Your Complete Guide to New Home Developments

Los Angeles County: 

A Personal Market Analysis by Mark Lee Bolender, ABR

Hey there, future homeowners and savvy investors!

I'm Mark Lee Bolender, your trusted real estate advisor with RE/MAX Gateway, and I'm excited to share with you the most comprehensive guide to new home developments across Los Angeles County. After spending countless hours researching every builder, visiting model homes, and analyzing market trends, I've compiled everything you need to know about the incredible opportunities available in our dynamic market right now.

Whether you're a first-time buyer dreaming of your starter home, a growing family looking to upgrade, or an investor seeking the next big opportunity, this guide will be your roadmap to success. Let's dive into what I consider to be one of the most exciting times to buy new construction in Los Angeles County!

The Big Picture: What I'm Seeing in the Market

After more than 20 years in this business, I can tell you that Los Angeles County's new construction market is truly remarkable right now. We're looking at 432 active new home communities spread across 186 subdivisions – that's more choice than I've seen in years! What really excites me is the price diversity: we've got homes starting at just $352,000 in the Antelope Valley all the way up to $2 million+ in our premium coastal areas.

Here's what's really interesting – there are 300 move-in ready homes available right now, plus 175 more under construction. For my buyers, this means you have options, negotiating power, and the ability to find exactly what you're looking for without settling.

I've mapped out all the major development areas across our county – each red pin represents opportunities I'm excited to show you!

Where the Action Is: My Regional Breakdown

Let me take you on a tour of each area, sharing what I'm seeing and where I think the best opportunities lie:

Santa Clarita Valley: The Family Paradise

Why I Love This Area: If you're looking for that perfect suburban lifestyle with top-rated schools and family amenities, Santa Clarita Valley is where I'd want to raise my own family. The crown jewel here is Valencia by FivePoint – and folks, this isn't just another development. This is a master-planned community that's thinking 20 years into the future.

What You'll Find:

• 73 active communities (yes, you read that right!)
• Price Range: $600,000 - $1,400,000+
• Home Sizes: 1,692 - 3,000+ sq ft

My Top Builder Recommendations:

Lennar's Solaire Community - This is where I send my tech-savvy buyers

• Price Range: $700,000 - $950,000
• Why I love it: Solar panels included, smart home technology standard
• Mark's tip: The energy savings alone make this a smart investment

KB Home Communities - Perfect for first-time buyers

• Price Range: $650,000 - $850,000
• Why I recommend it: Excellent first-time buyer programs and customization options
• Mark's insider info: KB Home has some of the best financing partnerships I've seen

Toll Brothers Luxury Communities - When you want the very best

• Price Range: $900,000 - $1,400,000
• Why it's special: Premium finishes, golf course access, luxury amenities
• Mark's advice: These hold their value exceptionally well

Richmond American's Torrin at Valencia - Great value proposition

• Price Range: $680,000 - $920,000
• Current incentive I'm excited about: Up to $15,000 in closing cost assistance (but hurry – this expires July 14, 2025!)

What Makes Valencia Special (and why I'm bullish on it):

• Every home comes with solar panels standard
• Electric vehicle charging in every garage (the future is now!)
• Resort-style parks that feel like vacation destinations
• Three top-rated school districts: Newhall, Hart, and Saugus

Porter Ranch & Woodland Hills: Where Luxury Meets Convenience

When my high-end buyers ask me about luxury living with easy access to entertainment industry jobs, this is where I take them first.

The Numbers:

• Price Range: $475,000 - $2,000,000+
• 104 communities in Porter Ranch, 109 in Woodland Hills

My Star Recommendation: Toll Brothers Porter Ranch - This is a serious luxury

• Price Range: $1,200,000 - $2,000,000
• Home Sizes: 3,909 - 5,044 sq ft (these are substantial homes!)
• Mark's excitement: They have 8 quick move-in homes available right now
• A current deal I'm watching: 3/2/1 buydown program starting at 2.99% first year

Why I Love This Area:

• Mature neighborhoods with established equity patterns
• Top-rated schools throughout
• Easy access to both Westside jobs and Valley locations

Antelope Valley: The Smart Money Move

Here's where I get excited for first-time buyers and investors looking for value. Lancaster and Palmdale represent some of the best opportunities in the entire county.

The Value Proposition:

• Price Range: $352,000 - $600,000 (you can't beat this!)
• 12 active communities in Lancaster alone

My Go-To Builders:

D.R. Horton's The Reserve at Quartz Hill - America's #1 builder for a reason

• Price Range: $380,000 - $520,000
• Mark's take: This is how you get into homeownership without breaking the bank

K. Hovnanian Homes in Lancaster - Perfect starter homes

• Price Range: $352,000 - $480,000
• Why I recommend them: Excellent reputation and move-in-ready options

Mark's Market Intelligence: Lancaster currently has 49 new construction homes available, and Palmdale has 34. For my investor clients, this area offers the best cash flow potential in the county.

San Gabriel Valley: Urban Sophistication

Pasadena, Glendale, and Burbank offer something unique – urban living with new construction opportunities.

