There are two new home styles coming to Mueller in 2010, and the David Weekley Garden Homes are started selling last weekend. Just like the initial pioneer lottery, demand is outstripping the modest supply of less than 50 homes. Here’s a little about the plans and the process.
Market Rate Plans $237,990+:
- The Waller: 2 story, 1295 sqft. 2 beds up and a powder room down. From $237,990. An optional third bedroom above the garage would expand the living space. At time of writing, the plan online does not show this 3rd bedroom option.
- The Kerbey: 2 story, 1432sqft, 2 or 3 beds up, and a powder room down. The master has a bath and separate shower option, or shower and double vanity. From $248,990
- The Standfield: 2 story, 1448sqft. 2 or 3 bedrooms. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and optional study down, master, powder room and kitchen upstairs. The master bath has an optional separate tub and shower, or shower. The downstairs study could be a bedroom. From $253,990
- The Bergstrom: 3 story (3rd floor bonus room!), 1812sqft. 2 or 3 beds. There’s a living, dining and kitchen down with master and two or three beds up. The master has an optional separate shower and garden tub, or just a shower. From $273,990
Since the lots are slightly different for each home, the homes are a little customizable too. For example, the site-specific plans allow for a wider home on a corner lot, resulting in extra living area and slightly different pricing. There will be lot premiums too!
Affordable Program Plans $160,990+:
- The Lance: 2 story, 1076sqft, 2 bedroom from $160,990. All beds upstairs
- The Grove: 2 story, 1317sqft, 2 or 3 bedrooms up from $175,990
The affordable program is income qualified and allows few upgrade choices to maintain the price point, in addition to a silent second lein provided by a non-profit foundation.
Things that all the floorplans have in common:
- Zero lot line: This means one side of the home is built on the lot line and has no windows. The homes are closer, and have a thin side yard on the other side. The only exception are the corner lots which have extra windows.
- They are framed with 2×6 elements on the exterior – thicker than typical 2×4 construction. This allows better thermal and sound insulating walls.
- Private side yards – these are not going to be huge, but will allow a sitting and grilling area for example.
- 3 stars in the Austin Energy Green Building program for reduced utility bills.
- Double-car garages with alley access
The purchase process:
The builder has been booking appointments for two phases of this development – homes fully specced out with pricing, and homes not yet fully designed. The former are being sold in back to back appointments, and the builder is taking lot holds for the latter. A purchase contract requires $10,000 earnest money, and a lot hold requires $2,000 for the first right of refusal. This $2,000 is refunded if you decide not to move forward with the purchase once exact details and pricing are revealed.
This kind of demand is reminiscent of the original lottery process for home purchase, where buyers like myself had to show up at a certain time and choose from the remaining homes on the understanding that if we delayed, another buyer would be out in an hour and have the opportunity to buy. Somewhat stressful for buyers, and a very successful tactic for the builder to ensure they sell all their homes in a matter of days.
From the discussions I’ve had with Kristen and Laura at David Weekley with clients, I can say I’m pretty excited about the new homes. They fit in a desirable price point that has been previously lacking in the neighborhood. You can check out floorplans at the DW site, though links change frequently.
Garreth Wilcock is a Realtor representing home buyers at Mueller. Buyer representation is at no cost to the buyer. Call +1 (512) 829-1351or email me if you are considering purchasing.