Independence Neighborhood-any input? (Sunset, Windermere: rental, condos, townhomes)

[Winter Garden]

I live at Independence it is a nice quite place to live and everybody is friendly but if you are going to buy believe nothing the sales office says and also think about what they claim not to know!
If you need help let me know.

[Winter Garden]

Engel homes are a nice builder, very helpful and sort any problems quickly.

[bostontoorlando]

We went to the subdivision hoping for the best- I must say it really had the look of a development that was fueled by the "bubble" and it may take quite some time to be as desirable as hoped. I should say we didn't visit all parts of Independence and I understand from posters here that there are very nice sections, but the section we visited had a deserted feel to it. On the plus side, pricing is attractive, but that is pretty much true all over the region even in more established neighborhoods. I know some realtors on the forum do like the neighborhood but the realtors that we've worked with recommended that we stay away for our particular price point. In that area there are quite a few neighborhoods to choose from.

[cfIfan]

I think its important to consider the reason some parts are patchy is because a small percentage of the homes are in foreclosure or are unrented so the owners have cut back on yard maintenance to save money. This is common in alot of neighbourhoods, and we are lucky that Independence is so big with so many homes as it offers us the security that these foreclosures are only a small percentage.

I was speaking to a couple online from here, i forget if it was you or not, i will have to go back and check, who were looking at million dollar homes yet their realtor had no knowledge of the area and was offering adivce which 1. was incorrect, and 2. nonsense. I would suggest that regardless where people want to buy, select a realtor who specializes in the area because when it comes to talking about price point, community ammenities and build out, they will be able to offerspecific and current advice, and not guess.

The homes particularly the million $$ homes do offer great value for money for those looking for abargain in that price range, and one reason for this is that the community isnt totally built out yet. To get a 5000sq ft home on a skiiable lake with a dock with a view of Disney fireworks will cost well in excess of that. I recently had a property in Celebration listed which was just over 3000 sq ft, on a street, no lake, no view and a noisy road for $1.5million.

[jemelb]

Originally Posted by bostontoorlando

but the section we visited had a deserted feel to it.

I actually think that is a quality. I love going to my brother's house and sit in the back yard and hear the birds...

[engine]

Another thing that concerns me is the future of Independence, because the builder is in bankruptcy. Sure, their in Chapter 11 which is for reorganization but I still think there is cause for concern.

[cfIfan]

Half of the problem was they were building and building to keep up with demand and then when the market collapsed they were left with alot of inventory. That inventory has now been sold off and their building practices have changed and they no longer build without a contract on a property. Also they have changed their floor plans and no longer have seperate garages which required them to post 2 documents for 2 different buildings. Whilst they are in Chapter 11, i havent seen anything to suggest they are in any trouble.

[obxfamily]

Can any of you give me specific information on the community itself. I noticed HOA fees are high but what does that include? I am so far very impressed with this community and I am curious on the specs of the neighborhood itself.
Thanks!

[cfIfan]

The HOA include basic Brighthouse cable, internet. Alarm monitoring is also available but there is a supplemental fee involved.

I live and specialize in this area and we love it. I would suggest if you are already using a realtor to contact them for specific info, alternatively engage a realtor who specializes in the area. If you dont want to use a realtor, they have an onsite sales office who can offer info, but keep in mind the sales associates work for the builder, not for you.

Best of luck

[obxfamily]

We are looking to relocate in the next 9 months. We visited Indendence a week ago and we were very pleased. We currently live in Tennessee and even though our real estate market here has not suffered like Florida, our market is full of builders who built and built without a contract. So the empty feel of the neighborhood should go away soon.
I am curious though, one of the posters stated not to believe the sales people. Can you give some detail on that? I am a realtor licensed here in Tennessee and plan to get licensed in Florida, and I know what to ask, for the most part. I have done my own research on the taxes, schools etc and so far everything the sales person said showed up correctly. Its a gigantic move for us, so any information you can give me would be great.
Thanks!