Creative decorating in Mission Viejo

A wood board covering part of the front window outside and...interesting...paint color choices inside are just two of the features this Mission Viejo fixer-upper condo can call its own.

26046 Via Pera #C-3, 92691

Asking price: $269,900

Asking price/ sq ft: $233
Income requirement: $67,475
Peak purchase price: $399,500
Peak purchase date: 6/25/04
Size: 3 beds, 1.5 baths, 1,156 sq ft (built in 1972)

MLS: S517799 (19 days on Redfin)

2006 property tax: $4,270
HOA dues: $283
Type: Condominium

Style: Contemporary

Stories: Two Levels
From listing: Good location in middle of complex. Community pool. Attached one car garage with direct access. Needs minor TLC but worth the investment to make your own. Close to shopping and transportation.

I give whomever wrote the listing description a lot of credit. They subtly communicated the fact that this place is a little off while emphasizing that the right person has a potential opportunity to "make it their own" - a.k.a. work a miracle and bring the place back to respectability.

Judging by the sales history, it looks like this property likely went back to the bank at the end of December and has been on the market for about three weeks now. It will be interesting to see how long this takes to sell (and how many price reductions will be necessary).

Assuming a sale at the current full asking price, it would represent a decline of $129,600 or 32% from the top purchase price about three-and-a-half years ago.