We have all heard the term Pre-Sale. Unlike custom homes, where you select a plan, match a lot and then your builder generates the cost to build: Pre-sales can produce similar results with less cost.

If customizing a new home is your choice, by all means follow your dreams. Pre-sales are just an effective method of homeownership that have been streamlined for your convenience and your pocketbook.

After you have selected an area where you would like to homestead, often you have already reviewed several homes. In Southern Breeze you might have reviewed homes by several of the four builders that represent Southern Breeze.

The developer selected these Home Builders because each possess unique skills and visions and these reflect very well into each and every home they build. Whether it is an open floor plan you desire or Mediterranean or Florida styles or unique trim packages or custom tile work. Each of these fine builders have pride of ownership in every home with a variety of amenities that makes each one unique. This variety and personal touch by each of the home builders gives you, our next homeowner, the opportunity to see more in one subdivision that might take several trips to several subdivisions before you have these kinds of selections.

Pre-sales generally involve selecting one of the builder’s floor plans, review the lots available and then review the allowances and selections. Allowances are generally provided for such items as: flooring, appliances, and lighting. We have found the most cost effective method is selecting from the builders samples. The builder has already done the leg- work to find available materials that are affordable. If you are pleased with the available selections, you have made well towards your investment of a new home.

I will outline a list of items that would typically be addressed in a pre-sale once the plan and lot are selected:

• Brick color: Visit a showroom or write down the address of a home that has the brick you prefer.
• Roof shingles
• Wall Paints (usually 3-colors and 1-trim color)
• Cabinets: The general layout of the cabinets is already determined by the plans. Typically available for selection are the stain finish, hardware and countertops. If you decide to meet with the cabinet builder and alter your selections such as adding pullouts, glass doors, etc… This is done at additional costs, either directly to the cabinet shop or arrangements with the builder if it is to be included with the financing.
• Flooring: (Tile, hardwood & carpet) Many times the builders may change their vendors on flooring. Reviewing the builder’s samples or touring his homes usually work in your selections.
• Lighting: Generally two ways in light selections. The builder has a lighting rep they generally rely on to recommend their lighting package. The rep will review the home and submit a package that meets the décor or style of the new home. Again this is very cost effective. One or two light fixtures can throw you out of budget quickly. Selecting a color theme might be the best choice here, such as nickel, rubbed bronze, etc… If you have a special need say the dining room, by all means review your options with the rep. The builder usually has a budget in mind for each home, styles and allowances will vary.
• Plumbing Fixtures: Such as faucets. Again review your options at the builder’s vendors but generally by selecting the finish grade such as nickel, chrome, bronze, etc. is the most cost effective method.
• Whirlpool: Allowance is generally provided or selects from one of the builders other homes in progress.
• Sinks: You usually have an allowance and choice for the kitchen sink. If your countertop selections were solid surface the sink would be molded in that selection. The bath vanities are usually cultured marble, so the color made is selected when the cabinet order is placed.
• Backsplash: tile or stone backsplash vary from home to home.
• Door Hardware: Usually the selection is the finish color. Handle styles may vary the cost slightly. Your builder will advise you here.
• Closet Shelving, Bath Accessories, and Mirrors: are pretty standardized. If you have a special need, your builder can advise you if your selection or need exceeds his budget.
• Yard: Generally 1000 yards of sod is provided on each home. That will get the front, sides and some of the back. Shrub packages are pretty general (usually 12-15 shrubs).  Trees are optional however, depending on time of year and lot layout.  Some builders are beginning to add trees to their standard package. Sprinklers are optional however again some builders have been adding this to their standard packages. To finish out the sod and add sprinklers could add $2,000 to $4,000 in additional costs.
• Fences: Fences are extra. Usually with 130-foot frontages and reviewing several vendors, fencing could add $4,000 to $4,500 in additional costs.

Summary:

• Brick: select color of brick & grout
• Roof Shingles: select color
• Vinyl trim: select color
• Cabinets: select stain finish, hardware, countertops and vanities
• Flooring: select tile, hardwood, carpet from builder samples/ vendor
• Lighting: select finish color or use allowance
• Plumbing: select finish color or use allowance
• Appliances: select finish color or use allowance
• Whirlpool: select finish color or use allowance
• Vanity tops: select finish color
• Hardware: shelving, mirrors, bath accessories, door hardware

Even if you are out of town, selections can be done from your local Lowes or Home Depot. The builder will find similar color and styles to match your selections.

Building time is generally four months.

Earnest money or deposit will be required for pre-sales.
If the builder is building your home to your specification a larger non-refundable deposit is required along with an approved mortgage letter.

Amenities in these homes will vary. The builder makes every effort to get the best value, with the right amenities at an affordable price. Not all floor plans can be built for the same price per square foot. Often times the elevation, the roof span or pitch, ceiling heights, etc… can alter the final pricing $5-10 or more per square foot. Builders are building spec homes that have the right elevation, right floor plan at market value for the majority of the marketplace. To accomplish this, the builder plan selections are very important to meet these goals. That's why to stay in market value, the amenities may vary from house to house to absorb that total cost to build. Most amenities are of personal taste and need; Such as backsplash, stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets, upgraded flooring, 3-car garages, etc…

Our goal is to provide a balance of amenities in each house that meets or exceeds your expectations. We are proud of what we do and believe you will be very pleased in selecting Southern Breeze communities for your next home.