Getting ready to pick which designer - suggestions

[jimbo2012]

We are going to drive down on the 20th, staying 10 days to narrow down which designer to build, and set a design date.

We don't want/need too big a home, nor go over $200K, so these are our current choices.
When we were there in April we never looked at anything but the Patio Villa, so we will now see these for first time, including the lot. By the way we will not have a home directly behind us so lanai should be kinda private.

Rear or lanai will face south

Bougainvilla, 2083' $184,700 or $132' like MBD in rear along with Kit. :mornincoffee: Highest cost per ' ft.

Wisteria & Jasmine same just one is block built, 2228' 191,800/197,500 $122/$126 per sq. kit in front along with EIK but will be on the north side no morning sun??? W/D room takes a lot space.

Allamanda, 2227' 195,300 $126 per sq. the thing is it is poured concrete and it has a year round Fl room. Seeing so many enclosing their lanai with glass it makes us think this may be great feature.

Whispering Pine 2455', 198, 400 $116 per sq (the lowest) huge lanai, not sure of dining room location EIK nook and Kit look very open, the largest of these homes.

Anyone having gone through considering these or bought one of them your input would be appreciated.

tks

[hotrodgirl]

I believe my agent told me the Whispering Pine will shortly be discontinued. Can't state positively, so perhaps check with your agent on that one! I have seen it and liked it a lot. Pretty home with good layout and space. One thing to consider is the location of the kitchen if it makes a difference to you! And the size of the lanai and if it can be bumped if outside space is important. Also how many windows in the bedroom if that is of concern. Somehow it seems so much different to walk thru these rather than to see them on paper as you get an idea of the flow. I knew with certainty I would want the Bridgeport, but once I did a walk-through, I knew it was not a good fit. Good luck and have fun!

[Barefoot]

We love our Jasmine because it is a split plan. Master bedroom on one side of the living room, with two guest bedrooms and bathroom on the opposite side. It's private and quiet even when we have company.

We find it's just the right size for a seasonal home. We also enjoy the laundry room being right beside the master bedroom. In our CYV, the laundry room was in the garage and we didn't like that one bit!

[gomoho]

We bought a pre-owned Bougonvilla on an off-set lot. Still had lots of concerns about the neighbors in the back, but got lucky 'cause one has no outside living area and the others aren't around and supposedly haven't been for a while. I can tell you this - we literally live outside on our enclosed lania which does not have heat or air. Our back faces east so we put solar shades for the morning and have found with the ceiling fan going and the slider open it is quite comfortable out there.

Love the floor plan 'cause our world is in the middle of the home and wide open. Split floor plan with the pocket door is awesome with guests. We get up early and don't bother those that like to sleep late. Only changes I would make is the lanai bigger 'cause we spend so much time out here. Now why I want it bigger I have no idea because we are quite comfortable. We extended the grill area to a patio the same size
of the enclosed lania and worke perfectly for a grill and an outdoor table.

Just sit in the home for a while and you will get a feeling for what works for you. We didn't want anything too big to take care of either, but I will tell you if you can find this model with a golf cart garage it will be the answer to your prayers.

Good luck and welcome and I hope this experience exceeds your expectations as it did mine.

[buzzy]

Jimbo,

Can't give you a comparison because we picked a spec stretched Jasmine 1707' under air without going through the model homes. Things we like: split floorplan (see above), rectangular living room so we could swap the furniture around some day, and external lanai with three sides open. What could have been better is a larger kitchen nook. It was hard to find a dinette set that did not interfere with opening some of the cabinets. Otherwise we are delighted.

[mak44070]

We picked the Bougonvilla because I'm very claustrophobic. The Bougonvilla lets me see out the front and back of the home from the kitchen. We also liked the split bedrooms. I did not want two eating areas, and plan to incorporate the dining room into the kitchen with wood flooring. I really like the idea of a front porch. So many decisions.......

[Josie70]

I just bought a Gardina in Sanibel....It is one of the fav homes in the Villages...I love the big kitchen and love the idea that I can look out the front window when having my coffee in the morning....I am moving from a Gardina into another Gardina but this time we are building a pool....I am sure you will be happy with any model that you pick I wish you luck....What part of NY are you from?

