Neighborhood of the week: Strawberry Fields

Space.

Walk through this peaceful neighborhood and you feel it. A little more room between the houses. Sidewalks that are a little wider than normal. Streets that swoop into cul-de-sac-like circles before continuing around the corner. And in the distance, mountains that reach for the sky.

Strawberry Fields is a quiet, established neighborhood just north of Prairie Avenue in Hayden. Being one of the older "new" communities in the area has its benefits: mature landscaping; few homes under construction, so less noise and commotion; and long-time residents who have created a sense of community.

"The residents show a great deal of pride in their neighborhood," said Melissa Romjue, a Realtor with Northwest Realty Group and part of the Hallmark Homes sales team. "People are very friendly. It's just a really great place to live."

There's also a new city park, Stoddard Park, for the residents to enjoy as they stroll through Strawberry Fields. "It's a walking neighborhood," Romjue said.

Living in Hayden affords benefits like lower property taxes and larger setbacks, so houses sit a little deeper into their lots. You're surrounded by beautiful mountains, so the views are amazing. And you can't beat the location.

"You're so central," Romjue said. "Post Falls is five minutes away. You're close to shopping and schools. You're right next to everything - everything is right here."

Speaking of schools, Romjue said that they're "fantastic." There's an elementary, middle and high school in close proximity to Strawberry Fields.

HOA fees are $240/year. "They maintain the place beautifully," she said. Those fees cover the maintenance of common areas as well as snow removal on the community sidewalks.

Hallmark Homes is one of the builders in Strawberry Fields, offering home plans ranging in size from 1,430 to 3,000-plus square feet and prices from $183,000 to $255,000. Their prices are competitive, and although they increased this year, it was less than the market average, Romjue said. "Prices are fantastic for what the buyer gets."

She is thrilled to be a part of the Hallmark Homes sales team. "The owners of Hallmark Homes are a very down-to-earth family," she said. "They're very personable with their customers. They do a lot of extra things to help people get what they want."

Hallmark Homes has been in business since 1990, and has built over 1,500 homes. They often win People's Choice awards in the Parade of Homes. "The best thing about Hallmark Homes is their reputation, which is one of the best in the area," Romjue said. "That's why people want to live here - it's good for resale value, too."

Hallmark Homes offers many standard features that would be upcharges with other builders. Their houses are constructed on crawlspaces. The sidewalk from the driveway to the porch is 5 feet wide, not the usual 3 feet. They plumb for natural gas to the dryer and range. Kitchen cabinets are staggered with crown molding and are custom-built by Huntwood.

There's a 10-year structural warranty on all homes, and 1-year standard builder's warranty. And currently, Hallmark Homes is offering what they're calling "The Blazing 3s" - discounted features such as landscaping, air conditioning, and a gas fireplace with a tile hearth and wood mantel.

House plans are customizable; they meet with buyers on an accepted offer within a couple of weeks to review blueprints and discuss changes, so the buyers can make their new home their own. And after the home is built, the owners are given a tour to show them how to operate thermostats, the location of the water shut-off - all of the details that will ease their transition into home ownership.

There were originally 440 lots available when the community was first designed. Last year there were 35 lots left, now there are 14. Hallmark currently has seven homes under construction in Strawberry Fields.

"It's just been super-busy," Romjue said. "The marketing is going at a really nice pace, and it's getting busy earlier this year."

Romjue joined Northwest Realty Group a year ago and said it was "like coming home," since she started her real estate career in 1997 with many of the realtors who are now with NRG.

"I just love this area and the people," she said. "I feel blessed to be part of the Hallmark team. I truly enjoy what I'm doing."

So if you long for the wide open spaces, don't wait. Call Melissa Romjue at (208) 640-8171, or stop by the model home and experience the spacious, peaceful feel of Strawberry Fields for yourself.