Custom construction · Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte
Custom construction in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties
From representing builders to representing buyers. Before you meet with a builder, contact Janelle first: she sold new homes for builders, and now she represents buyers. The builder pays her fee.
New construction at a glance
- Builders
- 54
- Communities selling
- 120
- Floor plans
- 1,269
- Checked
- October 10, 2026
Custom construction
From representing builders to representing buyers
Building a custom home is an exciting journey, one that requires expert guidance, careful planning, and strong representation to ensure your vision becomes a reality. Whether you're considering a move-in-ready model home or dreaming of a fully customized estate, you're in the right place for professional guidance and buyer-focused representation.
Why work with a Realtor for custom construction?
Discover exclusive builders and communities
Many of the best custom home builders don't advertise, and some communities have multiple builders, only a few of which may be actively promoted. Janelle has insider knowledge of hidden opportunities, exclusive neighborhoods, and custom home builders that most buyers would never find on their own.
Get fair pricing and the best terms
Builder pricing is often strategic, not set in stone. Janelle understands how to negotiate pricing, upgrades, and incentives to ensure you get the best value while avoiding unnecessary costs.
Understand the entire process from start to finish
Building a home isn't just about selecting a floor plan. It's about choosing the right lot, navigating architectural guidelines, understanding upgrade costs, and ensuring a smooth construction timeline. Janelle guides clients through every phase, from securing the right builder to final walkthroughs and closing.
Save time and avoid costly mistakes
Custom home construction is a time-intensive process with many moving parts. Without representation, buyers may miss deadlines, overlook key contract details, or fail to capitalize on builder incentives. Janelle streamlines the process, ensuring your investment is protected and stress-free.
Why Janelle Mertins is the right choice for custom construction buyers
Extensive builder experience
Having worked inside the homebuilding industry, Janelle understands how builders structure pricing, upgrades, and contracts, giving her clients a huge advantage in negotiations.
Expert in luxury and custom home building
Whether you're working with a boutique custom home builder or a national luxury developer, Janelle knows how to match buyers with the right builder for their vision and budget.
Local market knowledge and strong builder relationships
Janelle has spent over 20 years in Florida, developing strong relationships with top-rated custom builders. She provides access to off-market opportunities, private builder incentives, and expert recommendations to ensure you find the perfect home.
No cost to buyers, maximum savings
Buyers often wonder if working without a Realtor saves money. The truth? It never costs more to use an agent. In fact, it almost always results in a better deal. Builders set aside marketing funds to pay Realtor commissions, meaning Janelle's expertise is a free resource for buyers while still securing the best price and terms possible.
Before you meet with a builder, contact Janelle first
The biggest mistake buyers make when building a home is assuming the builder's representatives work for them, but they don't. Builders and their sales teams protect their own interests, not yours. Having a Realtor like Janelle Mertins on your side ensures you get the best deal, the right builder, and the smoothest construction experience possible.
Still looking for the land? See luxury homesites and land, from beachfront lots to acreage.
Janelle's spotlight
Luxury new homes by Toll Brothers in Lakewood Ranch
Toll Brothers builds gated communities of single-family homes with resort amenities, and Janelle has represented buyers in them, including a June 2026 purchase in Monterey at Lakewood Ranch. Tour the models with her before you register at a sales center: she compares homesites, quick move-ins, and this month's incentives, and negotiates for you.
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Want to see Toll Brothers's homes? Janelle registers you before your first visit. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Communities
Find your new home community
12 of 53 communities
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Open a community for its floor plans, its latest builder incentives, and the neighborhood. Not sure where to start? Janelle can narrow it down in one call. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
At a glance
Quick move-ins, close-outs, and what is coming
Quick move-in homes93
Homes the builders have finished or are finishing now: the fastest way in, and where builders put their biggest incentives.
