by Michele Newbern Gillis
Staff Writer
Despite the downturn in the economy, new construction is all over the west side of Duval County.
The Northeast Florida Builders Association’s SAM Tram visited model homes last month and discovered the area is offering many options for buyers looking for a lot of home for little money.
The chair of the SAM Tram, Katie Deen of INI Realty Investments, Inc. chose the Westside, and was pleasantly surprised at the results.
“There are more new home communities in a variety of price points than I initially realized,” said Deen. “Communities on the Westside of Jacksonville are thriving today. From a Realtor’s perspective, we are working with a lot of first time homebuyers and military families. The new home communities on tare perfectly located and priced well for our buyers.”
Realtors were impressed with the opportunities for buyers who want new construction.
“A buyer can get more home for their money by purchasing here,” said Ted Ginsburg, a Realtor with Magnolia Properties.
Builders in the tour included D.R. Horton Homes, Taylor Morrison Homes, Drees Homes, Ryland Homes, JDR Companies, KB Homes, Mercedes Homes and Richmond American Homes.
“The number of new subdivisions and spectrum of pricing options show that there are options for every type of buyer,” said Nancy Pupello of Watson Realty. “I normally deal with customers on the Southside of Jacksonville but knowing the options available help me present options for customers that are looking for more house and maybe don’t have as much money to spend.”
The group visited 10 model homes in all with prices ranging from $97,990 for a 1,600 square foot townhome to just over $200,000 for a 2,500 square foot single-family home.
This SAM Tram made a few changes to make it easier for those attending to come back with buyers.
There was a schedule listing what models were to be visited and a map on the back of the schedule, so Realtors could return to the area easier.
Site agents at the models on the tour came on the bus prior to the visit to give information about the homes so, when the tour began, the Realtors could roam freely armed with information they learned. Also, a special guest speaker, former City Council president and long time Westside resident Alberta Hipps, joined the tour for a few stops to talk to the Realtors about the area.
“We are real pleased with the transportation changes that are happening over here,” said Hipps. “If you came out I-10, you probably saw construction near Chaffee Road. When talking to customers interested in Westside properties, you can tell them that there will be improvements to the interchange at Chaffee Road and a new interchange west of Chaffee Road that’s going to be a real asset to us.”