IRVINE

As home sales continue to surge throughout the county, Irvine’s newest upscale village of Northpark is no exception, with 70 of the community’s first 120 homes purchased on the first day of sales.

By last week, about 500 buyers filed prequalification packets with the village’s nine builders, hoping to be among the community’s first residents next spring, Irvine Co. spokesman Paul Kranhold said.

Only 360 were able to show that they were financially qualified to purchase a home and were entered into last Friday’s lottery drawing, he said.

Hailed by Irvine Co. executives as perhaps their best community yet, Northpark will offer 1,600 homes, 700 apartments, several parks, athletic fields, an elementary school and a shopping center.

Homes are priced from the high $100,000s to more than $800,000.