New homes are back

Almost everywhere you look, formally littered lots as well as vacant parcels are being developed into new homes. As we drive around Morgan Hill there is everything from low-income senior apartments to luxury homes and everything in between.
I know that some folks are shocked at the quantity of building, but we must remember that during the economic downturn of 2007-2010, there was very little building. One reason we see so many homes in the downtown core is that voters passed special exemptions to the RDCS (residential development control system) in 2006 and again in 2009 allowing for 600 additional living units in the 20-block downtown area.
As a broker, I’m excited when ground is broken for new developments. I love visiting the models to see what the new building and space planning trends are. I’m excited about how energy efficient the new homes have become and how interior designers perform magic.
Although many of the new models retain separate living and family rooms, the trend toward a single great room is one of my favorites. We are starting to see covered lanai’s, faux stone on walls, a return to coffered or beamed wood ceilings and energy efficiencies that are the best they have ever been.
We’re also seeing an influx of new builders in Morgan Hill.
KB Homes currently has four projects in Morgan Hill. Sherimar Ranch off Diana and Hill, which is almost sold-out, features single family homes on large lots. Milano at Murphy and Condit features condos and townhouses, Edmundson Park and Piazza Park have single family or single family attached homes.
Standard Pacific is building single family homes at the Rose Garden, located near Barrett and San Pedro. Homes range from 2,078 to 3,873 square feet. A total of 53 homes will be built.
Tri Point has two developments: Ironhorse and Jasper Park, both located off Dunne. The Ironhorse homes are sold out, and only four at Jasper Park remain available. The tract includes townhomes and single family homes.
Taylor Morrison has one development in progress and one more coming. The current project is Madrone Plaza at the corner of Monterey and Cochrane. There will be 17 single family homes and 120 townhouses. They range from 1,503 to 1,929 square feet. The second project is Walnut Grove, behind Home Depot, which will feature 49 single family homes.
City Ventures is building on Dunne Avenue across from the community center. They feature 43 homes: eight will be patio homes and 35 will be townhouses. They range from 1,744 to 2,264 square feet. City also has another project coming called San Gregorio, which will be off Hale near Llagas.
Meritage is planning 108 homes between Hale and Monterey on the north end of town.
Gera has almost completed Pear Tree Estates, and will be starting 12 homes at Church and Tennant. Union Community Partners is planning 23 single family homes on Dunne between Peppertree and Pine, and another 46 homes on Tilton.
Dividend homes sold out the Mission Ranch development and is close to selling out Alicante. They have begun two new developments: Terra Mia and Amadora. Terra Mia features single family homes ranging from 2,289 to 3,709 square feet and is located off Mission View. Amadora will feature the same models as Alicante and is located on Clayton north of Peebles. Dividend is also planning a 55+ community off Watsonville Road, named Connemara.
San Sebastian Estates will be a gated, luxury home community built on the site of Borello Farms. There are 244 homes planned. Homes range from 3,003 to 5,507 square feet, and from what I’ve seen, this will really be special.
It’s a great time to be a home buyer. Rates are low, banks are lending and your choices have never been better.
Lee Schmidt is the broker/owner of Realty World South County and can be reached at 782-9933 or

le*@rw**.biz











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Median price % Change Sales Volume % Change
MH         675000        +33.7%          66                    +26.9%
Gil           529,000       +24.8%         54                        -25%
SM         650,000        -13.9%            6                       +100%
County    660,000      +13.8%           1907              +12.6%
Source Data Quick through August of 2013