MARK YOUR CALENDAR – VERANDA IN ALISO VIEJO TO CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING JUNE 16TH

Only two weeks remain until the much-anticipated grand opening of Veranda at Glenwood in Aliso Viejo, Shea Homes’ collection of elegant single-family residences that promise to make staying at home feel like getting away.

Highlighting the grand opening on Saturday, June 16th, will be the debut of beautifully decorated models that showcase the principles of holistic living, which combines all of the elements of the perfect residential environment, inside and out. Everyday household activities will unfold in the comfort of free-flowing great rooms, and guest suites will welcome visiting friends and relatives. Spacious lofts will accommodate everything from a quiet hideaway to a media space to a home office. For outdoor enjoyment and entertaining, private courtyards will be a natural extension of the spacious interiors.

“Veranda brings everything into harmony,” stated Janet Benavidez, vice president, sales and marketing, for Shea Homes Southern California. “It begins with you, setting the stage, planning for the future and gathering all the parts of your perfect home. Plus it’s the last golf course community in Aliso Viejo, so don’t miss out. Join the interest list now and mark your calendar for our June 16th grand opening, where you’ll discover the many choices that await you at Veranda.”

The model tour will spotlight three distinctive single-family floor plans spanning approximately 3,167 to 3,758 square feet, including three to five bedrooms and four to four and one-half baths, with prices starting in the $800,000s. In each home, every room is a solution, and every detail adds to the whole. Wide-open designs expand the opportunities for shared moments, family time and casual entertaining. State-of-the-art kitchens achieve the perfect balance of style and convenience. Master baths evoke a sense of serene opulence. Everything about Veranda is designed to surpass buyers’ expectations.

Veranda’s value will be enhanced by the riches of Glenwood and its centerpiece, a Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course. There’s a genuine sense of abundance at Glenwood, and for good reason. From parks and pools to sports fields and golf, the world expands exponentially for residents, who are free to balance work and play, life and growth, family and friends in the superb Orange County address that has set the standard for master-planned excellence.

Additional advantages will be Veranda’s convenient proximity to the stores, restaurants and movie theaters at Aliso Viejo Town Center and the excellent education opportunities at Aliso Viejo’s top-rated schools. To join the interest list and get additional information about Veranda, please visit www.sheahomes.com or call 866-OWN SHEA.

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LUXURY LIFESTYLE + ATTACHED-HOME CONVENIENCE --PACIFIC SHORES OFFERS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Christopher Homes’ Pacific Shores in Huntington Beach offers the best of both worlds, the luxurious lifestyle of owning a residence in a private, gated community just three blocks from the beach and the convenience of maintenance-free attached living.

Luxury is an everyday experience at both of Pacific Shores’ neighborhoods, The Bungalows and The Villas, where all of the homes abound with today’s most sought-after amenities. The added benefits include advantages that single-family homes can’t match: No outdoor maintenance and the peace of mind that comes with being able to “lock and leave,” when travel is on the agenda.

For luxury on a grand scale, The Villas presents a trio of imaginatively designed three-story floor plans ranging from approximately 3,527 to 4,142 square feet, including four to five bedrooms, 4.5 to 5.5 baths, plus loft space for entertainment and parties and a three-car attached garage. Two of the plans are enhanced by a first-floor bedroom and adjoining bath, and architectural styles feature Coastal, Andalusian and Spanish designs. Prices start in the low $1 Millions.

The centerpiece of every Villas residence is an extra-spacious courtyard that will enable residents to share all the advantages of coastal living, from outdoor relaxation to al fresco entertaining.  And each home is topped off with a third-floor bedroom suite that may be selected as an optional loft with wet bar in most plans. 

The Villas are joined at Pacific Shores by The Bungalows, where five spacious two- and three-story townhome plans range from approximately 1,481 to 2,606 square feet, including two, three or four bedrooms and up to 4.5 baths.

The newest addition to The Bungalows collection also provides exceptional luxury and convenience. The Residence Four is highlighted by dual master suites, including one on the first floor. A spacious loft or optional bedroom enhance the home’s versatility, and select versions of Residence Four feature a secluded third floor with bedroom, bath and loft. Prices currently start in the high $500,000s and range up to the high $700,000s. Residences Two, Three and Four offer both two- and three-story designs. The two-story homes are value-priced from the low $700,000s.

