Sugarland Riverstone Builder review : TrendMakers

[Houston321]

I have to disagree with you. I know Martin, and he is a class act. Has been one of the top selling salespeople at Trendmaker for years. It's quite possible that the issue is on the other end.

[descovy]

I have to say in some issues, I don't need the sales guy to be a good guy. As long as the product is good. For example I bought a van, exactly what I wanted, got a "good deal" from a nice, attentive sales person, but got a better deal from a guy that was a bit of a jerk. While dealing with a jerk is not fun, made no difference once the van was purchased. I didn't need a best friend, I needed a good deal on the van.

And in a way our home buying was like that too. I met several, great, attentive home salespeople, and met some real duds. In the end we bought from the best builder in the best neighborhood we could afford. The salesperson wasn't a peach... But 7 years later I couldn't care less. I got the best home for me.

For what little it's worth... My neighborhood is 55s built by Village Homes and Trendmaker. We ended up with Village Builders as Trendmaker was a bit too pricy for us. But I will tell you this, they are beautiful homes and have held up well. My various neighbors have all been happy with them. They have a good reputation.

[kbayer]

Originally Posted by descovy

I have to say in some issues, I don't need the sales guy to be a good guy. As long as the product is good. For example I bought a van, exactly what I wanted, got a "good deal" from a nice, attentive sales person, but got a better deal from a guy that was a bit of a jerk. While dealing with a jerk is not fun, made no difference once the van was purchased. I didn't need a best friend, I needed a good deal on the van.

And in a way our home buying was like that too. I met several, great, attentive home salespeople, and met some real duds. In the end we bought from the best builder in the best neighborhood we could afford. The salesperson wasn't a peach... But 7 years later I couldn't care less. I got the best home for me.

For what little it's worth... My neighborhood is 55s built by Village Homes and Trendmaker. We ended up with Village Builders as Trendmaker was a bit too pricy for us. But I will tell you this, they are beautiful homes and have held up well. My various neighbors have all been happy with them. They have a good reputation.

Interesting perspective....
I'm in the market as well. My wife would probably say that the saleperson makes or breaks the whole buying experience. If the salesperson is a jerk, she wants nothing to do with them, regardless if the quality and design of the homes they represent is excellent. We may have walked away from some potentially wonderful deals because of that... who knows? But we've had experiences before where we would endure several months of hell trying to get answers or simply check on a few things. Never again. Taints the whole experience, which should be exciting and fun, I think. Right?
Jerky salespeople.
For the record, the girl at Perry homes in Rosenberg has been the best, sweetest, and most knowledgeable so far.
2nd best, Alex at Beazer, in Richmond.
Baltazar at Brighton is cool.
David Weekely in Richmond - friendly, but takes weeks to get answers.
Worst? So far, Ryland guy at Long Meadow Farms.
Haven't looked at Trendmaker yet. Probably won't now.

[descovy]

Maybe that's the difference... I don't expect the home buying experience to be "fun"

I'd be upset if I were on vacation and hired a tour guide who was a jerk. I'd be looking for something fun and exciting there.

But building a home, I'd rather have the best builder than the nicest salesperson. In the end the salesperson leaves but the house is "forever"

I'd caution you if you really think the sales person makes or breaks your home buying decision... They do transfer around pretty frequently. We started with one sales person and she got moved to a different neighborhood a month in. What will you do if you pick the nicest salesperson and s/he leaves?

[descovy]

Let's not forget, sometimes what seems like the kindest, most helpful salesperson is really just telling you what you want to hear.

I've been in Cinco the last 7 years. The bs that homebuilder a have told my newer neighbors is stupefying. Especially when it comes to schools (they set a lot aside for a school in your neighborhood... Does not mean it will be built anytime soon) promising the empty lot behind you will never be a gas station, promising a road will/will not cut through. Your MUD tax will get lower and lower every year!!!! And my favorite... No matter how far away from work, they promise a 30 min commute. Fulshear to Med Center? 30 min!

If you happen to luck out with a super helpful informative sales person... Just remember they are looking out for themselves. Smile and nod about all their promises but verify for yourself.