Everything About Condos for Sale in the Sierra Verde Condos in RSM Resource Guide
Welcome to my Sierra Verde Condos in RSM page! Here, you’ll discover a wealth of information regarding these condos. First, I’ll dive into the essential facts about both Sierra Verde condos and the complex in RSM. Then, I’ll share my thoughts with you, just in case you’re contemplating purchasing a condo. Finally, I’ll provide a list of helpful resources to aid you in your search for the perfect home.
RSM has 36 Condo Complexes and a Total of 5,637 Condo Homes
You can see all condos currently for sale in Rancho Santa Margarita here.
As a Realtor I see so many condos, there are 36 complexes with a total of 5,637 condos in just in Rancho Santa Margarita alone.
If you are a condo buyer looking for information, it’s common to encounter limited and occasionally unreliable information. Many times, it’s just meaningless fluff aimed at making a sale. Recognizing this, I made the decision to compile comprehensive post about every single complex in Rancho Santa Margarita. Through presenting factual information, general insights, photos, personal observations, and my perspective on things I have taken notice of. I aim to provide you with a valuable resource for you to make informed decisions.
While this is my Everything About Condos For Sale in Sierra Verde – RSM Resource Guide page, the ultimate guide will have links for every complex as they are completed, hopefully will be completed sometime in August. If you are interested in this specific complex, great.
However, if you want more information on condos, the main page is an informative post to assist you in your search for a condo home. It will have all the breakout link pages is where I delve into each condo complex. If looking for a condo, I encourage you to check out the main post here, “Condos for Sale in Rancho Santa Margarita: The Ultimate 411 Guide,”. This comprehensive resource includes a list of every complex in the area and more. I sincerely hope that it will be a valuable resource for you. Meanwhile any questions, please feel free to ask.
General Facts About the Sierra Verde Condos in RSM
Now, Let’s get into the Sierra Verde Condos and complex details. The Sierra Verde Condo complex is home to 145 condos located directly next to the Tijeras Creek Golf Course. As you can see it is close the the 241 and not too far from the 5. The base of the Sierra Verde complex address is…
11 Alondra Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.
The floor plans for the 2 bedrooms have 2 different layouts.
- Plan 1 – This plan has 2 bed, 2 bath 1083 sq ft. This plan you will have someone above or below you but you still have a 2 car attached garage. The second bathroom has dual door, 1 so the the 2nd bedroom has access, 1 in the hall for guest entry.
- Plan 2 – This plan has 2 bed, 2 1/2 bath 1408 sq ft both having en-suite bathrooms. 2 levels, no one above or below you. Nice size for a 2 bedroom.
The floor plans for the 3 bedrooms have 3 different floor plans.
- Plan 1 – This plan has 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 1497 square feet. 2 en-suite. 1 bed and full downstairs bathroom. Some use 3rd bedroom downstairs for home office.
- Plan 2 – This plan has bedroom, 3 bath with 1689 sq ft. A few have turned the upstairs loft into a 4th bedroom. It does have a designated dining area.
- Plan 3 – This plan has 3 bedroom and 2 1/2 bath with 1731 sq ft. All 3 bedrooms are upstairs. A pantry in the kitchen which is great, love having pantries. It does have a designated dining area and what most would consider a living room.
Recently Sold Condos Prices
As you can see here, they look more like homes than condos. To give you perspective on price ranges, the Sierra Verde Condos in RSM total past sales for the last 6 months… Considering there are only 145 condos here, fewer will come on the market compared to others.
For the 2 bedroom condos in the last 6 month, 2 have sold price range $654,000 – $740,000. The smallest 2 bedroom plan sold for $654,000 and the larger 2 bedroom plan sold for $740,000.
For the 3 bedroom condos in the last 6 month, 2 have sold price range $770,000 – $880,000. For context of, how’s the market (shocker, those were both for the same floor plan, the 1497 sq ft plan). The higher price was this Jun 2023 and it sold in 2 days for more than asking price. The other was Feb 2023, it sold in 11 days for more than asking price. Crazy, because there was not a huge difference in the upgrades at all!
Current facts; Condos in this complex currently sell fast, I tell you this because if you see one you like here, don’t drag your feet. I will update this periodically but FYI, I am writing this in mid July 2023. In the last 6 months they are under contract max 12 days, most right away.
Bit of the details people like to know
- Attached Garages? YES, all 2 car garages.
- Drive Way? Yes, some cannot fit cars, others can fit 2 cars.
- Laundry hookups? YES, a small laundry room inside condo. They do have both electric and gas hookup for dryer.
- Lofts? some have lofts upstairs starting with the 3 bedroom 1689 sq ft plan, A few have turned it into a 4th bedroom.
