Willowbank Park, an exciting, energy-efficient development in South Davis, has four new sites nearing completion on Blue Oak Place.  The second stage of Willowbank construction features floor plans with smaller square footage, but nothing is sacrificed in terms of quality.  The homes, ranging from 1,817 square feet with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a loft, to 2,317 square feet with four bedrooms, a bonus room and three baths, all have top-notch design with thoughtful floor plans that incorporate essential design elements to host today’s busy lives.  Along with attentive arrangements, the plans have more than $100,000 in custom home amenities to incorporate a level of luxury from the start.  All of the designs in this development will feature these amenities, no matter the square-footage of the home.

The homes feature a first floor with a large living room, melded into another large kitchen space.  Nine-foot ceilings extend throughout the home, creating airiness and space. The first floor glows with natural light, as big windows offer views of the surrounding yards.  In the living area, a European-style gas fireplace, surrounded with cast stone, provides a cozy place to sit and relax, and the living area is pre-wired for audio, satellite, cable and home theater entertainment.  Hardwood plank floors stretch through the space, and a ceiling fan helps ensure the room stays cool.  An ideal space for an informal dining area lies between the living and the kitchen areas, and a large sliding glass door leads to the patio, making dining al fresco an easy, everyday option.

A gas hook-up for a grill is located in the back yard, and the area is pre-wired for outdoor speakers.  The back and front yards are pre-landscaped, with a smart-water sense system.  A stone patio carves out a space for dining and grilling, with room leftover for a small lawn.

The kitchen is a work of art.  Caesarstone countertops stretch across acres of counter space, and some floor plans incorporate an island with space for barstools and a place to grab a quick bite.  Lots of cabinet storage and outlets host even the most ambitious cooking projects, with thoughtful designs, such as a sink that turns off when you tap the faucet, and a pasta water spigot over the stove.  The stainless steel, state-of-the-art Jenn-Air appliances allow seasoned cooks to soar to new heights and help novice cooks to learn.  The oven features a touch screen that asks you what you want to cook and then walks you through the process.  The appliances alone would cost more than $20,000 to add into an existing home, and those amenities – along with the hardwood plank floors, custom-crafted cabinets and Caesarstone countertops – create a seriously upgraded kitchen.

The homes have three or four bedrooms, depending on the floor plan.  Some of the plans incorporate a full bedroom and a full bath on the first floor, creating an ideal guest suite.   Upstairs, the bedrooms are bright and airy, with crown molding and ceiling fans to keep the air circulating.  A laundry room with porcelain floor tile minimizes the need to walk up and down stairs with heavy laundry baskets, and a full bath with dual sinks and a separate room for the shower and toilet helps cut down on the traffic.  The master suite features a generously sized bedroom with a gorgeous bath, also with dual sinks and a large, oval tub perfect for relaxing, and an extra-large shower.  A walk-in closet with built-in shelves rests off the master bath, providing ample storage space and a solid foundation for organization.

A large number of energy-saving features were also brought into the design, such as a solar electric system that has been estimated at saving 71 percent off an annual power bill.  The utility company will credit homes for any excess energy generated and not used by the home, allowing home owners to see their meter turn backwards some times of the year.  Overall, throughout the year, the solar system can produce 48 percent of the energy used by the home.  The Eagle solar roof also offers a free Internet-based monitoring program, so you can chart your energy usage and your savings.  To help maximize the energy generated, the homes have Low-E dual-pane windows and radiant barrier roof sheathing.  The homes also have energy-efficient heating and cooling with Smart Vent and dual-zone programmable thermostats.  A Nightbreeze system – a new take on the whole-house fan that filters the air brought in by the fan and runs it through the vents, like air-conditioning but without the compression.  This system makes use of the cool night air, but cleans it of pollen or other allergens.  Other energy-efficiency measures include a tankless on-demand water heater, fluorescent exterior lighting, HVAC tight duct testing, and quality insulation installation.

Along with the energy efficiency of the homes, they are situated near the Putah Creek Nature Preserve and with easy access to the Davis greenbelt.  Students can ride their bikes all the way to Montgomery Elementary school without having to cross a street, and the Nugget Market and other amenities are just seconds down the road.  While the development sits at the edge of a wide open field, conveniences are only moments away.

According to the Davis Joint Unified School District’s website, students at this address would attend Montgomery Elementary school, Harper Junior High, and Davis Senior High, respectively.  This information is subject to change, based on the needs of the district.

These well-constructed, thoughtfully designed homes offer a great package, complete with great amenities and quality that’s hard to match.  Among the most energy-efficient developments in the state, these homes are a solid investment that will find ways to pay you back – through their energy-efficiency and their forward-thinking design.  The four lots currently nearing completion are Homesite 10, priced at $655,000; Homesite 11, priced at $585,000; Homesite 12, priced at $685,000; and Homesite 13, priced at $655,000.