The Villas Residence Three was honored with a coveted Platinum Award at the first annual Professional Builder Design Awards, and Residence Three was also the Gold Award winner for Architectural Design – Attached Home Plan at The Nationals at the International Builders Show presented by the National Association of Home Builders.

Both The Bungalows and The Villas offer a variety of customizing opportunities, including upgraded cabinet stain finishes and door styles, upgraded granite and tile selections and such state-of-the-art technology as home theater, intercom, security alarm and central vacuum systems. At The Villas, optional Wolf® appliances are joined by such additional available upgrades as Sub-Zero® refrigerator/freezers and Bertazzoni® ranges.

Models at both The Bungalows and The Villas are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and prospective buyers may obtain additional information, join the interest lists and download e-brochures by visiting www.pacificshoreshb.com. Further details are also available by calling The Bungalows sales information at 714-594-3254 and The Villas sales information at 714-960-2900. Home buyers can keep up to date on all the latest news and goings-on by visiting www.facebook.com/pacificshoreshb  or follow them on twitter @pacificshoreshb.

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PHASE TWO NOW SELLING AND GRAND OPENING SPELLS SUCCESS FOR CHANTREA AT SILVER CREEK IN SAN JOSE

Reflecting the accelerating demand for luxury homes in Silicon Valley, scores of enthusiastic home seekers turned out for the grand opening of TRI Pointe Homes’ Chantrea at Silver Creek in San Jose. Due to the continued high demand, Chantrea at Silver Creek has released a new phase of homes to satisfy the demand. Highlighting the event was the debut of three exquisite model homes that showcase the innovative designs of Chantrea’s limited edition of 38 prestigious estate residences, which are priced starting in the $1 millions.

Situated on generously sized homesites with a minimum of 10,000 square feet, Chantrea’s floor plans span approximately 3,390 to 4,250 square feet, including up to five bedrooms and up to four and one-half baths with first- and second-floor master suites.  Everyone who toured the models was impressed by expansive family spaces and a variety of enhanced room options, such as gourmet preparation kitchens, multipurpose dens and covered outdoor rooms designed for al fresco entertaining. 

Matching the upscale designs of Chantrea, each home is distinguished by a gourmet kitchen featuring professional-caliber Thermador® stainless steel appliances, including Masterpiece Series 5-burner gas cooktop, double oven and built-in microwave. The kitchens are also highlighted by extra-large islands with ample storage and Euro-style cabinets in a variety of stains.

Built with the environment and energy efficiency in mind, each home will be equipped with SunPower® solar energy panels in keeping with the TRI Pointe Homes philosophy of treading lightly and building wisely.

"Because Chantrea at Silver Creek is our first Northern California community, TRI Pointe Homes is truly gratified by the enthusiastic reception we received,” said Carrie Newbery, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at TRI Pointe Homes. “We are delighted that Chantrea was recognized for offering an exceptional level of luxury in a highly desirable setting that is in close proximity to the social media and technology epicenter of Silicon Valley.” 

Just off of Nieman Boulevard in San Jose, Chantrea at Silver Creek is conveniently located near San Jose’s numerous parks, cultural attractions and museums, as well as shopping, dining and entertainment. The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose Civic Auditorium, and San Jose Museum of Art are among the many nearby cultural venues. Among the area’s popular local parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a favorite of families with children and provides conservation-oriented outdoor adventure.  For local shopping needs, the Eastridge Shopping Center offers an array of specialty retailers.

To discover all the reasons behind the resounding success of the grand opening celebration at Chantrea, from the US-101 freeway, exit Yerba Buena Road, head east to Nieman Boulevard and turn left. Proceed to Cirelli Drive and the models are on the left-hand side. The sales office and decorated models are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about Chantrea, call 408-531-8881 or visit www.TRIPointeHomes.com. Homebuyers can keep up to date on Chantrea news at www.facebook.com/ChantreaSanJose.

