[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAS78lCKJ8k]Part 1 – Entry-level & First Time Homebuyer segment (Upper $400s to upper $500s)
Part 2 – Mid level & “move-up” segment (Upper $500s to Mid $800s)
Part 3 – Luxury segment ($800,000 to $1.3 M)
In part 2, we will cover 3 communities in Placentia and Yorba Linda: Crescent Heights in Placentia and The Preserve and Heritage in Yorba Linda. [all communities mentioned are sold out]
Located off Richfield in the City of Placentia, Crescent Heights seems to offer a very flexible home that can suit the needs of just about any homeowner from the single professional, retiree, or even large family. From the street, the homes have all the elements of many new homes: very little front yard, homes packed together, and almost no porch or “grandness” of an entryway to greet your guests. It’s ok — most homebuyers in this market segment don’t care about those things. The “new feeling” along with well designed interior layouts are enough to compensate for a generation that seems to focus less on a large yard or guest parking.
In this economy where “bling” is out and practicality is in, this product seems to work well for the family who may have stretched their dollar in 2004 to a 3,000+ square foot home. Plans 2 and 3 are creatively laid out where you can have as many as 5 bedrooms while keeping common areas for computer use, a dining area, and a TV viewing area. Both plans 2 & 3 have an optional downstairs bedroom and can be configured to have as many as four baths. For some reason, the builder, Ecto Homes, decided to have models for plans 1 & 2 only. Plan 3 is my favorite and is sometimes available to view if the builder has inventory.
A major passenger and freight line is about a 1/4 mile away from the gated community. On the surface, this may seem like a noise concern due to the rumbling and the train whistles. This will initially concern some buyers. However, as a resident of a home about the same distance from the train tracks, the train whistles are rarely heard through double-paned windows and block walls. The builder did a good job of having block walls that soar over 15 feet or so around the perimeter of the community. Another concern to some buyers is the former use of the land for oil wells. However, just like many acres of developed Placentia, Brea, or Yorba Linda, most buyers are willing to accept this. As a former Project Engineer who is familiar with some of the requirements for capping an oil well along with the strict soil requirements, I believe the risk is very low compared to many of the other potential hazards on a home lot.
Toll Brothers will complete their final community in “Vista Del Verde” Golf Community in the City of Yorba Linda called “The Preserve.” [UPDATE: This community is SOLD OUT] Starting in the mid-600s, these single family detached homes have all the touches you’d expect from a Toll Brothers home: extra-large gourmet kitchens, high ceilings, and a new trend of combining the outdoor spaces with the interior. The premiere view lots have a panoramic view of Anaheim Hills and Catalina Island.
You might be asking yourself, “A Toll Brothers Home in Orange County for around $700? What’s the catch?” Well, here are a few minor details worth mentioning. Every home has at least one “zero lot line,” where your neighbor’s wall is exposed in your side yard. Additionally, the best values are usually on “Quick Delivery Homes” (a home already built) which can be an undesired lot or home that fell out of escrow after the buyer chose their upgrades. All models that face nearby Lakeview Avenue are modified floorplans to meet Yorba Linda’s odd requirements of sloping rooflines for any home facing a busy street. While the community is only a few miles from the brand new Yorba Linda High School, residents are in El Dorado High’s boundaries (which is still a strong school). Finally, just like any Toll Brothers Home, the homes in their standard form are a far cry from the highly upgraded models.
Built one year prior to the Preserve is Toll Brother’s “Heritage” community consisting of 3,000 square foot townhomes. [Update: This community is SOLD OUT] Located right at the entrance of Yorba Linda’s Black Gold Golf Course, views of the golf course or the city are available. The building exteriors are very impressive with grand entryways and tuscan-themed details. Most buildings consist of 3 units with the largest “Alessandra” design sandwiched in the middle with two shared walls. Just like the Preserve floorplans, optional full sliding doors combine the outdoor with the interior for the ultimate entertaining atmosphere. The doors leading to the backyard literally disappear from sight.
I personally was surprised to see the price buyers were willing to pay for an attached product. I learned that the complete package Heritage offered was well worth the price: Yorba Linda School district, Toll Brothers touches throughout, views, and the wealth of the surrounding area. It will be interesting to see how parking will be handled. I didn’t see too many parking spaces for guests or homeowners who have a 3rd car. Too many cars can create an undesired “apartment feel” to the area if not properly handled by HOA. I just hope Toll planned accordingly.
Don’t miss Part III – Luxury segment ($800,000 to $1.3 M) – Greenbriar by MBK Homes, Corte Bella by Shappell Homes, Jade by Shea Homes, and Castillian by Standard Pacific Homes.
