First Timers - Thoughts on Home Builders, Part II (Katy: neighborhood, buying)

[KatyHome]

Hi all,

We posted a couple months ago for thoughts on various home builders as we are looking to build our first home (we're focused in the Katy area). We received a lot of great, very helpful feedback to our post. Since then we've been looking actively and were close on a couple of opportunities but didn't get to the finish line. Our budget is in the $400K - $600K range, which we hope will allow us to build a quality, one-story home. We're looking at a few specific opportunities with the below builders, and any thoughts on the below builders would be very helpful. In addition to general thoughts and experiences, we're specifically focused (obviously) on the quality of the home as well service both during and post construction.

1. Princeton Classic Homes
2. Emerald Homes
3. Monterey Homes

Thanks again in advance!

[chris_ut]

Have you done a forum search on these names? Never heard if any of them.

[Rip808]

1. Princeton is the "luxury" brand of Legend Homes. If you are planning on buying in Katy Creek Ranch I would advise against it. Some really ugly cookie cutter homes in the neighborhood... And that big chunk of land between falcon landing and westheimer is commercial so I wouldn't build there.

2. Emerald Homes I have heard about but know no one who has built with them. I am imaging your planning on buying in that newer neighborhood by the high school. Great location.

3. Monterey...this is the "luxury brand" of meritage homes. I have dealt with meritage homes twice and am happy with their product. I am imaging your looking at Westlake. I would put my money into this neighborhood. Great location and the amenities/homes to come look pretty neat.

Have you checked out David Weekly across the street from Westlake in Silver Ranch? I has friend who built in SR with David Weekly and absolutely love their home. With that budget you can buy their biggest home with all the upgrades and have enough money for a pool. Plus, all these kids are zoned to the same schools with the exception of katy creek ranch which is zoned to Rylander, cinco jr and high school.

I know silver ranch is opening a new section soon. Good luck with your house search!!

[KatyHome]

Thanks Rip808, your points are spot on and incredibly helpful. We are leaning towards Monterey, the 'luxury brand' for Meritage. We've also heard mixed feedback on Princeton, the 'luxury brand' of Legend. We have looked at David Weekly in general and also in Silver Ranch and like Weekly, plus we've read good reviews on them on the forum. We'll keep doing our diligence and hopefully decide soon. Thanks again!

[Rip808]

No problem! Building from the bottom up is always an adventure but once you get the keys to your brand new house it's all worth it! PM me if you have any other questions or just post on the forum. Keep us updated!