Anyone Familair With Neal Communities/Forrest Creek? (Sarasota, Cortez: crime, new home)

[fl1025]

I am in need of some advice. I am currently trying to buy new construction in Forrest Creek. It is a Neal Community. I am from MN trying to get the transaction rolling. They have upped their base price twice within 2 weeks--once for $11,000 and now tell me that with every 2nd home sold they will up it again. So I am trying to lock in my price with a purchase agreement.
On Friday at 4:00 they gave me the lot premium price of $3,000. I called early Saturday morning and told them that was the lot I wanted--they told me the lot was now $6,000. They also want $18,000 down for a house which will not be be completed until the early part of 2009.

I think I am seeing red flags. Can anyone give me any input? I thought they were a reputable builder.

[NSHL10]

Is that the development that they were selling a couple of affordable "cottage" homes for really low prices? I thought it sounded like a scam to get people into look at the development and their higher priced homes.

[SoFLGal]

Yup, that's the development. There was a story in the Sarasota Herald a few weeks ago. In the article it talked about how people that bought high end houses would be next to the more affordable homes and they were very unhappy. Basically, what I got from the article is that he was in survival mode and wanted to keep his subs busy. It also said that they were selling like hotcakes. They do a lot of advertising in the paper so who knows??

I think I would be a little upset if I was quoted 100% increase in less than 24 hours. Sounds like a tactic to get you to sign. I would make sure that is where you want to be. It might pay to go around and talk to the home owners in Forrest Creek and see what they have to say. Sometimes you'll find they are a wealth of knowledge.

Pat Neal is a big developer in the area. He built a good portion of Lakewood Ranch.

[GENO-777]

Originally Posted by fl1025

I am in need of some advice. I am currently trying to buy new construction in Forrest Creek. It is a Neal Community. I am from MN trying to get the transaction rolling. They have upped their base price twice within 2 weeks--once for $11,000 and now tell me that with every 2nd home sold they will up it again. So I am trying to lock in my price with a purchase agreement.
On Friday at 4:00 they gave me the lot premium price of $3,000. I called early Saturday morning and told them that was the lot I wanted--they told me the lot was now $6,000. They also want $18,000 down for a house which will not be be completed until the early part of 2009.

I think I am seeing red flags. Can anyone give me any input? I thought they were a reputable builder.

I would tell them to shove it up there ---!!! sounds like they think thay got a big fish on the line!
You did say you called?

[barefeetinbradenton]

I'd like to point out that the Neals have been building in this area for decades, have done some beautiful work (check out Wildewood Springs - off Cortez near 43rd,) and have a sterling reputation. I'm just sayin'... So please don't be too quick to come to come to conclusions.

[GENO-777]

Originally Posted by barefeetinbradenton

I'd like to point out that the Neals have been building in this area for decades, have done some beautiful work (check out Wildewood Springs - off Cortez near 43rd,) and have a sterling reputation. I'm just sayin'... So please don't be too quick to come to come to conclusions.

Different time's, lots of builders trying to get rid of stock at consumers cost. by the way thats the first time i ever saw some one studder wile typing.

[Oobie119]

I would look into other areas of Parrish, that sounds like a load of bull to me.. they are trying to pressure you. I had a feeling that the red flags were up once they started advertising those cheap carriage homes on the news and all over. Neal has a great reputation, but there are alot of nice communities around. Try Ancient Oaks or Kingsfield. My husband and I aren't interested in NEW homes for that reason, it always sounds like a risk, I just don't trust the builders..We love Parrish though and are looking to relocate there soon...

[Hellouser]

The red flags are right. They are currently being sued by homeowners and have an over inflated value on their homes, attracting customers like you. Try Pulte.com at Harrison Ranch and purchase a single family home. Neal Communities will nickle and dime you on everything. There is a hidden 5% fee to build. Trust me, I live there and it is a nightmare. There is a lot of crime as well. Run. Trust me!!!!

Originally Posted by fl1025

I am in need of some advice. I am currently trying to buy new construction in Forrest Creek. It is a Neal Community. I am from MN trying to get the transaction rolling. They have upped their base price twice within 2 weeks--once for $11,000 and now tell me that with every 2nd home sold they will up it again. So I am trying to lock in my price with a purchase agreement.
On Friday at 4:00 they gave me the lot premium price of $3,000. I called early Saturday morning and told them that was the lot I wanted--they told me the lot was now $6,000. They also want $18,000 down for a house which will not be be completed until the early part of 2009.

I think I am seeing red flags. Can anyone give me any input? I thought they were a reputable builder.