[goodgrief]

I'll tell you our first love was the Whispering Pine with a closed kitchen. However not wanting to build there was not a single spec on the market with a closed kitchen accept the model which would be far out of the price range when they release those to sell in the near future :(

Our choice came down to an Allamanda in Charlotte and a Wisteria in Sanibel. Wisteria won. The Allamanda had pluses but the way it was layed out seemed to eat up a lot of space...living room sunroom combination didn't seem to leave much space. Loved the coloring of the kitchen though. But rooms were smaller than the wisteria. And the funny thing was this house cost more than the wisteria only because it was cement / stucco whatever they use.

Again it comes down to what they do with a floorplan. A good floorplan can make a house feel larger than it is. The Wisteria is very open and roomy at 1603 sq ft. It was also a stretched Wisteria so the front bedroom has extra room and a bay! Now if you're married don't throw away that W/D room idea as taking up space. Its has really nice storage in there!! Its actually really nice. We've always had the laundry rooms going out to the garage and at times they are pain. Its nice to have that extra little space for that. Our new home is facing east - west so we get the morning sun in the kitchen and evening in the back till it drops behind the house back there. Figure we'll pick up solar shades for cooling later. Extremely well lit home, stays light through the day. Thats a major thing for us. Like a naturally lit house. They had the thermostat at 78 and it felt comfortable.

I will forwarn you...the costs you listed seem low to me. Maybe its because I'm thinking of prebuilts but I know we had a figure on paper for the whispering pine like you did and that got blown out of the water when numbers got punched really fast. That kinda killed the build idea. We felt we got ALOT of home for the money when we caught this one.

Just make sure you take your time with the models and have them show you some builds of your favorite model as well to get a feel of what they can do with it. Good luck and let the adventure begin :)

[mollypeanut]

Hi Jim...

We built the whispering pine... I really wanted the kitchen area... I did not want to eat all my meals in the dining room..( if we were not out on the lani )... The area is large enough for a nice size round table. I even have the hutch that matches the table... we have the open kitchen. This gives you the counter top you can also sit at.... our chairs match the hutch.. The dining room is large enough for my table (without the 2 leaves ) my hutch and a matching side bar!!! Everything is very open!!! If you are interested I can email you a picture of these rooms. We also did a birdcage on the lani with a spa... great way to relax in the evening with a glass of wine...

Jeanmarie~

[jimbo2012]

This is great input, keep it coming please.

I made an appointment with our rep, not sure how much time he can spend, sounds like we need a few hours at least.

[aljetmet]

This is great input, keep it coming please.

I made an appointment with our rep, not sure how much time he can spend, sounds like we need a few hours at least.

You deserve a lot more time than a few hours especially if you want to check out 4 models. If he doesn't have the time, get a new rep. I bet you can get about 20 suggestions in the the next few hours! My rep is the best cause we took loads of time and the day before our designer meeting she has us pencilled in for the whole day Sunday 11/18.

[jimbo2012]

So far he's been great, and his wife is also a rep so it should work out.

[justjim]

Jimbo: You sort of answered your own question! At 116.00 a sq. ft. the Whispering Pine is currently your BEST BUY if you plan to build. Our friends have one and we have been in it several times-----they like it and we like it. They added 4' to the lanai and 2' to the garage and master bedroom. The rest is pretty "standard." Problem: I don't think you will be able to stay within 200,000 for this house/lot with current prices and prices going to the upside. If you are talking 200,000 for just the house, then you can easily do it. Good luck.

[jimbo2012]

Well I think I'll get 3 or 3.5% discount, so it will work out.

[jimbo2012]

The next design dates R in February?????

What happens to earlier dates that R canceled, is there a way to get one?

[hotrodgirl]

Wow Jimbo! I waited 4 months for mine, but 5 now? They must be really busy... I would call my agent and ask him/her to put you on a wait list for an earlier time should there be any opportunity. Good luck!!

