What I Love About New Construction!

What do I love about new construction?  That’s easy…I love the smell of new construction.  From the time they start framing, the smells are fantastic.  Maybe I am part termite, because I love the smell of 2X4s.  The good smells don’t stop there.  Inhaling the scent of new carpet and fresh paint may kill some brain cells, but I can’t help it.  I will spare a few for the immediate olfactory gratification I get.

In all seriousness, other than the great smells, new construction has its benefits.  The problem for buyers in the Westchase area over the last 6 years is that new construction has been difficult to find.  We have had some townhouses and a few single family homes, but nothing like what we saw in the early to mid 2000s, when concrete trucks where as prevalent as the UPS truck. 

It is still hard to find new construction in the area, but there are a few opportunities available now and some on the horizon.

Highland Park.  Five single family homes are being constructed on lakefront lots in Highland Park.  There are 3 homesites still available that are approximately ½ acre each.  There is still time to pick from one of the spacious floorplans (most are well over 3000 square feet!) and build a house that gives the whole family room to roam.  The builder representative I talked to was very excited to talk about the energy efficiency of the homes.  The superior insulation and filtration systems make for very efficient and clean homes, reducing your electric bills and your dusting time.  All of the homes will have tile roofs and lakefront views.  Starting in the mid—$400’s.

Old Memorial Estates.  Just around the corner of Westchase is the Old Memorial Estates neighborhood that has had an entry for a long time, but no homes.  There is a beautiful one built now and I recently discovered that a popular builder in the area will be selling and building on 20 lots starting this fall.  They will be offering 6 different floorplans with Mediterranean architecture.  Prices will start in the mid-$400’s.  They too talk about their energy efficient construction which helps your pocketbook and the environment.  More information on this neighborhood is to come.

Keystone Meadows.  For those looking for a little more yard and are ok with leaving the Westchase area, Keystone Meadows is a small neighborhood on North Mobley, near Hammond Elementary & Walker Middle School.  Homes are on 1 acre lots and start in the mid-$400’s as well.

South Hampton.  Looking for a starter home in a great school zone?  South Hampton is a gated, townhouse community in the Westchase area, just outside of popular West Hampton.  Townhomes currently advertised for sale range from 1500—over 1800 sqft.  Prices start in the $170’s.

That brings me back to the title of this blog:  What Do I Love About New Construction?  Since a lot of the Westchase area homes were built, builders have gone much more “green.”  They are building homes with far superior insulation (attics aren’t even that hot), energy efficient HVAC systems and appliances.  This cuts your utility bills down significantly.  And, you can go to sleep knowing that your carbon footprint is a little smaller.  Further, homes today are built in compliance with the most current hurricane codes, thus reducing your homeowner’s insurance costs. 

Most builders also offer great warranties that protect you from construction issues.  They also provide the opportunity to have some control over the design choices in the home.   The color of that great smelling carpet can be chosen by you! 

One other thing I want to address with new home construction is that just like when buying a resale home, having professional and knowledgeable Realtor representing your interests is very important.  We know the right questions to ask to make sure your building process goes as smoothly as possible.

If you want any information on the neighborhoods listed above, please do not hesitate to call. 

Melanie Atkinson is a Realtor with the Wood Team at Coldwell Banker.  She can be reached at 813-368-6084 or at Melanie@woodteamrealty.com

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