Lennar Homeowners-Specifically Frisco (Dallas, Plano, Richardson: real estate, house, neighborhood)

[TXTrojan90]

Members of the board,

I would appreciate hearing from Lennar homeowners on their experiences with their homes. I signed a contract on a new build that is about half-way through. I have a private inspector going out tomorrow pre-drywall. The community is Shores at Hidden Cove.

Haven't had the best experience thus far with the staff. They don't allow you to change anything after a certain stage...even something as simple as a door. It is what it is though, and there just aren't very many exceptional builders that offer homes under 300K in the Frisco, McKinney, Plano area.

Perhaps someone can offer some "peace of mind", because lord knows I need it right now. I'm hoping for a very easy and great experience from here on out, after paying top-dollar in this market. I've just read some concerning things online recently that don't put me at-ease.

Your feedback and stories are requested and appreciated!

[Rakin]

I have a question..... You are already under contract. Does it matter at this point? (sounds like Hillary)

All builders restrict the changes you can do the farther you get into construction. Lennar is a mass production builder and to keep their costs low, the don't do a lot of custom work or give many options.

You get what you pay for.

[NovCruisin]

Originally Posted by TXTrojan90

Members of the board,

I would appreciate hearing from Lennar homeowners on their experiences with their homes. I signed a contract on a new build that is about half-way through. I have a private inspector going out tomorrow pre-drywall. The community is Shores at Hidden Cove.

Haven't had the best experience thus far with the staff. They don't allow you to change anything after a certain stage...even something as simple as a door. It is what it is though, and there just aren't very many exceptional builders that offer homes under 300K in the Frisco, McKinney, Plano area.

Perhaps someone can offer some "peace of mind", because lord knows I need it right now. I'm hoping for a very easy and great experience from here on out, after paying top-dollar in this market. I've just read some concerning things online recently that don't put me at-ease.

Your feedback and stories are requested and appreciated!

My brother and sister in law had a home built by Lennar in Rowlett and while I can't speak to the building process or any problems they may have had, I can say the home is beautiful.

[TXTrojan90]

Originally Posted by Rakin

I have a question..... You are already under contract. Does it matter at this point? (sounds like Hillary)

All builders restrict the changes you can do the farther you get into construction. Lennar is a mass production builder and to keep their costs low, the don't do a lot of custom work or give many options.

You get what you pay for.

Yes, it matters. The deposit/earnest money only amounts to $500, which we would gladly forego should it simply be a bad situation.

As a "real estate agent", I'm surprised as to the tone/context when you say "You get what you pay for".

I'm 25 years old. Forgive me if I don't make 7-figures and have the ability to get into a million dollar home. I'm looking to make a sound investment for myself and future wife, as we are diving into this together.

Are we in an era where $300K for a home provides you a "shotty" home? What might I have to "pay" to get a quality home?

Hope you don't go using that line with your potential clients...you may not see another 3% commission again.

Great first-impression of these city-data boards...wow.

[Aceraceae]

Originally Posted by TXTrojan90

Yes, it matters. The deposit/earnest money only amounts to $500, which we would gladly forego should it simply be a bad situation.

As a "real estate agent", I'm surprised as to the tone/context when you say "You get what you pay for".

I'm 25 years old. Forgive me if I don't make 7-figures and have the ability to get into a million dollar home. I'm looking to make a sound investment for myself and future wife, as we are diving into this together.

Are we in an era where $300K for a home provides you a "shotty" home? What might I have to "pay" to get a quality home?

Hope you don't go using that line with your potential clients...you may not see another 3% commission again.

Great first-impression of these city-data boards...wow.

If you can buy a house at 25 you're doing great IMO. Congrats. I know nothing about Lennar though.

[unknown00]

Off topic - When you basically said you found a new development house in Frisco for under $300k, I didn't believe you at all, no way. Then I actually googled the location of your build and WOW that's waaaayyyyyyy out there! Good luck!

[lpepping]

What concerning things did you read online? I am also building with Lennar but I am still in the very early stages.

[nissan]

Every production builder will have bad reviews, some more than others, but think about the # of homes they're building. If you're really concerned, walk around the neighborhood you're building in and if you come across other home owners on a nice afternoon, ask their real opinion.

All builders will stop you from changes after a certain point. I assume it's your first home, if you like the location, plan and options you chose, don't worry about it. Even if you're spending $600K+, you're still going to encounter issues. No builder is 100% perfect.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by TXTrojan90

As a "real estate agent", I'm surprised as to the tone/context when you say "You get what you pay for".

The point is you do get what you pay for and that's not a bad thing or bad quality. High end builders will be more open to changes.
You are buying from a "Production" Builder who builds mass quantities of homes.
Lennar has always been well known for no changes, period.
What you see is what you get, don't even ask about changing.

Lennar has built many thousands of homes in North Texas. They give a decent product for a decent price.
You'll find people who love them and people who will talk bad about them.

BTW, it is getting very hard to build a home under $500k today.

[Transplanted99]

Originally Posted by Rakin

Lennar has built many thousands of homes in North Texas. They give a decent product for a decent price.

Lennar offers a range of product in the upper mid to lower high range (using DFW median pricing as a baseline).

They provide value for money, but their business model is one of greater standardization. It allows them to offer what would be "upgrades" by some other builders in similar price range that allow a wider degree of customization.

Anecdotally, we have friends (where we used to live and in DFW) that own Lennar homes from a few years ago. They are both rather nice and their owners do not have complaints.

Perhaps in the new developments of N Dallas market, Lennar is considered "low end / decent" - at least that's the vibe from Rakin's two posts here.

But, by that standard, most of Richardson, and half of Plano is trash in comparison - I cannot disagree more. Most homeowners in DFW would be delighted to own a Lennar level home.

OP, looked at the model photos...very nice! As someone mentioned, depending on where you work, commute could be long, but I have no doubt you are aware and factored that in. Owning at 25...doing well!