Contact Jason Taormino, Robin Garland or Chad DeMasi at 530-750-7570 to schedule a private showing, or come by the model, open on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

With 2012 underway, it’s time to celebrate the top Coldwell Banker Doug Arnold Real Estate (CB DARE) agents of 2011.

The top five overall CB DARE agents for 2011 in Davis included Jamie Madison, as the No. 1 Realtor for 2011, followed by Chad DeMasi, Brenda Fletcher, Julie Partain and Malek Baroody.  In Woodland, the top overall CB DARE agents for 2011 were Don Tinsley as the No. 1 Realtor for 2011, with Ashley Arteche and Tara Aubrey rounding out the top three.  Their accomplishments represent a year of serving clients and helping people achieve their real estate goals.

In the Listing Production category, the top five CB DARE Realtors for 2011 in Davis were Jamie Madison, as the No. 1 Realtor, followed by Chad DeMasi, David Miller, Julie Partain and Malek Baroody.  In Woodland the top three Realtors were Tara Aubrey in first place for 2011, followed by Ashley Arteche and Don Tinsley.

For Buyer Side Volume, the top five CB DARE Realtors in Davis for 2011 were Brenda Fletcher, as the No. 1 Buyers’ Agent, followed by Jamie Madison, Chad DeMasi, Julie Partain and Todd Haverlock.  In Woodland, Ashley Arteche took the No. 1 spot, with Corina Moore and Don Tinsley rounding out the top three.

These Realtors embody Coldwell Banker DARE’s continued pledge to provide the best real estate service available.  Coldwell Banker DARE Realtors are knowledgeable, friendly and committed to helping their clients reach their real estate goals.  Whether that is by continually educating themselves about the market, or just by maintaining friendly, open lines of communication with clients, the Realtors with CB DARE embody real estate excellence.

Dear Clients,

As we begin to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the start of our company in 1972, we remember how much has changed as well as the unchanged aspects of our business.

In 1972, our-two page Home Purchase Contracts used carbon paper for the client’s copy.  Xerox copiers were just becoming available. Instead of accessing the MLS to locate another company’s listing, we drove around Davis and Woodland or called numerous fellow Realtors. The list of high-speed tools we now use daily were decades away from reality.

What hasn’t changed is the personal attention our clients expect and what we strive to deliver. While the complexity and paperwork in purchasing a home has mushroomed, the fundamental decision process of our clients in deciding on the right home in the right location and at a fair price remains constant over the decades.

Thanks for being a part of our company’s history and for contributing to our success.

Happy New Year!

Doug Arnold and David Taormino

Cary Arnold, director of marketing and agent services with CB DARE, says, “Coldwell Banker is excited to recognize how much our amazing Davis schools contribute to the fabric of our community and the quality of life we have here in Davis.”  CB DARE recognizes the link between strong schools and strong communities, as well as the impact those schools can have on home values.  This financial commitment to Yes for Our Students is an opportunity for CB DARE to stand with the community in support of the excellent public schools in Davis.  To read more about the public schools, click here.

It’s no secret that the state budget restraints has required massive slashes to public education with valued programs being put on the chopping block to meet ever-restricting budgets.  In Davis, the community responded to protect the schools, working behind several community grassroots initiatives to raise funds to defend these important programs.  Yes for Our Students is working to ensure that Measure C, a parcel tax renewal initiative being voted on this spring in a mail-only election, passes. 

If Measure C passes, it will provide $6.5 million to the Davis schools’ budget, helping to ensure essential school services stay in place.  For example, passing Measure C would help schools keep important classes, such as elementary school science, as well as to keep class sizes down in the elementary schools.  The money raised by this parcel tax would fund libraries, foreign language classes, music, athletics, drama, debate and journalism programs.  Reading and math support will stay in place, helping students achieve their academic goals.  Crucial support staff, such as school nurses and counselors, would be able to keep their jobs and continue to help students through the day.  And this is just a small sampling of the good the money could do. For a complete list, check out the website here.

CB DARE has always found ways to contribute to the community, keeping it strong and vibrant.  Lori Duisenberg, a parent co-chair of the Measure C campaign, had this to say about CB DARE’s donation.  “To know that we have such great support from the business community for these critical school programs is heartening.  Coldwell Banker has a long history of giving to our community – from the Davis High School stadium to our city fireworks display.  We are so appreciative of their donation to the Measure C campaign.” 