- Gas for stove? YES
- Bedrooms available? 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms
- Bathrooms available? 2 – 3 bathrooms
- Walk in Kitchen Pantry? The largest plan scores a YES, the rest NO
- Living Room? The largest plan YES, the rest NO
- Dining Room? The plan starting at 1689 has a decent sized designated dining area
- Fireplace? YES, gas
- Single or 2 Stories? Smallest plan 1, all others 2
- Anyone above or below you? YES for the smallest plan. NO for all others, they are 2 stories, both are yours.
- Vaulted Ceilings? – YES, some, areas vary depending on plan
- Views? – YES, Some have a view. Some are on edged on the golf course greens, some view of the Arroyo Trabuco Wilderness area.
- Patio? – YES, large patio, I would say like a small backyard, I truly love the size for a condo.
- Walk in Closet? The 2 bedrooms NO,(they have big sliders). The 3 bedroom YES and secondary upstairs with the exceptions for the largest plan does not have one for the secondary bedroom.
- Heat? Gas
- Door Entry? Single door entry however, there is a little spaces for some potted flowers or something. Some have more space than others, I even seen benches in front of a few.
- On site Amenities? Pool, Spa, BBQ picnic area by the pool, playground, and gazebo with seating area with view of golf course.
- HOA Cost Total? $428.71, ($347.71 for Sierra Verde and $81 for RSM association)
- Mello Roos – None
- Special Assessments – Somewhere in range of about $69 – $122 per year (that’s super low comparatively). Caution always check to see if there is a HERO bill on the tax bill BEFORE putting an offer. HERO is a financing for energy upgrades because in your offer you are going to want that paid off, otherwise the home cost you more and it can be a headache.
- Year built – 1989 – 1992
- Are they Updated? Some are, some are not but I will say this for perspective…. Some of the condos which have been updated are super nice. If you see a condo which is not updated, FYI, I also offer to send my clients what they can look like updated, examples of ones that have been updated. Sometimes the difference is like night and day.
Additional Facts with Overall Assessment, My thoughts for Sierra Verde Condos in RSM, Pro or Con, YOU Decide
I do consider investment value along with what is desirable and needs of a home purchase. Here are a few on my thoughts on buying a condo in the Sierra Verde community. While everyone has different needs and taste, there are trends and features that a larger population gravitate towards so I keep that in mind for resale as well.
Starting off by sayings these condos are more of a townhouse style which is my favorite design if budget allows. For both resale and quality of living. They feel more like a home and these fit that standpoint.
Location for several reasons…
Condos are backed up the the Tijeras Creek Golf Course, some have views. Who doesn’t enjoy golf course, hills, and wilderness views. I have to say from my perspective, being a nature lover, views are super big on my personal list and that is true for many people so, it could be a good resale point when it is time for you to resale.
Sierra Verde condo complex along with a few others, is close to the main road of Antonio but far enough to feel you are in a remote peaceful part of the city. The area has some of the prettiest streets in Rancho Santa Margarita, with beautiful mature trees hanging like an over the umbrella the streets.
Arroyo Trabuco Wilderness area O’neill Regional Park
Nature enthusiasts will love the proximity to hiking trails right across the street. However, depending on what’s important to you, this could be a pro or a con. Pro if you are a nature lover, love views, and enjoy walking. How great is access right across the street? That said, it does mean there could be some inherent dangers to both wildlife and the terrain which could be a potential wildfire risk. With that in mind, I would highly recommend knowing what the cost of fire insurance would be putting an offer so you decide if that is something that could make or break your decision. Fire insurance in certain areas has gotten far more expensive. Also, if I was buying, it would be wise not to remove contingencies until I had fire insurance secured.
Great Schools
This is a pro whether you have children or not. It is a known fact, that areas that have good schools, have a much better chance of being much more highly desirable. Therefore, resale has a better chance of holding value, and growing equity, and is easier to resale. Thinking of future resale value is a smart move when considering your home purchase.
If you have children going to Arroyo Vista school, it is in walking distance. If a private Catholic school is on your list, the Catholic school is also very close.
It is also fairly close to Tesoro High School if that is a need for you. Why pro regardless of need? Tesoro is an amazing school that has a new ranking of 10.
Close to Freeways
It is not too far from the 5 freeway or the toll road. If you have to commute to work, travel time is always a consideration and it will also be when resale comes along.
Garage
I am always going to be a fan of getting a 2 car garage, period. This is a really plus. Additional, some have driveways that can fit 2 cars. The price tag is a bit higher than others so of course it depends on you budget and needs/desires. If it was in my budget, a 2 car garage would be a must have list, for both space and resale value. Due to condos being on the smaller side having the extra garage space, adds to your storage significantly. There is limited extra parking but there is some street parking. There are some condos additional parking is really difficult so over all, these are a good choice.
