Overall my Pinn Brothers experience is a mixed bag. I have a townhome in the St. Elizabeth Park development, purchased 2008.
Purchasing:
I went with my own mortgage broker and real estate agent. I do not recommend using their broker or going in without your own agent. I have heard too many issues from neighbors about that bought after the housing bubble collapsed. You really want people on your side of the deal. It will cost you more, but that is not money you want to save on.
Construction:
The quality can be hit and miss, depending on how finished your unit was when the housing bubble collapsed - this really applies to ALL builders. In some areas they have modern touches in others the design falls flat, in particular the lack of dual zone HVAC. To be fair most homes in the bay area do not have this, but this is a requirement for certain energy saver status. Personally my PGE bills have been reasonable, winter ~$70 summer ~$150. Don't look at the fancy touches but pay attention to the floor plan and things like W/D location and HVAC, that are cost probative to change later.
Customer Service:
I have had some issues with my unit that have required warranty service. No new home is without flaws, period. Getting this resolved can be hit and miss, items that their staff handymen can deal with usually get resolved quickly, other stuff depends. The best advice here is to really stay on top of the customer service and keep pressure on to get the issues resolve, but stay polite, cool headed, and patient. Also REALLY go over your home carefully looking for issues right before and after you move in, there is a temptation to rush through the final inspection, it is your job to be picky before close of escrow. Pay special attention to, caulk in kitchen and showers, hot and cold water runs, both heat and AC turn on, electrical switches actually exists in all places they should, AC vents exists where they should. (you would be surprised the number of things that the drywall sub forgets to cut out).
St. Elizabeth Park:
Love the location, the general design of the units is to my liking. With a park and daycare literally next door, plus ok school district make this a good family location (don't have a family myself). Walking distance to starbucks Generally speaking this is a quiet neighbor hood. I do not hear my neighbors TV or music etc. through the walls, except during the one or two parties they have a year. It could probably be a tiny bit better, but there are limits to what can be done in wood frame townhomes, some sound does carry through framing. If sound is a big issue for you townhomes / condos are not for you.
Pros: location - St. Elizabeth Park
Cons: customer service sometimes slow to respond
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