Edwin Baloloy

October 1, 2014 by Edwin Baloloy

Then and Now: Today’s home vs. the 1990’s

Most Real Estate professionals will agree that home designs changed drastically from 1985 to 1990. Shake roofs, popcorn ceilings, wood siding, and single-paned aluminum windows gave way to their counterparts: spanish tiled roofs, flat textured ceilings, stucco exteriors, and vinyl double paned windows.

Toward the end of the 1990’s, wet bars were removed, tiled countertops gave way to bull-nosed granite tops, and sharp corners of walls were replaced by rounded corners.

Fast forward to 2014: Home builders and remodelers are taking styling cues from elements that usually went into high-rise condos. Here are a few examples:

Then: rounded edges of granite countertops with square tiled flooring. Dark colors for countertops were common along with square tiled flooring.

Now: square-edged granite tops with staggered long planked flooring. — Now: square-edged granite tops with staggered long planked flooring made from either wood or tile designed to have wood-like look.

THEN: Wet bars had a countertop with a small sink. Unlike the one in this photo, they often had a mirrored background.

NOW: Having wine on display gives home a high end feel without the trashy association with liquor. Many are turning to wine racks or wine refrigerators when remodeling the space where a wet bar once occupied. — NOW: Having wine on display gives off a high end feel without the trashy association with liquor. Many are turning to wine racks or wine refrigerators when remodeling the space where a wet bar once occupied.

THEN: White or light neutral-colored walls would dominate rooms. One color was good enough.

2013-09-12 15.09.10 — NOW: Contrasting colors and paneled walls.

NOW: Contrasting colors create depth and can make a room feel larger. Bright shades of orange and green are common in the color palette.

If you’re ever short on ideas, look no further than the model homes in your area. The home builders pay top dollar to some of the best interior decorators in the industry. Take plenty of photos.

May 18, 2014 by Edwin Baloloy

Standard Pacific Opens “Avignon” Estate-Caliber Homes in Brea

As expected, home builder Standard Pacific’s marketing efforts drew large crowds to the their grand opening on May 17th. Even temperatures in the 90s didn’t stop homebuyers from taking a peak while eating the complimentary snacks.

Guests had to park down the street after Avignon's small lot and curbs filled near the models. — Guests had to park down the street after Avignon’s small lot and curbs filled near the models.

My expectations of Avignon were thoughts of simply larger designs of Standard Pacific’s Montserrat community. Those were quickly exceeded when walking to their plan 3, which was first on their model tour.

Plan 3 courtyard entrance. — Plan 3 “Chagail” courtyard entrance. Plan 3 is the first home to see when walking out of the sales office.

Plan 3 is the first home to see when walking out of the sales office. At an impressive 5,336+ square feet, entertaining spaces rival those of some banquet halls. — At an impressive 5,336+ square feet, entertaining spaces rival those of some banquet halls.

Designs are more immersive with arched entryways, grand entrances, and ground level master bedrooms available on some floor plans. Even to a Real Estate agent, it’s tough to distinguish standard features beyond the breathtaking decor that seems to have increased over the prior communities. Of course, none of those decorations and landscaping will come with the homes with exception of the very-expensive models which will be sold in the last phase.

The "California Room" gets more impressive as the tour continued. This one shown in the "Hayden" model (plan 1) has an arched covering. — The “California Room” gets more impressive as the tour continued. This one shown in the “Hayden” model (plan 1) has an arched covering.

The most impressive California Room is saved for last on the model tour. Plan 2 "Schubert" has an entire corner of the room disappear to expand the entertaining area. — The most impressive California Room is saved for last on the model tour. Plan 2 “Schubert” has an entire corner of the room disappear to expand the entertaining area.

The canyon view in the background is similar to what most homesites will see. A few lots will have a partial city lights view.

Avignon will release their first phase of homes on May 24th. Buyers will be required to sign up on a first-come, first-serve priority list.

Unlike Coral Ridge and Montserrat, unobstructed city lights view lots aren’t available due to the location of the community. It will be interesting how the international buyers (mostly Chinese) respond. Many I’ve spoke to have a “view or nothing” mentality. However, the far-superior designs might give buyers enough to compensate for the lack of a view.

Questions, details, and Pricing

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April 23, 2014 by Edwin Baloloy

REVIEW: The Domain by Brookfield Homes offers modern living and downpayment assistance

The pool area sits south of the building -- plenty of California sun for residents. — The pool area sits south of the building — plenty of California sun for residents.

2014-04-23 12.30.12 — Common areas include a BBQ area and fireplace next to the pool.

