Yes, Scarlett, I agree that CV is too far away to commute. Sorrento Valley is definitely 45 mins + commute from dtn. CV in rush hr and 35-40 mins. to LJ Cove – I don’t care what anyone else tells you.
Just hang in there for awhile, and wait ’til the tax credits disappear at the end of April to place another offer. Then you will not be bumping into so many bids at each (scarce) listing.
The “loan-mods” you speak of are fundamentally flawed because they do not address the exorbitant principal balance owed. I believe a great percentage of these will turn into “cash for keys” and foreclosures within the year. I also predict the many more bank-owned properties (shadow inventory) will flood the market in the coming months.
There are more two-story homes in 92117 which are in the size you’re looking for. 92111 has mostly (circa 1961) 1600-1800 SF (Mtn. Sts.) single- story properties but some are remodeled with a second story.
Probably Bay Ho (92110) is out of your price range, but have you thought of Bay Park near the flats of Morena Blvd (still 92110)? Your kids would still be eligible to attend the same elem. school. I know a family in Bay Park whose kids are going to school in LJ. If I’m not mistaken, I think Bay Ho and/or Bay Park might be in the LJ High attendance area. Check it out.
Also, try UC’s east side for weed-infested former rentals or foreclosures for price. It’s a little cheaper and you’ll still get to attend UC High.
Don’t be so concerned about elem. school, esp. kindergarten. Your kids have a long way to go and K-3 is mandated to no more than 20 students per classroom in CA public schools. Believe me, I’ve had kids attend elem. school when there were 30+ students-per-room and one attending when there were only 20 students per classroom and there was a HUGE difference in the amount they learned and retained. Your main concern is how well the local high school prepares kids for college entrance. This is the bottom line.
Again, I don’t think age should be a concern at all in coastal zones. Take Pt. Loma for example. 92106 is one of the only zips that has retained most or all of its value during this recession and the average home was built between 1933 and 1945. The top of Fleetridge is one of its “newest” areas and it was built in 1958. These are the among most sought-after properties in the entire county.
I’m not saying you are a SD transplant (most of us are, to some degree) but my experience is that many recent transplants have a propensity to value newer construction over older but in the case of SD’s best locations, the exact opposite is true. It is a difficult concept for many to grasp. PLEASE DO NOT DISCOUNT AGE. AGE-RELATED PROBLEMS CAN BE FIXED. LOCATION CAN NEVER BE FIXED. Just my .02.