Available Laundry – Yes it matters (lol)
Sierra Verde condos do have laundry hookups and they are inside the condo. Accommodations with enough space for a full sized set. They range from having their own designated space with shelves to a little room. The way I see it, that’s a bonus on the scoreboard. LOL They have both gas and electric hookup for the dryer which is also good. I prefer laundry facilities be on the inside, some people that is a make or break item on their list.
Amenities for Sierra Verde
The grounds are well maintained with mature trees and nice landscaping. There is a pool and spa with a nice BBQ area. Also, a playground and an gazebo area you can sit and relax with a view of the golf course greens.
Keep in mind, you also have access to all of Rancho Santa Margarita’s association facilities which you pay for. RSM’s association fees are currently $81. It is a separate HOA fee that all condos in RSM pay so, if you don’t want to pay it, RSM may not be the perfect fit for you. However, you might also want to keep in mind, Rancho Santa Margarita just received the #1 spot for safest cities in California 2023. Here is everything you want to know about what the RMS association offers.
Windows
Lighting is an important consideration, at least it is for me. I love a condo that has great natural light and these do have ample windows. My perspective is that is definitely a big win.
Overall perspective on Buying a Condo in Sierra Verde
I most definitely like this complex and would buy here. The smaller 2 bedroom is well laid out floor plan for it’s size. All other condos in Sierra Verde are larger condos, 2 car garage, and larger backyards, they feel more like a home.
The smallest 2 bedroom one I would consider but depending on my budget, my desired location and price, I would look at others as well. There are condos with 2 car garages where you get both stories, close to same size for close to the same price range. However, this neighborhood has more of home look and feel that others may not, some even have driveways. So, it comes down to preference, where you decide more important to you!
If it’s in your budget, I much prefer the 2 bedroom ones having an ensuite bathroom in the bedroom, it is not only highly desirable but also adds considerable value to both the quality of living and the resale potential of a property. That’s a winning feature for these condos.
Great floor plan for the 3 bedroom plans that have 3 full baths although they rarely come on the market. One bedroom is downstairs with a full bathroom nearby which is great. I also favor the ensuite’s upstairs. Many people have their aging parents living with them and this is a hard-to-find feature in a condo. The 2 others have an ensuite design making them even more desirable.
My perspective regarding the 3 bedrooms plans… I like the middle-sized one the best, the smaller one 2nd best, and the larger one comes in last. Why? Although I sure do like the pantry in the larger plan, the living room design is becoming far less desirable with today’s buyers. I would say yes if you wanted a game room, but I think making a family and kitchen a bit larger with an office downstairs would be a better option. I believe the design of the 2nd plan will hold value better in the long run because your options and flexibility will appeal to more buyers for resale. Of course, it is a personal choice but as I said in the beginning, I look to the investment side of the purchase as well.
If You are Struggling to Qualify for a Loan to be a Home Owner – Food for Thought
I believe the floor plan is also a wise choice if you are trying to become a home owner and you struggle to qualify for the mortgage payment. The setup with ensuite makes for great possibility of renting a room or joining with a family member so you qualify for a loan. If you have contract signed with a renter before you find a condo to put offer on. Or, multiple family members can join together to qualify. The lender can then, consider the income from the rental as part of your loan qualifications. Sometimes, with California homes prices, you have to get creative to get your foot in the door.
Below, I also have a link to the best advise to help you get your mortgage payment down by often hundreds a month.
Food for thought for those struggling with qualifications anyway. 🙂
If you are a first time home buyer…
When looking for a condominium in Rancho Santa Margarita or nearby areas, it is crucial to be aware of the corresponding property taxes. While most of these condos in Rancho Santa Margarita do not have Mello Roos, some may. If you do not understand property taxes I highly recommend you read my blog on Everything you need to know about Property Taxes, Mello Roos, and Special Assessments. Some of the surrounding areas can have Mello Roos, and this can make a difference in qualifying for the loan. If you do not understand how this plays a part in your qualifying for a loan and/or your payment, please feel free to ask.
OC Property Sisters
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Dianne Hicks; 949-441-9092
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Check Other blogs or Home Searching Info in Orange County
For those seeking condos, don’t miss out on this incredible resource: “Condos for Sale in Rancho Santa Margarita – My Ultimate Guide.” Explore the comprehensive guide that provides valuable insights and assistance in finding your perfect condominium.
If you unfamiliar with RSM, here is My Top 5 Reasons for Living in Rancho Santa Margarita.
A little about Rancho Santa Margarita lake area Rancho Santa Margarita Lake.
This could save you hundreds a month, When buying your home, this is really worth your time to read. How to Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment and Save Thousands
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