MANASSAS, VA question (apartment, rental, houses)

[Marie_35]

Originally Posted by Middlin

I lived in Sheffield Manor in Bristow and have been in a lot of these homes built by Richmond American and I wasn't impressed to say the least. Lanier Farms which is next to Sheffield Manor has some new builds that Richmond has done as well. I would take the time to visit any homes on the market in these two neighborhoods to give you an idea of the quality and not to rely on the model home.

I have to say, that I was not to impress with their model. The decor for that place is awful...lol

But, the floor plan and size of home we would be getting for the price they offered us was fabulous for our budget. I have talked to my realtor and asked her to keep looking at other properties. So, before we even think of settling on Villages of Wellington, I would like to have other properties to compare.

[ManassasCityResident1993]

I live in Wellington, on the townhouse side, which is not far from this new subdivision. Wellington in general (the single family home side and the TH side) are relatively quiet with the usual vandalism, car theft stuff and last year there were teenagers breaking into homes after school to steel laptops and playstations. Just outside of Wellington (closer to me) is Georgetown South, which has it's own set of issues which you can read about online.

As for Richmond American Homes, my home is a Ryan Home and I would never use another builder. Richmond American built townhomes in Wellington and the difference between the quality of the build, the amenities they offerred and the customer service are night and day. I don't know if Ryan still does all that they did in 1993 (6 month drywall patching, 12 month patching), but they stood by my home for a number of items years after I closed. For example, I had a problem with the outside faucet about 5 years after I moved in. The problem was that I couldn't get to the screw to replace the piece I needed to replace. I called them to ask if they had any ideas on how I could get to the screw without removing siding and they sent someone out to my house to fix it for me at no charge.

[Marie_35]

Originally Posted by ManassasCityResident1993

As for Richmond American Homes, my home is a Ryan Home and I would never use another builder. Richmond American built townhomes in Wellington and the difference between the quality of the build, the amenities they offerred and the customer service are night and day. I don't know if Ryan still does all that they did in 1993 (6 month drywall patching, 12 month patching), but they stood by my home for a number of items years after I closed. For example, I had a problem with the outside faucet about 5 years after I moved in. The problem was that I couldn't get to the screw to replace the piece I needed to replace. I called them to ask if they had any ideas on how I could get to the screw without removing siding and they sent someone out to my house to fix it for me at no charge.

Interesting, I have been reading very bad reviews about Ryan Homes....your post is very pleasant to hear. If proves my point, how all builders will have those that didn't like their work to those that are fine with it.

My husband and I looked at some Ryan homes but didn't care for the floor plan that was being offered. But Ryan homes do seem to have nice homes.

[vermonter16]

I wouldn't recommend Comstock as a builder. The built my townhome in 2003. But, I really haven't seen any super quality building around this area in the last 20 years....at least not what I would consider 'quality'. I think I would buy a house based on the general area and location as well as price. Not necessarily if it's a 'quality' builder because they are pretty much about the same for 'mass commerical builderss'. Unless one is buying something custom or actually enlisting a builder to build their place....get the most value for the money. In the late 1980s I lived in a brand new Ryan home and at that time builders were still building quality. I started seeing things going downhill when the boom started coming in the mid 90s.

[TextileWolf]

FWIW, My wife and I bought a Richmond America home in 2009 located in Manassas Park and I satisfied with the quality of house we got.

[KathyR]

We've lived in a Ryan Home in Bristow since 1999 and have been happy with the quality. There are many Richmond American Home communities in the Bristow/Gainesville/Manassas area as well, and I agree with the poster that says you will get complaints and compliments for all builders in this price range. I think its important to keep on top of them through the whole building process.

Even though you don't have kids yet it's important to look at the schools your neighborhood is zoned for. Both for your future kids and/or for resale. Prince William County Schools vs Manassas City Schools make a big difference. Even within Prince William County you will see a big difference between Manassas schools vs Bristow/Gainesville schools. Especially middle school and up.

[Marie_35]

Originally Posted by TextileWolf

FWIW, My wife and I bought a Richmond America home in 2009 located in Manassas Park and I satisfied with the quality of house we got.

I am glad to hear this...we have been looking at Manassa Park also...but our budget is about only 350 thousand. Hopefully, we can find something in that price range for that area.

[Marie_35]

Originally Posted by KathyR

Even though you don't have kids yet it's important to look at the schools your neighborhood is zoned for. Both for your future kids and/or for resale. Prince William County Schools vs Manassas City Schools make a big difference. Even within Prince William County you will see a big difference between Manassas schools vs Bristow/Gainesville schools. Especially middle school and up.

Your correct about resale value being bad if the school district is awful. Even though I don't have kids right now, I do plan to sale the home five years later. So, I have started to look at other Parts of Prince William County vs Manassas city.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by Marie_35

Your correct about resale value being bad if the school district is awful. Even though I don't have kids right now, I do plan to sale the home five years later. So, I have started to look at other Parts of Prince William County vs Manassas city.

You may be listening to some bad or misguided advice. I've been in the City since 1983 and in the area since 73. My kids grew up very close to the neighborhood you were looking at and both excelled in the public schools. As a retired PWC Police Officer I can tell that even the so called good schools have their mix of good, bad and middle of the road kids. Area and influence often made little difference. Homes in the city sell well if it's a nice home in a nice neighborhood.

[Marie_35]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

You may be listening to some bad or misguided advice. I've been in the City since 1983 and in the area since 73. My kids grew up very close to the neighborhood you were looking at and both excelled in the public schools. As a retired PWC Police Officer I can tell that even the so called good schools have their mix of good, bad and middle of the road kids. Area and influence often made little difference. Homes in the city sell well if it's a nice home in a nice neighborhood.

I really do like the floor plan for "Villages of Wellington" and wanted to buy in the area...but resale value has me now very worried. I keep hearing how bad the schools are from different people. I don't want to get stuck with a house I can't sale later on down the line.

I think the location for Villages of Wellington is pretty nice. And the square footage we would be getting for a home at that location is wonderful.