Neighborhood of the week: Crown Pointe

Crown Pointe isn't a new neighborhood; in fact, it opened in March 2012. But it appears to be a carefully kept secret, tucked at the foot of the mountains north of Post Falls.

"It's nice and quiet out here," said Jeremy Knoll of Northwest Realty Group, Hallmark Homes' sales representative in Crown Pointe, pointing out the beautiful mountain views to both the north and south. The neighborhood is in a great location, only 13 miles to the Spokane Valley and 10 miles to downtown Coeur d'Alene. "We have a lot of people living here who work in Spokane," he said, noting the easy access to I-90 via Spokane Street. Prairie Falls Golf Course is less than a mile away, and there are schools close by, as well.

They are in the first of five phases, with roughly 70 homes standing so far and plans for over 450 by the time the final phase is complete. The fields around Crown Pointe will continue to be farmed until they're needed for housing.

As the neighborhood develops, parks and walking trails will be added, as there are in most Hallmark Homes communities. Six acres have been set aside for parks.

"Sales have been great," Knoll said. He closed on two lots last week, and 10 others are in the final stages of closing.

If you want to build a home in Crown Pointe, build time is about four months. "You can get your house done before the snow starts to fly," he said. "If that's a concern, now is the time to buy."

Hallmark Homes offers standard features normally found in higher-priced homes including crawl spaces, high-efficiency furnaces, and staggered cabinets with crown molding. Two-story homes have 9' ceilings. "You get basically the same here for a lot less money," Knoll said.

They are still offering their Crazy 8's incentive, which includes upgrading to air conditioning, backyard landscaping or a gas fireplace with mantle for $888, or a range of bonus features for $88.

All homes have landscaped front yards with sprinklers; alley homes (with the garage behind the house, coming off an alley) have full sprinklers and full landscaping. "They're great for people who don't want to spend all weekend maintaining a big yard," Knoll said. They offer more curb appeal with their covered front porches and vinyl railings, reminiscent of old-fashioned neighborhoods.

Home prices are between $139,000 and $265,000, and floor plans range from 1,042 to 2,000 square feet. If you're looking for more room, you can add a basement.

Hallmark Homes has just introduced a new floor plan: a 1,042 square foot two bedroom, two bath alley home rancher at $139,000. "You can still get a new home for less than $140,000 with all the warranties and everything," Knoll said. They offer a 10-year structural warranty, a 10-year heating, wiring and plumbing warranty, and a one-year builders' warranty.

Most of the time, it's cheaper to buy than rent, he said. "With a house under $140,000, people can live in a brand new home, complete with that new house smell."

If you're ready to move and don't want to wait for your house to be built, don't worry - Crown Point has houses available. For example, a two-story 1,422 square foot home with air conditioning and full sprinklers can be yours for $157,000. There are two spec homes on foundation, a rancher and a two-story.

HOA fees are $200/year, which cover maintenance of the common areas as well as some of the roads behind the alley homes. "The neighbors said they do a great job of keeping them from being snowbound," Knoll said.

The residents are a "good mix" of everything from retired couples to families just starting out. "There are a lot of people out walking," Knoll said. "They're already holding barbecues outside."

He said they're seeing a lot of first-time homebuyers, but also folks who are wishing to downsize and simplify their lives.

There are still a few partially-fenced lots left in the first phase with a $5,000 discount (anyone can add fencing for an additional fee). And Crown Pointe still has $0 down loan programs available.

Lots are selling quickly; Knoll has been closing on one to two a week. "This is the busiest I've been in the two years I've been out here," he said. "Prices and rates are going up. This is the time to get in."

Knoll has been selling real estate for nine years, and loves his job. "It's fun to build a home that fits their needs and wants. And it's cool to hand them the keys when it's done."

If you're ready to experience that "new house smell" for yourself, call Jeremy Knoll at (208) 691-9375, or stop by the model home in Crown Pointe and see what you've been missing.