Many in the community feel strongly about this issue, and there is a strong grassroots effort to preserve the high-quality education offered in Davis public schools.  CB DARE is proud to be a part of this movement.  Cary elaborates: “We feel privileged and lucky to be a part of this community, and we encourage other businesses and individuals to support Measure C in recognizing the important role the parcel tax plays in keeping Davis schools great.  We hope to make a difference in showing our support for Measure C.” 

Ballots will be mailed to Davis voters in February, and are due in the elections office by March 6.  To learn more about the Yes for Our Students campaign, visit the website at http://www.yesforourstudents.org.

The 47th Annual Woodland Holiday Parade hit the streets on Saturday, Dec. 10, with a vibrant parade snaking down Main Street and an excited crowd cheering them on.  The weather was everything you could ask for, a crisp day with lots of sunshine; encouraging the crowd estimated at 30,000 to brave the cool temperatures to enjoy the event.  With more than 160 entries into the parade, including the agents of the Woodland Office of Coldwell Banker Doug Arnold Real Estate (CB DARE), the parade definitely got Woodland into the holiday spirit. Along with the holidays, CB DARE has something else to celebrate – the parade event is the company’s kick-off to celebrating CB DARE’s 40-year anniversary in 2012.

Bands and local businesses, performance troupes and non-profits made up the 160 parade entries.  Highlights included the California Aggie Marching Band-Uh!, the Ben Ali Motor Escort, and the Folklorico Latino de Woodland danced to celebrate not only the holidays, but their 25th anniversary.  Bands from all over the Sacramento area serenaded the crowd with holiday music, and local businesses marched and interacted with the people assembled, embracing the community spirit.

The event was organized by the Woodland Chamber of Commerce with Chairman Fred Bailard leading the parade committee for the 38th year in a row.  The parade was hosted by Candice Burgess. Peter Kahn and Jim Hilliard, who contributed commentary from Heritage Plaza.  In addition, the 2011 Woodland Chamber President Tom Galeazzi and 2012 incoming President Kevin Vaziri were introduced to the crowd.  The Grand Marshal of this year’s parade was Sarah Robinson of Premier West Bank.

For the first time, CB DARE agents from the Woodland office participated in the parade.  Agents decorated the CB DARE electric vehicles (EVs) with antlers and silver reins, turning them into sleighs.  CB DARE agent Blanca Garcia drove one of the EVs, and she said, “It was a great day – the weather couldn’t have been any better, and a lot of people were there, all ages and from all areas of the community.  It was really exciting.”  Along with the EVs, agents walked in the parade with their families, handing out fruit-flavored candy to the crowd.  The children with CB DARE ranged from 3 to 16, and each had a stocking filled with fruit-flavored candy canes.  CB DARE Realtor Teresa Flynn, who helped organize the event, said, “We started with 1,200 pieces of candy and easily could have handed out three times that amount.”  CB DARE agent Don Tinsley, who was part of that group, said, “We had a lot of fun.”

The event is a long-standing community tradition.  For example, Don has been attending the parade as a spectator for years.  He said, “The parade is great every year, and it’s wonderful to see the community out and celebrating the season.”  Blanca pointed out that it was great to see people of all ages having fun, saying, “It was a good chance to see people I haven’t seen in awhile.”  Teresa added, “The parade is a positive event that everyone loves and looks forward to watching; it’s a real feel-good moment for Woodland!”

The Woodland Holiday parade is billed as one of the top parades in Northern California.  The Woodland Chamber of Commerce has been putting the parade together for more than 40 years, and the agents who participated in the parade from the Woodland office were proud to be part of this long-standing Woodland tradition.  Teresa said, “As member of the Woodland Chamber of Commerce, we should participate in their events and promote our business, especially when we have something like our 40-year anniversary to celebrate.  It places a ‘face’ on our company name.”  Another tidbit of good news – parade participation was up this year with 160 entries, compared to last year’s 129.  The Woodland community is reading this as a positive sign for the economy, making it good news all around.

But more than that, the parade gave the Woodland agents an opportunity to interface with the community.  Blanca says, “The parade gave us the chance to show people that we aren’t only around when a house needs to be bought or sold.  It gave us the chance to join in a well-loved community event; we got to put back in by participating and being a part of the parade.”  Teresa echoes the sentiment by saying, “The real estate business is a people business and when a homeowner, either buying or selling, can relate to you on a personal level it’s a win-win.  We are a family oriented company, and that’s what we want the public to see.”

At the end of the day, when the EVs were plugged back in for the night (antlers still on, of course) everyone agreed that the parade and the day had been a lot of fun.  Blanca summed it up by saying, “I know it’s a cliché, but it’s true.  The day was perfect.  Just perfect!”

To reach the CB DARE office in Woodland, contact 530-666-2135.