- Monterey at Lakewood RanchToll Brothers · Lakewood Ranch5 homes, $1,125,000 to $2,005,000
- The Isles at Lakewood RanchToll Brothers · Lakewood Ranch10 homes, $1,134,000 to $1,567,000
- Oakbend Wellen ParkToll Brothers · Venice2 homes, $649,000 to $799,000
- Regency at Babcock RanchToll Brothers · Babcock Ranch10 homes, $515,000 to $882,000
- Toll Brothers at WillowToll Brothers · Punta Gorda4 homes, $506,000 to $639,000
- Everly at Wellen ParkJohn Cannon Homes · Venice1 home
- Wild Blue at WatersideStock Luxury and Custom Homes · Lakewood Ranch3 homes, $2,007,620 to $2,440,180
- AquaMedallion Home · Bradenton7 homes, $849,990 to $1,759,990
- Legends BayMedallion Home · Bradenton1 home, From $3,275,000
- Hampton LakesMedallion Home · Sarasota1 home, From $2,329,990
- River Preserve EstatesMedallion Home · Parrish2 homes, $1,099,990 to $1,293,990
- The WillowsMedallion Home · Parrish2 homes, $579,990 to $699,990
- Inspiration at Watercolor PlaceMedallion Home · Bradenton3 homes, $739,990 to $799,990
- Wild Blue at WatersideArthur Rutenberg Homes · Lakewood Ranch2 homes, $3,178,655 to $3,479,875
- Star Farms at Lakewood RanchD.R. Horton · Lakewood Ranch45 homes, $303,000 to $608,990
- Legacy PreserveD.R. Horton · Parrish24 homes, $311,990 to $494,000
- Palmera Wellen Park Classic SeriesDavid Weekley Homes · Venice5 homes, $829,990 to $1,089,990
- Palmera Wellen Park Executive SeriesDavid Weekley Homes · Venice2 homes, $1,349,990 to $1,354,990
- CoasterraDavid Weekley Homes · Palmetto6 homes, $549,890 to $612,710
- Lakeview Crossing: Classic SeriesDavid Weekley Homes · Sarasota5 homes, $769,990 to $834,990
- Lakeview Crossing: Tradition SeriesDavid Weekley Homes · Sarasota5 homes, $644,990 to $718,990
- Emerald Landing at Waterside at Lakewood Ranch: City HomesDavid Weekley Homes · Lakewood Ranch7 homes, $739,990 to $909,990
- Emerald Landing at Waterside at Lakewood Ranch: Cottage SeriesDavid Weekley Homes · Lakewood Ranch1 home, From $609,990
- Emerald Landing at Waterside at Lakewood Ranch: TownsDavid Weekley Homes · Lakewood Ranch8 homes, $539,990 to $584,990
- SeaFlower: Bungalow HomesDavid Weekley Homes · Bradenton3 homes, $569,990 to $626,990
- SeaFlower: Classic HomesDavid Weekley Homes · Bradenton1 home, From $882,990
- Del Webb CatalinaDel Webb · Lakewood Ranch13 homes, $413,860 to $1,179,990
- Del Webb SunchaseDel Webb · Parrish14 homes, $394,980 to $658,950
- Explore by Del Webb North River RanchDel Webb · Parrish9 homes, $394,920 to $587,570
- TerraWalk at Babcock RanchDiVosta · Babcock Ranch3 homes, $399,990 to $571,990
- Bungalow Walk at Lakewood RanchDream Finders Homes · Lakewood Ranch12 homes, $458,757 to $605,389
- SeaireDream Finders Homes · Parrish29 homes, $289,990 to $599,990
- Creekside Run at Babcock RanchDream Finders Homes · Babcock Ranch13 homes, $338,058 to $689,990
- Lake Timber at Babcock RanchFlorida Lifestyle Homes · Babcock Ranch1 home, From $895,000
- Shellstone at WatersideHomes by Towne · Lakewood Ranch8 homes, $474,900 to $1,299,900
- Palmera at Wellen ParkHomes by Towne · Venice3 homes, $1,189,900 to $1,299,900
- Star Farms at Lakewood RanchHomes by WestBay · Lakewood Ranch4 homes, $759,990 to $1,315,968
- Everly at Wellen ParkHomes by WestBay · Venice3 homes, $1,067,964 to $1,269,092
- Longleaf at Grand ParkHomes by WestBay · Sarasota3 homes, $999,990 to $1,199,990
- Crosswind RanchHomes by WestBay · Parrish12 homes, $499,990 to $1,043,037
- North River RanchHomes by WestBay · Parrish7 homes, $729,990 to $934,628
- OakfieldHomes by WestBay · Parrish4 homes, $814,990 to $1,076,032
