Everything About the Rancho Santa Margarita Sea Country Las Floras Condos and Townhomes – RSM – Condo Resource Guide
Welcome to my Rancho Santa Margarita Sea Country Las Floras Condos in page! Here, you’ll discover a wealth of information regarding these condos. First, I’ll dive into the essential facts about both Rancho Santa Margarita Sea Country Las Floras condos and the complex. 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
If you would like to view available condos for sale the link is here… condos currently for sale in Rancho Santa Margarita.
As a Realtor we 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, we 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 Sea Country, Las Floras area – 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 Rancho Santa Margarita Condos and Townhomes, 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 and every Rancho Santa Margarita condo and townhome complex. If looking for a Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Sea Country Las Flores Condos in RSM
Now, Let’s get into the Rancho Santa Margarita Sea Country Condos and complex details. The Rancho Santa Margarita Sea Country Las Flores Condo complex is home to 190 condos located directly off of Sea Country and Antonio, near Oso Parkway. As you can see the condo area has a cobblestone style paved entrance. Not too far from Tesoro High School is also great for location. As you can see it is close the the 241 toll road and not too far from the 5 freeway.
The base of the Sea Country complex address is…
1 Seacountry Ln Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
There are 5 different floorplans in this complex.
The floor plans for the 4 bedrooms has only 1 choice layout.
Plan 1 – This plan has 4 bed, 2 1/2 bath 1696 sq ft. 2 levels, no one above or below you. Two bathrooms upstairs, 1/2 bath downstairs. The above photo is a pic of a 4 bedroom, as you can see you get a 2 car driveway with the 4 bedroom. The layout is a little different, a split when you first walk in that has 2 separate areas, that can be used as a small living room and dining room. I’ve seen differences with cutout walls and open walls, closed walls to the back of the condo where there is another area where some use as a family room and some use as a dining room. There is a fireplace in the back room with kitchen adjacent. For sq footage room sizes are not too small, easily big enough for queen bed. Laundry room is upstairs which I think is a bonus. Once you have a laundry room on the same level as the bedrooms, you will never want one on a different floor again. (lol)
If you would like to see inside photos of how this floor plan in Sea Country looks, check out my blog here…
The floor plans for the 3 bedrooms have 3 different floor plans.
- Plan 1 – This plan has 3 bedroom, 2 bath with 1541 sq ft, 2 story. All 3 bedroom and 2 baths upstairs along with a laundry room and small den area. The 1/2 bath is downstairs. This plan does have a 2 car driveway where the other 3 bedroom does not.
- Plan 2 – This plan has 3 bedroom and 2 bath with 1160 sq ft. This is my favorite floorplan because what I love about this floor-plan is it well laid out for a the size and it is a single story. Even better, no one above you.
The floor plans for the 2 bedrooms have 2 different floor plans.
- Plan 1 – This is the most common plan with 1080 sq ft. This plan has 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath with the the bedrooms, 2 bath, and laundry room upstairs.
- Plan 2 – Rarely come on the market because there are far fewer of them. It is 1303 sq feet, it is similar to the first but has an additional room downstairs It is rarely on the market, not to many built of this floor plan. It does have a downstair room which could be used as a Den, 3rd bedroom, office, or playroom.
Recently Sold Sea Country Condos Prices
As you can see here, they look more like than the just stacked condos are resemble a little more home vibe than condos. The have either a street of a cobble stone like inside area to get to the condos.
To give you perspective on price ranges, the Rancho Santa Margarita Seacountry Las Floras Condos total past sales for the last 6 months are listed right here below… Considering there are only 190 condos here, fewer will come on the market compared to others.
Past Sales Info for the 2 bedrooms
The day writing this around 2/1/24, there currently no 2 bedrooms on the market. 3 2 bedrooms with 1080 sq ft have sold in the last 6 months, price ranging from 675,000 – 699,000.
Past Sales About the 3 bedrooms
At the time of writing this there are currently no 3 bedrooms for sale or pending sales.
In the past 6 months there was only 1 3 bedroom that sold. It was the single story plan, sold for $800,000 first day it was on the market. For additional context, It was nicely upgraded.
The last a 3 bedroom with the other floor-plan, the one with the 1541 sq feet was about a year ago. It sold in 4 days on the market for $829,00. For context, it was nicely upgraded. Currently
Past Sales for the 4 Bedrooms
FYI; No currently closed sales in the 6 months.
One sold for $780,000 back on 8/06/21 but it was so so, needed some updating.
There is one active with a list price of $845,000, semi upgraded but backs up to Antonio.
There is one under contract with a list price of $975,000, we won’t know sold price until it closed. I will say is super nice, upgraded and with nice patio with a view backing up to the wilderness.
Current facts; Condos in this complex currently can sell fast, especially 4 bedroom because there are so few 4 bedroom condos. 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 beg Feb 2024.
Bit of the details people like to know
- Attached Garages? YES, all 2 car garages.
- Drive Way? Yes, fits 2 cars but not all have the driveway
- Laundry hookups? YES, even better, the laundry room is upstair where the bedrooms are, favorite spot in my book for laundry room in a condo. Not only do they have room for washer and dryer but you get cabinets and a sink. They do have both electric and gas hookup for dryer.
- Lofts? The 3 bedroom with the 1541 sq feet has a loft and the 2 bedroom 1303 sq ft also has a loft.1689 sq ft plan.
