More Home Builder Questions ??? (Frisco, Howe: countertops, appliances, buyers)

[LOK222]

We really didn't care about the pool but maybe down the road it's somthing we'll think about. We got a big enough lot that we could build one if we wanted. I think for us also, buying a spec was perfect. My wife and I really did not want to take months and go through every little thing, we walked in, loved it and that's that. I know for some the build process is great and I have spoke to some about Grand and some of the complaints are about missing deadlines on builds and things like that, maybe for us it is different as we are not "building" it's all ready!

[socketz]

Good advice carnut. I agree that you rarely get something for nothing.

Free media room (Drees, nice builder, always a little overpriced to begin with), new pool....they are incentivizing for a reason.

Personally I tried to find an area where there were good builders, homes were selling quickly on the resale market and new homes were going in and selling with minimal discounts. It scares me when you go into those communities where the builders really drop their pants at a drop of the hat. Remember, your probably not the only one getting a smoking deal.

[onrway2clt]

Agreed, Im now looking at an area where there are only 2 builders, Landstar and Drees.

[socketz]

Originally Posted by LOK222

We really didn't care about the pool but maybe down the road it's somthing we'll think about. We got a big enough lot that we could build one if we wanted. I think for us also, buying a spec was perfect. My wife and I really did not want to take months and go through every little thing, we walked in, loved it and that's that. I know for some the build process is great and I have spoke to some about Grand and some of the complaints are about missing deadlines on builds and things like that, maybe for us it is different as we are not "building" it's all ready!

I really wanted a spec originally for all the same reasons, but after going through the build process with Darling, I'm really glad I did so. I have learned a ton. Cool process.

[onrway2clt]

Originally Posted by socketz

I really wanted a spec originally for all the same reasons, but after going through the build process with Darling, I'm really glad I did so. I have learned a ton. Cool process.

Post some pics of the progress

[jackietang1273]

Originally Posted by NY - Dallas

Agreed, Im now looking at an area where there are only 2 builders, Landstar and Drees.

Could anyone share your opinions about Drees vs Landstar homes, especially in the area of building material & workmanship quality. I am kind of focusing on the West Allen community - Quail Run, and Drees & Landstar are the ony 2 builders there.

Thanks in advance!

[onrway2clt]

Originally Posted by jackietang1273

Could anyone share your opinions about Drees vs Landstar homes, especially in the area of building material & workmanship quality. I am kind of focusing on the West Allen community - Quail Run, and Drees & Landstar are the ony 2 builders there.

Thanks in advance!

I will be visiting this community in a few weeks, I can ask my Realtor his opinion if you like. I believe they are equal but what you can do is call each one in Quail Run and see what the standard options are especially in the energy efficiency areas and compare what they give you.

[socketz]

I like Drees designs better (landstar seemed choppy to me and the standard options are not that great) and have heard that their customer service is superior. In my mind, they sit at the top of the tier 1 production pack with Darling, and Landstar is near the bottom of tier 1, yet still a good builder.

Resale on Drees and Darling is one reason I'd put them higher. But you will pay more for both. You wont go wrong with either builder.

[jackietang1273]

Thanks for your input. What I heard is, Landstar is better at building material, while Drees is better at cosmetical decoration & kitchen appliance. Do you agree?

[scyogi]

Hi Jackie~
I just purchased a home from Drees and can say they are easy to work with. If you find a spec home that is sitting they are more than happy to work the numbers for you. Personally, I think they are just trying to make you feel like you are getting a great deal. Even my realtor said he felt like several spec homes were over priced. We were able to neg. the price down to the low 300's for a 3500 sqft. home (4 bed/4 bath), they also switched out some lights that I did not like, added all of our 2" window blinds, added a 2nd gate to the fence, and will refresh all flowers/mulch. All that being said---I still have not moved into the home. Everything we saw (and we spent about 3 hours in this home) seemed really nice. They do a nice job with picking tile, granite, most light fixtures, etc. So far, so good.........let's hope it stays this way.