- Cresswind Lakewood RanchKolter Homes · Lakewood Ranch5 homes, $459,990 to $1,074,990
- Woodland PreserveKolter Homes · Parrish8 homes, $499,990 to $691,990
- Calusa Country ClubLennar · Lakewood Ranch66 homes, $296,499 to $1,283,324
- Stillwater at Lakewood RanchLennar · Lakewood Ranch13 homes, $575,999 to $773,607
- Wellen Park Golf & Country ClubLennar · Venice18 homes, $250,989 to $662,607
- Rye RanchLennar · Parrish20 homes, From $312,597
- Prosperity LakesLennar · Parrish21 homes, From $274,240
- Webbs Reserve at Babcock RanchLennar · Babcock Ranch24 homes, From $216,798
- Tuckers Cove at Babcock RanchLennar · Babcock Ranch54 homes, $280,496 to $795,905
- The Founders ClubLondon Bay Homes · Sarasota1 home, From $2,999,000
- Palmera at Wellen ParkM/I Homes · Venice10 homes
- Vistera of VeniceM/I Homes · Nokomis11 homes
- Cassata LakesM/I Homes · Venice13 homes
- HawkstoneM/I Homes · Sarasota17 homes
- Grand ParkM/I Homes · Sarasota12 homes
- SeaireM/I Homes · Parrish18 homes
- Creeks Edge at Twin RiversM/I Homes · Parrish14 homes
- Brightmore at Wellen ParkMattamy Homes · Venice7 homes, $421,275 to $656,841
- Sunstone Lakeside at Wellen ParkMattamy Homes · Venice10 homes, $568,694 to $810,655
- WindwardNeal Communities · Lakewood Ranch23 homes, $429,990 to $794,990
- Palm GroveNeal Communities · Lakewood Ranch13 homes, $307,990 to $972,990
- Grand ParkNeal Communities · Sarasota17 homes, $349,990 to $1,235,990
- Canoe CreekNeal Communities · Parrish4 homes, $385,990 to $774,990
- Wildleaf at North River RanchNeal Communities · Parrish8 homes, $374,990 to $647,990
- PalmeraNeal Communities · Venice5 homes, $519,990 to $763,990
- Vistera of VeniceNeal Communities · Venice2 homes, $428,990 to $615,990
- Boca Royale Golf and Country ClubNeal Communities · Englewood7 homes, $455,990 to $799,990
- Grand PalmNeal Communities · Venice2 homes, $984,990 to $999,990
- TidelineNeal Signature Homes · Bradenton2 homes, $1,580,990 to $1,679,990
- EverlyNeal Signature Homes · Venice3 homes, $1,545,990 to $1,986,990
- AriaNeal Signature Homes · Venice2 homes, $944,990 to $974,990
- Star Farms at Lakewood RanchPerry Homes · Lakewood Ranch20 homes, $699,900 to $2,069,900
- Sanctuary at SeairePerry Homes · Parrish15 homes, $499,900 to $824,900
- Mandarin GrovePerry Homes · Palmetto5 homes, $499,900 to $669,900
- Magnolia BayPerry Homes · Nokomis8 homes, $559,900 to $684,900
- TurnleafPerry Homes · Punta Gorda9 homes, $489,900 to $699,900
- GranduraPulte Homes · Sarasota2 homes, $932,215 to $957,390
- Reagan LandingPulte Homes · Bradenton7 homes, $419,690 to $1,024,387
- Arbor OaksPulte Homes · North Port9 homes, $333,145 to $654,920
- SeaFlowerPulte Homes · Bradenton4 homes, $665,405 to $749,000
- RiversongPulte Homes · Parrish9 homes, $427,310 to $573,550
- Esplanade at Azario Lakewood RanchTaylor Morrison · Lakewood Ranch13 homes, $448,423 to $1,047,894
- Esplanade at Wellen ParkTaylor Morrison · Venice17 homes, $374,053 to $1,351,729
- Esplanade at Skye RanchTaylor Morrison · Sarasota22 homes, $422,893 to $1,292,616
- Cassia at Skye RanchTaylor Morrison · Sarasota9 homes, $627,984 to $1,240,069
- TiburonTaylor Morrison · Nokomis10 homes, $524,586 to $674,979
- FirethornTaylor Morrison · Parrish15 homes
- Palms at CoasterraTaylor Morrison · Palmetto8 homes
- Esplanade at CoasterraTaylor Morrison · Palmetto14 homes
- Esplanade at StarlingTaylor Morrison · Punta Gorda12 homes, $387,799 to $929,858
- The Sanctuary at Babcock RanchWilliam Ryan Homes · Babcock Ranch7 homes, $339,990 to $764,990
Close-outs: last homes8
Communities down to their last homesites, where a builder often bargains to finish.
