartment I cursed so many times, is coming from. The downstairs neighbor and school nearby were even extra obnoxious today. But this crusade place has been our home for over 3 years. I don’t know how I turned into this sentimentally puddle of mush. I blame Mc Husband. I was unattached, carefree, an ice cube until I met him. Now look at me blabbing about my new found love for my apartment. Sigh…..

bkshopr - 11 November 2009 02:31 AM

irvine_home_owner - 11 November 2009 01:16 AM

awgee - 10 November 2009 04:46 PM

The campus is ethnically and socio-economically diverse
with a student body consisting of 59% Asian, 15% white, 14% Latino, 11% Filipino/Pacific Islander, and 1% black students.

Is this really ethnically diverse? And I thought Irvine had lots of Asians.

59% of Asians are spread among Thai, Cambodians, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, Koreans, Japanese, Middle Easterners and Indians. Anaheim Asian population is very much diverse due to lower cost of housing. The poor Asians typically are the SE Asians and frugal Indians migrated to Anaheim from Cerritos and North Long Beach.

Irvine has primarily Chinese dominating all other Asian ethnicity.

In term of housing value and best school Anaheim is the best deal money can buy. The only catch is your kids have to be smart to get in Oxford and this is actually a good motivation for children. I know families who sent their kids to Oxford. If you have kids with just average school performance then better earn more money to buy a home in Irvine.  Other Anaheim schools are just bad.

Cost of living for Asians are much lower in Anaheim. 99 Ranch prices in near by Cerritos and Anaheim are 75% of Irvine. So are the Asian restaurant prices too.

I can not help but wonder if the 15% white were spread among German, English, Irish, Hungarian, French, Italian, Norwegian, Austrian, Canadian, Swedish, Yugoslavian, Dutch, Belgian, Swiss, Basque, and are the Latinos spread out among Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Mexican, Spanish, Nigaraguan, Belizian,Paraguayan, Brazilian, Argentinian, Chilean, Venezuelan, and are the blacks spread out among Algerian, Guinean, Liberian, Nigerian, South African, Haitian, Baptist, AME, etc.?