On-the-Go Family Singles Out LivingSmart Homes Fair Oaks Ranch in California's Santa Clarita Valley

    LOS ANGELES, CA, June 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Drawn by quality schools for their 4 children, and by the prospect of lopping 40 miles off their daily commutes, Patty and Carlos Lara came to have a look at Pardee Homes' Fair Oaks Ranch in California's Santa Clarita Valley. The more they saw, the more they liked.

Now, it's home.

"We watched the construction at LivingSmart Homes, and what we saw was cleanliness and safety," said Patty, who works in quality assurance for a pharmaceutical company in Van Nuys. "Our feeling was that if the builder is being careful of the area and the environment, then they are going to be careful in the way they build our home. And we were right."

Priced from the $400,000s, LivingSmart Homes offer approximately 1,846 to 2,432 square feet of living space, in varied and versatile layouts. Patty and Carlos chose the Plan Two, which provides approximately 2,247 square feet of living space, 4 bedrooms and 3 baths.

Plan Two features a great room with large kitchen, dining and family spaces, and views and access to the rear yard. It also has generous storage capacity, with linen and coat closets, a kitchen pantry and dual walk-in wardrobes in the master suite.

The home's size and design work well for the Laras, who had previously owned a home in Lancaster. They moved to LivingSmart Homes last October with their four children: Abi, 16; Tere, 15; Danny, 12; and 8-year old Chris.

The Laras bought their new home when it was first released, which made it easy for them to add a few special touches like pre-wiring for ceiling fans, to watch each step of the build--and to learn that Construction Superintendent Mike Carrillo was there for them.

"Everyone at Pardee made us feel at home from our first visit, and that definitely includes Mike," said Carlos, who is the director of nursing for a Sunland assisted living facility. "He took care of any concerns we had right away, and now, he's one of the friends we see and say hi to when we're out running!"

Pardee's award-winning LivingSmart features played a significant role in the Laras' purchase decision. They chose the upgraded solar power system for their home and report electric bills of about $25 monthly. Said Carlos, "And this is with our Jacuzzi, which gets a constant work out because we do, too--the whole family is involved with fitness, whether it's running, dance, bicycling, sports or the gym."

"Who doesn't want to save money, and who doesn't want to do what they can to save our environment?" added Patty. "The long run matters to us, and we really respect Pardee's commitment to eco-friendly home building."

A pleasant surprise to the Laras with Pardee Homes was the purchase process itself, and they had particular praise for Pardee Home Loans. "We encountered some financial issues with our loan, and PHL was just amazing," said Patty. "Corey Featherstone and his team were on our side. They were never negative and they just were great working together to help us. They took the worry away, with no drama.

"I hope someone who reads this story and thinks they can't buy a home will check into Pardee Homes and PHL," Patty added. "I will be delighted if our story helps someone else get the new home they want!"

The Laras are happy about many other aspects of their new lives at Fair Oaks Ranch. In addition to easier commuting to their jobs, Carlos and Patty spend less time getting kids to school, since theirs are enrolled in nearby Fair Oaks Ranch Community School and Golden Valley High School. Just as convenient is The Plaza at Golden Valley, with its shopping and dining choices. "We have everything we need close at hand," said Patty. "When we want to shop around, we can zip over to Canyon Country or Valencia."

For residents of LivingSmart Homes, a resort-style community recreation adds to the attractions at Fair Oaks Ranch. The Ranch at Fair Oaks has many family-friendly amenities, including a Junior Olympic sized swimming pool with furnished deck, a barbecue with seating areas, children's water features and a large common room with full kitchen.

Also easy accessible is Fair Oaks Ranch Park, a 6-acre park with picnic pavilion, barbecues, basketball court, equipped children's play areas, walking paths and restrooms. As the Laras learned, the park is a neighborhood focal point. "My son can play basketball, people are always out walking the track and this is a great place to meet people," said Patty.

"You know, to live in a place where you see people out and about, stopping to greet you and taking time with their kids, is really awesome," Patty added. "Fair Oaks Ranch is like things were when we grew up, and we love it!"

To see LivingSmart Homes Fair Oaks Ranch for yourself, exit the 14 Freeway North at Via Princessa and turn right. Turn left at Lost Canyon Road and follow signs to the model home center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday - Sundays and 1 to 6 p.m. Mondays. Call 661-299-5409. Pardee Homes offers broker co-op; call for details.

Established in 1921, Pardee Homes is noted for superior master-planning concepts, quality homes, responsive customer service and dedication to the educational and civic goals of the communities in which it builds. See www.pardeehomes.com.

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