- The Lake ClubStock Luxury and Custom Homes · Lakewood Ranch$1,094,990 to $2,039,990
- Emerald Landing at Waterside at Lakewood Ranch: City HomesDavid Weekley Homes · Lakewood Ranch
- Emerald Landing at Waterside at Lakewood Ranch: Cottage SeriesDavid Weekley Homes · Lakewood Ranch
- Emerald Landing at Waterside at Lakewood Ranch: TownsDavid Weekley Homes · Lakewood Ranch
- Lake Timber at Babcock RanchFlorida Lifestyle Homes · Babcock RanchFrom $895,000
- The Founders ClubLondon Bay Homes · SarasotaFrom $2,000,000
- Grand PalmNeal Communities · Venice
- AriaNeal Signature Homes · Venice
Coming soon2
Announced communities not selling yet. Register with Janelle before you join a builder's interest list.
- Toll Brothers at Sawgrass LakesToll Brothers · Babcock Ranch
- WestlakeNeal Signature Homes · Venice
Completed neighborhoods24
Communities these builders finished. Homes there sell as resales, often with part of the builder warranty left.
- Solstice at Wellen ParkToll Brothers · Venice
- Star Farms at Lakewood RanchLee Wetherington Homes · Lakewood Ranch
- Lakehouse Cove at WatersideLee Wetherington Homes · Lakewood Ranch
- North River Ranch Cottage SeriesDavid Weekley Homes · Parrish
- Isles at BayViewDavid Weekley Homes · Parrish
- Del Webb Lakewood RanchDel Webb · Lakewood Ranch
- Del Webb BayViewDel Webb · Parrish
- Artistry SarasotaKolter Homes · Sarasota
- Renaissance at Wellen ParkMattamy Homes · Venice
- Harmony at Lakewood RanchMattamy Homes · Lakewood Ranch
- Sunrise Preserve at Palmer RanchMattamy Homes · Sarasota
- The Enclave at Forest LakesMattamy Homes · Sarasota
- AvelinaNeal Communities · Venice
- WysteriaNeal Communities · Venice
- Indigo at Lakewood RanchNeal Communities · Lakewood Ranch
- SilverleafNeal Communities · Parrish
- Sapphire Point at Lakewood RanchPulte Homes · Lakewood Ranch
- Avanti at WatersidePulte Homes · Lakewood Ranch
- Shoreview at Lakewood Ranch WatersidePulte Homes · Lakewood Ranch
- Magnolia RanchPulte Homes · Bradenton
- Park East at AzarioTaylor Morrison · Lakewood Ranch
- Esplanade Golf & Country Club at Lakewood RanchTaylor Morrison · Lakewood Ranch
- Esplanade on Palmer RanchTaylor Morrison · Sarasota
- Esplanade at Artisan LakesTaylor Morrison · Palmetto
Build on your lot35
Custom builders who build on a lot you own.
