Neighborhood of the week: Foxtail

Pioneers.

That's what Realtor Brian Kleinjans of Northwest Realty Group thinks of when he sells someone a home in Foxtail.

"They're the first ones in this neighborhood," Kleinjans said. "They will set the tone for how it develops."

Hallmark Homes broke ground on Foxtail a year ago, and a third of the 36 lots in Phase 1 are already sold. "The activity is very brisk," he said. "Considering the state of the economy, that's good."

Foxtail is one of the newest developments in Post Falls. Wandering through the quiet neighborhood, gazing at the sweeping prairie and mountain views, you can't help but feel a sense of openness and peace. Although Post Falls continues to expand, the growth is primarily on the west side of Highway 41, whereas Foxtail is to the east. So, the area around it is still relatively undeveloped.

"It has a rural feel, yet it's close to everything," Kleinjans said.

The location is "really advantageous." Although you feel like you're living in the country, downtown Coeur d'Alene, the Valley mall, and Hayden are all 15 minutes away. It's ideal for couples who work in two different locations, Kleinjans said. "They can take Highway 41 to Interstate 90 and turn either left or right." It's close to the high school and existing elementary school (the development's master plan includes another elementary school). And with the improvements planned for Prairie Avenue, access will be even easier (the development is bordered by Prairie to the north.)

He said that there's a good mix of people buying in Foxtail, "retirees and teachers with kids, and everything in between."

The lots vary in size up to 1/3 acre, and are perfect for "baby boomers, empty nesters, and downsizers who want a nice home with nice amenities, but don't want as much yard to maintain any more."

"Housing prices rose 10 percent last year in our area, so houses are worth 10 percent more, as well," Kleinjans said. Housing values increase based on the desirability of a neighborhood. So this is the perfect time to buy in Foxtail and get in on the ground floor, while it is still affordable.

The master plan calls for neighborhood parks, a city park, elementary school and bike paths. The streets are maintained by the city.

"We'll have winding streets instead of a grid," he said, "which will give it more of a neighborhood feel. Residents will want to get out and walk, and enjoy their neighborhood."

HOA fees are $280/year, covering maintenance of the common areas, including walkways and parks as the development grows.

There are 12 homes either occupied or currently under construction, so it's still a small neighborhood. "Over the holidays, neighbors took cookies to each other," Kleinjans said. "It's still small enough that everyone knows each other by name."

Foxtail's model home received the People's Choice award in the 2014 Parade of Homes. "One comment I heard time and time again," Kleinjans said, "was, 'This house seems a lot nicer than the other, more expensive ones.' People are really pretty surprised at the value they get for the price. It's quality construction."

Hallmark is the top volume building in Kootenai County by units, and second by permit value. They offer a number of standard features in their semi-custom homes that are often considered upgrades by other builders.

Some of those features include HardiePlank siding, crown moulding, rounded drywall corners, wood trim, tiled entry, and a 95 percent efficient furnace. The kitchen and laundry are plumbed for both gas and electric. Homes are built on a crawl space, so the heat ducts are in the floor - which means the heat stays in the living space as opposed to hovering near the ceiling. "Your feet stay warmer," Kleinjans says.

There is a wide variety of upgrades you can choose to make your Foxtail home your own, including fireplaces, solid wood doors, air conditioning, stainless steel appliances - the list is endless.

Walk through the model home and note the cathedral ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, garden tub, and granite countertops. The two-story foyer and great room give the house a spacious, open feel. The overall impression is one of affordable elegance.

Prices start at $189,000, which includes the cost of the home and the lot.

Hallmark Homes is a local family-owned company established in 1990, and one of North Idaho's largest homebuilders.

Kleinjans moved to Coeur d'Alene in the early '90s from Indiana with Kimball International, to open their Harpers manufacturing plant. Once the plant was up and running, Kimball wanted to send him back to Indiana. "As you can see," he said, "I'm still here."

He has been selling new construction for 7 1/2 years and is the primary realtor responsible for Foxtail, representing Hallmark Homes.

So, if you're one of those pioneers who longs to be a part of something new and exciting - if you appreciate wide open spaces and sweeping views - then come to Foxtail, and own a piece of the future.

For more information, contact Brian Kleinjans at (208) 640-6500.