Situated across Fifth Street from the UC Davis campus and just blocks away from downtown is College Park, one of the most gracious and storied neighborhoods in Davis. Built as a means to attract professors to the university, this neighborhood has a variety of homes set along the circle drive, lined with huge trees. Though moments away from everything, walking through this neighborhood is like getting wrapped up in a quiet, pleasant bubble.

College Park Drive circles the neighborhood, with houses lining each side. A park sits at the entrance to the enclave, providing a great spot to go for walks in the evenings or to gather with neighbors while getting some fresh air. The tree-lined streets create a sense of place, adding wonderful shade in the summer and great foliage during the fall. Coldwell Banker Doug Arnold Real Estate (CB DARE) Realtor Leslie Tuel has lived in the neighborhood for almost four years, and she says, “The trees are giant, they seem like they are 100 or 200 feet tall.”

The overall feel of the neighborhood is calm, which is impressive, considering how close to the action the neighborhood is. Leslie says, “The street is very quiet, with lots of bikes and pedestrians.” Eureka Street branches off College Park and connects to Eighth Street; however, Eureka is closed to cars. It’s possible to go from Eighth Street to Fifth Street through the neighborhood, but you need to do it on a bike or on foot.

The style of homes varies in this area, with Tudors and French-inspired brick sitting next to Spanish and California bungalows. Over the years the homes have been remodeled and extended. According to Leslie, the trend has been for the owners to build up their initially smaller homes with renovations and add-ons; for example, many of the residents turned their one-car garages into small cottages. As a result, the homes are fairly considerable in size, with the improvements over the years adding to the homes and their features.

In fact, many homeowners on the street are original owners or related to original owners. The area is so renowned within Davis, the homes so stately and impressive, the neighborhood so elegant and peaceful, that property is only rarely available on the street. Along with the considerable number of original owners, many children of original owners have elected to take on their parents’ homes. As Leslie says, “Who would ever leave this street if you are lucky enough to move here in the first place?”

Looking at the neighborhood now, it’s hard to believe that the lots sold for around $500 when the university was developing the neighborhood. The area was developed by the university in the 1920s, and the street also hosts the university chancellor’s residence, cementing the connection with the university. It’s funny to think that more than 90 years ago, when the neighborhood was developed, it was in a rural area – Miller Drive and A Street north of Fifth Street was all sheep pasture until after World War II. The street’s connection to the university, the town, and the tendency for families to buy a home and stay for generations, provides a real sense of permanence inhabiting the homes along with the residence. Leslie wraps it up by saying, “There is a lot of history on this street.”

To learn more about College Park, contact the CB DARE office in Davis at 530-758-3080.

Santa Claus is coming to Woodland, and he’s bringing a parade with him. The Woodland Holiday Parade will take place on Dec. 10 of this year and, as tradition dictates, Santa Claus will wrap things up in the line-up of marching bands, floats and horses by riding on an antique fire truck and closing the parade. Starting at 10 a.m., the show will start to make its way west to east down Main Street Woodland. This year, Coldwell Banker Doug Arnold Real Estate agents will be participating in this beloved community event. The agents will decorate the distinctive CB DARE electronic vehicles for the holidays and drive them in the parade.

This is the 47th year that the parade has made its way down Woodland’s Main Street, and it has become a treasured annual tradition. The parade is sponsored by the Woodland Chamber of Commerce, and long-time parade organizer Fred Bailard is once again putting the event together. Fred has been honored by the Woodland Chamber of Commerce for his volunteer work in the community, and his name is synonymous with this event. This year, the parade’s theme is “The Music and Magic of Christmas” and, according to the Parade’s website, there will be more than 175 entries entertaining an anticipated 20,000 to 40,000 people. The parade will include bands, scout units, ROTC/military units, dance groups and lots of fantastic horses. In fact, the Woodland Holiday Parade is one of the largest parades in Northern California.

CB DARE will celebrate 40 years in the real estate business in 2012, and according to Woodland Realtor Teresa Flynn, the Woodland office plans to kick off the celebrations by participating in the Holiday Parade. The electronic vehicles that are so closely associated with CB DARE will be decked out for the occasion, boasting flags that commemorate CB DARE’s 40-year anniversary. Agents based in the Woodland office and their families will walk alongside the decorated EVs and hand out candy to the crowd. Participating in the Woodland Holiday Parade is a real opportunity for the CB DARE office in Woodland to have fun with the community they work with, as well as remind everyone how significant CB DARE has been in the area for almost 40 years. Teresa says, “This is something fun and family focused for us to do to get out there and celebrate in the community.”

The event will take place rain or shine on Dec. 10, starting at 10a.m. Many parade-goers are known for getting to Main Street as early as 7 a.m. to get a good view. To learn more about the parade, check out the Woodland Chamber of Commerce website here.