New homes at last?

Stopped by Tempus Reality's (just started in January when a bunch of former Meade agents left Coldwell Banker) open house yesterday and got some interesting news. Seems there was to be a presentation last month by the builders who purchased the lots behind the Sun City Cemetery. Unfortunately it didn't work out but the word is they may start building as early as this summer,

That is one of the most exciting piece of news we could hear. Lots of folks want to buy new, and that's certainly not been the case for many years. If memory serves me, there's 140 plus lots back there and nothing would be sweeter than to see them sell out in a year or so. It would speak volumes to potential investors for future development.

Just for giggles, how about we give those builders what may perhaps be the kind of features that will help sell those properties quickly. I'll start it out with a comment I heard the other day at the pickleball tournament and repeatedly over the years: "We want a home with high ceilings." DEVCO typical ceilings were at 8 ft, though our Castille model has an Arizona room that is 10 foot high. I think by putting 12 foot ceilings in at least the common areas, they would instantly establish a clear difference.

What say you?

 

There was a presentation on March 4th at Lakeview social hall. You missed it!

 

I did miss it; who are the builders?

 

I believe the developer is K. Hovnanian unless something has changed since the presentation.

 

What is important to high ceilings?

 

High ceilings give smaller rooms and the house a feeling of being bigger than it is. Many of the early Webb homes feel closed in with lots of small rooms all closed off from one another. If you go into Sun City Grand homes you will find more open and often better flowing homes, and in many of them very high ceilings.

For Hovnanian to be successful they will need to nicely appoint those homes with features buyers want. Nam West had a long list of buyers from Sun City waiting to buy into the new properties which would have opened more of the older Sun City properties for sale.

I suspect you will see an avalanche of information as this project nears its beginning.

 

After some digging (and some help from others), I see there was an ad in March issue of Sunviews. Here's a link to that newsletter and the ad is on page 29.

The name of the community is going to be Four Seasons at The Manor and while searching Hovnanian website I came across their other age restricted communities of a like name they have built in California. Here is a link to those communities. Be sure to click on the state of California and you can see some of their models. If they plan on using similar floor plans, these will sell quickly as they have the touches potential Sun City home buyers have felt were missing.

I can't imagine why the press hasn't picked up on this story because it is an incredible piece of news that should be the talk of the town. I especially love the fact this builder understands the age restricted market and builds all types of residential housing. If they blow through these Four Season homes it opens the door to any number of other options.

Wow!

 

I have no idea why the two newspapers haven't been all over this story E, makes no sense unless they just missed it like we did LOL.

But to your other points (the ones you deleted), they are working with the RCSC and hopefully with SCHOA. It makes perfect sense to buy into the amenities rather than trying to build and pay for their own. Buy in isn't cheap but when you look at what they get, it is a bargain without compare. To get it they need accept the age-restrictions, CC&R's, deed restrictions and facilities agreement.

Should be an easy transition and for sure one that is a win/win fro everyone.

 

Hi All,
Long time lurker....this was very exciting news to us. I say was because, as I poked around the developers website I noticed the "Contact Us" link and did just that, I contacted K. Hovnanian. The off putting young man indicated there was no project planned in Sun City AZ, "we are buying and selling everywhere all the time so rumors just get started."

I can't imagine Sun Views would publish that ad based on rumor. I am inclined to believe the young man doesn't know a) his companies activities, b) the basics of customer service (an "oh, I'm not familiar with any plans, let me find out for you" would have been nice.

True or not, we are going to continue our search for a home in Sun City AZ.

You future neighbor,
Vanetta

 

Hey Vanetta welcome. I've sent out an inquiry to see if I can find someone who was at their presentation here in Sun City. I searched their website to send an email with some queries I had but alas all I found was a phone number that wasn't local (probably the same guy you called). I didn't waste my time because I want to speak or reach out to someone who is in the know.

What I do like about their Manor models in California is they have open floor plans, split bedrooms and dens prevalent in them. Looks like they like big bathrooms and large walk-in closets, all things today's boomer buyers expect to find in a new home.

I'll keep trying to get more info, because they wouldn't have put on a presentation if there wasn't something in the works.

 

I was there but it wasn't so much a presentation rather a display of exhibits. They had posters of sample floor plans and brochures at tables. There were several obvious representatives milling about but there were perhaps only 3-5 residents in the room while we were there. I didn't keep any of the brochures as we are happy where we are. Maybe the lack of interest has stalled the project?

 

If anything aggie, it was lack of promotion that resulted in such a poor turnout. I put a call in to the area reps who directed me to marketing. I'll let you know what I hear.

 

Thanks for the link E. There's no question in my mid this is going forward, the bigger question is why are they reluctant to say more about it?

 

Thanks Everyone, for the welcomes and the information.

I think I spoke to someone who was more interested in selling the Peoria homes. But why not just say, "There is a development in the planning phases and we will release more information as it becomes available."?

 

Got pictures just fine.

 

Wow, thanks Emily. I appreciate the pics.

I'll call tomorrow morning and report back!

 

OK, this is funny, sad, or irritating, depending on your mood today.

The SAME young man I spoke to last week answered the phone at the number listed on the sign. He didn't realize he had already talked to me, and continued to be not really helpful, and really wanted to sell me something in Bakersfield.

I asked two questions, and then gave up. I'm on the "interested" list for the new development. The questions I asked were:
1) Will the new development have access to the existing amenities?
Answer - Probably not. Dell Webb is a different developer and we always set up our own facilities.

2) When will there be floor plans available?
Answer - I'm not sure, all I know is Fall 2015 which would be this August, September, October, November or later this year.

Again, this young man is probably a really nice person. He just isn't very helpful in this situation.

I'll let you know if I receive anything else.

Vanetta

 

I think I'll go buy a Powerball ticket, way luckier than you were V. I've talked to a young woman by the name of Shannon both last week and this. She put me on the list as well to receive floor plans and pricing as soon as they are done (even before they are released). It's called their VIP list and anyone wanting can just call that number.

As far as the amenities, they will buy into ours (RCSC"s) for two reasons: They have neither the land for it, or the number of lots/homes to afford it. It is a win/win for all of us and the sooner this gets started the better.

Headed to Safeway for my ticket for Weds night; heck if I win maybe I'll buy one of their new homes.

 

You have indeed won the information lotto - at this point it is the thrill of the "obtaining the information" chase. New construction isn't important to us, we just want to make an informed decision based on everything available. The materials and construction of the Dell Webb homes is, more than likely, superior to anything new (not that the new homes will be anything by a quality product).

Thanks for the info.

Vanetta

 

That's weird E, because both times I called I got Shannon on the phone first ring. Maybe she knew it was me eh (said with a grin).