“I’ve been an owner at Foss Creek Villas since September 2009, and I truly think it was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. A Bay Area resident since 1974, I fell in love with Healdsburg many years ago but always thought that a vacation home within walking distance of the fabled Plaza would be out of reach financially. Even when I saw the ad for the extremely reasonably priced Foss Creek Villas in the San Francisco Chronicle, I figured it was too good to be true and there must be some catch. And there is: The place is even better than advertised! The beautiful landscaping, cozy and well-appointed units, helpful service from the owners and everyone on the staff (both during and after the sale), close proximity to Healdsburg’s wonderful downtown and farmers market, and the growing community of friendly and interesting neighbors make this the most welcoming second home I could imagine–and an outstanding value. My family and friends are thrilled, too. It’s not an overstatement to say that it has made a huge difference in our lives.”

– Mona Behan, Foss Creek Villas Homeowner

Merchants and Environment Benefit From Local Commitment

Healdsburg, CA February 01, 2010 – Healdsburg entrepreneur Michael Houlihan has brought an innovative “family first” economic stimulus program to Healdsburg that promises to generate up to $35,000 for local retailers. As Managing Member of Foss Creek Villas, LLC, he is giving new owners of these downtown luxury condos a move-in gift of $1000 to spend with any Healdsburg merchant who are part of the “Trade Links” Merchant Referral Program.

“Its simple,” said Houlihan.  “Homeowners cash in at close of escrow, and can spend a $1,000 gift certificate with the Merchant partner store of their choice. Merchant partners must either prominently display our marketing brochure in their stores, or link their websites to the Foss Creek Villas website (www.fosscreekvillas.com).”

“This is where the ‘trading links’ designation was born,” he said.  He added that merchants seeking their share of remaining available funds should contact Deborah Longfellow at 707.433.8500 immediately.

The program launched last fall and since then, local merchants have reaped $15,000 in gift certificates, while seven homeowners have gone shopping. Merchant beneficiaries to date include Cena Luna, Costeaux French Bakery, Dry Creek Kitchen, Garrett Hardware, Gift Horse, Healdsburg Furniture, Hudson Street Design, St. Dizier Home and Souverain.

“This program is novel, practical and positive, and we’re delighted to be part of it,” said Rich Zahedinia of Healdsburg Furniture.  “We are benefiting financially, we’re meeting our new neighbors and we’re helping them get settled into their new home and community—it’s all good!”

The $1,000 figure means substantial help for move-in buyers, according to Houlihan. “They typically need a gift certificate of this size for big-ticket items like window coverings, furnishings, artwork, kitchenware etc,” said Houlihan. “For those who delight in Healdsburg’s food and wine, a sizable credit at a favorite establishment is terrific—or buyers can make life easy for visiting family and friends coming to a participating Healdsburg inn or hotel.”

Houlihan believes other communities could adapt the Foss Creek Villas Economic Stimulus Program. “The concept is easy to implement and a big plus for all participants,” he said. “We would like to see the word spread, with business networks in other cities using this as a prototype to give their downtowns a solid boost.”

Houlihan’s commitment to providing more than required also encompasses green measures at Foss Creek Villas, many of which surpass minimum compliance standards.  An example is the complete—and voluntary—restoration of Norton Creek, a tributary of Foss Creek. Here, the planting of more than 100 native trees and plants followed a massive cleanup.  The restoration provides a green buffer between the Villas and Grove Street, a permanent viewscape from Grove Street, a restored wild life habitat and a reduced carbon footprint for Foss Creek Villas and the city.

Foss Creek Villas provides maintenance and irrigation for the restoration with a private, onsite well that also irrigates its own three landscaped acres. Green goes inside every home, too, with low-e windows, water-thrifty plumbing and hot water exchange systems for heaters.

“I truly think buying here was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life,” said Mona Behan, who purchased her Foss Creek Villas condo last September. “The beautiful landscaping, well-appointed units, proximity to Healdsburg’s downtown and farmers market, and the growing community of friendly and interesting neighbors make this the most welcoming second home I could imagine–and an outstanding value.”

Foss Creek Villas is located at 200 Foss Creek Circle in Healdsburg and is exclusively represented by Frank Howard Allen Realtors. Homes are open Thursdays through Tuesdays from noon to 5 p.m. or by appointment anytime; please call 707-473-3434 for more information or to schedule a tour.

