K. Hovnanian Lakeview at Brandywine

[KCP_1980]

Update: I went to a Colorado model of a Khov house in Upper Marlboro (Palisades at Oak Creek) because my husband and I wanted to walk through one, since the model at Lakeview is of a Virginia II floor plan (too small). The sales rep was really fantastic and let us walk around the house as much as we wanted without following us around. The house was really very pretty, well designed for function, and seemed solid. This Saturday we are going to see a Colorado in the final stages of completion at Lakeview. I'm still a huge fan of the Jackson model with Richmond American at Brandywine Reserve, but Lakeview/Khov is winning us over with their service-oriented approach and the community itself. Should be interesting to see what we decide to do.

[bowian]

Originally Posted by EdwardA

I wonder if it is company specific? Or simply banking on a strong Spring and a tighter Nova market? If I was a builder I wouldn't be rushing to give away everything in Feb.

Rates are still low but may creep up if money continues to flow to the equity markets and from debt markets.

I don't know, but I am betting that that's not the only very confident builder. Apparently they can get away with it, because people are buying. But it reminds me of the "bubble" behavior. Also, many if not most people prefer to buy a new house, so builders likely have less incentive to do a lot of haggling. That is, unless it's closeout -- I heard that's the best time to buy a new house. The lot may be crappy, however.

Those of you who are buying new, consider taking pictures from excavation to framing to finishing and grading, in case any issues arise later. And consider getting two good inspections -- at pre-drywall and when the house is finished. Again, to cover yourself.

[esco757]

Originally Posted by KCP_1980

Update: I went to a Colorado model of a Khov house in Upper Marlboro (Palisades at Oak Creek) because my husband and I wanted to walk through one, since the model at Lakeview is of a Virginia II floor plan (too small). The sales rep was really fantastic and let us walk around the house as much as we wanted without following us around. The house was really very pretty, well designed for function, and seemed solid. This Saturday we are going to see a Colorado in the final stages of completion at Lakeview. I'm still a huge fan of the Jackson model with Richmond American at Brandywine Reserve, but Lakeview/Khov is winning us over with their service-oriented approach and the community itself. Should be interesting to see what we decide to do.

That's good news! If you like, there is another Colorado model @ the Eagles Point Community in Woodbridge, VA.. That's the one we saw that made us want to pursue a K Hov home.

[esco757]

Originally Posted by bowian

I don't know, but I am betting that that's not the only very confident builder. Apparently they can get away with it, because people are buying. But it reminds me of the "bubble" behavior. Also, many if not most people prefer to buy a new house, so builders likely have less incentive to do a lot of haggling. That is, unless it's closeout -- I heard that's the best time to buy a new house. The lot may be crappy, however.

Those of you who are buying new, consider taking pictures from excavation to framing to finishing and grading, in case any issues arise later. And consider getting two good inspections -- at pre-drywall and when the house is finished. Again, to cover yourself.

Bowian, thanks for the advice, I was planning to be on site bare min 3 times a week & taking pics. Definitely will hire an inspector early to check out things I'm not familiar with.

[KCP_1980]

Agree - we are hiring a private inspector for several stages of construction, regardless of the builder we choose.

E - we should compare notes as to which lots we each get, if we both end up in Lakeview. We can keep an eye on each other's houses going up.

[esco757]

Originally Posted by KCP_1980

Agree - we are hiring a private inspector for several stages of construction, regardless of the builder we choose.

E - we should compare notes as to which lots we each get, if we both end up in Lakeview. We can keep an eye on each other's houses going up.

Great idea!

[KCP_1980]

We put down earnest money today for Lot 41 in Lakeview. We sign the contract tomorrow. So howdy neighbor!

[esco757]

Originally Posted by KCP_1980

We put down earnest money today for Lot 41 in Lakeview. We sign the contract tomorrow. So howdy neighbor!

Sounds great!! Just sent you a pm..