A few years ago, I got excited about Anaheim going through a transformation that would bring shopping and nightlife to neglected areas outside of the Disneyland Resort. There was promise of a downtown area “similar to the Gaslamp District” next to Angel Stadium. However, it seems all of the plans for the infamous “Platinum Triangle” have been put on hold indefinitely until builders and city officials decide what exactly will be built.

Meanwhile, the downtown area near Anaheim Blvd and Broadway is something that has transformed into a thriving promenade with little fanfare. Mid-rise modern apartments have been built next to chic-styled restaurants and Anaheim’s Civic Center.

“The Domain” by Brookfield Residential is the 2nd mid-rise property to be built in the area after Harbor Street Lofts were constructed in 2010.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPtPhFhMW1E?rel=0&w=480&h=270]
Unlike the recent “urban flops” that were constructed (i.e. – Stadium Lofts on Katella and Harbor Street Lofts) where drastic price reductions were needed, the Domain seems poised to be a hit as the Real Estate market has improved and the location actually has several establishments worth visiting several times a week such as Farmer’s Market on Center Street, Umami Burger, and Anaheim Brewery. HOA dues are pretty reasonable for a mid-rise at $243 per month.

It's all about the LIFESTYLE -- page from Brookfield's Media Kit — It’s all about the LIFESTYLE — page from Brookfield’s Media Kit

Brookfield also seems to have learned from the shortcomings of nearby complexes in order to cater to groups beyond just “20 somethings.” Unlike the Stadium Lofts, The Domain features select residences with direct access garages.

Some garages are larger than what you'd find in most homes! This one is a full 2-car garage with a "storage" area in the front that can be used for an exercise room or small 3rd car. — Some garages are larger than what you’d find in most homes! This one is a full 2-car garage with a “storage” area in the front that can be used for an exercise room or small 3rd car.

Home designs are as small as 1 bedroom, 1 bath with 897 square feet and can be large as 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with 1,644 square feet with an attached 2-car garage.

A sheik rooftop lounge is a great gathering place to entertain and look down on the rooftops of nearby buildings.

Modern kitchen designs and well-appointed layouts creates separation and mood for each area.

Plan 4 (started at $410,370 during the time) has the largest corner balcony of all floor plans.

LINE OF SIGHT: Although Plan 4Y is only 1,283 square feet, the distance from the master bedroom to the opposite wall seems like a football field!

Here’s more good news: There will be a significant number of “Plan B” residences (2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,103 sq ft) classified as “affordable” units where downpayment assistance will be available. The program is also available toward other designs as long as funding remains. There has been $6M set aside for the program.

Similar to nearby Colony Park, buyers with lower household incomes are eligible to use Anaheim’s Housing Program to assist them in obtaining homeownership. The program offers up to $125,000 in downpayment assistance.

Here are some of the requirements of the program:

– Income limits are based on household size. For example, a household of 2 cannot earn more than $83,700 (using the moderate income table).

– Buyers cannot own more than $92,000 in cash assets.

– All persons in household must provide proof of permanent US residency.

– Applicants must complete HUD’s Certified Homebuyer Education Program.

Call me at 714-501-2732 for more information or use the form in the “Contact Edwin” link above.

April 22, 2014 by Edwin Baloloy

Avignon by Standard Pacific to host grand opening May 17th in Brea

In a prior blog, I mentioned that Standard Pacific will be opening a new luxury community in the Blackstone Community of Brea called “Avignon”.

For those who have been keeping up with Blackstone’s development, expect homes to be similar in lot size to the Castillian community sold 2 years ago. Living sizes will be slightly larger and exterior facades will be more extravagant.

Expect canyon views similar to this one from an earlier community built by Standard Pacific called "Castillian". — Expect canyon views similar to this one from an earlier community built by Standard Pacific called “Castillian”.

Expect homes to be sold in "Phase releases" similar to this one shown. Buyers will be required to join a priority list. — Homes will be sold in “Phase releases” similar to this one shown. Buyers will be required to join a priority list.

The Grand Opening will take place on May 17th and starts at 10 AM. Prices will start in the low $1,000,000s and have living spaces up to 5,485 square feet. Most lots will have canyon or hillside views. A few homes will have city lights views and are expected to be priced near $1.8M.

If you’re seriously considering a brand new luxury home, you’ll want to review how this community stacks up against other homes in the area. Next, you’ll want the assistance of an agent familiar with the area. The agent will assist you in obtaining a position on the builder’s priority list so you can purchase the most desired lots.

If you need to sell an existing home in order to buy, it would be a good idea to review your options.

Want more information or have questions regarding this community?

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