WANDER THE STREETS OF AFFLUENT HEALDSBURG, the symbolic heart of Northern California’s Sonoma County, and there’s little doubt that these valleys and rolling green hills—once unkown—are now a world-class destination for oenophiles and food lovers. Among the winemakers and rugged fourth-generation locals, there are more and more glitzy types clad in linen or draped in cashmere, and they feel right at home. Click here to read the complete article on Hemispheres Magazine

Steady sales are cutting into the inventory of starter homes. The number of houses for sale under $400,000 fell in October to 360 properties, down from 949 in January. That amounts to slightly more than a month’s supply of homes in that price range, compared to four months worth of inventory a year ago.

Read More…

House approves extension by vote of 402-12; buyers now have until June 30, 2010 to close on a home.

Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday voted 402-12 to approve an extension and expansion of the popular housing tax credit and, they hope, supporting the fragile housing market until the economy improves. The Senate passed the measure 98-0 Wednesday; the bill will now go to the White House, where President Obama is expected to sign it.

Builders, who say the tax credit has revived their buyer traffic and sales in a very difficult year, promptly celebrated.

“We commend lawmakers for acting in a bipartisan manner to extend the first-time home buyer tax credit beyond its Nov. 30 deadline and expand it to a wider group of home buyers,” said Joe Robson, who is chairman of the National Association of Home Builders and a builder in Tulsa, Okla. “The tax credit has proven to be a powerful economic incentive. Today’s action by Congress will further stabilize housing and the economy by creating new jobs, stimulating home sales, reducing foreclosures, cutting excess inventories and stabilizing home prices.”

Mortgage bankers agreed. “At a time when we are finally starting to see some signs of life in the housing and mortgage markets, extending and expanding the home buyer tax credit is a critical step to keeping the momentum,” said Robert E. Story, Jr., who chairs the Washington, D.C.-based Mortgage Bankers Association.

The tax credit approved today will take the housing market into the critical spring selling season. To receive the credit, buyers must sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close on the home by June 30, 2010. As was the case with the credit that has been in use for most of this year, the extended credit will provide first-time home buyers up to $8,000, depending on the price of the home and their household income.

But there are several important differences, too. The newly approved tax credit also covers people who have lived in their homes for at least five years; they can claim a credit of up to $6,500 if they purchase a new home. Finally, Congress raised the income limits on the program, which will now allow singles who make up to $125,000 and married couples with a household income of $225,000 to be eligible for the credit.

The new version of the credit has a price tag for the government of $10.8 billion in lost taxes.

From: Builder Magazine

By Associated Press Writer Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press Writer.

WASHINGTON – Buying a home is about to get cheaper for a whole new crop of homebuyers — $6,500 cheaper.

First-time homebuyers have been getting tax credits of up to $8,000 since January as part of the economic stimulus package enacted earlier this year. But with the program scheduled to expire at the end of November, the Senate voted Wednesday to extend and expand the tax credit to include many buyers who already own homes. The House is scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday.

The rest of the article is located at:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_homebuyers_tax_credit

Retail Links, Green Benefits Highlight Healdsburg Condos
Healdsburg, California, October 20, 2009 — 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.

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

Sales are happening at Foss Creek Villas and interested buyers should act quickly to secure their choice location within the community. ONLY 3 LOWER UNITS & ONE GARDEN VIEW UPPER UNIT REMAIN! Come see for yourself why Foss Creek Villas is THE BEST VALUE in the Wine Country. 4.875% financing* is still available for qualified buyers but hurry before this rate gets crushed! First time buyers can also still take advantage of up to $8,000 Tax Credit (Must close by 11/30). Foss Creek Villas offers 1 or 2 bedroom luxury condominiums just 4 blocks from historic Healdsburg Plaza! Within walking distance to Cyrus, Dry Creek Kitchen, Zin and many other 4-star restaurants, art galleries & boutiques. Across the street from Parkpoint Health Club, Foss Creek Villas is a resort-style “Village within a Village” complete with swimming pool and Club House. Homes are upgraded with built-in SS appliances, granite counters and sleek cabinetry. Homes are now selling FAST! Open Thursday – Tuesday noon – 5 p.m. 707.473.3434. www.fosscreekvillas.com. Healdsburg Ave, left-North, right-Grove, 2nd left 200 Foss Creek Circle. *20% down. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Ask Sales Agent for details. EHO.

