Score
0Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
12 Calle Estero
1.2M
4 beds
3 baths
2,100 sqft
4 bd • 3 ba • 2,100 sf
This analysis was generated on 2/1/2025. It is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as real estate or investment advice.
AI Property Analysis
0:000:00 / 0:00
List Price
$1,184,000
Price/Sq.Ft
$564
Year Built
1995
AI Property Analysis
A comprehensive evaluation of this property's features, market position, and investment potential.
The Good
• Location Near Freeways: The property is conveniently located close to the freeway, which provides easy access to other parts of Southern California. This is a major advantage for commuters and those who travel frequently.
• Award-Winning School District: The property is located within the Capistrano Unified School District, which is known for its high-performing schools. The nearby Arroyo Vista Elementary (7/10), Arroyo Vista Middle (9/10), and Tesoro High (9/10) are all highly rated.
• Ample Living Space: With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a loft, the property offers ample living space for a family. The 2,100 square feet provides a comfortable living area.
• Updated Features: The property boasts modern amenities, including a tastefully renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and enhanced hard flooring throughout. These updates add to the property's appeal and reduce the need for immediate renovations.
• Private Outdoor Area: The property has a beautiful outdoor area with no rear neighbors, offering a sense of privacy and seclusion. French doors open to this space, enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow.
• Community Amenities: Residents have access to HOA amenities, including swimming pools, parks, sports courts, and the RSM Beach Swim Lagoon, which provides recreational opportunities for residents.
• Recent Price Reduction: The property has seen two recent price reductions, indicating a possible opportunity for negotiation and a potential for a better deal.
The Bad
• High Price Point: The property is listed at $1,184,000, which is a significant investment. While the price per square foot is $563.81, it is important to compare this to recent comparable sales in the area to determine if it is a fair market value.
• Mello Roos and Special Taxes: RSM has Mello Roos and special taxes, which can add significantly to the property tax burden. The exact amount and duration of these taxes need to be verified, as they can make the property less affordable.
• High HOA Fees: The HOA fees in RSM are known to be high, which add to the monthly cost of ownership. The specific fees and what they cover should be thoroughly researched.
• Limited Commercial Development: RSM has limited commercial development, meaning residents often need to drive to neighboring cities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This is a drawback for those who prefer walkable neighborhoods.
• Commute Times: While close to freeways, the area can experience traffic congestion during peak hours. Commute times to job centers farther away may be longer than desired.
• School Overcrowding: Although RSM schools are well-regarded, overcrowding is a concern. Buyers should research school assignments and potential overcrowding issues thoroughly.
The Ugly
• High Estimated Insurance Cost: The estimated annual insurance cost is $4,262.4, which is considerably higher than average due to the major fire risk (6/10). This could significantly impact the monthly cost of ownership. Additionally, this is only an estimate and may be higher based on the insurance provider.
• Major Fire Risk: The property has a major fire risk score of 6/10, which means higher insurance premiums, and the potential for property damage due to wildfires. This is a significant concern that requires careful consideration.
• Age of the Property: Built in 1995, the property is now 30 years old. Older homes can come with higher maintenance costs and potential repairs. While updates have been made, the age of the property needs to be considered.
• Potential for Higher Property Taxes: The Mello Roos and special taxes in RSM can add a significant amount to the property tax bill. It is essential to obtain the exact figures for these taxes to understand the full cost of ownership.
• Limited Diversity: RSM has historically been less diverse than some neighboring areas. Buyers seeking a diverse community may not find this area suitable.
• Distance to Beaches and Amenities: Despite being advertised as "close to the beach," RSM is actually an inland community. Driving to the beach can be time-consuming, especially during peak season. This is important to consider for those who want to live closer to the coast.
Who is this property for?
These details are presented solely for entertainment purposes and are not meant to steer or limit any prospective buyer.
Best For
• Families Seeking Top-Rated Schools: The property is located within the highly-regarded Capistrano Unified School District, with Arroyo Vista Middle and Tesoro High both holding a 9/10 rating. This makes it ideal for families prioritizing education. The proximity to Arroyo Vista Elementary (0.3 miles) and Middle School (0.3 miles) offers added convenience for families with young children.
• Buyers Wanting Community Amenities: The HOA provides access to a variety of amenities, including swimming pools, parks, sports courts, and the RSM Beach Swim Lagoon. This is attractive to buyers seeking a community-oriented lifestyle with recreational options.
• Those Seeking Move-In Ready Homes: The property features recent upgrades such as enhanced hard flooring and stainless steel appliances, offering a move-in ready experience, and appealing to those who prefer not to renovate.
• Buyers Prioritizing a Private Outdoor Space: The property features a backyard with no rear neighbors, offering privacy and seclusion, and appealing to buyers who value outdoor space and tranquility.
