Published: Saturday, March 21, 2009, Seattle Times

CAYMUS TOWNHOMES See affordable luxury at grand opening

A grand opening this weekend is a chance to explore charming Mukilteo and its newest community, Caymus —named after a fine wine from Napa Valley — are tucked into a gated cul-de-sac and feature high-level design focused on comfort, luxury finishes and affordability.

Buyers can choose from four floor plans that average 2,400 square feet. The model home is furnished and accessorized by Sandra Gauthier of Ansaldo Interiors.

The value built into Caymus homes starts with the price. With prices from $399,950 and interest rates as low as 3.99 percent for a fixed-rate loan or 4.5 percent for an FHA loan, homebuyers have a rare chance to own a convenient and well-designed community. A lender representative will discuss financing details at the grand opening.

The well-equipped kitchens at Caymus offer thick granite countertops with full-height glass tile backsplashes and soft under-cabinet lighting, plus stainless steel Whirlpool appliances. European style cherry cabinets are complemented with contemporary pulls. Just off the kitchen, there is a double door den/study that leads to a large all-weather covered deck with a pass-through window for year-round barbecue cooking.

Buyers may sense a personal touch throughout the Caymus model home. Jeanne Koruga, part of the builder team at West Tier Homes, puts her heart and soul into the homes. The colors, features, and finishes are her signature, but she also can’t resist adding touches like a roughed-in vacuum system, 24/7 electronic security gate, irrigated and maintained grounds, fully tiled two-person shower with rain head, built-in media center, separate kitchen trash facility, and a 12-by-17-foot bonus room with patio for a shop, home theater or serious home gym. A community P-patch lets owners grow their own food and flowers if they choose.

For the next several weeks, West Tier is also adding a turn-key move-in buyer bonus with each home purchase. Finishing touches such as blinds, a washer and dryer, 46-inch flat-screen television, a vacuum, stainless steel refrigerator and more will be included.

Dick Kellett, buyer’s agent with Williams Marketing, will be the host of the grand opening. Kellett views the current market conditions as a “perfect storm” for a new-home buyer —below-market pricing, special fixed-rate financing, selection, affordability, first-home government credits and a move-in turn-key buyer incentive.

Caymus is minutes away from the Whidbey Ferry, the Sounder train, Boeing and the golf course at Harbour Pointe. Located at Nelsons Corner (84th Street Southwest and Mukilteo Speedway), Caymus owners are walking distance from shopping, professional services, seven restaurants and the local post office.