Investment advisor William Donoghue vacationed in Sonoma County for 25 years before paying $359,000 for a two-bedroom condominium in Foss Creek Villas in Healdsburg last year. Mr. Donoghue, whose main home is in Seattle, says he too wants to stay and will retire in wine country. “Healdsburg is a charming small town (population 11,000), yet it has live jazz six nights a week, fine restaurants and 38 wine tasting rooms. And it’s only a 10 minute drive from the Santa Rosa Airport,” he says.

“Sonoma County is the ideal place to decompress and not give up the great delights of life, friends, wine and music,” says Mr. Donoghue.

Read the full article

Join in the New Model Home Celebrations at Foss Creek Villas on Sunday October 4th, 12pm – 5pm with live jazz music and delicious appetizers. Experience what Foss Creek Villas new homeowners are enjoying at this “Village within a Village”. Recently featured in the Wall Street Journal, Foss Creek Villas offers easy access, just four blocks away, to all the delights presented at historic Healdsburg Plaza. Buyers cite walkable living, affordable pricing and attractive financing as the defining golden home ownership opportunity at Foss Creek Villas in Sonoma County’s ultimate wine country destination. Home shoppers have responded by purchasing these luxury condominiums at a healthy clip with 13 homes sold in the past few weeks. “First-time, second home and investor buyers seeking upscale living plus solid investment potential are buying here,” said Jo Healey, marketing consultant for Foss Creek Villas. “Foss Creek Villas is the only new condominium community available in downtown Healdsburg, and with housing markets showing increased activity, buyers are acting quickly to secure their choices.” Priced from $299,000 to $359,000, Foss Creek Villas offers intimate village charm. The one and two-bedroom designs feature single-level living, complete with high-end finishes including stainless appliances, granite counters, luxurious carpeting and designer-selected tile and fixtures. All homes include a wood-burning fireplace and a private deck or patio; vaulted ceilings enhance the upper level units. Green features include low-e windows, water-thrifty plumbing and heat exchange systems for the water heaters. A community pool and clubhouse highlight lushly landscaped grounds irrigated from its own private well water. 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. “Prospective buyers can learn more from those who have already bought their new home here,” said Healey. “Just visit www.fosscreekvillas.com and check the blog!” Foss Creek Villas is located at 200 Foss Creek Circle in Healdsburg and is exclusively represented by Frank Howard Allen Realtors. Homes are open Thurs – Tues Noon – 5pm or anytime by appointment at 707-473-3434 or join the celebrations this Sunday to tour the new model homes.

Live jazz music, delicious fare and the warm Sonoma Country sunshine attracted over 25 new visitors to the Grand Opening of Foss Creek Villas’ two new models over the weekend and we are pleased to announce one new buyer who will call Foss Creek Villas their home in just a few days, with four other new homeowners bringing their offers to us this week! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to own at Foss Creek Villas. With prices as low as $299,000 and 4.9% financing available to qualified buyers, now is the time to buy. The First Time Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8000 also ends soon (11/30/09) so take advantage now. Check the Community section of our website to view photos from the event!

Join us Saturday 19th or Sunday 20th to celebrate the Grand Opening of our two new Model Homes at Foss Creek Villas. Enjoy Live jazz music, delicious appetizers and thirst quenching refreshments… Pure Wine Country Joy! We also celebrate the arrival of 11 new homeowners to Foss Creek Villas. Yes, homes are selling fast! Come see for yourself the fabulous lifestyle offered at Foss Creek Villas but HURRY, only a few homes remain and with 4.9% financing they will go fast. Take advantage of the $8,000 First Time Buyer Tax Credit before it expires on 11/30/09. Also, purchase a home at Foss Creek Villas in September and receive a $1000 gift certificate to spend at one of our Healdsburg Merchant Partners. See Special Offers page for more details. Call 707.473.3434 to find out more!

Homes are selling fast here at Foss Creek Villas. In the last few weeks, we have welcomed 8 new homeowners to our community and the offers keep coming in. Buyers cite Foss Creek Villas’ beautiful grounds with lush landscaping, swimming pool and fabulous floor plans as an important draw for them, but of course its proximity to Healdsburg’s Plaza, restaurants, tasting rooms and shops, all within walking distance, is the primary factor.

Foss Creek Trail is a nice bike and walk path that currently goes from the villas to downtown Healdsburg. The trail uses the old railway which is public right of way. This railway extends far beyond the trail and will be used for the newly voted for SMART train from Cloverdale (north of Healdsburg) to the Bay Area.

The $2.5 Million is going to be used in two phases to refurbish the existing Train Depot, connect it with Foss Creek Trail and continue down to the Russian River.

