The Cottages in Oxnard is located just two miles from the surf and sand of the Pacific Ocean, highlighting the coastal lifestyle many Southern Californians aspire to. Shea Homes is making it possible to enjoy an ocean-close address priced from the high $400,000s and own a single-family residence in a private gated community from as low as $1,600 per month*.

Shea Homes, honored in 2005 as one of America's Best Builders and now as 2007 Builder of the Year by Professional Builder magazine, encourages first-time buyers to visit The Cottages today and discover how affordable life near the sea can be.

Homebuyers who act now also can take advantage of Shea Homes' Customer Choice, a menu of incentives available for a limited time.

"The Cottages' architectural charm, great location near the Channel Islands Harbor and private recreation are the opportunity of a lifetime for young couples who want a brand new home near the ocean at a fantastic price," said Lori Symans, director of sales and marketing for Shea Homes.

"This gated enclave is like a hidden treasure that you must see to believe; everything about The Cottages is special, particularly its affordable, coastal lifestyle. During a visit to the models, guests will also realize just how close the neighborhood is to the Channel Islands Harbor and its waterfront shops and restaurants, another plus for residents who want close access to favorite destinations," Symans said.

"Homebuyers who prefer to move this summer can be accommodated. There is currently a limited selection of floor plans for immediate occupancy as well as homes slated for November completion."

You won't find a better ocean-close value in Southern California. Act today and save with Customer Choice Incentives, reduce your monthly mortgage payment to as low as $1,600 per month*, choose upgrades, lower your purchase price, or get assistance selling your current home. The savings of $300 per month with no Mello Roos taxes** is another benefit for those who do not want the burden of a higher tax-rate found at other new-home communities.

The Cottages' single-family floor plans range from about 1,972 to 2,074 square feet.

Three-level interiors have three to four bedrooms, two and one-half to three baths, plus optional tech centers, sensationally large bonus rooms that mirror the ambiance of a customized residence, and attached two-car garages. Gracious appointments showcase birch cabinets, raised-panel interior doors, GE white appliances, ceramic tile countertops with full backsplash and energy-efficient lighting.

Residents can enjoy leisurely weekends at the neighborhood's exclusive recreation area that includes a swimming pool, spa and tot lot. Oxnard's miles of sandy beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, hiking and biking trails and the Channel Islands Harbor are just minutes away.

Shea Homes Southern California is a division of Shea Homes Limited Partnership, an independent member of the Shea family of companies, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2006.

Over the past century and a quarter, members of the Shea family and their companies have accomplished many extraordinary milestones, including completing work on the foundation of the landmark Golden Gate Bridge, working on San Francisco's Bay Area Rapid Transit System and serving as a managing partner for the construction of the Hoover Dam.

Yet Shea Homes' most satisfying achievements continue to revolve around listening to its customers' needs and satisfying those needs by providing an extensive selection of new-home floor plans and quality workmanship in the finest neighborhoods and communities available today.

Shea Homes also is investing in the future of children and communities across America by sponsoring a multi-faceted literacy awareness program that urges parents to "Read With Your Child 15 Minutes a Day." For more information, visit sheahomes.com.

The Cottages is offering a 3 percent Broker Co-Op. Broker and client must be present on first visit, no exceptions. Prices and product availability are subject to change. Please see a community representative for details.

To visit The Cottages, take Highway 101, exit at Victoria Avenue and head south toward Channel Islands Harbor. Turn left on Wooley Road, right on Patterson and The Cottages will be on the left side.

The Information Center and furnished models are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Fridays, when hours are from 1 to 6 p.m. For more information on The Cottages, call 805-985-8318.

*The offer is is based on a purchase price of $518,480 with 10 percent down payment, 80 percent first balance of $414,784. Product is on a 5/1 interest-only ARM with a 2/1 buydown Note Rate 5.375 percent, APR 6.874 percent, APR subject to change. Second loan will be at 10 percent with a loan amount of $51,848, a note rate of 8.25 percent and APR of 8.085 percent. Offer is available only for loans made or arranged through Shea Mortgage, Inc., an independent member of the Shea family of companies. Shea Mortgage, Inc. is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate, License No. 01197403. Borrower is responsible for all taxes, insurance and other costs of ownership. Not available with all loan programs. Additional conditions, restrictions and limitations apply. Not all applicants will qualify. See your Shea Mortgage loan counselor for additional details. Check with your tax advisor.

**The Cottages offers a 1.25 percent tax rate with no Mello Roos Taxes. The $300 per month savings with no Mello Roos Taxes is based on comparison to a typical 1.99 percent tax rate found in other new home communities.