[goodgrief]

I know someone was doing build / vs spec counts. LOL..now I'm glad we bought a spec instead of waiting for a build. Two more weeks to close :)

Jimbo- let us know how it goes and what you end up for for prices (whether it was higher or on target). I just think you're going to be in for sticker shock :( Sounds like they keep doing price increases on the builds from what I'm reading on different threads. Hope you get one for what you figure though.

[hotrodgirl]

I just saw a spec Lantana on the market for 448, almost 449. it's a GC view, but so is mine! I added a third bathroom, had 3 other stretches, added a closet, and many other upgrades. So I have more interioor space than the spec, and I did very well on pricing. I also received a 4% discount.
Perhaps the other lot was larger, but still... I think it all just depends on the lot and number of upgrades. In the end, we all get what makes us happiest! That's what it's all about.

[jimbo2012]

IMO many of the spec builds are loaded with extras, that gives them a higher margin of profit.

[jimbo2012]

Jimbo- let us know how it goes and what you end up for for prices (whether it was higher or on target). I just think you're going to be in for sticker shock :( Sounds like they keep doing price increases on the builds from what I'm reading on different threads. Hope you get one for what you figure though.

Well I confirmed that the 3% discount will be in effect into February design dates.

So using my top of my budget of 198,400 on the WP, I start at about 192K, we've been studying the floor plans and videos and it appears that that model as of now needs the least amount of extras added, thinking about the walkin shower, but that's about it, can't bump to the side we're on a 60' lot, but can go 2' front or rear I think.

Looking at lower cost end the Bougainvillaea, to add a larger lanai with cement patio, is about 3K, larger bath layout $1100, front bump garage 1300, so you can get to 190 quick, less 3%, 185K.

The funny thing is the mortgage is roughly $5 a $1,000.........so between the two models is $35 a month :ohdear:.....really doesn't matter.




We are on our way be there Friday for 10 days.......ohhhh fun.

[Becky]

jimbo, I have a Wisteria and love it. Split floor plan works great for company.
Also love laundry by master bedroom. My lanai faces south and I did get blinds to use as needed. Early mornings, evenings. When you check out the Wisteria and the Jasmine, look at the kitchen area. Where a dinette set would go, in the Jasmine it is a little smaller place. That's because of the block vs vinyl. The block takes up a little more room.

On the other hand my sister has a Whisoering Pine and loves it! Stretched it front and back.

Good luck whatever you choose. Such an exciting time for you!

Becky

[hotrodgirl]

Jumbo, get as much now as you can without overextending yourself! I think in the end result you will be happier with the extra space. You seem to be leaning towards the Whispering Pine, so start there and in time you can perhaps add a little here and there! I got as much as I could comfortably afford and will make some minor changes as I am able! it's just harder to add more space later. Other interior things can always be done in the future! Enjoy making your choice and I hope you can get a meeting prior to February! Best of luck!

[jimbo2012]

OK as of now the Wisteria or Jasmine R off the table didn't like walking into kitchen, but it does look better in person than the videos.

Alamanda off as well, the Florida room was much smaller than it appeared in the videos.

tomorrow we'll focus on the Bougainvillaea and the Whispering Pine, meeting our sales reps in the morning. Saw 2 WP's they are so far our favorite.

In walking thru some of the open houses there are some reps that are not aware of many things. Miss quoting standard things and options.

[Sunshine Mary]

We just finished our design meeting today .We started yesterday took 5 hrs and today 3 1/2 hrs we go back tomorrow at Diana office to go over EVERYTHING then meet our rep to sign the papers and give the downpayment .
I must say it was Mentally Exhausting I am glad it is over .Diana really helped us a lot .We bump out every where . all together we bump out 14 feet ....Opt out of appliance and blinds.
We did go with the paint I did not want one color .
One thing I can say to everyone who going into the meeting when you go looking at the model home if you like something don't just take a picture you need the name of the street and the house number ..
I did get insulation in the lanai because we well be closing it in .And she said it hard to do after .
So maybe we well know tomorrow when our closing is .

[hotrodgirl]

OK as of now the Wisteria or Jasmine R off the table didn't like walking into kitchen, but it does look better in person than the videos.

