Any Advice on Corona?

M

mamaguza_IHB

New member
We have a big family, and are considering the possibility of purchasing in Corona. My husband earns $73k per year, and I am a stay at home mom. The maximum amount we could spend on a home would be $240k, which is absolutely impossible in OC, unless we were to buy a small 1 bedroom townhouse or something. But out in Corona, there are outrageously huge houses going in the 2s right now. We are tempted to make the move, in order to have more space for our family, since our kids are only getting bigger, and we are going to quickly outgrow the small house we rent here. We have to be out of our current rental in 6 months, so are trying to figure out the next move. Would it be a good move to purchase out there, or a big mistake? We are thinking that we would purchase relatively close to the metrolink station, and my husband would take the train to work. The train station in Santa Ana is a few minutes away from where he works. Does anyone have any insight into living in Corona? Is it really that bad? We have always lived out here near the beach, so would it be too much of a culture shock? Is it do-able? It doesnt seem so bad, its just over the hill, right?

Thanks for any tips you have, we appreciate it! :)
 
[quote author="mamaguza" date=1245469760]We have a big family, and are considering the possibility of purchasing in Corona. My husband earns $73k per year, and I am a stay at home mom. The maximum amount we could spend on a home would be $240k, which is absolutely impossible in OC, unless we were to buy a small 1 bedroom townhouse or something. But out in Corona, there are outrageously huge houses going in the 2s right now. We are tempted to make the move, in order to have more space for our family, since our kids are only getting bigger, and we are going to quickly outgrow the small house we rent here. We have to be out of our current rental in 6 months, so are trying to figure out the next move. Would it be a good move to purchase out there, or a big mistake? We are thinking that we would purchase relatively close to the metrolink station, and my husband would take the train to work. The train station in Santa Ana is a few minutes away from where he works. Does anyone have any insight into living in Corona? Is it really that bad? We have always lived out here near the beach, so would it be too much of a culture shock? Is it do-able? It doesnt seem so bad, its just over the hill, right?

Thanks for any tips you have, we appreciate it! :)</blockquote>


Have you considered the distressed resales in the nicer part of Santa Ana? Is there a direct train route from Corona to SA? Your husband will be spending too much time away from the family and the trade-off is not worth the bigger BR and yard.



Is the Corona location bordering OC or Riverside? Both Corona and SA the schools are marginal so the deciding factor might just be a bigger house vs time with husband/dad. If you look real hard you may find homes in the older neighborhoods in the mid 200's.
 
The train takes 30 minutes to Santa Ana. His commute now is about 45 minutes. We homeschool so schools arent really a factor for us. He would leave his car in OC, and use it to go back and forth to the train station.
 
Have you looked in western garden grove and anaheim? larger houses there are starting to get into the 200s, and surely nicer ones will by the end of the year.
 
I would rather rent and have more time with mi familia, but that is me.

Can your husband find a comparable paying job in Corona?
 
When you home school space is more important. I had Mormon neighbors and the families insisted on home schooling because they were afraid of bad society influences. They utilized their big yard and family room a lot. Corona definitely has bigger homes. I agree with Freedom GG homes have a huge yards with footage from 1100sf-1900sf single story and very close to your husbands work.
 
[quote author="reason" date=1245471399]Yes, I can also buy a big house with a big yard out in Corona too. But here are the trade offs. I won't be able to get home by 5 PM. I won't be able to have dinner at 6 PM. I won't be able to go to bed by 8 PM if I so choose.



I guess I am kind of a whimp cause my commuting time is approx. 15 min. and I am already exhausted when I get home. I commend those whom drive for 3 - 4 hours on the freeways everyday and this is one way!</blockquote>
 
[quote author="reason" date=1245471399]testing testing.</blockquote>


You would have bought there but those opened garage doors in the neighborhood gave you a ghetto impression saved you from making a bad decision for your family. Frontal garages FTW.
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1245471768][quote author="reason" date=1245471399]testing testing.</blockquote>


You would have bought there but those opened garage doors in the neighborhood gave you a ghetto impression saved you from making a bad decision for your family. Frontal garages FTW.</blockquote>


Hahaha! so true, so true. Still can remember vividly that guy in the garage hang drying his undies. Also, the dusty bat mobile. The hot temp. with no sea breeze. And the traffic jam heading back (on a Sat.). Don't want to imagine on a regular work day.
 
