How
do you know if your builder is going to be around next year? In these uncertain
times for the real estate industry, it helps to ask one question: How long have
you been in business?
The
fact is that established builders have the resources to navigate today’s market
that new builders don’t. In addition, experienced homebuilders have the skills
and knowledge it takes to do the job right.
When
you get to the sales office or model home, make sure you ask about the
builder’s track record, experience, qualifications, and even awards.
Homebuilding is a complex process. It takes many years of experience and a high
skill level to build a quality home.
An
experienced builder will be honest, fair-minded and committed to customer
service. That’s the only way a builder can stay in business.
Not
everyone who enters the industry is equally qualified. Make sure home building
is their only profession. Many of the problems consumers run into are caused by
people who are building homes on the side with little training.
Housing
technology is constantly changing and experienced homebuilders keep up-to-date.
Ask what professional organizations the builder belongs to. Finally, talk with
people who have bought homes from this builder in the past and ask them if
they’re happy.
One
place where that will be an easy task is at HomeTown Aurora a community with 19
beautiful parks, a cozy café and an array of Town Center shops. It’s a place
where residents get to know each other and can send their children safely out
to play.
There
are eight single-family home models to choose from at the Reserves. These
well-designed, quality homes have cutting-edge amenities and the latest green
features. With prices ranging from $176,903 to $266,109, the Reserves at
HomeTown Aurora is being built by one of the most respected developers in the
area, Bigelow Homes. It’s a single-family community with environmentally
friendly features, a neighborhood atmosphere, quality construction, and even an
energy bill guarantee.
All
homes include an attached two-car garage, a professionally landscaped yard and
Bigelow’s famous heating guarantee: if heating bills exceed $400 a year in any
of the first three years, the developer will pay the difference.
The
State House, base-priced at $237,230, includes 2,374 square feet, four bedrooms
and a either a loft or fifth bedroom, 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 bathrooms, a country
kitchen that opens to a great room, a dining room, a luxury master bath,
nine-foot first floor ceilings, and an optional basement.
The
Heritage House model, base-priced at $249,321, includes 2,804 square feet, up
to five bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths, a formal living room and dining room, an
oversized kitchen with an island that opens to the family room, a master suite
with a sitting room an upstairs laundry, and an optional fireplace and
basement.
The
Independence is perfect for first-time buyers and priced at $176,903, with two
to three bedrooms and two baths. This home features a large eat-in kitchen that
overlooks a spacious family room and includes two bedrooms and a loft with an
option for a third bedroom.
The
Gazebo features three bedrooms and three baths. Prices start at $198,317. This
is a split-level home with two floors of living space.
The
upstairs has two bedrooms, two baths, a living room and dining room, and the
downstairs has a private family room, bedroom, and bath. The open floor plan
features a kitchen with an island. There is an option for a refreshment center
in the family room downstairs.
The
Liberty House, with two to four bedrooms, and 2 1/2 baths, is priced from
$206,053. This home has an open floor plan, a large eat-in kitchen that
overlooks the family room, and an additional flex room for extra entertainment
space. Upstairs there are two bedrooms and a loft with an optional four-bedroom
plan available. The optional basement adds more space.
The
Main Street House, priced from $220,767, includes four bedrooms, and
2 1/2
to 3 1/2 baths. This home has a side staircase that opens the foyer to a flex
room perfect for games or homework. The large kitchen with a countertop bar
overlooks the backyard and family room. The upstairs has four bedrooms and an
extra family room. This home also offers an optional basement for even more
space.
The
Farm House features three to four bedrooms, and 2 1/2 baths. This home is
priced from $230,459. The open floor plan includes a separate living room,
dining room, family room and kitchen with eating area. A basement is optional.
The
Manor House, priced from $266,109, has four bedrooms with a loft with an option
for five bedrooms. It also has 3 1/2 baths. There is an option for a second
owner’s suite with its own sitting room. The space is great for in-laws, a
college student or guests. An optional refreshment center can be added to the
sitting room and upstairs owner’s suite, which also includes a sitting room.
The home has a spacious first floor layout that includes a formal living room
and dining room, as well as an eat-in kitchen with an island that opens to the
family room. There is also an option for a basement.
To
get to the Reserves at HomeTown, located on the corner of Montgomery Road and
Farnsworth Avenue, take Route 59 to Ogden Avenue, west to Montgomery Road,
north one mile to Farnsworth Ave., then north (right) on Farnsworth Ave.
For more information on all Bigelow communities visit www.bigelowhomes.com.
