Beautiful

Weekends are a bit different at the Irvine Housing Blog. We don’t get as much traffic as during the week because everyone has a life, and hopefully, they are out living it on the weekend. We are. It is a good time to try out different things and see how people like it.

Today, you will probably think I am a realtor. Today’s property I am profiling simply because I think it is beautiful. It is ridiculously priced, and it has been on the market a long time, but it is a beautiful home. I will probably never be in a position to own something like it, but it is nice to dream…

7 Meryton Inside

Price: $2,449,900IrvineRenter

7 Meryton
Irvine, CA 92603

Beds: 5
Baths: 4.5
Sq. Ft.: 3,400
$/Sq. Ft.: $721
Lot Size: 0.41 acres
Type: Single Family Residence
Style: Traditional
Year Built: 1995
Stories: Two Levels
View(s): Hills, Panoramic, Trees/Woods, Has View
Area: Turtle Rock
County: Orange
MLS#: S491216
Status: Active
On Redfin: 151 days
Unsold in 90+ days
Opportunity knocks! This elegant estate offers the ultimate in privacy and resort-like grounds. Situated on a cul-de-sac & w/ only one neighbor, this spectacular home showcases incomparable detailing & sophistication thruout. Perfect for entertaining, it even includes putting greens w/ 6 holes! Granite countertops in kitchen, powder & thruout master, custom wall color, sculpted carpeting & more. It’s in a great location and is incredibly private. Move in for the holidays!

Opportunity knocks! An opportunity to overpay for real estate.

sophistication thruout — interesting oxymoron.

Move in for the holidays! Don’t you wish?

7 Meryton Kitchen

7 Meryton Den

7 Meryton Rear

7 Meryton Pool

7 Meryton Golf

Actually, this house has a good lesson about sales and marketing. This house is well presented and it has everything someone could want in a home, and yet it isn’t selling. THE PRICE IS TOO HIGH!!! It appears that all the marketing in the world cannot overcome a price tag that is simply too high.

Home Sales Data thru 10-29-2007

Median sale price

Sales volume

ZIP

code

Prev. 4 weeks

change

from ’06

Prev. 4 weeks

change

from ’06

92602

$709,000

-12.7%

15

-40.0%

92603

$1,620,000

94.7%

12

-50.0%

92604

$550,000

-16.3%

14

-56.3%

92606

$566,000

24.2%

11

-50.0%

92612

$500,000

-5.7%

22

120.0%

92614

$685,000

10.2%

18

-18.2%

92618

$610,000

17.3%

11

-15.4%

92620

$670,000

-8.8%

30

-34.8%

Blue Skies

Blue skies, smilin’ at me
Nothin’ but blues skies do I see
Bluebirds singin’ a song
Nothin’ but bluebirds all day long

Blue Skies — Frank Sinatra

Link to Music Video

Everyone on Grandview street in Turtle Ridge sees nothing but blue skies, hears nothing but birds singing, and thinks nothing but happy thoughts. Nothing is going to interrupt their rosy view of the housing market — not even reality. Apparently there is nothing that cannot be overcome by a positive attitude and large doses of kool aid.

Perhaps I pick on Turtle Ridge too much. It is certainly an easy target. Whenever I want to profile a WTF home, I need look no further than Turtle Ridge. There are so many to chose from, and the prices are so ridiculously high, that I have to stop myself from profiling every home for sale in this neighborhood. Perhaps it really is that valuable? Perhaps not.

Today I am going to look at two more properties on Grandview. The 25 Grandview property I skewered back in September has lowered the price by $500,000. He must be experiencing some severe kool aid withdrawals. The two neighbors are still on the sauce.

