Best and Worst Tampa home builders (Wesley Chapel: flat fee, for sale, real estate)

[Vellamint]

So how can someone with no construction background even tell if they are doing things correctly? How would I know? I can visit daily and probably not realize if something was not being done the way it should be done. I was hoping a good buyers agent would be a help but how much will they be willing to babysit my build.

[The Chap]

Originally Posted by Vellamint

So how can someone with no construction background even tell if they are doing things correctly? How would I know? I can visit daily and probably not realize if something was not being done the way it should be done. I was hoping a good buyers agent would be a help but how much will they be willing to babysit my build.

Exactly. Therein lies the problem for most.

[retiredcop111]

Originally Posted by Vellamint

So how can someone with no construction background even tell if they are doing things correctly? How would I know? I can visit daily and probably not realize if something was not being done the way it should be done. I was hoping a good buyers agent would be a help but how much will they be willing to babysit my build.

I own a Beazer. I had a home inspector pre dry wall. I also had him come in at end of construction. I will have him here for my 1 year walk through.

[letsmeditate]

This is all very good information as we are looking to build in Florida. I have built a home before in Canada and that was in 2005, plus it had heritage designation because it had application of a historic homestead materials for the carriage house and a gut of the main house. But I was involved in a small way. I had a site manager and my partner at the time over saw everything since he had a great deal of renovation and construction experience. This is a new ball game, so this info is invaluable.

[KPB]

Worst home builder in Tampa Bay area IMO would be Alvarez Homes.
Best builder would be either Gray Homes or South Co IMO.

[bentlebee]

Many builders have changed their contracts from final walk through elimination to calling it an orientation.

I would recommend a home inspector and experienced realtor for new built homes.

The realtor doesn't cost you money as the builder will pay the realtor.

Make sure the realtor is not one that just shows up to be preent at time to sign the realtor section of the contract but is there all the way.

[EngGirl]

Originally Posted by KPB

Best builder would be either Gray Homes or South Co IMO.

They must be good because they build few homes per year... Just run permit search for Pasco and didn't see any permits applications for new construction submitted by these builders.

[EngGirl]

I would only consider realtor who will share his/her commissions at closing.
buying new house is like buying new car - it's all about negotiation. If you are not asking for something, you will not get it. Nobody but you will do better negotiation, at the end of the day it's your mortgage for 20-30 years.


I would recommend talking to people already living in the neighborhood in homes built by the builder in question.

[Garson]

The idea of a realtor sharing their pay is crazy. Their commission is what they earn doing their job. Do you share your paycheck with any clients or customers?

I have noticed with a lot of national builders that their Tampa area homes look a lot more low end with low end finishes, cheap bi-fold doors, cheap wire shelving in closets etc. Very different from homes they build I other areas.

[EngGirl]

Originally Posted by Garson

The idea of a realtor sharing their pay is crazy. Their commission is what they earn doing their job. Do you share your paycheck with any clients or customers?

I have noticed with a lot of national builders that their Tampa area homes look a lot more low end with low end finishes, cheap bi-fold doors, cheap wire shelving in closets etc. Very different from homes they build I other areas.

As song as "cash back" realtors exist it's all good.
Realtor's are getting paid 3% of the price and price varies from $50K to $1M - Do they have to work harder if house is more expensive considering new construction? I don't think so.


If the average new construction price is $400K, realtor is getting $12K. Sounds good for realtor, but I feel I am as a home buyer is entitle for some $$ back for such a sweet and easy deal.

Realtors who complain they work a lot and only getting paid when they close which is not so often have no respect from me. It reminds me guys by KIA in Wesley Chapel - these "poor" sales people are allowed inside only when they have clients, otherwise they are outside in horrible Florida heat... Well, people are allowed to get any job they think will work for them (including working conditions and pay).
So yes, I feel $12K in commissions is too much for realtors while their job will be limited to a max of 40 hrs total to close the deal for new construction...