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TRI Pointe's Doug Bauer: 'We’re set up to be the next generation of merchant home builders'

Launched in the spring of 2009 by three former William Lyon Homes executives, Irvine, Calif.-based TRI Pointe Homes is among a small group of home-building startups led by industry veterans who are utilizing their deep relationships and clean balance sheets to make their mark in California.
TRI Pointe has quickly grown from a small, fee-based builder for the Irvine Company into a mid-sized merchant builder operating in Northern and Southern California, thanks, in part, to a $150 million equity partnership with Starwood Capital Group. Professional Builder sat down with TRI Pointe CEO Doug Bauer to discuss life as a startup.

David Barista: Given your combined 75-plus years of experience from running William Lyon Homes, what have the three partners brought to this startup?

Doug Bauer: We set up TRI Pointe to be the next generation of merchant home builders, which, for us, includes four key ingredients: having the best people on our team; focusing on real estate that is close to employment corridors; having a good capital base; and offering a great experience for our customers. None of these are revolutionary, but as a startup, it’s easier to execute on them because we’re not burdened with legacy issues. We’re not looking in the rear-view mirror at legacy assets, liabilities, and overhead. We’re not worried about some asset we bought 10 years ago that’s still weighing us down. We’re looking out the front window to grow the company and we have a profitable building platform to move forward on.

DB: When you talk about a focus on controlling land near employment corridors, how do you compete for this high-demand real estate, especially as a startup?

DB: It’s really having the right people focused on those locations and on developing the right relationships with land sellers, master developers, and the brokerage community. For instance, in Orange County we were selected by the Irvine Company as part of their executive builder program from the beginning. That was really the genesis of TRI Pointe Homes. When you have the Irvine Company call you for an opportunity like that, it only happens because you have developed strong relationships with the company.

In Northern California, we’ll be building in San Mateo at the old Bay Meadows Racetrack, which has been owned by Stockbridge and managed by Wilson Meany Sullivan — again, it’s been years of cultivating relationships. That was a very competitive bidding contest. But besides price, the sellers want to know that they’re partnering with a builder that builds an excellent product, builds on time, and is a good partner. They also want to know that the builder has the capital to perform. With our capital structure (Starwood partnership) and being small, we’re probably as nimble and competitive as any of the other privates and publics we compete against.

DB: What is your long-term growth strategy for TRI Pointe Homes?

DB: The plan is to grow the company organically to where we are building about 1,000 homes annually in Northern and Southern California. With the land we control right now — about 1,200 lots — we’ll be up to 150 sales this year and we should be over 350 sales next year, so we’re on that growth pattern.

The other part of our platform is mergers and acquisitions. We are strategically looking at markets outside of California, most notably Texas, Colorado, Phoenix, Nevada, and the Northwest. We’ve been meeting with private builders in those markets that see us as an attractive partner because we have capital.
Ultimately, our exit strategy is to take the company public, or perhaps sell it.

DB: Can you talk about some of the design innovations you are incorporating into your homes?

DB: One thing we like to do with our designs is establish what I call “memory points” — special places in the homes that help to spark buyers’ imagination of how they can live happily in our homes. For example, in Northern California, one of the buyer profiles is Asian Indian. We created two features for this group: a home-management center and a separate room off the main kitchen for their cooking-related appliances, like woks.

The other key design ingredient that we see in California is the trend of serving two masters. In both the attached and detached markets, we’re incorporating a junior master suite downstairs because the younger families that are buying our homes typically have extended family either living with them or visiting for extended periods.

Another component we’re focusing on is the green platform. For instance, we’re building million-dollar homes in San Jose that will incorporate solar as standard. We feel that consumers don’t want to pay for solar, and eventually it’s going to be a standard feature in most of our homes, including our entry-level products. We’re not quite there yet, but we’re looking at designing our homes to incorporate solar as part of the basic cost structure.

By David Barista, Editor-in-Chief, Professional Builder
Professional Builder Magazine

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Builder Confidence Rises Five Points in May

Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes gained five points in May from a downwardly revised reading in the previous month to reach a level of 29 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released today. This is the index’s strongest reading since May of 2007.

“Builders in many markets are reporting that buyer traffic and sales have picked back up after a pause this April,” said Barry Rutenberg, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. “It seems we have resumed the gradual upward trend in confidence that started at the beginning of this year, as stabilizing prices and excellent affordability encourage more people to pursue a new-home purchase.”

