I live in CV south of the 56. PHR generally has somewhat higher mello roos (than here), so that’s kind of a bummer. But I’ve found Carmel Valley a great place to raise a family. Generally you’ll find lots of families with young children in these new neighborhoods. Plus, when you and your neighbors all move in at almost the same time, there’s an immediate sense of community that you probably won’t find in an older neighborhood. We have block parties, our kids play together, sometimes we hang out, we watch out for each other, we all know each other. That kind of thing. The PHR area has some pretty nice shopping centers, if you like new and clean (some prefer old with character).
The weather here is nice, especially if you don’t like heat. Most parts of Escondido are pretty hot, and some parts are brutally hot. CV rarely gets above 75, even in summer. If you like the heat, you won’t get much here.
Obviously it depends on what you prefer; I’m just trying to paint a picture of life in a new development in CV.
I’ve bought 2 new homes from Pardee in CV, and I don’t think saving a bit on agent commission will work. I don’t think they’ll give you a discount based on not having an agent – a few people we know tried that and got nowhere. And they won’t pay a commission unless you tell them about your agent on your FIRST visit to the sales office (you might even have to bring him to the office, I’m not sure). They will (or they did 6 years ago) pay a commission to that agent if you buy a home (I think it was 1% or 2%, I’m not sure) The best you can do (as far as I know) is to make a deal with an agent beforehand that all he has to do is show up once, and work out with him where he gives you some of that commission. Works best if you have a friend or relative who’s an agent.
