Advice/opinions on New Home (Winter Garden, Clermont: short sale, foreclosures, home sales)

[beretta682e]

I am thinking of buying a new home by Meritage in Lake Roberts Landing in Winter Garden.

Price range is around $550K and its a lake front lot. The subdivision had a little press for a recent home invasion.

Any opinions on new construction by Meritage Homes?

Any thoughts on the development - Lake Roberts Landing (I think DR Horton is building one homes there too)?

Any thoughts on the general area - Winter Garden/Gotha?

Any and all information is greatly appreciated.

[Broker Dave]

I really like the area and if its the same home i have pictures and toured the home you are looking at. Don't think a one time problem would stop me if it did a good number of neighborhoods would be ruled out.

What does your Realtor say on the issue and did they comp the house?

hope this helps,

[beretta682e]

I like the lot - nice 3/4 acre lake front lot on a real ski lake. Lake Roberts has homes on the south side which are in Windermere.

Anything 1-2 miles east/south in Windermere would cost significantly more.

Small development which is nice and a lot of home sales are new - circa 2009 - so I am assuming there will be less foreclosures.

I don't know much about school systems but i have no children. There is a nice open mall about 2-3 miles from the subdivision.

The houses are large McMansions - 4000/5000 square feet which suck but Meritage has nothing smaller they can build.

Its does feel strange on deciding to buy a new house when there are so many re-sale, short sale and foreclosures. But its even stranger than corporate (large publicly listed) homebuilders are much more rational and realistic on pricing than individuals.

Does anyone know of a good new home inspector?

Thanks again for any information

[annerk]

Meritage is building smaller homes in Clermont. About half the size and half the price, although I think the lots are only 1/4-1/3 acre.

[beachcomber10]

Just looked at a Meritage home on Belle Meade in Winter Garden - would love to hear what you have to say about the area, subdivision, and homes.

[annerk]

I'm not sure that's actually within the city limits of Winter Garden, I think it might be unincorporated Orange County, and I would check on that--it would have impact on various services. It's a fairly rural area still, but quickly being built up. Shopping, houses of worship, some restaurants nearby.