Looking for a Reason to Buy Now? Here are 5 Good Reasons

Why wait? Now's a great time to buy a new home and if you're relocating to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, be sure to check out Founders Pointe, located near Smithfield. There are many reasons why over 160 families have chosen to live in Founders Pointe since our Grand Opening in 2005.

Here are my TOP 5 Reasons to Relocate to Founders Pointe:

1. ATTRACTIVE LOCATION
Founders Pointe is located in the Carrollton area of Isle of Wight County, which is part of the Hampton Roads region. Although, Isle of Wight County is on the western edge, it's easy to get anywhere, and it's nicely removed from the city. You can also rediscover a small town atmosphere as Founders Pointe is near the historic town of Smithfield. Incorporated as a town in 1750, Smithfield is well known to have one of the best preserved historic districts in the country for a town reflecting different periods of historical architecture. there are landmarks like St. Luke's church built in 1632, and the Smithfield Inn & restaurant built in 1752. Another favorite tourist spot is the Smithfield Station.

It only takes ten minutes to reach the Hampton/Newport News area via the James River bridge. Isle of Wight County offers a quiet, peaceful lifestyle, the lowest tax rate in the region (.65/$100), and it is central to the Southside Hampton Roads cities and the Peninsula.
Families relocating from out of the area don't mind a 20-25 minute drive into work, and they prefer to live in a community with more to offer than just a house in a typical subdivision.



Founders Pointe is located on the point of land on the left situated just to the southeast of the James River Bridge and just west of the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge tunnel. Founders Pointe is just 10 minutes to the Peninsula, I-664, and only 25 minutes to Downtown Norfolk. It is also only 40 minutes to Colonial williamsburg and 45 minutes to VA Beach. To see a map of where Founders Pointe is located, visit http://www.founderspointe.com/our-location/conveniences/.



2. Overall Neighborhood Concept and the Resort Style Amenities- (Fun)



Have more fun in your neighborhood- The centerpiece of Founders Pointe is the exceptional resort-style recreational amenities the community has to offer. Rarely, does a neighborhood of this size (only 319 homes at completion) have a clubhouse and pool, but to find it on the scale of the Founders Pointe Residents' Club, that's truly unique. (Monthly Association dues are only $87/month which includes maintenance of the common area and access to the amenities.)

• Residents' Club with swimming pool and 112′ water slide
• 844′ observation pier offering panoramic views of Batten Bay and the James River
• Three miles of biking/walking trails and sidewalks
• Playground and sand volleyball court
• Full-time Activities Director coordinating year-round events for all ages.

In addition to hosting sporting and fitness activities, the clubhouse serves as a center for holiday celebrations, themed social events for adults, and special interest clubs. A full-time activities director keeps the community's social calendar full with a year-round schedule of exciting events. The clubhouse's swimming pool and waterslide is augmented by a children's playground and sand volleyball court. Both children and adults make use of the network of nearly three miles of sidewalks and walking trails that wind throughout the community. An observation pier overlooks Batten Bay, with views reaching to the James River and the Hampton Roads. Founders Pointe provides a nurturing environment in which children can thrive and adults can relax.
 
3. Quality Homes, Distinctive Architecture

East West Communities, our community development team, spent alot of attention to the overall architectural theme and streetscape early on in the development process. Detailed front porticos, large front porches, proper symmetry and proportion- all all important aspects of creating an attractive streetscape, no matter what cul-de-sac or street you're on the the community.



A Preferred Builder team of ten quality homebuilders have helped carry out the vision of developing one of the most attractive and best looking neighborhoods in our region. You'll find a wide variety of distinctive home styles such as English Cottage, Craftsman, American Traditional, Colonial, and European Transitional style. Founders Pointe was twice selected as "Community of the Year" by the local homebuilder association. You can see the beautiful homes on the Interactive Map.



4. Sense of Place, Community
We often hear that one of the main reasons 160 families have relocated to our community is the real sense of community they find in their neighborhood. From the stone front entrance monument, past the well landscaped parkway entry, to the lakeside clubhouse and pool, and along the winding pathway to the observation pier on the river, visitors will quickly realize they have arrived at one of the most attractive neighborhoods in the Hampton Roads region.



The friendly front porches, well landscaped common areas, and the winding sidewalks also help add to the neighborly feel that our residents talk so much about. The roads that lead to Founders Pointe are lined by trees and some spectacular views over the waterways which also gives our commuters a chance to unwind on their way home.

Once home, residents enjoy the various activities found at their neighborhood clubhouse which overlooks a lake and a well landscaped trail system. There is also an opportunity to enjoy access to the water at the observation pier. We often hear, that's it's worth an extra 10 minute drive home to get home, where residents enjoy the panoramic, spectacular views across the water and the marsh that surrounds the tributaries leading to the James River. The experiences our families have with their children and grandchildren rival those at some of the great resort destinations.