53 Grandview Front 53 Grandview Kitchen

Asking Price: $4,999,000IrvineRenter

Income Requirement: $1,249,750

Downpayment Needed: $999,800

Purchase Price: $3,397,500

Purchase Date: 7/31/2006

Address: 53 Grandview, Irvine, CA 92603

1st Loan $2,377,900
2nd Mtg. $509,624
Downpayment $509,976WTF

Beds: 5
Baths: 5.5
Sq. Ft.: 5,700
$/Sq. Ft.: $877
Lot Size: 0.3 acres
Type: Single Family Residence
Style: Mediterranean, Other

Kool Aid Man

Year Built: 2006
Stories: Two Levels
View(s): Catalina Island, City Lights, Coastline, Ocean, Panoramic
Area: Turtle Ridge
County: Orange
MLS#: S507242
Status: Active
On Redfin: 30 days

From Redfin, “Fabulous panoramic view of city lights, ocean & Catalina Island is this Luxury Estate built by Luxury Laing builder, featuring Dual master Suites(junior on main floor). 5 bedrooms suites with thier own baths. Huge upstair’s Bonusroom/balcony. Richly appointed Gourmet Kitchen/center island with top of the line granite slab counter top, complete with elegant cabinets. L. room, F. room, D. room open into gorgeous courtuyard /F. place creating an excellent flow for all your entertainments. Sparkling pool & spa”

top of the line granite slab counter top? Now we have to distinguish these granite tops from the run-of-the-mill granite tops everyone else has.

L. F. D. room? Is that where they do their kool aid?

Does anyone think this guy is going to get $5M for this place, particularly when you can buy the same house at 25 Grandview for $1,000 grand less?

Well, this owner is not the biggest dreamer on the block…

63 Grandview Front 63 Grandview Wine Cellar

Asking Price: $5,200,000IrvineRenter

Income Requirement: $1,300,000

Downpayment Needed: $1,040,000

Purchase Price: $3,857,500

Purchase Date: 10/16/2006

Address: 63 Grandview, Irvine, CA 92603

1st Loan $1,900,000
Downpayment $1,957,500

Beds: 5WTF
Baths: 5.5
Sq. Ft.: 5,900
$/Sq. Ft.: $881
Lot Size: 0.36 acres
Type: Single Family Residence
Style: Mediterranean

Kool Aid Man

Year Built: 2006
Stories: Two Levels
View(s): City Lights, Coastline, Ocean, Panoramic, Has View
Area: Turtle Ridge
County: Orange
MLS#: S500308
Status: Active
On Redfin: 83 days

From Redfin, “Incredible Panoramic Views from Ocean to City Lights. One of the Nicest Plan 2AX to come on to the Market. Extra Deep Backyard with a Spectacular Pool, Sunken Sit-Down Firepit and a Covered Outdoor Kitchen for Entertaining and Enjoying Spectacular Sunsets and Views. Large Expanded Jr Master Suite Downstairs with an Tranquil Expanded Loggia. Rare and Large Wine Rm. Upstairs the Main Master Suite with its Sitting Rm and Extra Long Deck, 3 Other Bedrms w/ Baths + Bonus Complete this Fabulous Home.”

This second kool aid drinker can probably hold out forever. He will need to in order to get this asking price, but with 50% down, he shouldn’t be facing near the financial distress of his neighbor above who borrowed 90% of $3.4M. How would you like to make that mortgage payment? Yikes!

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As a departure from my normal Friday sign off, I would like to leave you with the words of Frank Sinatra (and the link to the music video.) They express how I feel when writing for the Irvine Housing Blog.Irvine

Now this could only happen to a guy like me
And only happen in a town like this
So may I say to each of you most gratef’lly
As I throw each one of you a kiss

This is my kind of town

Come Fly With Me ** Update 1 **

Big price reduction from $630,000 to $560,000. Sellers are getting smart or scared, I suppose it depends on your point of view.

Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away
If you can use some exotic booze

Once I get you up there where the air is rarefied
We’ll just glide, starry-eyed

Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly
Pack up, let’s fly away!!

Come Fly With Me — Frank Sinatra

Link to Music Video

Isn’t this song the ode to the relationship between every Californian and the housing market? Grab that exotic loan and let prices fly to where the air is rarefied. It certainly made everyone starry-eyed.

