WHY IT WORKED: It's all about moving up at Veranda, in the master planned community of Morningstar Ranch. Buyers include those moving up from within Riverside County as well as folks from San Diego and Los Angeles counties who want to move up in their quality of home without having to hit the stratosphere when it comes to price.

  • Quality standard features that are a cut above the competition include 6-inch-by-6-inch countertop tile with a 6-inch backsplash in both the kitchen and master bath; a 6-foot tub in the master bath; finished-drywall garages; and front-yard landscaping.
  • Distinctive architecture and floor plans that complement Southern California living, including shade porches, welcoming courtyards, downstairs bedrooms, spacious family rooms, and super storage spaces. Each of the four floor plans is available in a Spanish, Monterey, or Craftsman elevation.
  • Lot size and location both factor into the value pricing at Veranda. Lots range in size from 7,200 to 14,900 square feet, with numerous cul-de-sac locations. All lots are big enough for backyard entertaining, and most are sized to accommodate a swimming pool.
  • Veranda is located in the area's most highly rated school district and close to restaurants, shopping, and recreation.

  • PROJECT CREDITSProject: Veranda at Morningstar Ranch, Winchester, Calif.; Sales started: August 2005; Sales through mid-October 2006: 40; Units planned: 186; Price: $446,800 to $498,411; Unit size: 2,472 to 3,171 square feet; Builder/Developer: Brookfield Homes, San Diego; Architect: Dahlin Group, Solana Beach, Calif.; Landscape architect: Land Concern, Santa Ana, Calif.; Interior designer: Design Line Interiors, San Diego

FAMILY-FRIENDLY: The Spanish elevation of the bestselling Plan 2 has everything that families want, including five bedrooms and a loft, three and a half baths, a two-car garage plus tandem storage space, and a dramatic vaulted ceiling in the family room that adds flair to a well-used space.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: The Spanish elevation of the bestselling Plan 2 has everything that families want, including five bedrooms and a loft, three and a half baths, a two-car garage plus tandem storage space, and a dramatic vaulted ceiling in the family room that adds flair to a well-used space.

Learn more about markets featured in this article: San Diego, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Riverside, CA.