I am very excited about the future living here in Foss Creek Villas because this path goes from across the street from my front door to the town square where I often take my meals and listen to music.

The trail additions are scheduled to be finished well ahead of the SMART train arrival in Healdsburg on 2014 . To me it’s going to be a quiet public walkway from Foss Creek Villas, past downtown, all the way to the Russian River!

M. Charles

Foss Creek is a great way to “right size without compromise”. The condominium homes make extremely efficient use of their 1000 square foot floor plan. With no internal stairs, all the area is dedicated to living space. Laid out like a classic hotel suite, they have a master bed and bath at one end and a guest bedroom bath at the other with all the common spaces in between.

Your guests have direct access to the front door so they can come and go with out interrupting the rest of the house. The master suite has its own privacy door that closes off the bedroom and bathroom from the rest of the home.

The kitchen has a pass through bar to the dinning room which is opens to the living room and balcony, giving the whole place a spacious and open feeling. The upper units have a vaulted ceiling and the lower units have a larger patio. There is even an entry hall for transition and privacy at the front door. With an outside lockable storage closet, an extended closet in the master bedroom and an optional 10 X 20 garage there is ample room for the things that mean the most to you.

This is the perfect place for folks who want to live worry free and maintenance free walking distance from the Historic Plaza in this fun, world class, gem of a town.

M. Charles

As a Healdsburg resident I have to say I think Foss Creek Villas is the best deal going. Not only could you have a second home (vacation home) in the wine country but a great investment to boot. I’ve lived in Healdsburg since 1993 and purchased a home then. It has been by far (even in this market) been the best investment I’ve ever made. With the market down it’s an even better time to buy especially in Healdsburg. We are in the Heart of the Wine Country. The town is safe, beautiful and simply wonderful. I think it’s the best place in the world to live. Don’t hesitate to come see these fully, newly (2008) renovated condominiums.

www.HealdsburgJazzFestival.org
”11th Annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival, May 29 through June 7, 2009”
Walk to the Jazz Festival from your own Foss Creek Village Condo

Healdsburg Condo project – walk to plaza
”Sometimes good opportunities are right in front of you but still hard to see. That’s what I was thinking…”
Dave Roberts: Dave’s Sonoma County Real Estate Blog

What’s your “Walkscore”? Here’s a nifty web site to determine the “walkability” of your New Home! or current Home.
“…His community was in the “90’s” for “walkability” which means one living in Foss Creek Villas could get by WITHOUT A CAR!! Here is an explanation of the “walkscore” system and the web site. http://www.walkscore.com “What is Walk Score? We help people find houses and apartments in walkable…” Mike Kelly – The Real Estate Show: “What’s Your “Walkscore?”

36 Hours in Healdsburg, Calif.
…But these days Healdsburg is about more than wine. Over the last few years, new shops and high-end boutique hotels have made it a destination for all things culinary….”
NY Times, Escapes, By AMY GUNDERSON

SMART: “The passage of SMART will positively affect the property values in Healsdburg”
“The SMART train and pathway project will provide the backbone of a transportation system that ties existing transit systems such as buses and ferries along with future options such as shuttles and trollies into a seamless network that creates true transportation options for North Bay residents….” http://www.sonomamarintrain.org/

Choice Cities For A Pied-A-Terre
“…buyers of second homes in urban centers aren’t looking for a fortress of peace and quiet. If they wanted that, they’d stay in the suburbs or drive to the country. The pied-à-terre is about being in the thick of things, where the action is.”
Forbes.com, by Matt Woolsey.

Healdsburg, Calif., Emerges as a Dining Destination,
“Now touted as a gastronomic alternative to the Napa Valley, Healdsburg dates back to 1867. With its sylvan Spanish-style park square and wine-tasting rooms,…”
NY Times, Travel, By MIMI SHERATON

Healdsburg Area Winery Tours,
DISCOVER – or enjoy again – the charm of Healdsburg and the surrounding area. Healdsburg is the center (“HEART”) of the outstanding and beautiful vineyards of Northern Sonoma County and the Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley wine appellations. Visit our picturesque wineries, taste our wines, meet our people, and learn how grapes are made into “world class wines.”

New hikers’ destination: Healdsburg Ridge
“From the top of Healdsburg Ridge, an open space preserve that opens this month to the public, a classic Wine Country landscape unfolds. The Russian River bends dramatically below, …”
By CLARK MASON THE PRESS DEMOCRAT