- John Cannon HomesSarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Ellenton, and Myakka City
- Lee Wetherington HomesSarasota County, Manatee County, Gracewater, Sarasota, The Islands on the Manatee River, Parrish, and Sanctuary Cove, Manatee River
- Stock Luxury and Custom HomesSarasota and Lakewood Ranch
- Medallion HomeParrish
- Anchor BuildersThe Concession, The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch, and The Islands on the Manatee River
- Arthur Rutenberg HomesSarasota County, Manatee County, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton
- Bayfront BuildersManasota Key, Englewood, and Boca Grande
- BCB HomesSarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Casey Key (Nokomis), Manasota Key (Englewood), and Boca Grande
- Brigon HomesEnglewood, Rotonda West, Gulf Cove, South Gulf Cove, Port Charlotte, and Punta Gorda
- Build Rite BuildersEnglewood, Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice, and Boca Grande
- CD5 LLCPort Charlotte
- Charlotte Harbor ConstructionPunta Gorda Isles, Burnt Store Isles, Punta Gorda Historic District, Port Charlotte, Englewood, and Placida
- DMI Home BuildersPort Charlotte, South Gulf Cove, Rotonda West, Deep Creek, Punta Gorda, and Burnt Store
- Florida Lifestyle HomesPunta Gorda, Fort Myers, Estero, Naples, and Marco Island
- Hamsher HomesPort Charlotte, South Gulf Cove, Placida, and Englewood
- Harbor Home BuildersPunta Gorda, Punta Gorda Isles, and Charlotte County
- Heritage BuildersSarasota, Bird Key, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and West of the Trail
- Isla HomesSarasota, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key
- Kemick Builders and Consultants
- LeBeau ConstructionPunta Gorda
- London Bay Homes
- Luke Brothers Custom HomesGulf Cove, South Gulf Cove, Placida, Cape Haze, Rotonda West, and Englewood
- Neal Signature Homes
- Nutter Custom ConstructionSarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton
- Outerbridge ConstructionManasota Key, Englewood, Palm Island, and Boca Grande
- Paradise Island ContractingBoca Grande, Englewood, Placida, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Rotonda West
- Porter ContractingEnglewood, Port Charlotte, and Venice
- Quality Homes of Port CharlottePort Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Charlotte County
- Safety Harbor BuildersBoca Grande and Gasparilla Island
- Sage HomesPunta Gorda, Charlotte Park, and Charlotte County
- Southern Design Home BuildersEnglewood, Cape Haze, Boca Grande, and Manasota Key
- Talon Home BuildersSarasota, Siesta Key, Lakewood Ranch, Palma Sola, Lido Key, and Bird Key
- Thornberry Custom BuildersPunta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, Rotonda West, and Boca Grande
- Truex Preferred ConstructionEnglewood, Manasota Key, Palm Island, Port Charlotte, Rotonda West, and South Gulf Cove
- Yoder HomesSarasota and Siesta Key
Quick move-ins and close-outs change weekly. Janelle can send you today's list. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
The builders
Builders A to Z
A
Custom · Luxury
Lakewood Ranch and Myakka City (Manatee County and Sarasota County)
Custom · Luxury · Semi-custom
B
Custom · Luxury
Manasota Key, Englewood, and Boca Grande
Custom · Luxury
Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Casey Key (Nokomis)
Custom · Semi-custom
Englewood, Rotonda West, Gulf Cove, and South Gulf Cove
Custom · Semi-custom · Luxury
Englewood, Port Charlotte, North Port, and Venice
C
Custom · Semi-custom
Port Charlotte
Custom
Punta Gorda Isles, Burnt Store Isles, Punta Gorda Historic District, and Port Charlotte
D
New home communities
New home communities · 55+ active adult
Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice (Manatee County and Sarasota County)
SeaFlower: Classic Homes from $624,990
55+ active adult · New home communities
New home communities
Semi-custom
Port Charlotte, South Gulf Cove, Rotonda West, and Deep Creek
New home communities
Babcock Ranch, Lakewood Ranch, and Parrish (Charlotte County, Manatee County, and Sarasota County)
Homes up to $629,990
F
Custom · Luxury
Babcock Ranch (Charlotte County)
H
Custom · Semi-custom
Port Charlotte, South Gulf Cove, Placida, and Englewood
Custom · Semi-custom · Luxury
Punta Gorda, Punta Gorda Isles, and Charlotte County
Custom · Luxury
Sarasota, Bird Key, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key
New home communities · Semi-custom
New home communities
Parrish, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Venice (Manatee County and Sarasota County)
Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch from $629,990
I
Custom · Luxury
Luxury · Semi-custom
Bradenton (Manatee County)
J
Custom · Luxury · Semi-custom
K
Custom · Luxury
Kemick Builders and Consultants
Parrish (Manatee County)
New home communities · 55+ active adult
L
Custom · Semi-custom
Punta Gorda
Custom · Luxury · Semi-custom
New home communities · 55+ active adult
Custom · Luxury
Sarasota (Sarasota County)
Custom · Semi-custom · Luxury
Gulf Cove, South Gulf Cove, Placida, and Cape Haze
M
New home communities
Parrish, Sarasota, Venice, and Nokomis (Manatee County and Sarasota County)
Cassata Lakes from $628,990