Alamanda off as well, the Florida room was much smaller than it appeared in the videos.

tomorrow we'll focus on the Bougainvillaea and the Whispering Pine, meeting our sales reps in the morning. Saw 2 WP's they are so far our favorite.

In walking thru some of the open houses there are some reps that are not aware of many things. Miss quoting standard things and options.

Glad to hear you are making progress going through the various models. Hope you find the one that suits you best before you leave TV! Any luck with changing your design meeting to earlier? FYI- I saw your picture posted on the Crispers Thread! Nice to p ut a name with a face! Good luck and enjoy!

[hotrodgirl]

We just finished our design meeting today .We started yesterday took 5 hrs and today 3 1/2 hrs we go back tomorrow at Diana office to go over EVERYTHING then meet our rep to sign the papers and give the downpayment .
I must say it was Mentally Exhausting I am glad it is over .Diana really helped us a lot .We bump out every where . all together we bump out 14 feet ....Opt out of appliance and blinds.
We did go with the paint I did not want one color .
One thing I can say to everyone who going into the meeting when you go looking at the model home if you like something don't just take a picture you need the name of the street and the house number ..
I did get insulation in the lanai because we well be closing it in .And she said it hard to do after .
So maybe we well know tomorrow when our closing is .

Congratulations and I hope you got most everything on your wish list! I also bumped out 14 feet. So we should all have plenty of room!! When you sign your final paperwork you will receive your closing date a d name of your builder. Hopefully my build will start tomorrow! Best of luck and post some pics as you can!!

[jimbo2012]

FYI- I saw your picture posted on the Crispers Thread!

Yep can't hide out any longer...

Any luck with changing your design meeting to earlier?

Yes that looks like it will work out, we'll be working on date this week.

That was a great suggestion.

[shcisamax]

Has anyone ever brought in a house they built for the number on the list price?

[hotrodgirl]

Like that would ever happen!! :jester: We idiots who choose to build and customize get to pay for what we receive! :doh: And we are happy we did!

[shcisamax]

So true. I was just wondering if in the history of TV, has ANYONE ever done it?

[jimbo2012]

Has anyone ever brought in a house they built for the number on the list price?

Hard to do, we R going to try and put a budget of upto 5K on extras, (because I'll do a lot of mods later myself, floors, paint extend lanai etc,

But I'm having a lengthily meeting with my two sales reps (husband & wife team) tomorrow.
After that I'll see if that budget is possible, if not my kids get a smaller inheritance: a20:

[Sunshine Mary]

Thanks hotrodgirl
I guess tomorrow I well know when our closing well be YEA!!!
How long after you sign till they start building ?

Congratulations and I hope you got most everything on your wish list! I also bumped out 14 feet. So we should all have plenty of room!! When you sign your final paperwork you will receive your closing date a d name of your builder. Hopefully my build will start tomorrow! Best of luck and post some pics as you can!!

[jimbo2012]

Thanks hotrodgirl
I guess tomorrow I well know when our closing well be YEA!!!
How long after you sign till they start building ?

I read here about 10 days

[hotrodgirl]

Thanks hotrodgirl
I guess tomorrow I well know when our closing well be YEA!!!
How long after you sign till they start building ?

I signed my final papers on the 8th and I believe we start tomorrow, so approximately 2 weeks. I had a lot of changes, so maybe that is a bit longer than some? I think normally it would be 10 days to two weeks though.
Happy days ahead!

[jimbo2012]

Spent over 4 hours today with our reps, Bougainvillaea is now off the table, so that leaves up with the Whispering Pine to keep us under the 200K budget.

So I was all set........................but noooooo the sales rep says to my wife have you seen the Lilac,:22yikes: I said no its out of our $ range by about 15K.

She loves it!

Anyone have opinions on the Lilac?

[Patty55]

My advice is to take frequent breaks during the process because after a while picker exhaustion sets in-that's when bad things happen.

[jimbo2012]

My advice is to take frequent breaks during the process because after a while picker exhaustion sets in-that's when bad things happen.

true, we're having a few drinks looking at the floor plans and pics I took today.

[KathieI]

Wow,,, it was soooooooo much easier to buy a spec house, I'm so glad I did it. All that nonsense would drive me nuts.