[quote author="mamaguza" date=1245469760]We have a big family, and are considering the possibility of purchasing in Corona. My husband earns $73k per year, and I am a stay at home mom. The maximum amount we could spend on a home would be $240k, which is absolutely impossible in OC, unless we were to buy a small 1 bedroom townhouse or something. But out in Corona, there are outrageously huge houses going in the 2s right now. We are tempted to make the move, in order to have more space for our family, since our kids are only getting bigger, and we are going to quickly outgrow the small house we rent here. We have to be out of our current rental in 6 months, so are trying to figure out the next move. Would it be a good move to purchase out there, or a big mistake? We are thinking that we would purchase relatively close to the metrolink station, and my husband would take the train to work. The train station in Santa Ana is a few minutes away from where he works. Does anyone have any insight into living in Corona? Is it really that bad? We have always lived out here near the beach, so would it be too much of a culture shock? Is it do-able? It doesnt seem so bad, its just over the hill, right?

Thanks for any tips you have, we appreciate it! :)</blockquote>
Why not rent a home somewhere in Orange County somewhere close to your husband's work? I'm sure the rent won't be that much greater than the cost of ownership out in Corona. Plus as some have mentioned, time with family is an intangible benefit.
 
[quote author="freedomCM" date=1245470906]Have you looked in western garden grove and anaheim? larger houses there are starting to get into the 200s, and surely nicer ones will by the end of the year.</blockquote>


I don't think so. Frankly, I've been looking and double frankly, IR's post the other day about the WTF sellers coming out of the woodwork is dead on. Show me a decent 3/2 or larger for 200K in GG on a large lot. If it's anything the vast majority would consider 'liveable' (never mind schools and hood quality), it's $400K. Maybe in Anaheim on a drive by block, but IMHO, a far worse neighborhood than the ones the poster is likely thinking of in Corona. Sorry, not even in Anaheim. If it's 3+ on a 6K lot, it's likely $300s or more. There are a few listed at $280K but even those look bleech.



Maybe by end of year when the spring bump has died, but right now, forget it. OC is insanely competitive for anything in striking range of $400K that isn't trashed. And frankly, plenty of trashed places flying off the market for $400K+ in what Irvinites would think are so-so neighborhoods. Costa Mesa, GG, Fullerton, Orange...
 
I'm bored, and pulled some random Corona listings for discussion. I was mainly looking at decent square footage and decent lots, for less than $240k, no short sales. The ones I found are all older-some people don't mind, some people have a problem with this.



<a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Corona/1138-Redwood-St-92879/home/4360574">1138 Redwood</a>



1138 Redwood St

Corona, CA 92879

Price: $167,000

Beds: 3

Baths: 2

Sq. Ft.: 1,453

$/Sq. Ft.: $115

Lot Size: 7,405 Sq. Ft.

Property Type: Detached, Single Family Residence

Stories: 1

View: See Remarks

Year Built: 1959

Community: Corona

County: Riverside

MLS#: I09065089

Source: MRMLS

Status: Active

On Redfin: 4 days



PROPERTY SOLD AS IS WITHOUT REPAIR OR WARRANTY.



The cheapest in the group by far, and also the smallest square footage (but a very low $ per sq ft). The lot is decent, though-the first three listings here all have the same lot size, 7,405 sq ft (.17 acres). They were all also built between 1959 and 1968.



<a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Corona/1054-W-5th-St-92882/home/4512811">1054 West 5th Street</a>



1054 W 5th St

Corona, CA 92882

Price: $229,000

Beds: 3

Baths: 3

Sq. Ft.: 1,612

$/Sq. Ft.: $142

Lot Size: 7,405 Sq. Ft.

Property Type: Detached, Single Family Residence

Stories: 1

Year Built: 1968

Community: Corona

County: Riverside

MLS#: K09062879

Source: MRMLS

Status: Active

On Redfin: 10 days



SEE TO APPRECIATE THIS CUSTOM HOME * 3 BEDROOMS & 3 BATHS * SEPARATE ENTRY TO 3RD BEDROOM(PERFECT FOR MOTHER-IN-LAW) * WALL TO WALL STONE FIREPLACE * NEW AC UNIT * NEW ROOF * BLOCK FENCING * 2 CAR DETACHED GARAGE W/ ALLEY ACCESS * HURRY AND SELECT YOUR NEW CARPET COLORS NOW.



Nice, but the next listing is a bit bigger for about the same price.



<a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Corona/1434-Del-Norte-Dr-92879/home/4452337">1434 Del Norte</a>



1434 Del Norte Dr

Corona, CA 92879

Price: $235,000

Beds: 4

Baths: 2

Sq. Ft.: 1,841

$/Sq. Ft.: $128

Lot Size: 7,405 Sq. Ft.

