Manzanita Trail next door had combined the homes with zero-lot-lines and regular detached homes in the same tract, and have sold all but a couple of their 187 homes available.
They have split the concept now – Hampton Lane’s 114 homes will all be the zero-lot-line format with interior locations, and a separate tract of the regular detached homes will start later this year on the perimeters.
Pardee will muddle through the Hampton sales (half of the 18 available are taken) until they open the tract of regulars. If those sell briskly, the zeros should enjoy some spill-over. Here’s the model tour:
If the zero lot line designs are done right, it makes better use of land than the typical 5′ setback with a fence that is unusable and wasted space. It’s a good idea just not perfected yet.
The easement is probably more about allowing windows or openings that would otherwise be prohibited by the building code.
Is it just me? I can’t stand the tangerine/orange walls in the first home. I’ve seen them in a few model homes. The wall colors in the 2nd home are much more soothing.
And the mellos roos @$371/month is $4,452/year? Ten years pencils out at over $44K. Do people really just ignore that “chunk of change”? Just askin…
How ridiculous.
I would strongly encourage anyone looking to buy a brand new home to use a realtor, especially one as savvy as you Jim. It doesn’t cost anything (builder pays realtor, won’t discount price to you if you don’t use one) and it helps to have advice as to what is possible, what are worthwhile options vs. a waste of money, possible options not listed on the sheets (you can request and pay $100 fee to see what they would cost), and ways you can customize your home (different sinks, appliances, etc.) for no extra money. Also to get advice on flooring and landscape contractors so you don’t waste your money.
Doesn’t the overhang run right up to the property line, or so close it doesn’t matter? That would make the easement just for the area under the eaves.
Thank you Anonymous!
I’ll add to your list of what I can do to assist with a new-home purchase:
1. Insist that an independent home inspector conduct a thorough inspection, and get builder to repair prior to close. It’s not a given that a builder’s customer service staff will fix everything you want after it closes.
2. Buyers get stuck with the builder’s lender – I make sure they don’t rip you off.
3. The builder’s agent owes you nothing – they don’t represent you in the purchase, and don’t have to be proactive in looking for problems. I will be proactive.