This blog has often featured several custom new
construction, high-end, and investment topics. It seems now about time then to
feature some information for the particularly budget-conscious new home buyer.
Right now, the two West Villages Improvement District [WVID] new home
communities include just IslandWalk by Divosta and Gran Paradiso by Lennar
(also featuring Sam Rodgers and Arthur Rutenberg, as you already know by
reading my posts of course!). Here, though, I am also going to incorporate some
information about Grand Palm by Neal Communities. It is a family-targeted new
home community in Venice, FL, that is directly adjacent to the WVID. So, a
discussion of non-golf oriented new construction opportunities in the area
would really not be complete without mentioning Grand Palm. This is
particularly true of their smaller home products, their "cottage
series", because these are the only maintenance-free units within that
community.
The two plans starting under $200k in Grand Palm are the
Spring Cottage Tradition (at base of $163,990) and the Rose Cottage 2 Tradition
(base $179,990). Both are two-bedroom plans with two baths and a two car
garage. These are floor plans are designed in a New Orleans style 'shotgun'
layout, with a garage at the rear near the master bedroom. The homes' front
elevations have a Key West feel, and the community layout boasts a centralized pool and clubhouse with
many bodies of water throughout the neighborhood. Keeping upgrades at a
minimum, and since these lots are not large enough to accommodate a private
pool, it may be possible that the completed price for one of these could be
kept between $185,000 and $200,000. It does not appear that a water view will
be an option with these plans, though. Both the community and these plans do have
a lot of character to offer for the thrifty or cost-conscious consumer.
One plus of the IslandWalk at the West Villages community for
the budget-conscious is that, from time to time, resale properties do come
available under $250,000 as well, some even with a water view. Although, these
tend to sell very quickly, so it is prudent to move quickly if one that you
like is offered for sale. For new construction, DiVosta offers three plans that
start under $200k: the Hillcrest ($182,990), the Noir Coast ($189,990), and the
Taft Street ($197,990). The lot and/or upgrades are the budget makers or
breakers here. Water view lots available were $49,000 to $64,000 recently,
which definitely starts to move these homes out of a budget-friendly range when
trying to keep the price in the low $200's or under. Do not get me wrong,
though, these are absolutely STUNNING water lots on large water body rather
than a typical backyard pond. I would not disparage the lots and their prices,
except that the sole intent of this particular blog is to discuss the lowest
cost alternatives. These new home plans can be kept in the low or under $200's
by selecting standard feature alternatives with no to few upgrades and opting
for a lot along a privacy wall. These privacy standard lots were recently
ranging from $500-$4,500. Not bad. All said and done, it is possible to keep
the total price tag in the low or under $200,000 mark, particularly with the
one-bedroom Hillcrest and two-bedroom Noir Coast.
Gran Paradiso at the West Villages...well anyone who has
met me or has been reading my blog knows that I have a soft spot for this
community. I think that once the pool is in (which is underway now), prices and
values are likely going to go up again in this neighborhood, and that there are
currently good deals to be had here, and blah-blah-blah...So, if I seem to
favor the options in this neighborhood, go back and read the past blogs, and
you'll see why.
Anyway, this community is currently the only option with both
water view and three bedroom options under $215,000. The Magnolia is a three-bedroom
with two bath plan with a two car garage and a base price of $184,990. The
Orchid (which is BY FAR the more popular plan) is a two-bedroom with a den and
two baths with the two car garage. Its base price is $194,990. With Lennar, as
discussed in previous blogs, there are not many upgrade options, so additional
charges after signing a contract to purchase are not a concern here. The
options available to select are tiled living area (carpet is standard), tiled
bedrooms, and extended lanai. Kitchen and baths tiled are the standard. The lot
premiums for the villas in the community range right now from $3,000 to
$20,000. So, an Orchid on an oversized corner lot comes in at $197,990, while
one on a water view lot is priced $214,990.
(Coach home and townhome options
are on their way as well, so stay tuned for a feature blog following an
official roll-out.)
Truly every one of these three communities are fine options,
where each has its own distinct personality to appeal to specific homeowners. There
are numerous terrific options from which to choose for many price ranges. However,
if you are looking for new construction of a single-family home in Florida with
both a pool and a water view under $200k, there's some bad news. You are not likely
to find it in the Venice area now or anytime in the near future. Home prices
have been on the rise. But, if you are in that price range and do have your
heart set on both Venice and a pool home, though, (which I SO totally understand -
I love living in Venice) resale homes in additional neighborhoods are going to
be your best bet for this region.
Happy to answer any specific questions for you!
Just let me know.
Ali
If you are considering purchasing a home in this community,
please let me assist you. My services and extensive resources are of no cost to
you, and in most instances, I am able to save home buyers some money. I even offer
(*with a couple exclusions) $500 towards closing costs to my clients*. I do not
work for any of the wonderful builders in the West Villages Improvement
District, or any others for that matter. My services and information (including
the resources provided on all of my websites) are wholly independent of these
developers. No other independent professional is more knowledgeable about this
community, and enlisting me to assist with your transaction serves also to fund
these resources to keep them available for you and others on an ongoing basis.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Ali
Aileen “Ali” Johnston, MHA
(currently working on an MBA in Real Estate)
Realtor®, Hoover Realty
Mobile: 941-539-5771