Property Type: Detached, Single Family Residence

Style: Ranch

Stories: 1

View: Golf Course, Mountain

Year Built: 1964

Community: Corona

County: Riverside

MLS#: I09063213

Source: MRMLS

Status: Active

On Redfin: 10 days



Golf Course Views, Mountain Views! Single-story 4 bedroom 2 bath golf course home on Cresta Verde Golf Course. Excellent flowing floor plan featuring 2 wood burning, brick fireplaces - 1,841 s. f. with 4 large bedrooms. Kitchen features greenhouse window, newer cabinetry, entertain on the rear patio that extends the full length of the home. Large lot, .17 acres, 7,405 square feet. Separate laundry room with sink, new copper plumbing throughout, new plumbing to the street, newer exterior paint/stucco, new air conditioning unit, new heater, new water heater. Needs new range, dishwasher, carpet, paint. A little work to this home benefits you! Potential RV parking at side yard. Excellent neighborhood, alot of original owners live here, some 2nd generation families, and new families. Exit off 91 Fwy. @ McKinley. Near parks, schools, OC close! Please do not disturb occupants. Drive by only. Offers subject to interior inspection.



This is probably a better deal than the previous one, but I'm wary of houses that currently have tenants in them, especially if you can't readily view the interior.



<a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Corona/1768-S-Vicentia-Ave-92882/home/4341309">1768 South Vicentia Avenue</a>



1768 S Vicentia Ave

Corona, CA 92882

Price: $229,900

Beds: 3

Baths: 3

Sq. Ft.: 1,800

$/Sq. Ft.: $128

Lot Size: 0.32 Acres

Property Type: Single Family Residence

Style: Contemporary

Stories: 2

Year Built: 1949

Community: Corona

County: Riverside

MLS#: P684275

Source: SoCalMLS

Status: Active

On Redfin: 58 days



Big lot close to 14,000 sq ft. with a long paved circular driveway. Each bedroom has its own bath. 3 cars garage converted to bedrooms. Some double pane windows. This house is about 2500 sq ft. including the garage conversion. Two bedrooms downstairs, den/office and one bedroom upstairs. Harwood and travertine floor, fire place in living room plus additional fireplace in family room. Spacious bedroom with hardwood floor and remodeled master bathroom. Kitchen has tile counter tops and decorated back splash tiles walls. New light fixtures, Large back yard. Some TLC needed. SOLD AS IS With no Warranties Expressed or Implied. Back on the Market 6/08/09



Older than the others (built in 1949), but bigger and on a lot twice the size of the other three. I don't like how the tax folks think it's smaller than it is, and I don't like garage conversions, but they may end up being permitted after all (probably not, though). Probably a little more of a fixer than the others.
 
[quote author="No_Such_Reality" date=1245498290][quote author="freedomCM" date=1245470906]Have you looked in western garden grove and anaheim? larger houses there are starting to get into the 200s, and surely nicer ones will by the end of the year.</blockquote>


I don't think so. Frankly, I've been looking and double frankly, IR's post the other day about the WTF sellers coming out of the woodwork is dead on. Show me a decent 3/2 or larger for 200K in GG on a large lot. If it's anything the vast majority would consider 'liveable' (never mind schools and hood quality), it's $400K. Maybe in Anaheim on a drive by block, but IMHO, a far worse neighborhood than the ones the poster is likely thinking of in Corona. Sorry, not even in Anaheim. If it's 3+ on a 6K lot, it's likely $300s or more. There are a few listed at $280K but even those look bleech.



Maybe by end of year when the spring bump has died, but right now, forget it. OC is insanely competitive for anything in striking range of $400K that isn't trashed. And frankly, plenty of trashed places flying off the market for $400K+ in what Irvinites would think are so-so neighborhoods. Costa Mesa, GG, Fullerton, Orange...</blockquote>


I said "getting into the 200s", which means under 300k. not many yet, and certainly not prime, but here is an REO:



10207 Banff St

Stanton, CA 90680

Price: $299,900

BEDS: 4

BATHS: 3

SQ. FT.: 1,924

$/SQ. FT.: $156

LOT SIZE: 7,790 Sq. Ft.

PROPERTY TYPE: Single Family Residence

STYLE: Traditional

STORIES: 1

YEAR BUILT: 1958

COMMUNITY: North of Gar Grv, South Of Ball, East of Knott, West of Dale

COUNTY: Orange

MLS#: P691814

SOURCE: SoCalMLS

STATUS: Active

ON REDFIN: 3 days

Great 4 Bedroom home wiht bonus room and bath above garage. Family room with fireplace, 2 car garage, big back yard with covered patio. Cul-De-Sac Location. Buyers need to verify all permits.