4392 Skylark FrontSkylark Kitchen

Asking Price: $630,000IrvineRenter

Income Requirement: $157,500

Downpayment Needed: $126,000

Purchase Price: $670,000

Purchase Date: 8/1/2005

Address: 4392 Skylark St., Irvine, CA 92604

Rollback

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Sq. Ft.: 1,493
$/Sq. Ft.: $422
Lot Size: 5,669 sq. ft.
Type: Single Family Residence
Style: Ranch
Year Built: 1974
Stories: One Level
Area: El Camino Real
County: Orange
MLS#: S509371
Status: Active
On Redfin: 12 days

From Redfin, “Large corner lot with spacious front and backyards. Flowing floorplan with berber carpet, laminated wood floors, recessed lighting, Enjoy the living room with vaulted ceiling and a warm fireplace. Nice grass backyard with paved side yards with brick accents and patio cover. Master bedroom with nice garden atrium. Association pool and parks.”

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Assuming a 6% commission, and assuming the seller gets their asking price, they stand to lose $77,800.

Since the theme of this post is flying, I thought I would share two more properties with you because of their names. These are actually in Tustin, but Tustin Fields is close to Irvine, and it is southeast of Jamboree. In fact, I didn’t realize this was Tustin until Redfin told me so. No matter…

319 Flyers Lane Front 319 Flyers Lane Inside

Asking Price: $565,000IrvineRenter

Income Requirement: $157,500

Downpayment Needed: $126,000

Purchase Price: $623,000

Purchase Date: 9/7/2005

Address: 319 Flyers Lane, Tustin, CA 92782

Rollback

1st Loan $497,504
2nd Mtg. $62,188
Downpayment $63,308

Beds: 3
Baths: 2.5
Sq. Ft.: 1,488
$/Sq. Ft.: $380
Lot Size: –
Type: Condominium
Style: Modern
Year Built: 2005
Stories: Two Levels
Area: Tustin Field
County: Orange
MLS#: S508922
Status: Active
On Redfin: 16 days

From Redfin, “MOVE IN READY, upgraded to the nines, and in IRVINE SCHOOL DISTRICT! Private interior location, Granite countertops, 18×18 porcelain tiles, upgraded base and crown moldings, newer stainless steel appliances, and a tumbled edge travertine marble backsplash. Private patio area, fully landscaped, automatic sprinklers, and slate stone throughout. Custom interior paint throughout entire home, and lots of storage areas. Master suite complete with large walk-in closet and gorgeous master bath!!”

upgraded to the nines but selling in the fives.

This seller is looking at a $91,900 loss after a 6% commission. Actually, this seller is going to lose their entire $63,308 downpayment, and the bank is going to lose $28,592.

1 Aviator Front 1 Aviator Kitchen

Asking Price: $550,000IrvineRenter

Income Requirement: $137,500

Downpayment Needed: $110,000

Purchase Price: $600,000

Purchase Date: 11/4/2005

Address: 1 Aviator, Tustin, CA 92782

Beds: 3
Baths: 3.51 Aviator Inside
Sq. Ft.: 1,600
$/Sq. Ft.: $344
Lot Size: –
Type: Condominium
Style: Other
Year Built: 2005
Stories: Three or More Levels
Area: Tustin Field
County: Orange
MLS#: P593218
Status: Active
On Redfin: 82 days

From Redfin, “* * FORMER MODEL HOME * * SHORT PAY-OFF SALE * * REDUCED! * * HIGHLY UPGRADED * * IRVINE SCHOOL DISTRICT * * 3 BR 3.5 BA * * PLANTATION WOOD SHUTTERS * * GOURMET KITCHEN * * GREAT RM W FIREPLACE & BUILT-IN ENTERTAINMENT CABINET * * PARK VIEW FM GREAT RM & KITCHEN * * X’LNT CORNER LOCATION LOCATION “

*** CAPS LOCK AND ASTERISKS *** X’LNT!

Another ADHD listing with 3 word phrases.

Another gourmet kitchen. Must be the white tile that makes it so special.

