What is a Mello-Roos or Community Facility District (CFD)?
Community Facilities Districts (CFDs), commonly known as Mello-Roos, are a form of financing that can be used by cities, counties, and special districts. CFDs are formed to finance major improvements and services by raising money through special taxes within the district.
How are CFD taxes paid?
In almost all cases, CFD taxes are levied as part of an owner's annual property tax.
Can CFD taxes change over time?
Yes. A “Notice of a Special Tax” is provided to residents annually that includes the current year’s maximum tax for the parcel, the rate at which that maximum tax may increase per year, and the final date in which special taxes may be collected for bonded indebtedness.
Who is CalWest's preferred lender?
Debbie Silvett with Pacific Sun Mortgage. She can be reached at (858) 436-0414 or [email protected].
Why should I own a home instead of renting?
You work hard for your money, so what’s the point in paying rent and having your money make someone else’s life cushy? Owning offers so many wonderful benefits:
- Tax Write-Offs
- Equity Building
- Sense of Stability
- Benefits to Long Term Credit
- Ability to Make Your Own Design Decisions
- Plenty of Spaces to Entertain
Why purchase a new construction home?
- Community: Your home is part of a CalWest community, great for fostering friendships and connections with your neighbors. Plus, select neighborhoods offer resort-style amenities such as a recreation center.
- Less Maintenance: With a new construction home, every aspect is brand new, so you're less likely to need repairs compared to a typical resale home.
- Warranty Protection: If issues do arise during the warranty period, you're not stuck figuring it out on your own.
- New Appliances Included & Installed: CalWest homes come standard with a stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and more.
- Select Customization Options: Depending on the neighborhood and construction stage of the home, select residences have the ability to customize features like flooring, landscaping, tile, and more with our Design Studio.
- Modern, Open-Living Floorplan Designs: Our contemporary floorplans are designed for how you want to live today with living areas that flow together. Plus, select homes offer indoor/outdoor experiences and options ranging from home offices to multi-generational living suites.
- Energy-Efficient Features: Save costs with included high-efficiency features such as heating & air conditioning systems, lighting, and more.
Should I buy a turn-key or pre-sale home?
A turn-key residence is ready for move-in from the moment you purchase and are ideal for those who want a quick and low maintenance home. You can conveniently move into a new home featuring designer-selected finishes, furnishings, and amenities. CalWest model homes are the epitome of turn-key living with full landscaping, upgraded countertops and lighting, and professionally selected furniture, accessories, art, and interior plants.
A pre-sale home is sold as construction is in progress, which affords buyers to make customizations and have more control over their final residence while watching the process until the end. Pre-sale residences allow additional time to put away money for the home and are great for contingent buyers who need to sell their home prior to purchase.
What exactly comes standard in the base price?
Our base price includes essential features like stainless steel appliances (stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher) and high-efficiency heating and air conditioning. A detailed list of inclusions is available on the kitchen island of any model home.
Are CalWest homes energy efficient?
Yes. Every home includes our VIVID Home Tech & Wellness package. This program sets a high standard for energy efficiency and healthy living by including:
Smart Technology: Wi-Fi thermostats and "smart" controls to lower energy use.
Clean Air & Water: In-home air and water filtration systems for better indoor air quality.
Solar Power: Rooftop solar panels are included to help reduce your monthly electricity bills.
Energy-Saving Build: High-performance insulation and "cool roofs" that meet California’s latest 2026 energy standards.
Can I customize my home to fit my lifestyle?
Depending on the construction stage, yes. Our Design Studio helps you select finishes and upgrades that reflect your personal vision. We offer a curated selection of materials so your home feels unique to you.
Can I visit the construction site while my home is being built?
We schedule specific walkthroughs at key milestones, such as a "dusty shoe tour". Your sales associate will coordinate these visits so you can safely see the progress of your home.
Do I need a broker or agent to purchase a new home?
No. You can work directly with our on-site team. If you choose to work with a broker, they must accompany you on your first visit to the community to be eligible for our referral program. Visit our Broker Policy page to confirm neighborhood participation.
Does CalWest offer any financial incentives or rate buy-downs?
We offer special incentives, and the offers vary by community and season. We recommend checking the specific neighborhood page or speaking with a sales associate for current incentives.
Why is CalWest priced differently than other builders in the area?
Our pricing reflects our focus on better craftsmanship and lower-density neighborhoods. We build homes with design-forward floorplans that prioritize natural light and indoor-outdoor living. Our dedicated sales teams provide all pricing and included features upfront so you can accurately compare the total value and quality of our construction.
What is the "Boutique Builder" difference?
As a local, family-owned company with 30+ years of experience in San Diego County, we focus on fewer neighborhoods at a time so we can give more attention to construction details and your overall experience.
Are CalWest communities actually walkable?
Walkability depends on the neighborhood. Some are near shops and transit, while others are closer to nature trails. We put specific maps on every community page so you can see exactly what is nearby before you visit.
What makes a CalWest neighborhood feel different?
We choose locations in Southern California that align with an active, outdoor lifestyle. Our communities are designed, often featuring parks, walking trails, and social spaces that help neighbors easily connect.
How do I request a repair under my warranty?
Use our online Homeowner Portal to submit a request. This creates a digital record so we can track the fix until it is finished. For after-hours emergencies, call our 24/7 line at 1.800.393.0974.