- Gas for stove? YES
- Bedrooms available? 2 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms, and 4 bedrooms
- Bathrooms available? 2 – 2 1/2 bathrooms
- Walk in Kitchen Pantry? NO
- Living Room? The 2 largest plan YES, the rest NO
- Designated Dining Area? Yes, The plan starting at 1689 has a decent sized designated dining area
- Fireplace? YES, gas
- Single or 2 Stories? 2 Stories
- Anyone above or below you? NO
- Vaulted Ceilings? – YES, areas vary depending on plan
- Views? – YES, Some have a view. some are on backup to wilderness and trail areas, but some are backed up to Antonio (a busy street, not a view, and noisy)view of the Arroyo Trabuco Wilderness area.
- Patio? – YES, decent size patio, but some do not have a gate which is good for not so easy access to strangers or break-ins, but not a fan if there was an unexpected fire, would be harder to escape. Just food for thought there!
- Walk in Closet? YES, in main bedroom.
- Heat? Gas
- Door Entry? Single door entry however, there is a little spaces for some potted flowers or something.
- On site Amenities?> Pool, Spa, BBQ picnic area by the pool, playground, and grass area for play or dogs.
- HOA Cost Total? $445 (2 HOA fees one for $310 and and $135 for RSM association)
- Mello Roos – None
- Special Assessments – Just standard expected in this area. Somewhere in range of about $85, just your basic fees (that’s super low comparatively to newer condos). 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 however, it is added to the special assessments. Most don’t but some do, I suggest in your offer ask for it to be paid in full, otherwise the home upgrade cost could on you, and it can be a headache. You want to know this before the offer, so you can make sure it is covered the way you want in the offer contract. You do not want to find a $10,000 bill that you didn’t consider before the offer.
- Year built – 1996 – 1998
- 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.
- Gated? – Yes
Additional Facts with Overall Assessment, My thoughts for Rancho Santa Margarita Sea Country Condos, 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 Sea Country 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 perfectly that standpoint.
Location for several reasons…
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. Some do have a view. These condos are a part of Seacountry. All condos have a gate to these trails that go for miles and miles, To Irvine and/or the 76. How great is that?
Near Arroyo Trabuco Wilderness area O’neill Regional Park
Nature enthusiasts will love the proximity to hiking trails. 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 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. Close to Oso Parkway and gate lets you right out onto Antonio and close to Oso so it is a very convenient location. 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 real plus, additional some have driveways that can fit 2 cars. I do want to note… If you come to see them you will think you can also have street parking because there is a street. However, you may not park there at night without a pass or sticker, you can get towed. They will only give you a sticker IF you have more than 4 cars. That might be a problem for some that have serveral cars and and want to use garage for storage. 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.
Available Laundry – Yes it matters (lol)
Sea Country Las Flores condos do have laundry hookups and they are inside the condo. The laundry room is on the same level as the bedrooms. 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.
Check out that view by the spa, the area could be cleaner than it was at this time.
Amenities for Sea Country
The grounds are decently maintained with mature trees and nice landscaping. I love that it is close to wilderness and trails but you also check on price for fire insurance. There is a pool area, a playground. Mailboxes are not locked, I personally prefer locked mailboxes so no one else has access.
Keep in mind, even though this is considered Rancho Santa Margarita, you do not get access to the beach club and locked associations because this area was incorporated into the city, but does not pay the association fees for those facilities. You need to decide if that is important to you. Here is everything you want to know about what the RMS association offers.
Windows – Enough Light Makes a Considerable Difference
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. Not enough windows and it feels more like a condo where enough light from windows feels more like a home, my perspective is that is definitely a big win.
Overall perspective on Buying a Condo in Sea Country
Love the area and this neighborhood has more of home look with driveways. I most definitely like this complex and would consider buying here. The 2 car garage with driveways and larger backyard patio areas make them look and feel more like home. I dislike the laundry is in the garage, in this price range, that’s disappointing. Of course I always prefer the townhome style in a condo, unfortunately they usually cost more (LOL) so, they are not always in everyones budget. If is in your budget, they are worth considering.
My perspective regarding the 2 bedroom condos
The 2 bedroom is well laid out floor plan for it’s size with no one above or below you. If you need 2 bedroom and an office, either the larger 2 bedroom that is rarely listed is the choice or you need to go with 3 bedroom is a better choice for those needs.
My perspective regarding the 3 bedrooms condos
Both 3 bedroom plans are good and worth taking a look to see if they meet your needs. For anyone wanting a single story with no one above this a rare find for a condo so definitely worth considering.
My perspective regarding the 4 bedroom condos
Not many choices for 4 bedrooms and the location makes these worth considering especially if you want to be on the side of Rancho Santa Margarita and/or near Tesoro High School.
If You are Struggling to Qualify for a Loan to be a Home Owner – Food for Thought
Why 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.
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.
Whether you prefer to call, text, email, or even use carrier pigeon, we’re here to chat about Real Estate. If you’re in the area, we can even grab a coffee and talk! We’re always happy to answer any questions you have because our motto is simple: Our Priority is YOU. And trust us, we mean it!
Oh, and below, you’ll find some additional informational topics that you may find helpful. Be sure to check them out!
OC Property Sisters
website; OCpropertySisters.com
Email: ocpropertysisters@gmail.com
Phone or text us
Dianne Hicks; 949-441-9092
Annette Hurd; 949-226-2252
Fathom Realty
BRE License # 01858415
Check Other blogs or Home Searching Info in Orange County here OC Property Sisters Area Info with Advise and Tips
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
To view homes available for sale OC Property Sisters
We look forward to being a part of your journey. Contact us today and let’s get started!