What is the deal with the picture of the doll?

This seller is going to lose $83,000 after commissions.

What can you say about this string of $75K to 90K losses? Well, everyone should be a bit less starry-eyed.

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Fly me to the moonFly me to the moon
Let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On a-Jupiter and Mars
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, baby, kiss me

Fill my heart with song
And let me sing for ever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you

Fly Me to the Moon — Frank Sinatra

Link to Video of Bellagio Fountains

Link to Studio Music Video

Summer Wind

The summer wind, came blowin’ in from across the sea
It lingered there to touch your hair and walk with me
All summer long we sang a song and then we strolled that golden sand
Two sweethearts and the summer wind

Like painted kites, those days and nights, they went flyin’ by
The world was new beneath a blue umbrella sky
Then softer than a piper man one day it called to you
I lost you, I lost you to the summer wind

The autumn wind and the winter winds, they have come and gone
And still the days, those lonely days, they go on and on
And guess who sighs his lullabies through nights that never end
My fickle friend, the summer wind

Summer Wind — Frank Sinatra

Link to Music Video

Today, I am coming out of the closet: I am a Frank Sinatra fan. I have been carrying this secret shame since high school. When everyone else was blasting some obnoxious noise from their car stereo for all to hear, sometimes I would roll up my windows and crank Frank Sinatra. I am so white.

Back to the song…

Isn’t the market like a fickle summer wind? Doesn’t everyone have fond memories of great summer selling seasons gone by? So what happened in 2007?

3 Pearleaf Front 3 Pearleaf Kitchen

Asking Price: $550,000IrvineRenter

Income Requirement: $137,500

Downpayment Needed: $110,000

Purchase Price: $622,000

Purchase Date: 7/6/2005

Address: 3 Pearleaf, Irvine, CA 92618

1st Loan $400,000
Downpayment $222,000

Rollback

Beds: 2
Baths: 2.5
Sq. Ft.: 1,508
$/Sq. Ft.: $365
Lot Size: –
Type: Condominium
Style: Mediterranean
Year Built: 2000
Stories: Three or More Levels
Area: Oak Creek
County: Orange
MLS#: S506892
Status: Active
On Redfin: 30 days

From Redfin, “Absolutely Pristine Detached 2 BDRM + LARGE LOFT w/ Elegant Upgrades in Gated Oak Creek! Enjoy the RICH HARDWOOD FLOORS * NEW CARPET * HUNTER DOUGLAS SILHOUETTES * PLANTATION SHUTTERS & CUSTOM PAINT! Fantastic Floor Plan has 1st Floor Bdrm/Bath * Spacious Family Room w/ Terrace * Dining Rm * Spacious Kitchen w/ Corian Counters & SS Appl * Main Floor Laundry Rm & Pituresque Backyard! Enjoy the Award Winning Schools & Resort Style Amenities!”

Todd Muradian is probably the best realtor in Irvine. When we did Irvine Realtor Ratings 7-8-2007, Todd had the largest number of sales in Irvine.

Even the best still have issues with their CAPS LOCK sticking INTERMITTENTLY.

What is Pituresque? Is this place a Pit?

A bit slash happy, and fond of asterisks, but only 2 exclamation points…

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If this seller gets their asking price, they stand to lose $105,000, assuming a 6% commission. Will they get it?

The selling season has past. Fall is here, Halloween is coming, and the winter doldrums are right around the corner. Buyers are hard to find. Good luck.

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Autumn LeavesThe falling leaves drift by the window,
the autumn leaves of red and gold,
I see your lips, the summer kisses,
the sunburned hands, I used to hold.
Since you went away, the days grow long,
and soon I’ll hear old winter’s song
But I miss you most of all, my darling,
when autumn leaves start to fall

Autumn Leaves — Frank Sinatra

Link to Music Video — must see if you miss fall color

Oh, it’s a long, long while from May to December
But the days grow short when you reach September
When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
One hasn’t got time for the waiting game

September Song — Frank Sinatra

Link to Music Video — Duet with John Denver