<a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Stanton/10207-Banff-St-90680/home/3581197">needs some lawn care</a>

<img src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/46/bigphoto/814/P691814_0.jpg" alt="" />
 
I think Im getting mixed up with the short sale listings. There are a lot of outrageously huge amazing houses listed in the 2s and 3s in Corona, but when I looked into it more, they are all short sales. I guess we will just wait it out longer. We are renting in Aliso Viejo, a bank owned house, but they are probably going to want to sell it in January (its probably going to go for 450ish). So we were trying to figure out what to do then..maybe prices will have dropped alot more by then. I hope so!
 
Advice on Corona - Don't settle for beer that requires a lime for taste...



<img src="http://static.flickr.com/3090/2796450699_60949197d4.jpg" alt="" />
 
[quote author="mamaguza" date=1245547827]I think Im getting mixed up with the short sale listings. There are a lot of outrageously huge amazing houses listed in the 2s and 3s in Corona, but when I looked into it more, they are all short sales. I guess we will just wait it out longer. We are renting in Aliso Viejo, a bank owned house, but they are probably going to want to sell it in January (its probably going to go for 450ish). So we were trying to figure out what to do then..maybe prices will have dropped alot more by then. I hope so!</blockquote>


Short sales are frequently priced way under market rates, at prices the bank would never approve. I ignore them in all searches (you can do that easily in Redfin).
 
[quote author="freedomCM" date=1245545267]<b> Buyers need to verify all permits.</B>

</blockquote>


That's realtor code for the square footage isn't the square footage and the buyer better be ready to demo or sweet talk a post permit through.



I get what you're saying and it's a good idea, but right now, IMHO, the market from a buying standpoint is as dysfunctional as 2006.
 
[quote author="No_Such_Reality" date=1245568545][quote author="freedomCM" date=1245545267]<b> Buyers need to verify all permits.</B>

</blockquote>


That's realtor code for the square footage isn't the square footage and the buyer better be ready to demo or sweet talk a post permit through.



I get what you're saying and it's a good idea, but right now, IMHO, the market from a buying standpoint is as dysfunctional as 2006.</blockquote>


I really like the fact that the city of Riverside has all their building permits on line-and they go back until at least the 1940's. Takes five minutes sitting at your computer to confirm a building permit (my house has an addition that has a building permit but the square footage is not on the tax rolls for who knows what reason). As far as I can tell, most other cities do not, which amazes me.



<a href="http://aquarius.riversideca.gov/bldimage7/Browse.aspx?dbid=1">Pick a random address in Riverside and see</a>
 
[quote author="mamaguza" date=1245469760]We have a big family, and are considering the possibility of purchasing in Corona. My husband earns $73k per year, and I am a stay at home mom. The maximum amount we could spend on a home would be $240k, which is absolutely impossible in OC, unless we were to buy a small 1 bedroom townhouse or something. But out in Corona, there are outrageously huge houses going in the 2s right now. We are tempted to make the move, in order to have more space for our family, since our kids are only getting bigger, and we are going to quickly outgrow the small house we rent here. We have to be out of our current rental in 6 months, so are trying to figure out the next move. Would it be a good move to purchase out there, or a big mistake? We are thinking that we would purchase relatively close to the metrolink station, and my husband would take the train to work. The train station in Santa Ana is a few minutes away from where he works. Does anyone have any insight into living in Corona? Is it really that bad? We have always lived out here near the beach, so would it be too much of a culture shock? Is it do-able? It doesnt seem so bad, its just over the hill, right?

Thanks for any tips you have, we appreciate it! :)</blockquote>


I would really do your homework if your thinking of Corona. I think it is a complete toilet unless you like to ride horses. After selling out there for a couple of years recently i would check on the schools. Lots of gangs. Check on the amount of homes that are in Notice of Default in your area and last but not least go and talk to the neighbors of the home or homes your looking closely at. The summers are murder as it always another 15 to 20 degrees hotter than the OC (In the high 90's but mostly in the 100's for months on end)and depending where your at in Corona you can smell the cows and the attack of the flies happens year round. It actually stinks worse in the winter. With unemployment running close to 13% there is a lot of crime and foreclosure's to come. Every tract i have worked at the construction trailers are broken into at least every couple of months and vandalism to the models and theft furniture and bedspreads happened all the time Graffiti never stops showing up on walls and anything else. Plus home prices are only going to get worse not better for the next couple years in the inland empire. I would try to find something else in the outskirts of Orange County and stay away from the IE.
 
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