“While home building still has quite a way to go toward a fully healthy market, the fact that the HMI has returned to trend is an excellent sign that firming home values, improving employment and low mortgage rates are drawing consumers back,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “The pace of this emerging recovery could be stronger were it not for the significant impediments that the market continues to face with regard to builder and consumer access to credit, inaccurate appraisals, and more recently, rising materials prices.”

Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 25 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index gauges builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.” Scores from each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor.

http://www.nahb.org

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The Collection at Riverpark Construction is Moving Forward!

How many times have you told your family, “One day we’ll have a beautiful new home that we can really be proud of.”? “One day” is now with Shea Homes, where innovative floor plans, thoughtful designs, award-winning customer service and affordable financing programs can turn your far-off new-home dream into an immediate reality.

Shea Properties announces that the plan to complete construction of the Collection at Riverpark is moving forward. Ventura County residents have been waiting patiently for The Collection to open, especially those living in the Riverpark community. The Collection is a 600,000 square foot, open air specialty center which will consist of retail stores, restaurants and theaters. Retail includes Target, Whole Foods, REI, as well as Starbucks Coffee, Menchies Frozen Yogurt, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and Panera Bread. Massage Envy and Color Me Mine are also planning a fall opening. Other announcements will be made in the coming weeks as leases are finalized.

Right now at these two spacious townhome and courtyard style communities, Shea Homes Representatives are showing homebuyers how to “One Day” own it, even for the first time. Imagine enjoying a coastal Oxnard lifestyle and amenity rich RiverPark surroundings. Picture a brand new home with all new features and energy efficiency. Why rent when you can own it?

“Our new “One day is now with Shea homes” presents unprecedented opportunities for buyers while the select homes last,” stated Janet Benavidez, vice president of sales and marketing, “Visiting our RiverPark neighborhoods now is an absolute must for those who have waited for the perfect time, price, place and lifestyle to come together. Low interest rates can make it possible to have a “One day” and enjoy monthly payments that are comparable to what they’re spending now to rent. Ask the Sales Representative at the neighborhood to show you the facts and figures, but don’t delay!”

 Complete details on all of Shea Homes' communities are available by visiting the company's new website at http://www.sheahomes.com or calling 866-OWN SHEA.

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MOM, DAD AND THE KIDS LOVE GREENDOOR AT EDENGLEN

Mike and Michelle Virgen and their two young girls have all found something to love about their new home at GreenDoor at Edenglen in Ontario, which they refer to as “heaven” compared with their former apartment.

Mike loves the loft in their Plan One residence, which has become the home’s adult hideaway complete with TV. Michelle’s office shares the loft, but her favorite room is the kitchen. “The island does it all,” she explained. “It’s great for the kids to use for quick snacks and small meals, and it becomes the focal point for entertaining guests.”

As the Virgens discovered, GreenDoor reconnects residents with everything that matters: peace and quiet, family and friends, home. Showcasing new designs for modern living, GreenDoor is a real neighborhood of brand-new detached homes that offer more space, technologically advanced and energy-efficient features, including solar panels, extra garage space and up to three-car flex parking, and comfortable yards for entertaining and outdoor living year-round.

In addition, GreenDoor homes are built with 50% more wall insulation and 25% more attic insulation than a typical new home, which helps keep heat out in the summer and inside during the winter. Further maintaining optimum temperatures, high-quality Solarban 70XL windows eliminate approximately 75% of the sun’s heat from entering each home.Please refer to the Solarban specification sheets at the GreenDoor sales office. Also, high-efficiency tankless water heaters and an advanced plumbing system reduce hot water delivery time and reduce water usage.

Brookfield Homes Los Angeles is independently and locally operated in the Greater Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties.Visit our corporate web site at www.brookfieldhomes.com.

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TRI POINTE HOMES’ CANDERA COMING TO SAN MARCOS IN JULY

An exciting new opportunity to own an impressive new home in a relaxed, small-town setting in North San Diego County is just around the corner. Candera by TRI Pointe Homes will make its debut this July in San Marcos, offering both attached townhomes starting in the low $300,000s and detached homes priced from the low $400,000s. Prospective buyers may join the interest list now by visiting www.TRIPointeHomes.com.

