Wine Country's Foss Creek Villas Shine Bright in California's Slow Home Market, With Developer Going Extra Mile for Buyers and Community -- and Predicting Quick Sellout

    HEALDSBURG, CA, October 21, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In today's new home market, unique benefits can strengthen sales. At Healdsburg's fast-selling (5 units/month) Foss Creek Villas, developer Foss Creek Villas, LLC has delivered the quality basics, then added value by weaving these condominium homes into their community, and giving back to that community in meaningful ways.

Convenient, upscale homes in a walkable, cosmopolitan setting and attractive pricing and financing define the core value. This, plus limited new home availability in Healdsburg, has boosted demand.

Community-focused referrals the marketing team calls their "local economic stimulus package" provides unique additional attractions. This co-branding initiative provides substantial gift certificates new buyers can use with participating merchants, while website links and collateral reinforce merchants' name recognition with prospective customers.

"Our Merchant Referral Program showcases the advantages of living four blocks from downtown Healdsburg," said Jo Healey, marketing consultant for Foss Creek Villas. "And since new residents have families, friends and business networks, the ripple effect is definitely in play."

Foss Creek Villas buyers can also feel good about their new neighborhood's green measures. In the homes, standards include low-e windows, water-thrifty plumbing and heat exchange systems for the water heaters.

Outside, Foss Creek Villas, LLC completely -- and voluntarily -- restored Norton Creek, a tributary of Foss Creek that runs the length of the Foss Creek Villas property between the Villas and Grove Street. Cleanup included removal of invasive plant species and some 10 tons of rubbish. Creek restoration experts Circuit Rider Productions then undertook the planting of more than 100 native trees and plants, with three years of careful nursing and protection paying off: the most recent survey on file with the City shows a survival rate of more than 95% (compared with a state wide average of 75%).

The restoration also generated a green buffer for the homes, a permanent viewscape from Grove Street, a restored wild life habitat and a reduced carbon foot print. Foss Creek Villas provides maintenance and irrigation for this restoration with a private, onsite well that also irrigates its own three landscaped acres.

Priced from $299,000 to $359,000, Foss Creek Villas has one and two-bedroom designs with single-level living and designer-selected finishes and fixtures. All homes include a private deck or patio; vaulted ceilings enhance the upper level units. As of October 14, 23 homes were sold, with just four still available.

Exceptional convenience completes the value at Foss Creek Villas. Residents are across the street from Parkpoint Health Club and within a few blocks of historic Healdsburg Plaza, the Farmer's Market, restaurants, winery tasting rooms, specialty shops, galleries and theaters.

The Sonoma County Airport is 10 minutes away and San Francisco is about 75 minutes from Healdsburg. Residents are within a 30-mile radius of 150 wineries and close to ocean beaches, the Russian River, Lake Sonoma, the mountains and many state and regional parks.

Foss Creek Villas is at 200 Foss Creek Circle in Healdsburg and is exclusively represented by Frank Howard Allen Realtors. Homes are open Thursday through Tuesday, noon to 5 p.m. or anytime by appointment. Call 707-473-3434 or visit www.fosscreekvillas.com.

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