News Summary
A major fixer-upper in Orange, California, has been listed at $449,000 but comes with extensive renovation needs and serious issues, including black mold and an unsafe balcony. Potential buyers will face high HOA fees and three large liens requiring negotiations. This property reflects ongoing concerns about affordability and home conditions in the Orange County market.
Orange, California – Distressed Property Listed at $449,000
A home in Orange, California, is attracting attention for its listing price of $449,000, despite significant renovation needs and multiple serious issues. Located at 534 S. Flower Circle, the property is categorized as a “major fixer” and is described as being in dire need of extensive repairs, including a full rehabilitation as “nothing is salvageable.”
The single-family home, built in 1980, faces a range of challenges. Most notably, there is extensive black mold and overwhelming pet urine odors present throughout the house. Furthermore, the kitchen ceiling has collapsed, and the drywall has deteriorated due to a leak that has also affected the master bedroom. Another significant concern is an unsafe balcony that poses a risk of falling through, endangering anyone who might utilize it.
Potential buyers may also need to consider other underlying issues. The monthly homeowners association (HOA) fee is set at $400; however, the HOA has been reported to lack funds for necessary repairs and does not have adequate reserves. Additionally, there are three large liens on the property that buyers will need to negotiate.
The property was listed for sale in late January by AMR Realty Group’s Ariel Rumennik. Since then, it has become a topic of discussion on social media platforms such as Reddit, where many users have commented on the home’s condition and the asking price. While the sellers have been commended for their transparency regarding the state of the property, a significant number of commenters have voiced their concerns. Many find the high HOA fees excessive and express skepticism about the value of older homes that require extensive repairs before being livable.
These sentiments echo broader frustrations within the Orange County housing market, where affordability and condition of homes have become major issues for potential buyers. The challenges facing this particular home reflect ongoing concerns about real estate dynamics in the area, where properties often do not meet the expectations associated with their price points.
As the real estate landscape in Orange County continues to evolve, listings like the one on S. Flower Circle may become more common, highlighting the need for buyers to conduct thorough evaluations and understand the financial implications of purchasing properties in desperate need of city-sanctioned work.
Anyone interested in this property should prepare for significant investment not just in purchase price, but also in remediation efforts required to make the home safe and habitable. This situation serves as a cautionary tale for prospective buyers and adds complexities to the already challenging market present in Orange County.
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Additional Resources
- Fox LA: OC Home For Sale for Half a Million Dollars
- Wikipedia: How to Buy Real Estate
- OC Business Journal: Irvine Real Estate Company Buys Florida Land
- Google Search: Orange County Housing Market
- LA Times: Hawaii Man Pleads Guilty in $1.8M OC Yacht and Real Estate Scam
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- IPE: Orange County Sets $400M Real Estate Pacing for 2025
- Google News: Orange County Real Estate News
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
