I think an update is long overdue since my 3 part series that covered the new construction boom happening in North Orange County.
Since that blog, many communities have sold out, a new community called “La Floresta” in Brea has broken ground, Blackstone has added 2 more communities, and Toll Brothers added 2 communities adjacent to Vista Del Verde in Yorba Linda.
This weekend, 2 high end communities open in the master-planned community of Blackstone in Brea. The plans by Standard Pacific and Shea average about 4,000 square feet with numerous view lots toward Catalina and the Los Angeles skyline. Prior to the release of “Castillian” by Standard Pacific Homes more than a year ago, Brea really didn’t have a $1M+ community with the exception of a few streets off Carbon Canyon.
Coral Ridge by Shea Homes and Montserrat by Standard Pacific
Since both communities are nearly identical in price, square footage, and styling, I decided to review them together.
After taking about a 1 year hiatus from touring model homes for clients, I was reminded about how overwhelmed I can feel when touring a fully decked out home while in the presence of other buyers.
I invited 2 other co-workers to view 6 models one morning. My heart rate doubled, my teeth clenched, and I felt very uncomfortable. Referring to the fancy folder, price sheet, and floor plans while trying to observe a home’s features felt like an overwhelming task — and I do this for a living! Model homes can be VERY seductive. I could only imagine what is going through the mind of a first-time homebuyer from overseas. I jokingly mentioned to my co-workers (who were both white) that they were the only non-asians on the tour. More on that later.
Features we liked
I’ve heard a rumor that Shea employs “Feng Shui” experts on their design staff. If so, it’s a no-brainer as I observed that 100% of the buyers visiting that particular day were asian and born overseas. Whether this is true or not, the flow of their homes seem like a science. These homes take up a footprint of what once would be only a 2,200 square foot home under older construction designs. High ceilings, open air kitchens, large island counters, and plenty of windows have a calming effect on the senses. All plans have an upstairs loft area.
A “must have” option for these models are the panoramic doors that creates a seamless transition into your backyard or “California Room.” Although you will likely not have this “disappearing wall” open everyday, the effect when entertaining guests can make a room feel twice as large.
The views from the Montserrat community are superior due to the higher elevation and some lots facing west toward the Los Angeles skyline.
Little things to complain about
Of course, no community is perfect. In order to maximize the builder’s land, homes are built extremely close to each other. The sides on many lots likely conform to minimal setback requirements where there’s barely room to drag a trash container through. Compared to other homes in this price segment, some floorplans feel congested where they maximized square footage at the expense of open ceiling areas that usually reach the 2nd level. HOA dues will likely be hovering around $232 (will rise with inflation) and a small “melo roos” that brings the tax rate to about 1.25%. Since there will be numerous communities in Blackstone that includes condos, expect the common areas to be crowded.
Overall, I believe the communities provide good value compared to other options at this price point. If Montserrat and Coral Ridge were built in Yorba Linda with similar views, I’d expect the homes to be worth at least $100,000 higher.
Stay tuned for my review on a new townhome community called “Paseo” in Brea and two new communities by Toll Brothers in “Amalfi Hills” of Yorba Linda.
