Benchmark Communities Debuts In Clovis Opening 5 New Luxury Home Plans In Harlan Ranch Starting In The Low $300,000s

CLOVIS, Calif., Aug. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Benchmark Communities will make its debut in Clovis with Vantage at Harlan Ranch, a collection of five new home floor plans complete with an exceptional level of amenities, including high-tech and energy-efficient features. Vantage by Benchmark Communities is one of the last new home neighborhoods in the master-planned community of Harlan Ranch.

Vantage at Harlan Ranch is a perfect example of Benchmark's pursuit of the highest quality product at the most competitive value available. Opening in late September 2012 and priced in the low $300,000s, all five of Benchmark's new home models are first-of-their-kind in the greater Fresno area. Plans are designed with the modern American lifestyle in mind. The five new floor plans cover a range of options for homebuyers from the growing family to the empty nester, all within the beautiful, master-planned community of Harlan Ranch. Harlan Ranch is known statewide for its amenities such as walking trails, recreation center, Bud Rank School and a multitude of parks. 

"Benchmark Communities operates under one clear guiding principle: Everything Matters!" said Dustin Bogue, president of Benchmark Communities. "Everything Matters means we not only focus on the big picture but also relentlessly on every detail of your home. Whether it's including a higher level of amenities than other builders, our top-notch customer service or our drive to create a 100% American-made home, Benchmark pursues every detail until we are completely confident our homes deliver the highest possible value for you, the homebuyer."

In addition to luxury home amenities, Vantage at Harlan Ranch will be tech-savvy homes featuring a state-of-the-art thermostat by Nest, designed by the creator of the iPod and the first three generations of the iPhone. The Nest thermostat can be controlled remotely from anywhere you are using your smartphone. And Nest gets to know you and how you live, saving you money on your electric bill. The Nest thermostat is in addition to our Energy Star® Certified energy-efficient appliances and many more green-built energy-efficient components.

"We live differently today than we did just a few years ago," said Bogue. "As a result, we're building affordably priced homes that meet the demands of today's modern lifestyle. This includes tech-savvy features that help us live a more productive and environmentally sustainable life."

New homebuyers at Vantage will be able to purchase an American-made interiors upgrade package, which will include a variety of American-made products, including granite sourced just 50 miles from Clovis, Calif. "Benchmark is helping make an important social statement with more than 50% of these homes being made in America and we want our new homebuyers to be as proud as we are of having American-made interior options in their home," said Bogue.

Standing behind the quality of their homes complete with luxury and tech-savvy features, Benchmark offers homes that come standard with a unique two-year "Fit and Finish Warranty" and high-quality, personalized customer service and quality assurance staff.

ABOUT BENCHMARK COMMUNITIES

Benchmark Communities has the strength and stability to establish new communities and build new homes that ensure each neighborhood bearing the Benchmark name holds up to the company's rigorous standards. Every detail of each community is carefully planned and delivered in order to help homeowners build a foundation for life.

The company is driven by its core values of always doing what's right. Benchmark believes the commitment to its customers and communities in which it builds is of the utmost importance. That is why "Everything Matters at Benchmark Communities!" Beginning with the smallest details of the home to the choice of materials and architecture, Benchmark does not compromise quality. Benchmark is an innovative homebuilder committed to building neighborhoods that will stand the test of time and provide a comfortable lifestyle.

Benchmark Communities is owned and operated by UCP, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of PICO Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PICO). UCP is an experienced real estate investment company with a passion for creating community, which owns a diversified portfolio of real estate acquisitions, from residential neighborhoods to mixed-use master plans, commercial projects and infill opportunities.

SOURCE Benchmark Communities