There is only one residential subdivision being constructed presently in Ceres and there is interest before the model homes are finished.

The sales office reported to the city that six homes were sold in the first three weeks of marketing the 80-lot Orchard Terrace subdivision in west Ceres. The homes are going up just south of Whitmore Avenue and the Post Cereal plant and immediately east of the Union Tidewater railroad tracks.

“It’s encouraging to see activity out there,” said Toby Wells.

Three two-story, 3-bedroom, 2 ½ bath floor plans are being offered, including the

• 1,780 square foot model starting at $327,000;

• 1,896 square foot model starting at $337,000;

• 2,233 square foot model starting at $355,000.

Lots are small, about 4,000 to 4,500 square feet when the average lot size in Ceres is 6,000 square feet.

All the homes come with tile roofs and solar energy systems.

Model homes are scheduled to open June 30.

A construction site manager said the homes are on an 86-day build schedule.

A Frequently Asked Questions sheet notes that property taxes are 1.14 percent of the purchase price with $73.17 per year in special taxes and assessments. Thus, annual property taxes would run $4,120.17 on a $355,000 sale, or about $343 per month.