I bought a stretch Lantana on a cul-de-sac with a view and they were closing out the cul de sac so I got a lot off my price. Move in was so easy and haven't had to change anything drastically.

Next house (soon to be) will be a preowned CYV... This house is tooo damn big for me.

Have fun kids.

[mrsyarbie]

Once you get here I think you will find picking the house with the most space will be the best. Even if you move furniture here u will want to shop and buy things that are Florida style.You can never have too much space which is why the average Villager moves 3 times. Good luck to you. I actually picked a Lilac, the Gardenia guest rooms were too little. I,we have 5 kids and four grandchildren and we love the big bedrooms in the Lilac. Believe me you will have company.. If you prefer stucco the Lilac is an IRIS. I also like the Whispering Pine.

[goodgrief]

Wow,,, it was soooooooo much easier to buy a spec house, I'm so glad I did it. All that nonsense would drive me nuts.

I bought a stretch Lantana on a cul-de-sac with a view and they were closing out the cul de sac so I got a lot off my price. Move in was so easy and haven't had to change anything drastically.

Next house (soon to be) will be a preowned CYV... This house is tooo damn big for me.

Have fun kids.

With you...couldn't get into the building thing cause the price just was going up and up....with this or that. One week to close on our Wisteria and will be in it painting, cleaning and getting ready to move in the first week then doing the physical move.

OP have heard good things about the Lilac but its more than you plan like you said.

[hotrodgirl]

No harm in looking things over and picking what will make you happiest within your comfort zone! You won't know til you see. And I am quite certain we can count on Jimbo to weigh the pros and cons of each!!! Good luck, relax and have fun!

[Sunshine Mary]

Well December 7 is our closing day .
our home Selections Consultant was Diane Russell she was GREAT
took her time it took us 11 hrs and she gave us sample on everything she could
and pictures of the other things .But I heard all the consultant are great .
And we was told it well take 10 day when they start building .

[hotrodgirl]

Good for you Sunshine! I am sure you will be most happy with your decisions and I wish you luck! My closing is Dec 5th so we are in the same time-frame! Exciting!!

[shcisamax]

So I was all set........................but noooooo the sales rep says to my wife have you seen the Lilac,:22yikes: I said no its out of our $ range by about 15K.

She loves it!

Anyone have opinions on the Lilac?

Like I said earlier, somehow everyone goes over budget :) The lilac is very nice. You will be very happy together :)

[Sunshine Mary]

Yes hotrodgirl
Who is your builder? Our is Scott Muder did they start on your yet?
I am only 2 days after your . And we just sign today we got 10 days before they start building
I know very Exciting we well be in before Christmas .

Good for you Sunshine! I am sure you will be most happy with your decisions and I wish you luck! My closing is Dec 5th so we are in the same time-frame! Exciting!!

[hotrodgirl]

I think the builder is Tim Hurst but am not quite sure as I can't access my papers at the moment. My build began today, so you are not far behind. Now will be the true test. Waiting for completion!:2excited:

[bonrich]

We have a Whispering Pine built last year, and are very happy with it. We did a 2' stretch in the two front bedrooms, and hall entry which really makes a difference on the inside. Also did a stretch on the lanai, wanted 2' but was only able to get 1' because of lot size. Didn't get a golf cart garage, but would consider it if we ever make another change, otherwise plenty of room for auto (SUV), golf cart, storage cabinet and cabinet bench at back of garage.
My advice is take advantage on any stretches that is offered on a model. Make sure you ask if something passes through your mind, because changes made at a later date is not free.

[jimbo2012]

I think at this point we are going with the WP, we love the lanai, I really can do w/o the golf garage. I can stay within my budget goal and have extra to put into options or decorating and landscaping.

The Lilac while we both liked it aside from a few $ bucks more because we must have a left drive on this lot the east side of the lanai is closed off meaning no morning sunrise on the lanai, the WP is unrestricted.

We can also build a spa with all the room on the lanai, can't do that on the Lilac really.

Our lot has 2' to play with, I realize the lanai is big on the WP, about 9x32 and I can build a birdcage an additional 18', so maybe big is an understatement, huge is a better word. Therefore, to bump the back out is kinda crazy.