5. Timing- Unique Opportunity, Beautiful Waterfront Property

With the low interest rates and the aggressive new home pricing by our builders, now IS a great time to buy a new home! The timing is excellent also because of the early stage of construction for the community. There's an outstanding team of builders offering top quality construction with seven new home plans now available for sale for the spring season! Homesites start in the $90's and new single family custom homes start in the $400's- an excellent value!

Finding a waterfront location so close to the major employment centers like Founders Pointe is rare and a unique opportunity. Be forewarned, one visit to see Founders Pointe, and you're likely to want to drop anchor here for good.

Visit www.eastwestcommunities.com for more information about other East West communities in Virginia.

Haven't you always wanted your own private beach?

Now's your last chance to own your own private beach at The Riverfront at Harbour View. Four riverfront homesites are available along River Park Drive and several offer a sandy beach along the edge of the Nansemond River. It's rare to find sandy beaches along riverfront lots in these parts of Hampton Roads, but The Riverfront is blessed with some of the most spectacular waterfront homesites in Virginia.

The Riverfront at Harbour View offers two riverfront parks with piers, a lakefront amphitheater & playground, two swimming pools (with one on Eagle Lake), a Residents' Club & pavilion, and an 18 hole Championship golf course. The pier below is located in the newest phase of development and is near Shelter Cove Court, the location of this fall's HOMEARAMA model home show event put on by the Tidewater Builder's Association.

The Riverfront at Harbour View is located where the Nansemond and James Rivers meet and overlooks part of the Hampton Roads. Day boaters enjoy the beautiful waters of the James which offers breathtaking views and plenty of places to explore. Local boaters also know how to where the popular swimming spots are along the banks of the James.

For more information about new home communities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, visit www.eastwestcommunities.com. Contact Adria Joseph, Tina Manrique, Priscilla LeMoine, or Mark Edwards with East West Realty at 757-638-9100 for more information. The Sales Center model is open daily.

(Hampton Roads is located in the southeastern part of Virginia and it includes the cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton, York County, Williamsburg, and the town of Smithfield).

All Brick Home in this Waterfront Community in Smithfield, VA, only $429,900!

At Gatling Pointe, you can cruise the river from our private marina and bring home your catch-of-the-day. Take a refreshing dip in our riverside pool or just relax among friends at our clubhouse. Enjoy a great meal at the yacht club restaurant or sit back and enjoy the ezpansive view across the James River. Situated where the James and Pagan Rivers meet, the Gatling Pointe Yacht Club is the perfect meeting place for friends and family. Three times selected Community of the Year, Gatling Pointe offers a small town atmosphere, and is convenient to all cities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

20623 Creekside Drive, Gatling Pointe South

This all brick home, originally custom built by Sasser Construction offers main floor living.
Currently on the market for $429,900 with East West Realty located in the small town of Smithfield (in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia). Gatling Pointe and Gatling Pointe South was developed by East West Communities. Contact Donita Frantz or Mark Edwards at 757-238-9009 for more information about homes in the area or about the amenities at the GPYC. www.eastwestcommunities.com
 

Custom built by Sasser Construction in 2003

,
impressive all brick home features a first floor Master

Suite, central vac, intercom, irrigation, security

system, home generator, many custom built-ins. Media

Room is located in the large room over the garage.

Beautiful natural stain Hardwood floors in the foyer,

living room, two story family room, kithen, dining

room, and powder bath. Ceramic baths, vaulted

ceilings, stainless steel upgraded appliances, custom

cabinets, leaded glass front door, fluted trim details,

exposed aggregate driveway and ground gutters.

Expansive deck with dedicated gas line, beautifully

landscaped yard.

7 Reasons Why "Custom Building" a New Home may be the BEST Option for Today's Homebuyer

Yes, new home construction is up in Virginia and people are building and buying new homes again in Virginia, and we're excited about what's going on in our four East West Communities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Maybe the sales pace isn't what it was a few years ago, but that's okay. Builders have definitely stepped up and are taking great care of the customer, AND we're seeing outstanding new home values as a result. One of the drawbacks of the building boom a few years ago was the fact that builders couldn't meet their closing deadlines and sometimes customer service fell behind the wayside. Our buyers are finding out that it is a great time to build after comparing their options with the other possibilities in the marketplace.

It's making sense for alot of people to actually sit down with the builder and custom build the home plan they really want in the neighborhood location they really want. Recent sales are up at The Riverfront at Harbour View and Founders Pointe new home communities. The new home construction quality has improved in recent years- more energy eficient, better framing and foundations, better quality appliances and interior appointments, etc.

