Del Webb/Cane Bay Plantation (Charleston, Summerville: sales, real estate, how much)

[nomony]

Hi everybody! I'm new to this website and absolutely thrilled to have found it. We live on Long Island and are getting ready to retire within the next 2-3 years. We visited Summerville this November and absolutely loved it. We visited the Del Webb 55+ models at Cane Bay and then spent the next week exploring both Charleston and Summerville. My husband and I are in our early 50s and both of us were born and raised here on Long Island but we can't wait to move. Taxes, traffic, snow, ice and overpopulation have taken their toll. I know from reading your posts that some of you have been complaining about traffic in the area but believe me, the worst traffic congestion you've ever had is equivalent to just a regular day on Long Island. Traffic up here is something you have to see to believe, words cannot describe what it's like for us on a daily basis. Anyway, enough about that, its time to look forward. We have visited many popular retirement areas in the last couple of years but never felt as comfortable or as "at home" as when we visited Summerville. I was wondering if you could tell me the one thing you love the most about Summerville. Local input is always the best ! Thanks.

[tjtrimeloni]

I guess for me it is the location and the history. THe downtown area is reminiscent of times long past. Although the Town of Summerville is expanding, it has still retained most of its roots in small town friendliness. Having lived most of my adult life in a town smaller than Summerville (Georgetown, SC) I wanted a place where I could still enjoy the type of living coastal South Carolina offers, friendly, smiling faces, and laid back just enough that I can choose just how frantic I want my life to be. Summerville is close enough to all of Charleston's hot spots that a short drive will get you there. The traffic issue is what it is, but as a South Carolinian for 27 years now, I have seen traffic and growth beyond measure. Coming from LI, at first you will probably laugh at those of us that complain, but once you have acclamated to our style of living, you'll understand! I didn't have any traffic problems when I visited some friends in the Port Jefferson area of LI! I took the LIRR!!! Have a great day. PS I am attending a Del Webb open house they are having this afteroon. They are raring and ready to go out there.

[SCDweller]

You are going to love it. Summerville is one of the nicest communities in the Lowcountry. I've lived here my whole life and raised a family with my wife. (Who is from Rockville Centre on Long Island by the way) We still visit NY to see family at least once a year, sometimes twice, and you are correct, the traffic here is nothing compared with LI. My wife loves the warmth in Summerville, both temperature wise and the people. I'm sure you will enjoy the community of people in your neighborhood and any church or social groups you choose to join. Welcome to the South!

[nomony]

We live in Massapequa Park, my husband grew up in Valley Stream and I grew up in Deer Park. Our oldest son is earning his Masters in Education from Molloy College, which is in Rockville Centre. Nice area but its changing, I'm sure your wife notices the difference when you are up here visiting.

Do either of you have any feedback for me about Del Webb? We have visited communities in several states and they are all very impressive but the one in Summerville is almost too good to be true. When we visited in November, nobody had moved in yet. I was just wondering how the real estate community feels about having Del Webb in Summerville. I can't imagine that there would be any negatives, but you never know.

[SCDweller]

Hi Nomony...you are right, it is changing. My wife's parents still live in the house they raised her in in Rockville Centre and the area has definitely changed. Many of her brothers and sisters have moved out of Rockville over to Garden City. She loves the area though and it is always home.
Del Webb is on its way to being GREAT. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a retirement community lifestyle. It's in a great location and the construction is going well in there. I have been out there a number of times and feel like it is going to be a great thing for Summerville. I would recommend you seek representation however outside of a Del Webb representative so that you ensure you get the best deal for your money. Having representation makes a LOT of difference in this market and you will be amazed at the difference in the way of upgrades, price, etc. you will see when you have someone bargaining for you. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

[nomony]

SCDWELLER,
Hmm.......sounds like your looking for some customers Actually, visiting a local realtor is on our "to do" list on our next visit. I'm interested in your statement about representation and would like to learn more. I understand that to some extent, upgrades are negotiable but our experience with Del Webb has always been that the price is the price period. If you think you can get a better deal.........I'm all ears!

[SCDweller]

That is my job. (to represent clients) However, even if you go with someone else, I would like to see you get the most for your money.
Generally, you are correct and for the past five to ten years, that statement has been correct. "The price is the price." However, we are in a different market now, and the times are different. I have seen builders give concessions and budge on price more than once. The difference is how much your realtor knows and what other deals he's pushed through and knows the builder will agree to. I'm not sure where we will be in two years when you come down, but regardless, you will ALWAYS benefit from having a local representative. When you are new in town, you need someone who is not....Not just for one community, but for the whole lay of the land. Let me know as questions arise for you.
Sincerely,
Foster Smith (SCDweller)

[tjtrimeloni]

As far as Del Webb itself, I attended their open house yesterday. They hae closed 50 homes and have an additional 80 contract in place. The model park is complete with 10 model homes ranging from low $200's to $400,000.00. I agree with Foster, builders these days are offering some very good incentives to keep inventory moving and employees (contractors) working. Del Webb is a Pulte Homes community and they are taking a great hit in their Florida operations. Watching theor performance over the next year or so will be beneficial. As Foster has said, having a local representative outside of the builder sales team is of great advantage. Although there may not be a huge concession on price, there can be negotiation for other aspects of the transaction. Plus, it is always good to have a new aquaintance in a new town. Despite the stereotype, most professional Realtors are in it as much for the relationships made as they are for the income. I am sure SCDweller will agree!

[nomony]

My husband and I have visited several Del Webb/Pulte developments in Florida and I am not surprised to hear that they are taking it on the chin a bit down there. The communities are beautiful but the taxes and monthly dues are beginning to rival Long Island! A perfect example is Riverwood at Nocatee in Ponte Vedra,Florida. A $350,000 home would cost about $6500 a year in taxes and and community fees. That is way more than most 55+ communities and I can understand why sales are slow.

I totally agree that using a local realtor is the way to go and I believe that meeting people and forming friendships is a big part of the job. So, when we come down for our next visit Foster, I'll let you know and we can set up an appointment. We'll give you all the info you need to know about us and maybe you can give us directions so we will finally be able to eat at The Wreck. On our last visit we tried twice to find the place and of course got lost both times! Third time is the charm,right?

[Stella2]

We have bought in Del/Webb and are moving in in Feb. We bought at the very beginning when there was nothing but mud. We are from Cape Cod, MA...sold our house and are now down in Summerville just waiting to move in. We haven't regretted it one bit and have seen how fast the houses have gone up. You do have to have an imagination, since the amenities building isn't built yet, but the area is just great...We have been down here 4 times since April and feel at home already. We also met some of the people who have already moved in. If your're looking for an active community that is near a city, close to the ocean, close to the airport, close to the arts, close to all kinds of shopping and restaurants, great weather, many activities, and much more, thaen Del/Webb is for you.


We also met a great RE agent in the process on this forum. He's from Long Island and was so helpful to us about the area, even though we bought from Del/Webb (Jim 3310 ) on this post. Hope you'll contact him if you use a RE agent.