Built by a local developer, Inland Pacific Builders, Pacific Crest is conveniently located on the south end of Santa Maria and a short 20 minute commute to the main gate of Vandenberg AFB. The Pacific Crest homes were constructed beginning about 2005, and the last few homes are still being sold by the developer. The floorplans are some of my favorites built in Santa Maria, with circular interior entries, spacious kitchens, and luxurious master suite options.
For those looking to buy your first rental property, or pick up an extra one now that prices make sense again, be aware that lenders have rolled back the down payment requirements for investment property. Most lenders I polled recently say that a 20% down payment is required for an investment property. Many of us remember when lenders required a 30% down payment for investment property, and I wonder how long it will be until we are back to those days. Lenders slowly but surely increased the down payment requirement for investors during the housing boom and have slowly but surely increased that obstacle again.
Hidden Pines is a lovely little gated community located in northwest Santa Maria. It boasts a private park and streets, and borders the Santa Maria Riverbed walking trail. The homes were built approximately 15 years ago and feature tile roofs and 2 car garages. The development is surrounded by other popular developments, Cherry Blossom Ranch, Essex at Willow Creek, and the gated community of Regency Estates.