Baxter Village - power lines? do they negotiate prices on homes? (Fort Mill: hardwood floors, sales)

[househunter123]

My husband and I have looked all over South Charlotte for a new home. We prefer new construction and want a very family oriented neighborhood in which to raise our 1 yr. old daughter. Fort Mill is appealing to us because the taxes are lower and the schools are very good. We visited the new phase of Baxter this weekend and were very pleased to see that the lots there were larger than in the original area. Here are my questions and I sencerely hope some of you can help. Thanks!
1) There are huge power lines running thru the new phase at Baxter. Does anyone know anything about how that affects; safety? resale? The lot we're found and can afford has the power right of way behind it. To move to another lot would cost us an additional $16K and the power lines would still run thru the neighborhood. Any advise on this would be greatly appreciated.

2) We're interested in a Saussy Burbank house. The sales lady said they don't negotiate on their prices. I'd like to know it that's in fact true or just a bluff. They're currently running a special of $10K off at the design center and she said that's something they rarely do so they can't do any better on the price.

3) Lastly, The lot we're looking at will have four open lots across the street b/c the hill is too steep for houses to be built on it. At first thought I like that idea b/c it opens up the street and b/c when I sit on my front porch I wont be looking directly at another house. I am concerned, however, about whether Baxter does a good job keeping open areas like that nice and presentable? It' a hill so it's not a greenspace or park area.

Thanks!

[sixinthefamily]

Not to reply to baxter directly but just in general. My personal preferance would be to go for a lot without the power lines behind it. I would rule out a house that was close to power lines and I am sure so would other buyers if you were to sell. We moved from 12 acres to .37 and I thought it would be tough but so far we love it. Being secluded does have advantages such as privacy but also disadvantages such as being not included in things where you live closer together. Having kids certainly would make me choose the area with more houses and kids. $16,000 sounds like alot but it will only be about $14 a month in the mortgage increase.

When we were looking at new construction they would not negotiate on home prices but did on lot premiums. ( that was in Ryan's fair oakes division)

We ended up by resale because of our timeline.

Good luck. Please know I am just offering my opinion and not in anyway trying to say you are wrong for considering a home with the powers lines it is just not something I would consider.

[jenn02674]

I agree with the poster above. I have no idea about the legitimate safety of living near powerlines but I know I personally would not want to live with them in eyesight of my home. As far as resale, it probably would depend on the timing. By the look of things, there are many, many people that are not bothered by the powerlines or are willing to live with them for a discounted price. If you were selling in a buyers market, it might make it more difficult. If it was a seller's market, you probably wouldn't notice a difference.

If you are building then you probably have absolutely no negotiating room. What I have heard, but have no personal experience in, is that you won't necessarily be able to negotiate price on a spec home but you might be able to have some things added like hardwood floors or upgraded countertops. It is always worth a try though!

I live in Baxter and they seem to keep up with the public areas pretty good. If it is a wooded area without trails, I am not sure they will do anything. If the green space you are talking about runs up to the road, I am assuming they will at least keep it mowed to keep a nice appearance, but I don't know for sure. That might be something to ask the community association. PM me if you want a number.

[pat 1949]

keep away from power lines bad resale and did you every see the worker that work onthem they where lead jacket for the money you are speanding go some where elves do they make you sign a waiver that they are not livable for any one that get sick. like cancer . no way keep away from them you dont know the long tearm damage

[marndt]

I agree. We live in Baxter and would no way live near those lines. Also that HILL that you are refering to is going to be a speedway.

Good Luck.

[scamutz]

Originally Posted by marndt

I agree. We live in Baxter and would no way live near those lines. Also that HILL that you are refering to is going to be a speedway.

Good Luck.

Could you elaborate?

[marndt]

[SIZE=3]Regarding the hill? Steep, narrow and fast… We cannot wait until it snows![/SIZE]

[scamutz]

Originally Posted by marndt

[SIZE=3]Regarding the hill? Steep, narrow and fast… We cannot wait until it snows![/SIZE]

Ahhh! I thought that you meant that they are putting in a racetrack or something...