New home communities · 55+ active adult
Venice
Semi-custom · Custom
N
New home communities
Luxury · Semi-custom · Custom
Custom · Luxury
Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and Lakewood Ranch
O
Custom · Luxury
Manasota Key, Englewood, Palm Island, and Boca Grande
P
Custom · Semi-custom
Boca Grande, Englewood, Placida, and Port Charlotte
New home communities · Luxury
Lakewood Ranch, Nokomis, Palmetto, and Parrish (Charlotte County, Manatee County, and Sarasota County)
Sanctuary at Seaire from $614,900
Custom · Semi-custom
Englewood, Port Charlotte, and Venice
New home communities
Q
Custom · Semi-custom
Quality Homes of Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Charlotte County
S
Custom · Luxury
Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island
Custom · Semi-custom
Punta Gorda, Charlotte Park, and Charlotte County
Custom
Englewood, Cape Haze, Boca Grande, and Manasota Key
Luxury · Custom · New home communities
T
Custom · Luxury
Parrish (Manatee County)
New home communities
Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Nokomis (Charlotte County)
Custom · Luxury
Custom
Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, and Rotonda West
New home communities · Luxury
Babcock Ranch, Lakewood Ranch, Punta Gorda, and Venice (Charlotte County, Manatee County, and Sarasota County)
Monterey at Lakewood Ranch from $738,995
Custom · Luxury
Englewood, Manasota Key, Palm Island, and Port Charlotte
W
New home communities
Y
Custom · Semi-custom
Sarasota and Siesta Key
Comparing builders? Janelle knows how each one builds, prices, and negotiates. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Before your first visit
Talk to Janelle before you visit a builder
Janelle began in corporate real estate sales at a Fortune 500 builder company, then oversaw sales and marketing for several of the region's most exclusive custom home builders. In 2017 she moved from representing builders to representing her own clients, so she knows how builders structure pricing, upgrades, and contracts.
- Having Janelle on your side costs you nothing: the builder pays her fee, and you pay the same price either way.
- She can save you money. Builder prices leave room to negotiate, and Janelle negotiates the price, the upgrades, and the incentives, then gets every promise in writing.
- The sales team in the model works for the builder. Janelle works for you, from the first visit to the closing.
- Call her before your first visit or online registration: most builders accept your own agent only when the agent registers you at the start.
Questions
New construction FAQ
How many builders sell new homes in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties?
54 builders are selling or opening 122 communities in Babcock Ranch, Bradenton, Englewood, Lakewood Ranch, Myakka City, Nokomis, North Port, and Palmetto, and more at the price points Janelle focuses on. Builders open and sell out communities all the time; she can tell you what is new this week.
What incentives are builders offering right now?
Builders change their offers every month: rate buydowns, closing cost credits, design studio money, and price cuts on finished homes are the usual ones. Each community's page shows the incentives its builder publishes today. Offers usually require the builder's lender or a contract by a date; Janelle compares them on your total monthly cost.
Should I buy a quick move-in home or build?
A quick move-in home is built or nearly built: you can move in within weeks, and builders put their biggest incentives on these homes, but the homesite and most finishes are already chosen. Building lets you pick the homesite, plan, and options, and takes about 6 to 12 months. Comparing both in the same community, side by side on price per square foot, shows which is the better buy.
Do I need my own agent to buy new construction?
The builder's sales team represents the builder. Builders usually pay the buyer's agent from their marketing budget, so the price is the same with or without one, but most builders require your agent to register you on your first visit or first contact. Call Janelle before you visit a sales center or register online.
What is a CDD fee?
A Community Development District pays for a new community's roads, utilities, and amenities with bonds, and homeowners repay them through a yearly assessment on the property tax bill, on top of any HOA dues. Many new communities in the area have one. Ask for the yearly CDD amount and how many years remain on the bonds before you sign.
Which county is Lakewood Ranch in?
Both. Lakewood Ranch spans Manatee County and Sarasota County. The county sets the property tax rate and the public school district, so two homes a few miles apart can differ on both; check which county a community is in before you compare prices.
Builders change prices, plans, and incentives often. Have a question that is not answered here? Ask Janelle for today's answer. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Janelle Mertins · Compass
Planning to build or buy new? Talk to Janelle
Call or text Janelle directly, or send her a note about the home, community, or move you have in mind.