Legacy Communities (Atlanta, Hampton, Forsyth: cul-de-sac, renting, custom home)

[scgraham]

Always check out the builder before you buy.

[scgraham]

Originally Posted by insightful_914

I have read all and have been quite enlightened knowledge wise, but as I said before, that is my personal preference. I know gutters are a minute thing, but, it is my personal preference not to deal with both Legacy nor Homelife. I have several colleagues around me that are having problems with both, and I have seen them myself. Yes, they did get inspectors, but, let's remember that inspectors only inspect up to codes. I've lived here all my life and I know what I've seen over the years. Yes, a home is an investment, but it should be a wise, worthwhile investment, and as a resident of South Fulton County, I can say that corners are being cut that shouldn't be. In that instance, I don't want to pay anyone to put gutters around my house, especially when I ask for them and the builder tells me, "Yes, we will put them around your house, but, if your neighbors ask who did them, tell them you paid someone else." Come on, are you serious? Please. I don't want anyone building my home taking ANY shortcuts, I don't care if it's as minute as a door bell, especially how high Fulton County taxes are. Take it for what it is, in the end, it's about personal preference, and I personally, do not want to buy a house from a builder that cuts corners with ANYTHING.

That is a reasonable position, but you should be prepared to pay more. Some builders scale back on minor things to pass the savings to the buyer. Typically, Legacy & Homelife sell their homes $20 to $40K less than the competition. They are value builders.

[arionne]

Hello everyone
I know this is a little off the subject but I just purchased a Legacy home in the Travers Creek subdivison,I've been in the house for about a month and I have caught a mice I thought it was only one, but about 2 days after I now see more.My house is the second lot on the block, on the first lot they have'nt built a home there so the lot is empty,behind my home I have a downward hill area that is very large I think this is where there coming from.The question I have is should the homeowners association be the ones responsible for making sure this kinda think is under control. Please help, this is a new home and this is not supposed to be happening.Thanks.

[jtmony]

I can tell you that the association WILL NOT help you with field mice. You're more than likely correct in your assumption that they're coming from down the hill. Pest control can remedy this for you very quickly. The mice, are only the beginning. Ants and termites are worst. That's not to minimize your situation, just to inform you that the HOA will not help. Also, for the anti-Legacy, most new communities are faced with this sort of problem(s). You tear down/dig in an area and try to replace it with homes, the habitants of the area will try to relocate and adapt. I would talk to my neighbors to see if they faced similar problems, and see if the HOA will assist. Just don't expect a lot.
Try this link out:
http://www.myhomeimprovement.com/?pa...s&qid=562&m=37

I guess some will argue that since Legacy products are cheaper than today's gas prices, the mice are unable to travel the long distance to Sherwood Forrest this summer. They're drawn to Legacy's Cheap alternatives.

I purchased a Richmond American home in VA some years ago and ran into the same problem. We quickly contacted an exterminator who RAID'ed our place good. We also had them return each quarter for "check-ups." It's worth the extra expense. You should also check the by-laws of your HOA. It should spell out exactly what's covered. Most of the time it's the monthly up keep of the community pool and common areas.

While you're at it, I'd also suggest getting ADT/Brinks Systems installed, along with Rain Soft system. Security system is an add precaution and the water for obvious reasons.

Outside the mice, how do you like your home? I'm due to go to closing next month and before I do, I'd like to know your opinion and lessons learned.

Thanks
JT

[djding]

Hi everyone,
Is there anybody out there on this site who is happy with their Legacy home and has been in it for more than 3-6 months? I'm scheduled to close toward the end of next week and this site has made me very hesitant. We live out of state and have had one independent inspection and plan to have another a few days before the walk thru. We have our own Atlanta realtor who has been helpful with getting things done with the builders since we are not physically there as yet. Just need a little hope here!

Thanks
DJ

[JDnJO]

Upgrading the appliances was a breeze and Cowan & Cowan gives a good price. For example, my fridge retailed at the GE website for $1900 and I got it for $1550. I went with all GE Profile and they (GE) currently have a cash back program which will basically get me about $100 per appliance. I did not get the washer and dryer since I have my own.

I started the first walk on a Monday with the second a final on Thursday then closed Friday. I did have a hiccup at closing due to the finance company having the wrong payment plan ($18k balloon at the end) but they fixed it and faxed everything over quickly. SunAmerica of SunTrust or whatever they are called now was excellent and they are the preferred lender so you get up to $3500 off closing costs.
I highly suggest having fan boxes installed if possible so you can install fans when you want. I got the guy who wired the house when it was built to come in one Saturday after I moved in to install the boxes for me. Lots cheaper than anything you get from Home Depot.

I have bought from both Rooms to Go (see Denny because he leaves you alone until you have a question or find what you want without the pestering) and Furniture Row. The closest Furniture Row is in Chattanooga, but they deliver for a fee (I bought the stuff while in TX at the local store but had it delivered for the Chattanooga branch and we bought enough to where it was well worth the $250 delivery fee).

I would just start a list after moving in for when the 2 month walk comes around. Mine is minor stuff like dry wall scrapes or nail pops and the hose sprayer nozzle at the kitchen sink leaks whenever the faucet is turned on. I also have some sod (very little) that didn't take that will have to be replaced also.

As for the security system, I had ADT for 4 years in TX and was happy, but I now have Brinks and am much more impressed. They call no matter what unless you cancel the alarm through the provided steps. ADT does not call as long as the alarm is shut off within one minute.

Let me know if I can help out with anymore questions (if this helps).

Thanks,
JD

[jtmony]

How do you like your new home? Which model and neighborhood did you chose? How was closing?

[marijka]

Thank you, Insightful_914, for your list of recommended builders...the Knight builders sales agents have not been able/willing to provide me with room dimensions...I tired 3 different communities and at each one I've been blown off when I've asked...
What do you know about Imagine home builders? They have a ranch model that we really like and the sales agent has been great as far as providing information. I haven't seen any reference to this builder in any of the threads.
Thanks,
Marijka

[marijka]

Hey Kristinah- I'd love to have the name of your inspector also - please email me. Thanks, Marijka

[JDnJO]

Originally Posted by jtmony

How do you like your new home? Which model and neighborhood did you chose? How was closing?

I love the home so far. It is much cooler once ceiling fans get installed. I got a Rosewood in the Somerset community in Paulding County (18 miles from Marietta). Closing was a breeze, but it was way down in Douglasville. Use their preferred lender and you get $3500 off closing.