• Buyers Seeking Space: With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a loft, this property provides ample space for a growing family, or those that want to have space for guests.
Not For
• Buyers Seeking Minimal HOA Involvement: The property is part of a very active HOA, which has numerous rules and regulations regarding landscaping, exterior modifications, and parking. Buyers who prefer less restrictive environments may find this unsuitable.
• Buyers Prioritizing Minimal Commute Times: While close to freeways, the property is located in an area that can experience traffic congestion during peak hours. Buyers with commutes to job centers farther away (e.g., Irvine, Los Angeles) may find this location inconvenient.
• Buyers Seeking a Diverse Community: Rancho Santa Margarita has historically been less diverse than some surrounding areas. Buyers for whom a high degree of diversity is a priority may find this community to be less than ideal.
• Buyers Wanting a Coastal Location: While advertised as being "close to the beach," Rancho Santa Margarita is an inland community. The drive to the coast will take time, especially during beach season traffic. Buyers who want to live near the beach may find this property too far.
• Buyers with Strict Budgets: The property's Mello Roos and special taxes, along with high HOA fees, can significantly increase the overall cost of ownership. Buyers on a strict budget may find this property unaffordable.
Demographics
Area Median Income
$127,522
Property History
Price History
Ownership Timeline
$575,000Financed
Aug 3, 2015Saddleback Valley Community ChurchJacob Poulson, Aracely Poulson
Grant Deed
Standard Sale (Purchase/Resales)
$480,500Cash Purchase
Dec 12, 2007Kerry R Mackey, Stephanie MackeySaddleback Valley Community Church
Grant Deed
Standard Sale (Purchase/Resales)
$675,000Financed
Jul 25, 2005Scott J Bierman, Heather J BiermanKerry R Mackey, Stephanie Mackey
Grant Deed
Standard Sale (Purchase/Resales)
$184,000Financed
Jun 7, 1995Kaufman & Broad South Coast IncScott J Bierman, Heather J Bierman
Grant Deed
Standard Sale (Purchase/Resales)
Property Taxes
$6,758
2024 Tax Assessment
2.3%from previous year
Assessed Value$667,333
Tax Rate1.01%
Sunlight Analysis
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Sunlight Analysis
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Schools
Nearby school quality by education level
Middle
9.0/10
ExcellentHigh
9.0/10
ExcellentFinancials
Monthly Costs
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Location & Comparables
Subject Property
Comparable Sales
Subject Property
Price
$1,184,000
Price/sqft
$564
Layout
4 bd•3 ba
Days on market
97 daysat time of analysis
Stats in the Area
Based on 6 comparable properties nearby
Average Price
$1,198,583
1.2%
Your price is 1.2% below average
Median Price
$1,255,000
5.7%
Based on 6 recent sales
Price per Sq.Ft
$617
8.6%
Your price is 8.6% below average $/sqft
Comparable Properties
| Address | Price | Sq.Ft | Beds | Baths | $/Sq.Ft | Sale Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Santa Cruz, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | $1,610,000 | 2,261 | 4 | 3 | $71226.3% | 10/31/2024 |
| 35 Calle Del Sur, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | $1,255,000 | 1,988 | 3 | 3 | $63112.0% | 10/17/2024 |
| 9 Ganadero, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | $1,364,000 | 2,045 | 4 | 3 | $66718.3% | 9/25/2024 |
| 132 Encantado, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | $975,000 | 1,743 | 3 | 3 | $5590.8% | 11/13/2024 |
| 38 Regato, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | $1,040,000 | 1,777 | 3 | 3 | $5853.8% | 10/30/2024 |
| 17 Alondra, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | $947,500 | 1,731 | 3 | 3 | $5472.9% | 11/6/2024 |
4 Santa Cruz, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Price: $1,610,000
Sq.Ft: 2,261
Beds/Baths: 4/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$71226.3%
Sale Date: 10/31/2024
35 Calle Del Sur, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Price: $1,255,000
Sq.Ft: 1,988
Beds/Baths: 3/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$63112.0%
Sale Date: 10/17/2024
9 Ganadero, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Price: $1,364,000
Sq.Ft: 2,045
Beds/Baths: 4/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$66718.3%
Sale Date: 9/25/2024
132 Encantado, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Price: $975,000
Sq.Ft: 1,743
Beds/Baths: 3/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$5590.8%
Sale Date: 11/13/2024
38 Regato, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Price: $1,040,000
Sq.Ft: 1,777
Beds/Baths: 3/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$5853.8%
Sale Date: 10/30/2024
17 Alondra, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Price: $947,500
Sq.Ft: 1,731
Beds/Baths: 3/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$5472.9%
Sale Date: 11/6/2024
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