What I'm Seeing:

• Pasadena: 25 new homes, median $1,380,000
• Glendale: 147 communities, median $1,175,000 (up 6.8% – strong appreciation!)
• Burbank: Limited new construction, mostly urban redevelopment

My Featured Builders:

• Taylor Morrison in Glendora ($800,000 - $1,200,000)
• Brookfield Residential in Arcadia ($900,000 - $1,400,000)

Meet the Builders: My Personal Take on Each

After working with these builders for years, here's my honest assessment:

Lennar Corporation: The Tech-Forward Choice

• Communities: 11 in our area
• Mark's opinion: Their "Everything's Included" approach is genuine – solar, appliances, smart home features come standard
• Best for: Tech-savvy buyers who want modern conveniences
• Financing highlight: 5% down payment assistance program

KB Home: The Customization Kings

• Mark's experience: They really let you make the home yours with customization options
• Price sweet spot: $350,000 - $850,000
• Best for: First-time buyers who want to personalize their space

Toll Brothers: When You Want the Best

• Mark's take: Premium everything – locations, finishes, customer service
• Investment perspective: These homes hold their value exceptionally well
• Current excitement: Those 3/2/1 buydown programs are incredible deals

Richmond American Homes: Solid Value

• Why I recommend them: Great middle-ground between luxury and affordability
• Current opportunity: That $15,000 closing cost assistance won't last long!

D.R. Horton: America's Volume Leader

• Mark's honest assessment: They're #1 for a reason – consistent quality at great prices
• Perfect for: First-time buyers and investors seeking value

Special Financing: How I Help You Save Thousands

This is where my expertise pays off for my clients. Let me break down the programs I use to save you money:

Builder Programs I Leverage:

Lennar Mortgage Advantage Plus:

• 5% down payment assistance
• Mark's strategy: I help you stack this with other programs for maximum benefit

Richmond American (expires July 14, 2025):

• Up to $15,000 closing cost assistance
• My advice: If you're considering Richmond American, we need to move quickly on this

Toll Brothers Incentives:

• Those 2.99% first-year rates I mentioned
• Mark's analysis: This could save you $300-500 monthly in year one

Government Programs I Navigate for You:

California Dream For All:

• Up to 20% down payment assistance
• Mark's experience: I've helped dozens of clients secure this funding

Los Angeles City Programs:

• LIPA: Up to $161,000 assistance
• My track record: I know exactly how to navigate the application process

LA County Programs:

• Up to $100,000 through HOP80/HOP120
• Greenline Program: $35,000 grants available
• Mark's advantage: I have relationships with program administrators

My Market Predictions & Investment Advice

After analyzing the data and seeing the trends firsthand, here's what I'm telling my clients:

Growth Areas I'm Bullish On:

Valencia by FivePoint: This is a 20-year play that I believe will deliver exceptional returns. The master planning here is reminiscent of Irvine Company developments.

Antelope Valley: For cash flow investors, this is your opportunity. I'm seeing 6-8% cap rates in well-chosen properties.

Porter Ranch: Established luxury market with consistent appreciation patterns.

My Buyer Recommendations:

First-Time Buyers:

• Start in Antelope Valley if budget is tight
• Consider Valencia for long-term family planning
• Always explore first-time buyer programs – I'll help you navigate them

Move-Up Buyers:

• Valencia for family amenities and schools
• Porter Ranch/Woodland Hills for luxury and location
• Consider Richmond American or Toll Brothers for move-in-ready luxury

Investors:

• Antelope Valley for cash flow
• Valencia for appreciation
• Watch for new phases in established communities

Why Work with Mark Lee Bolender?

Look, I'll be straight with you – buying new construction isn't just about picking a model home and signing papers. There are negotiations with builders, incentive programs to navigate, timing considerations for maximum savings, and construction quality inspections that can save you down the road. If you have an agent and or broker, call and use that agent. If you need an agent with 35-plus years in these areas, call Mark Lee Bolender at 310-857-4956.  DRE:01065007

I've spent over two decades building relations areas, one who knows the builders and agents, calling and interviewing Mark Lee Bolenderhips with these builders, understanding their processes, and learning how to get my clients the best possible deals. When you work with me, you're not just getting a real estate agent – you're getting an advocate who knows how to work the system in your favor.

I've personally visited every major development in this report. I know which builders deliver on time, which ones offer the best post-construction support, and which communities will give you the lifestyle you're dreaming of.

Mark Lee Bolender, ABR

RE/MAX Gateway.

DRE:01065007.

Phone: 310-857-4956.

Email: [email protected]

Listings: www.markbolender.net. Resume: www.markbolender.me.

What My Clients Say About Working with Me:

"Mark didn't just help us find a home – he helped us understand the entire new construction process and saved us over $20,000 in incentives we never would have known about." - Jennifer & David, Valencia homeowners

"As first-time buyers, we were overwhelmed by the options. Mark walked us through everything and helped us get into our dream home in Lancaster with almost no money down." - Carlos & Maria, Santa Monica  homeowners