[quote author="irvinehomeowner"]Yeah... I got builder-blocked at Carmel again... the models were open but I think only if you were one of the "chosen". I saw a couple sneak in from the far side and go through... tempted to do that myself but I'm too big to be stealthy.
Drove by Montecito but they had that "Models Closed" sign up and I didn't like the saleslady.
So went back over to Sonoma... why are they the only ones open? Spent more time in Plan 3 since we rushed through it the last time. The ceiling fans are installed in the Cali Rooms now. Despite what BK thinks... I really like the way Sonoma made the Kitchen/Great Room layout. It feels very open and functional. The upstairs is less functional but that's personal preference. I like the Plan 1 master the most as it is huge (as is the laundry in Plan 1). If these things were $100k less... we may be tempted. I did confirm that these are zero lot line on one side (your neighbor's house is one side of your lot).
So we headed over to the WE to see if anything was open, "Models Closed" signs were out for Coronado and whatever the one next to it was but on the other side, Santa Cruz was open. These were surprising to me. I wish I brought my camera because I would do the same thing with Sonoma and detail the plans... maybe next time. These are also motor court products but unlike Montecito, they don't have driveways and are fairly close the court/street. They are wider than long but very spacious. They range from 2000-2450sft and start at $600k and top out at $700k. They also have 9-foot ceilings, Cali Rooms, Great Rooms and upstairs laundries. Their execution of the Master Baths were actually better (in my opinion) than that of Sonoma's.
I think they would have more interest in their Plan 3 if they made that lower Den have a bedroom option and the ability to add a shower to the powder. That would probably be the lowest price 4br/3ba detached product in this whole collection.
However... like Sonoma, still overpriced. These 3BRs should be in the 500s... not 600s... I am still shocked how much these things are selling for. The mix of homes in WE is strange and I wonder how that area will turn out.
I also went to Aliso Viejo for the Grand Opening of the Birch River models. Those houses are nice, over 3000sft, 3-car tandems, 5br options and start at about $890k. But for the area, overpriced still. Even AV has TIC syndrome.[/quote]
If Santa Cruz had a bedroom downstairs (4 bed instead of 3+den) I would definitely consider buying. I need to have a full bath downstairs and a powder won't do it. Also, Santa Cruz has a much smaller lot size than Montecito. Also, Montecito has a full driveway and more of a traditional feel, even though on a motorcourt. That being said, Montecito is about $80K more expensive, so I guess it evens out.
