Pardee Homes' Single-Story Makes New Home Dream Come True For Young Family At Fair Oaks Ranch

SANTA BARBARA, CA, June 21, 2013 (Press-News.org) Then, they were renting an apartment in Canyon Country. Now, Andrew and Kirsten Skinner are the proud and happy owners of their first home. Long-time residents of Santa Clarita, they purchased at LivingSmart Homes Fair Oaks Ranch and chose the community's first single-story design. A wheelchair user, Andrew was also one of the first buyers in Pardee's innovative new "Smart Homes, New Choices" program, which provided the opportunity to choose the homesite he and Kirsten preferred.

"We looked for a home for quite some time as we continued to rent, save money for a down payment and live as economically as possible," said Andrew. "When my dad told me that Pardee Homes was bringing a single-story design to Fair Oaks Ranch, we got in line right away.

"When the homes were released for sale, we also secured a lot that is flat and perfectly situated in the neighborhood," Andrew added. "Getting to pick the single-level design on a lot that also works for my needs is simply tremendous!"

Priced from the mid $400,000s, LivingSmart Homes has five one- and two-story designs that provide approximately 1,846 to 2,432 square feet of living space. For Andrew and Kirsten, who have a two-year old daughter, Plan Five's layout and generous bedroom count were real bonuses of the single-level design Andrew needed.

"Four bedrooms means we have the room to expand our family, plus offer very comfortable quarters to our in-laws or other guests," said Andrew. "Pardee also considers Universal Design principles with their new home building, so you find wider hallways and doorways, as well as the great, open layout--the accessibility is beyond what we had hoped when we started house hunting, and it means that the new home is also my dream home."

Price-included green features such as solar power systems, water-thrifty landscaping measures and Low-E windows are integrated throughout the designs of LivingSmart Homes, with each home built to meet National Green Building Standard criteria at the Gold level. Helping buyers save money on home operating costs, these features also promote better interior air quality and greater comfort in every season.

"Solar power is the wave of the future," commented Andrew. "We are delighted that Pardee Homes' progressive practices means that our new home fulfills high green standards!"

With an August move-in targeted, Andrew and Kirsten are watching their home evolve from an idea on a dirt lot to a finished structure with front door and key. They're enjoying every step.

"We're working with the team at Pardee to make all of the decisions that go with a new home," said Kirsten. "Whether it's a construction question or a choice to make about flooring or cabinets, they just make it happen, and they make the whole process a pleasure."

Staying in Santa Clarita rounds out the dream quite nicely for Andrew, who is the director of an area non-profit, and Kirsten, who runs a day care center in Canyon Country. "Our roots are here in Santa Clarita," said Kirsten. "We know and love this place as home, so being able to stay here, and to live in a home that feels like a custom fit for our lifestyle, is just amazing."

Fair Oaks Ranch location offers many advantages to its residents. Fair Oaks Ranch residents enjoy easy access to the 6-acre Fair Oaks Ranch Park, which has play areas, basketball court, barbecues and shade pavilion. A hiking and walking trail, open space and preserved oak trees also highlight this Santa Clarita community.

A Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool highlights The Ranch at Fair Oaks Ranch, a private, resort-style recreation center with a shaded barbecue and seating, play equipment and a large common room. "Having this rec center available is really special," said Andrew. "The amenities are wonderful and even better is how the center encourages fellowship with our neighbors; we are definitely looking forward to many good times here!"

Also within Fair Oaks Ranch is the K-6 Fair Oaks Ranch Community School, a California Distinguished School in the Sulphur Springs School District. In convenient proximity are La Mesa Junior High and Golden Valley High School, in the William S. Hart Union School District.

Fair Oaks Ranch offers freeway-close location and easy proximity to a Metrolink station. Shopping, dining and services are close by, at The Plaza at Golden Valley next to Fair Oaks Ranch, and in Canyon Country.

"This is our dream home, and all the timing was right," said Andrew. "Pardee Homes made this happen, and we are really grateful and appreciative--I'm a raving fan!"

Exit the 14 Freeway North at Via Princessa and turn right. Turn left at Lost Canyon Road and follow signs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Wednesdays, when hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Call 661-299-5409 to reach the model home center.

Pardee Homes provides generous broker co-op and offers excellent financing through Wells Fargo Bank. Also visit www.pardeehomes.com.