In the heart of Pleasant Hill nestled between natural beauty and city convenience, you’ll find The Reserve, a new collection of 17 distinguished single-family homes like no other. Now is the time to discover this incredible community of stunning one- and two-story designs with elegant appointments and a location close to downtown and all the Bay Area has to offer.

A one-of-a-kind gem, Lot 13 makes room for a refreshing way of life. An open floor plan with optional patio creates the perfect space to entertain, while a multigenerational suite with separate entrance means endless possibilities for all kinds of families. Enjoy 3,648 square feet of expansive living space with four bedrooms and three-and-one-half baths in a breathtaking two-story design made for you.

Destined to be filled with heartfelt memories, Lot 14 is the two-story home you’ve been dreaming of. Presenting 3,282 square feet, three to five bedrooms and three-and-one-half to four baths, this two-story plan is the perfect place to make your own. From the den and bonus room to the three-car garage, large great room and spacious front porch, this is exceptional living at its finest.

When you live at The Reserve at Pleasant Hill, each day brings the perfect blend of peaceful relaxation and excitement. Take in the great outdoors with nearby open space, woodlands and regional parks. Head downtown for diverse restaurants, entertainment and local shops. And rest assured knowing bright futures are always on the horizon with acclaimed area schools. Plus, close proximity to BART and I-680 means the Bay Area is always within reach.

To make sure you’re one of the first to own in this inspiring community, join the priority list today. Simply get pre-qualified with one of our preferred lenders and submit your pre-approval letter to [email protected] to secure your spot on the list.

The sales office is located at 580 Boyd Road in Pleasant Hill. Please call Darrell Hanson, the community sales manager, at (925) 200-4587 to make an appointment.

It’s October and there is a lot happening in the Bay Area to get you in the fall spirit. See what’s going on this month.

In celebration of the Mexican holiday, the San Jose Dia de Los Muertos Festival is happening October 22 at St. James Park. The festival, also called Day of The Dead, is actually a celebration of life. Bring the whole family down as we sing, dance, laugh and celebrate our loved ones throughout the night.

The beloved Livermore Food and Wine Tasting Tour happens October 22 and October 28 and is your opportunity to explore one of California’s oldest wine cities bite by bite. The casual tour blends curated food tastings with fun tidbits about the local food scene and hidden architectural gems.

If you love indulging in your creative side, the Danville Fall Crafts Festival is right up your ally! Happening October 22 and 23 from 10AM to 5PM, the festival will be celebrating its 25^th year with quality arts and crafts displays and a fabulous glass pumpkin patch. Enjoy a variety of events, shows and fun activities.

On October 28, round up the kids and head to Harvest Celebration at Harvest Valley Church. With games, jump houses, petting zoo and other fun entertainment, everyone is sure to have a blast. Got a good chili or pie recipe? Enter the prize-winning recipe contests!

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to Like the Ponderosa Facebook page.

Thanksgiving doesn’t always have to call for turkey! Check out this recipe that will have your guests coming back for seconds and thirds.

Earl Grey-Crusted Pork Loin with Fennel and Apples
TOTAL TIME: 2 HR 15 MIN

SERVINGS: 6 TO 8

INGREDIENTS

·         3 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea

·         Kosher salt

·         Pepper

·         One 3 1/2-pound boneless pork loin roast, tied

·         3 fennel bulbs, trimmed and cut through the core into 1-inch wedges

·         3 firm, sweet cooking apples, such as Gala, quartered lengthwise and cored

·         2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

·         1 tablespoon thyme leaves

INSTRUCTIONS
1.       In a small bowl, whisk the tea with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Rub all over the pork and set the meat fat side up on a large rimmed baking sheet. Let stand at room temperature for 45 minutes.

Get the full recipe here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

As a future homeowner, are you aware of the new lender regulations that went into effect in 2014? These new regulations or the “ability-to-repay-rule” alter the qualification requirements and the types of mortgages that are given to prospective homebuyers.

“Safe or qualified mortgages” are mortgages that the lender can make a reasonable determination on and ensure can be paid back by the borrower – with lenders being protected from lawsuits from potential homeowners.

Here are a few changes that have been made by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:

1. A qualified mortgage must have reasonably low fees

2. A loan cannot be interest-only.

3. Borrowers cannot have a total monthly debt (this includes mortgage payments) that exceeds forty three percent of their gross income.

So, why is it a great idea to start talking to a lender and get pre-approved to purchase before a sales release?

This back to basics lending approach insures that loans will not be defaulted on as they were between 2005 and 2008, when fifty percent of borrowers would not have qualified under the “ability to-repay-rules.” Under the new rules, mortgage-servicing companies must send monthly statements that show how payments are credited to the loan and credit payments the day they arrive.

And it’s important to note that being pre-qualified is different than being pre-approved. Pre-qualification is an unofficial estimate of the dollar amount you can afford in your new home purchase. In this case, the loan officer makes an educated guess about your ability to purchase a home that is based on your verbal or written submissions of income, finances and stated credit history.

However, getting pre-approved carries a much larger weight in the mortgage and real estate industry because this approval is based on official documentation of tax returns, bank statements, business licenses and more. The lender then analyzes this documentation as well as your credit report and employment verification to determine your eligibility. They will then produce a letter of pre-approval that certifies that you have the necessary resources to afford a home listed at a specific amount. This letter also will specify the interest rate you are qualified to obtain based on your credit approval. Once you have selected the property you wish to purchase and are under contract to purchase, your interest rate will be locked in. Sellers love pre-approved buyers because they have proof that the buyer has the necessary financial backing and is prepared to pay the listed price. Many sellers won’t consider offers from buyers without pre-approval letters.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page.