[quote author="ipoplaya" date=1211882452][quote author="than711" date=1211878173]Wished I had found this blog prior to me purchasing my home. But this is my question I bought a home in Irvine for $700k 80/10/10 on Feb 07. 3 bed 2.5 bath 1600 sq ft. Making the payments is not a problem at all. Now that the market the way it is what am I suppose to do? Do I walk away or continue throwing my money down the drain?</blockquote>
Only you can decide what to do. Just know that your place is probably going for $575K today (my 1600sf 3/2.5 is) and is headed down to $450K territory. It will be many many years before it sees $700K again... I'd guess it will be back to purchase price by 2020 or so.</blockquote>
than - You actually bought one of the nicest of Ipop's detached models in the same neighborhood. If I remember correctly, you have one of the few plan 3's with a kitchen island and granite everywhere. There were several others that paid $725-, $735-, and $745K for less desirable versions of the same home. The toll road proximity will be a bear when it eventually comes time to sell due to buyers' perception, but everyone that lives there knows that the only "noisy" days are when they run race day. IMO, it is a very good trade for the privacy you get. Most all of the neighbors (even grumpy Ipop) are friendly, as well.
You should search yourself, and remember why you bought the home in the first place. If it was to live and grow in, you couldn't have picked a nicer 'hood. If it was strictly for the investment benefits, you need to decide whether you eat the $100K difference and sell now, or if you trade your credit scores for a difference of $30K, or ride it out.