Maybe better to take the garage forward 2' and do a bow window on the 3rd bedroom.

The dining area is not something we would get much use out of and will build a home theater into that area using the 3rd bedroom wall for the screen, the closet behind can house the equipment and speakers allowing them to be flush mounted on that wall.

I'm going to do an actual measurement on the garage today, I think it's larger than the plan which tends to rounds things off.

I also noticed the windows are different height in the cedar and WP about 6" lower in the cedar, need to measure that out?????

.

[shcisamax]

Home theatre? Where are you housing the popcorn machine?

[graciegirl]

My advice is NOT to save dollars for landscaping. They do GREAT job on landscaping that just comes with the house. We liked our landscaping on our designer and We liked it on our premier. If you want a couple of palm trees, you can have them put in for under a thousand for two good sized palms aftermarket. Jenifer Thiemann at Southern Lifestyles can guide you to very beautiful and very reasonable furnishings and Bargains and Treasures has WONDERFUL like new Bargains and Treasures in accessories and pictures and end tables, etc.. Home Depot has WONDERFUL lanai furniture and nicely priced.

Get as big a footprint as you can afford.

That is my two cents. Waiting for the penny back.

Thrifty and proud of it.

[shcisamax]

Yes, I would without reservation say, bigger is better. Normally I am a "less is more" kind of person but it is much easier to have a little too much space than the reverse. We stretched quite a bit and have no regrets. Frankly, the stretches really don't cost as much as originally thought. A fancy front door can really run the price up (as I believe Keith Wand reported) proportionately more. That's my two cents but, these days, I am expecting nothing back :)

[bonrich]

When we stretched the front of the house, we had bow windows put in the smaller bedroom, putting our computer and desk in there along with a queen sleeper sofa, which when opened I still have enough room to walk around it. Enough room for desk, wood file cabinet, sofa end table and wall table to hold the TV. (didn't want to wall mount it). As far as stretching the depth of the lanai, it does help with table setting and chairs if you are not going to do extensive adding on.
Our master bedroom is large, especially since we decided to go with a Queen bed instead of King. We picked up an extra foot and a half of width by doing that. Did the same in the front bedroom, and could easily have a second night stand if we want to.

[jimbo2012]

Home theatre? Where are you housing the popcorn machine?

I have to setup a consulting schedule with Bill

[jimbo2012]

Just confirmed a December 13th design date, (someone canceled)

So I guess the end of Feb we should close.:beer3:

That sure beats the February date first quoted and we get the 3.5% discount or about $7,000.

Noticed that the window height off the floor in the WP are 6" higher than the Cedar and Iris. Confirmed that today and the windows themselves are the same size 60" tall.

Anyone notice that?

Also the garage is about 2' deeper than the regular plans state, about 22' 7"


There are 6 spec built WP that we are looking at today at 4pm with our rep to see if we missed anything.

Tomorrow nurseries and spas

.....were getting there.

[kgentile1010]

I think at this point we are going with the WP, we love the lanai, I really can do w/o the golf garage. I can stay within my budget goal and have extra to put into options or decorating and landscaping.

The Lilac while we both liked it aside from a few $ bucks more because we must have a left drive on this lot the east side of the lanai is closed off meaning no morning sunrise on the lanai, the WP is unrestricted.

We can also build a spa with all the room on the lanai, can't do that on the Lilac really.

Our lot has 2' to play with, I realize the lanai is big on the WP, about 9x32 and I can build a birdcage an additional 18', so maybe big is an understatement, huge is a better word. Therefore, to bump the back out is kinda crazy.

Maybe better to take the garage forward 2' and do a bow window on the 3rd bedroom.

The dining area is not something we would get much use out of and will build a home theater into that area using the 3rd bedroom wall for the screen, the closet behind can house the equipment and speakers allowing them to be flush mounted on that wall.

I'm going to do an actual measurement on the garage today, I think it's larger than the plan which tends to rounds things off.

I also noticed the windows are different height in the cedar and WP about 6" lower in the cedar, need to measure that out?????