Candera will consist of 50 townhomes that will combine style and spaciousness in four distinctive two-story floor plans ranging from approximately 1,524 to 2,014 square feet, including three to four bedrooms and two and one-half to three baths plus a two-car garage. Varying plans will offer a versatile loft or optional den, and inviting decks or patios will set the scene for outdoor dining and entertaining.

A limited edition of only eight two-story homes, Candera’s detached residences will span approximately 2,336 to 2,904 square feet, meeting the needs of growing households with up to five bedrooms and three baths plus a garage that accommodates up to three vehicles.

For additional information on TRI Pointe Homes call 949-478-8600 or visit www.TRIPointeHomes.com.

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BLACKSTONE COMMUNITY BOASTS PREMIER ORANGE COUNTY VALUE

The hills of Brea are home to Blackstone, a unique new master-planned community that offers significantly more value to its diverse new home collections. That’s where more than 100 new residents have found themselves enjoying more for their home-buying money. The must-have priorities of today’s families include a range of advantages that they are finding at Blackstone. These include surprising new home value, extensive lifestyle value and outstanding Brea-Olinda Unified School District access. Blackstone fulfills their wish lists, item for item.

Since opening in March 2011, Blackstone has become the address of choice for families who want more home for their dollars. Three impressive neighborhoods by highly respected homebuilders offer a wide array of new home choices. Each collection focuses on today’s most desirable design trends, offering open family space design, entertainment-friendly, beautifully appointed kitchens and the kinds of amenities that surpass expectation. Upgrade level stainless steel appliances and granite countertops enhance the kitchens. Nine foot first and second floor ceilings create interiors that feel larger and brighter. Energy efficiencies such as tankless water heaters, Low E dual glass windows, and fire sprinklers are standard. Master suites live up to their name with walk in closets and separate soaking tubs and showers in baths. Both Shea Homes and Standard Pacific Homes are well known for the high quality construction they provide and the exceptional level of customer care their buyers enjoy.

Further details are also available by visiting www.blackstonelife.com.

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GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION UNDERWAY AT TAAG’S LAS BRISAS IN SANTEE

Responding to steady demand from San Diego home shoppers seeking affordable new homes, TAAG is celebrating the grand opening of their new model homes at Las Brisas in Santee, CA. 

“Las Brisas offers outstanding design choices for Santee home buyers of all ages and in all stages of life,” said Charles Tourtellotte, President and CEO for TAAG Investment Management. “The initial response from our early registration list has generated strong anticipation from Santee residents seeking new homes that fit both their lifestyle and their budget. With only 28 townhomes available for sale, including 9 homes move-in ready, interested home buyers should act quickly before we are sold out.”

At Las Brisas, four distinctive two-story floor plans range from approximately 1,356 to 2,270 square feet, including three and four bedrooms and up to three and one-half baths. Prices start in the mid to high $200,000s. Innovative designs offer the livability home buyers demand, including an inviting great room and a state-of-the-art kitchen combination. Floor plan choices include tech rooms and dual master suites.

For additional information, call 855-822-4552 or visit http://www.LasBrisasSantee.com.

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RESIDENCE THREE AT LOS ARBOLES IN SIMI VALLEY ABOUNDS WITH COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Families seeking the comfort and convenience of a brand-new home will find it at an amazing price in Residence Three at Los Arboles, TRI Pointe Homes’ intimate new neighborhood in Simi Valley, where the second phase has already been released to keep up with strong buyer demand.

Measuring approximately 1,521 square feet, the two-story Residence Three generously accommodates today’s households with four bedrooms and three baths plus a gourmet island kitchen that joins with spacious living and dining rooms to create a large, open family activity center. Located just off the home’s two-car garage, the downstairs bedroom offers maximum privacy for a live-in relative or overnight guest. It can also be finished as a handy home office.

Los Arboles provides smart home buyers with the amenities and features found in more expensive homes at a great value, stated Kathy Mallory, Sales Counselor at Los Arboles. “Our Residence Three is a perfect example of just how little it will cost to purchase a home that exceeds your expectations. With financing options that include reduced down payments and today’s historically low interest rates, this is a great opportunity for first-time buyers to own the home they’ve been dreaming of.”

For more information about TRI Pointe Homes neighbourhoods, please visit www.TRIPointeHomes.com.

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