Baker Ranch in Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

[SocalBiz]

Around The Ranch, which is the Facebook page of a Foothill Ranch agent, had this to say about the new development:



"Foothill Ranch friends...info about Mello Roos has been a pretty touchy subject lately, especially with the influx of new developments.

The Mello Roos is financed by a bond set to expire in 2019. The initial authorized bond amount was $105,000,000. Thus far, $82,250,333 has been issued. There is approximately $22,750,000 unused in that bond and available to the county for infrastructure and community improvement.

The county can, at their discretion, decide to either
1) continue with the bond as planned, in the chance that they will need those funds to improve the community
OR
2) stop the bond where it stands, thereby releasing residents from paying any further Mello Roos.

Many of us have wondered why we are still paying...isn't our community complete? Baker Ranch children will be attending Foothill Ranch Elementary School (confirmed) for their K-6 students. To accommodate those new students, the school will be expanding.

Putting two and two together leads me to believe that our Mello Roos will be paying for that expansion, and I am not alone in those assumptions. What do you think? Is this a positive? Or negative?"

You may be right about Foothill Ranch Elementary's expansion.  It will depend on how many students will be added by the Baker Ranch development.  I believe the city will continue with the bond to make sure there will be enough funds for infrastructure support/improvement.  It would be hard for the city to impose future taxes/fees should it become necessary if they decide to stop the bond now.

 

[aquabliss]

Drove by Baker Ranch today (I work across the street) and noticed there is also some VIP event today as well.  Wonder if this is a Shea VIP event, or if it's a VVIP event for Toll...

 

[liveatoc]

I came to know today for VVIP's and Agent/Brokers.

 

[socal78]

I heard from an agent who just returned from the models. Some of the $1M models do have pools, in case any here were wondering. Limited number of view lots.

 

[Coleman]

Seems like people in the comment trail on the Mello Roos didn't see the part where the developers paid off the Mello Roos upfront.

Did I actually miss something?  :-\


Around the Ranch is fun to read.  I do hear it's not exciting as the page where people report each solicitor that comes through, haha.

 

[socal78]

Is anyone planning to take pics today or tomorrow?

 

[aquabliss]

Is anyone planning to take pics today or tomorrow?

I'll be there in about an hour... will take some pics if they let me...

 

[sgip]

Passed by there at 11:30. They've got VIP Event notices up and a security guard with your name on a checklist. Pictures today would probably be best what with the crowds on hand tomorrow getting in the shot.

 

[aquabliss]

Well, these were a bit of a let down... the decor/flooring/etc is impeccable but the layouts leave a lot to be desired.  Even the $900k - $1M homes feel quite small downstairs.  Will try to post a few pics later.

 

[bones]

.

 

[aquabliss]

Here's some from The Highlands... Sorry don't remember exactly which models for which pics, it's all a blur and I had to get back to work

 

[OpenSky]

8)

 

[socal78]

Has someone posted pricing yet?  Tia!

For Highlands, the most expensive home is $1,024,999 bare bones, no upgrades. Premium lots cost up to $100k more.

 

[SocalBiz]

Seems like people in the comment trail on the Mello Roos didn't see the part where the developers paid off the Mello Roos upfront.

Did I actually miss something?  :-\


Around the Ranch is fun to read.  I do hear it's not exciting as the page where people report each solicitor that comes through, haha.

I believe the Mello Roos discussion is about Foothill Ranch's existing Mello Roos which the city has the option to stop since they have a surplus of funds.

 

[aquabliss]

That's pretty much the best looking California Room I've ever seen in a model tract home.

Most all the California rooms at Heights and Highlands are really nicely done - I'll give them that.

 

[socal78]

Seems like people in the comment trail on the Mello Roos didn't see the part where the developers paid off the Mello Roos upfront.

Did I actually miss something?  :-\


Around the Ranch is fun to read.  I do hear it's not exciting as the page where people report each solicitor that comes through, haha.

I believe the Mello Roos discussion is about Foothill Ranch's existing Mello Roos which the city has the option to stop since they have a surplus of funds.

County. The city does not handle nor receive money from Mello Roos.

 

[socal78]

Seems like people in the comment trail on the Mello Roos didn't see the part where the developers paid off the Mello Roos upfront.

Did I actually miss something?  :-\

That money the builders are paying upfront (around twelve stacks per home) is being paid to SVUSD, not the county for MR from what I gather.

I think it's more the point that the homeowners here would have to continue to pony up more M.R. and for what? - to be further inconvenienced with traffic, more congestion at school pickup /drop off time which, trust me I'm there - it ain't fun. Bad enough as it is. This doesn't benefit the FR owners.

 

[aquabliss]

Here's some pictures from The Heights...

 

[Irvinecommuter]

Been looking at the floor plans online.  Prices seem pretty similar to PP and cheaper than SG.  Toll Brothers and Shea  have good reputations.

Curious to see what effects (if any) it being zoned into Saddleback Valley USD is going to have. 

2013 API scores:

El Toro High: 839
Serrano Intermediate:  894
Foothill Ranch Elementary:  909

compare with

Northwood (SG/PP): 921
Irvine (CV):  878
Jeffrey Trail:  No Data
Stonegate Elementary:  963
Canyon View (PP):  959

 

[SocalBiz]

Seems like people in the comment trail on the Mello Roos didn't see the part where the developers paid off the Mello Roos upfront.

Did I actually miss something?  :-\


Around the Ranch is fun to read.  I do hear it's not exciting as the page where people report each solicitor that comes through, haha.

I believe the Mello Roos discussion is about Foothill Ranch's existing Mello Roos which the city has the option to stop since they have a surplus of funds.

County. The city does not handle nor receive money from Mello Roos.

Thanks for the clarification SoCal.