There are also many reasons why today's homebuyers are seeking quality new home communities as a place to call home. There's a definite resurgence of interest in building a new home in our market, so I've listed 7 reasons why people are buying new homes in our communities today.

1. Value. Homebuyers looking for more value tend to be more cautious in their home purchase than they were maybe a few years ago. If you're investing your hard earned money, you want to make sure you're in an area that offers a high quality of life and offers a good resale opportunity. There's definitely a market looking for a neighborhood with lifestyle amenities- a place where they can get to know their neighbors, entertain friends and family, and have memorable experiences.

Homebuyers have been paying more attention in recent months in finding not only the "right price", but what's equally important is finding the "right home" and the right neighborhood. Buying a new home is a way to make sure you achieve your dream home and it's never been a better time to purchase a new home. Pricing of materials and labor are very attractive today than a few years ago and we're seeing it reflected in many pre-sold homes. People also want to take advantage of the lower interest rates.



Over 2,100 families have relocated to three planned communities developed by East West Communities in the last ten years - Eagle Harbor, The Riverfront at Harbour View, and Founders Pointe since 2000. (Founders Pointe is the newest of the three and opened in 2005). Another 500 homes were developed in the Gatling Pointe community before 2001 in Smithfield, Va. The grand opening for Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg is this May. (See the East West story at the bottom of this article.)

2. Feeling of Security. Many new homes are located in quality planned communities, which can help give homebuyers a feeling of security. When asked what people look for when they shop for a new home, many say they're looking for a sense of community. Planned communities help provide the lifestyle that makes a house a home. The statement entry helps give a sense of arrival, a creative land plan allows for pocket parks, recreational areas, and private cul-de-sac neighborhoods and slower traffic. A more attractive streetscape is accomplished through unique and distinctive architectural guidelines, enhanced landscaping requirements and a quality team of homebuilders. The protective covenants also protect value and helps control the overall look and feel of a planned community.

New homebuyers also gain a sense of secuirty through the various new home warranties (Some roofs have 30 year warranties, Foundations and certain structural components can be 10 years, and other warranties on HVAC equipment, appliances, etc.) It's less out of pocket expense for the homeowner. In many of our communities, the yards are irrigated and sodded and includes at least $2,500 in landscaping, which also helps.



3. Reputable Homebuilders. Some of the area's most reputable builders have also committed to building Featured Models in planned communities because they know they attract quality homebuyers and it's a place they enjoy building new homes. The group of preferred builders also helps to accomplish the overall architectural theme goal and helps establish a great looking streetscape, thus a more attractive neighborhood. Residents also like dealing with homebuilders that are dedicated to their neighborhood.

Buying a home can be a highly emotional experience and it makes sense for the quality homebuilder to strategically build their best home designs and Featured Models where the homebuyers are really want to live.

 

4. Creative new home designs. We often see builders create a brand new home design that's on the cutting edge of national trends, showcasing the finest building products and materials. Our new home communities attract alot of visitors and the builders see it as an opportunity to go above and beyond in their selection of the home plan, the overall exterior curb appeal, and interior appointments. Every time we open a new section, our builders have stepped up with totally new plans which helps keep the neighborhood interesting and different.

Planned communities likeThe Riverfront at Harbour View, Founders Pointe, and Eagle Harbor can offer a wide variety of price ranges and new home styles. For example in Gables at The Riverfront and on Lighthouse Lane in Eagle Harbor, a single family home starts in the upper $200's. Custom homes in Graystone at Eagle Harbor begins in the $300's (7 builders), in Founders Pointe in the $400's (9 builders), and in The Riverfront the home prices begin in the $500's (8 builders).
Model Home Extravaganzas- The Tidewater builders Association held its annual Homearama model home show in Founders Pointe last year and it returns to The Riverfront this October with the Fall Homearama. Tens of thousands of people attend to see the superior quality homes over a sixteen day period. The best in new home designs and finishes are showcased on the same street, and it's always a win win situation for the builder/development and the customer.



5. Resort style Amenities. Residents in our East West Partners communities often say that living in our neighborhood is like being on vacation year round. Neighborhoods with active community clubs is attractive to many relocating from outside of the area. The resort styled amenities in The Riverfront, Founders Pointe, Eagle Harbor, and Gatling Pointe rival those at some of the greatest resorts. First class facilities such as the Founders Pointe Residents Club and The Riverfront Swim Club may add value to their homes and offers many positive experiences for their families....a chance to rediscover the simpler things in life, like going for a walk to one of the neighborhood parks. Residents enjoy the monthly planned activities - whether it's signing the kids up to one of the summer camps, participating on the neighborhood swim team, or on one of the many fun events scheduled by the Activities Coordinator.

