And That House is How Much!?
While I get a great amount of enjoyment out of writing this blog, the one drawback is finding houses that realistically fall into the price range of my readers. Of course, the price range for what people can afford in Southern Cali varies greatly because, contrary to popular belief, everyone is not a millionaire. Posting a house for 14 million is fun to talk about, but not necessarily the most helpful information for those that are seriously in the market. Huntington Beach promises to have a few hidden steals here and there. Although few and far between, these select open houses can be priced in a range that your check book can appreciate. Happy House Hunting 
92646 South Huntington Beach: $700,00, 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 1,632 SQ. FT.
19278 Surfwave Dr: $819,000, 2 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,044 SQ. FT.
8881 Sailport Dr: $879,000, 4 Beds, 3 Baths, 3,033 SQ. FT.
4702 Scenario Dr: $650,000, Beds & Baths not listed, 1,600 SQ. FT.
7284 Rosemarie Dr: $639,000, 3 Beds, 2 Baths, SQ. FT. not listed.
19078 Eric Ct: $629,000, 3 Beds, 2 Baths, SQ. FT. not listed.
1903 Max Ct: $599,000, 3 Beds, 2 Baths, SQ. FT. not listed.
Curtis G. said:
I’m a reader, and those are still way out of my price range–and, I’ll bet, out of the range of MOST readers. My wife and I make $120k combined and we’re still renting in No. HB because prices are still outrageous. The 3/2 SFR we rent (built in 1963 with the rest of the tract) was valued by Zillow at $600k at the peak; now it’s down to $516k and dropping.
One day I drove around the neighborhood and came to the realization that in any other city, these would be $150,000 houses, tops.
When we can buy a house in the same neighborhood for $350k, then I’ll consider it affordable.
February 15, 2008 1:05 PM
JMAG said:
Curtis…I’m in the same boat. Exactly! We are getting screwed on the income taxes we pay…while we still rent. It’s either move to the ghetto or hope and wait it will become affordable to live in HB.
February 15, 2008 3:49 PM
Brian said:
I guys, thanks so much for the comments. I completely feel where you are coming from. The houses in HB and in the surrounding areas are not the most affordable in the world, but hey what are you going to do. I guess you can wait it our and continue to rent. Not the most ideal situation in the world, but it is what it is, for lack of a much better phrase. Keep in mind that every industry has it’s cycle and that this too shall end. Thanks again for reading.
February 16, 2008 10:30 AM
Frank said:
Orange County prices are very high, and they sem to be stuck in unaffordable. Even if they come down another 25% they are still higher than a lot of people can afford.
I know the (951) may seem undesireable to many of you, but it’s amazing how much more house you can get by looking in Corona, Norco, and Mira Loma. Use redfin.com’s seaching map tool and it’s mazing what you can buy in Corona. Homes that cost $800K in OC are $350K in Corona.
If you can staggar your commute, go inland.
February 19, 2008 8:38 AM
Brian said:
Thanks for the comment Frank. I have had more conversations than what you can imagine about moving out to the I.E. and it is simply not for me. Without getting into the obvious specifics, people like Southern Cali for all that Southern Cali has to offer. A great deal of those things are eliminated once you make way to the 951. There is certainly a decrease in lifestyle and you can make a strong arguement for the fact at the end of the day, you are not really saving that much money. Of course, it is about personal preference, but for me and many others that commute just is not an option. None the less, it is an alternative for some.
February 19, 2008 10:54 AM