.

I also loved the Whispering Pine. My only concern was that if you put bar stools, it felt narrow between the kitchen/bar and the living room. We went with the Lilac, but to get a little more room, we added two feet width to the laundry - kitchen - breakfast nook, and then brought the kitchen bar into the kitchen with those two feet. The bar doesn't go up to the carpet, you have some space there. You can go look at it on my page, there's a picture in week 6 where you can see it.

[graciegirl]

I just hope and wish that you and your lovely wife will find just the right house on just the right lot with all the right stuff and the right golf cart and that you both enjoy your life like most of us are doing.

Welcome home Mr. and Mrs. Jimbo.

[jimbo2012]

Thanks much

[jimbo2012]

I learned that a new design center is under way, the current one will be sold off starting Dec.

There will be changes on many models that will be interesting, on the WP the laundry room was relocated.....it is a super nice change along with the entry wall into the kitchen.

Drove thru the area looks 80% done.

[hotrodgirl]

I thought as much since they will building more specs. Perhaps changes that many of us have made (are making) may be incorporated? Good for your WP! you will have one of the new ones!! You know that means wee'll all be over to see the changes! Get the beer and wine ready!

[jimbo2012]

Come on over, I'll have beer on tap :beer3:

[jblum315]

i have a Bougainvillea, 3 yrs old, $203K when I bought it new. It faces North. It is pushed out everywhere, the garage is huge as is the third bedroom which I use as a sewing/craft/computer room with a foldout bed in it. Two big closets off Master btoom.I like the laundry room between kitchen and garage - it has oodles of storage. It also has half the lanai closed to make a Florida room. I love it, wouldn't change a thing.

[shcisamax]

I heard...a rumor...that they were going to discontinue customizing or severely restrict options. That it is slowing them down with the building. Wonder if these model changes are the first step in eliminating the custom orders. Anyone heard anything?

[jimbo2012]

I didn't hear that, I heard that 6 designers that were doing cottages were now going to do designers to catch up.

Also standard layouts and added/deleted items were going to change in the new model center.

They keep a lot of info close to the vest around here, just need to press your sales rep, they have meetings every other Friday and may know more than they disclose without asking.

[graciegirl]

I didn't hear that, I heard that 6 designers that were doing cottages were now going to do designers to catch up.

Also standard layouts and added/deleted items were going to change in the new model center.

They keep a lot of info close to the vest around here, just need to press your sales rep, they have meetings every other Friday and may know more than they disclose without asking.


Here is the real scoop. You can press your sales rep, stand on him, and threaten him with your gun.

He or SHE doesn't know much more than we do. And YOU Jimbo have been really keeping up.

They don't know until they are told on each Friday morning and that includes when Brownwood will open.

[shcisamax]

True true. I guess we will wait until someone posts and says, "Mercy, they aren't going to let me stretch my garage!" Until then, all is calm in Paradise.

[KathieI]

I heard...a rumor...that they were going to discontinue customizing or severely restrict options. That it is slowing them down with the building. Wonder if these model changes are the first step in eliminating the custom orders. Anyone heard anything?

No, but I wouldn't be surprised. At one time, there were very few options and it was take it or leave it. They had more spec homes built in '07-'08 and as far as I knew, very little customizing was going on. I could be wrong but that's what I remember. But the sales staff always kept everything close to the vest, it was hard to get much information from them back in the day.

[hotrodgirl]

I certainly am grateful I was able to make all the changes I did! I wonder if the new models will have some of the most requested changes incorporated in the new design. And will that alter the pricing? Perhaps a basic and/or new designs to choose from? All speculation on our side! It will mbe interesting to see the outcome in the near future!

[hotrodgirl]

Come on over, I'll have beer on tap :beer3:

Now I know where all that extra retirement money is going!:beer3:

[batman911]

I heard...a rumor...that they were going to discontinue customizing or severely restrict options. That it is slowing them down with the building. Wonder if these model changes are the first step in eliminating the custom orders. Anyone heard anything?

That is what our sales agent told us in August. No date exactly when the changes will stop but said it is coming in the near future. One of the reasons we decided to build now.