Homes by Towne Division President Jeff Pemstein (center, with scissors) slashes a ribbon at The Paseos residential development. He is joined by company staffers and Carmichael Chamber of Commerce members. A promo blimp for the Fair Oaks Boulevard development floats above.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Designed as an all-electric community, a subdivision of one of few remaining parcels in Carmichael welcomed buyers last weekend.

Developers report four homes have already sold. Many more potential buyers registered during the open day. “It’s a good start,” said Homes by Towne Division President Jeff Pemstein. “There’s already lots of interest in The Paseos.”

The Paseos (Spanish for "pathways") will offer 46 dwellings, set among landscaped walkways that lead to a small park. For now, it is 6.5 acres of dirt heaps and houses under construction. The main street — Caminata Lane — boasts three completed demonstration homes. 

 The Paseos development includes larger perimeter lots and smaller inner street sites for patio homes. Diagram courtesy of Homes By Towne.

A steady flow of visitors inspected models and considered available lots last weekend. Live music and free taco lunches sweetened deals. Escrow and loan officers were on hand, as was SMUD Director Heidi Sanborn, who touted all-electric household benefits to potential purchasers. “With SMUD power 54% below PG&E, operational costs here will be much lower,” she explained. “In new communities like this, electricity is underground. This improves aesthetics and power reliability. Electric appliances are better for residents’ health. They also reduce the risk of fire.”

 Builder Jeff Pemstein (center) gives SMUD Director Heidi Sanborn (second from right) and husband Brad a kitchen tour. They are joined by sales broker Christopher Rockey (left) and Christine Pemstein. 

Milwaukee-based Homes by Towne corporation bought the property — part of historic Carmichael Colony — five years before breaking ground. “We’re excited to at last bring homes to this location,” said Carmichael resident Pemstein. “Few opportunities exist to buy new properties here.

“California’s now in the midst of a housing crisis,” said the builder.  “The County had visions of an even higher-density neighborhood. We told them there wasn’t a market for that. The scale of Carmichael lends itself to 46 homes on this parcel.”

 SMUD Director Heidi Sanborn (left) checks out home interiors with Carmichael Honorary Mayor Miranda Viani.

Planned around three streets, the community will contain conventional-sized dwellings and small patio homes. Yards allocations are uniformly petite. Landscaping will include drought-tolerant natives. These will be maintained by a homeowner association. “That’s what many people prefer these days,” explained Pemstein. “Some homeowners just don’t want much responsibility for maintenance.”

Prices range between $590,000 and $675,000.  “We’ve done all we can to make our homes attainable for families,” said Pemstein. “Carmichael’s a fantastic place to live.  I’ve been a builder and a town planner for many years and it’s a joy for me to hand over the keys to homes where people can begin making memories.”

Weekend viewing opportunities will continue at The Paseos through summer. Weekday visits are by appointment.  For information, visit The Paseos Facebook page or call (916) 262-8800 x 1.

 Fidelity National Title escrow officers Debbie Shefke (left) and Nicole Miller enjoy free taco lunches provided to all visitors.