Relocating families also tend to feel it's easier to get to know your neighbors in a neighborhood that offers a centralized amenity location. A lively club operation helps provide social interaction and opportunities to make new friends. It helps make the adjustment to a new area easier and it's a reason families from out of the area feel more welcome. There's something special about being able to take your grandchild to the river to check out one of the canoes to explore nature in your backyard..... Many buyers yearn for the opportunity to experience these memorable moments with their families.



6. Sense of place, Belonging. Many of today's homebuyers in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia are searching for a sense of belonging....a place they can enjoy recreation and have a lot of fun things to do without leaving their neighborhood. Many people seem to long for a safe place to live, a place to raise a family, to maintain a home they can be proud of, and live the American dream. A planned community offers many lifestyle opportunities and home style options. As mentioned earlier, most reputable builders are attracted to quality neighborhoods and they choose to align themselves with developers that create the best places to live.

7. Developer's Credibility. Today's consumers should investigate their options fully when finding the right neighborhood. Look at the track record and the whole body of work for that developer and/or builder. East West has always done better when the homebuyer compares the total community to other options in the marketplace. Communities like The Riverfront, Founders Pointe, and Eagle Harbor are located in growth areas and are places that people are moving to, and not away from. The Northern Suffolk/Isle of Wight County corridor is located on the western edge of the Tidewater area of Virginia, and is central to both the Peninsula and southside Hampton Roads.

After 38 years of developing planned communities, East West has listened to the homeowners' needs, wants, and desires- though numerous focus groups, surveys, and market research. Every time we open a new community we strive to provide the homebuyers with more things that they want. (For example, at Founders Pointe, one of our new home communities in the Hampton Roads area, there are more walking trails, a waterfront observation pier, a larger clubhouse, more pool shade structures and a water slide for the kids. In Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg, there will be miles of natural leisure trails winding through the neighborhood of three acre homesites.)



Our Story
East West Communities has been developing planned communities since 1972, in six different states. East West's initial community in Chesterfield County, Brandermill, was awarded the "Best Planned Community" in 1978 by the National Housing & Builders Association and Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Our Woodlake community in Midlothian was also awarded "Best Community in the U.S. " by the Urban Land Institute in 1990.
Since then, East West Communities have expanded into the Hampton Roads market with four planned communities. Gatling Pointe features a yacht club, marina, and riverfront clubhouse & pool complex (over 500 homes). Eagle Harbor features a lakefront park, clubhouse, and spectacular pool with a water park and a GardenGolf course. The Riverfront features a Swim Club, golf course, two riverfront parks, a lakefront amphitheater and a second pool which overlooks Eagle Lake. Founders Pointe, a waterfront community near Smithfield, features a Residents' Club- a $2 million dollar club and pool complex which has a 112' water slide and a 4,000 square foot pool.

Over 1,000 familes have purchassed new homes in The Riverfront at Harbour View since its grand opening in 2000. Eagle Harbor has also attracted over 1,000 families since 2002. Founders Pointe, which is about 50% developed, has sold 160 custom homes (since 2005) of a possible 319 total homes (when it is fully developed).

The Riverfront at Harbour View has also been awarded "Community of the Year" twice by the Tidewater Builders Association. Gatling Pointe, Eagle Harbor, and Founders Pointe have also received the "Community of the Year" award by the Peninsula Housing and Builders Association. Liberty Ridge, a brand new custom home community in Williamsburg, opens this spring as the first two models are nearing completion. Liberty Ridge offers three acre lots and is located just ten minutes to Colonial Williamsburg.

5 Reasons Buyers Should Consider a Brand New Home Before They Buy a Short Sale

Before you make that offer on a "Short Sale", ask yourself- "Is this the RIGHT HOME for my family?"

A few weeks ago, we had a customer walk into our Sales Center, and he said he was just in the area to look at a short sale in the area. He stopped in because he wanted to see what new homes were available and what they had to offer. (His agent didn't suggest he look at new homes) After discussing his wants and needs, we looked at three homes and the next day he returned to write a contract on one of our new homes that was priced $150,000 more than the short sale listing (same size home, but different features).

I'm sharing this true story because we see this happen quite often, much to the surprise of many in the business. I've come up with 5 reasons why buyers should consider the right home and the right community and not just focus totally on what they perceive to be the right price.
I realize that many buyer brokers are looking for the "best deal" for their clients because their buyers initially tell them, "I want the best price for a house, I don't want to pay too much in today's economy". Fair enough. I understand that there are short sale opportunities out there and many potential buyers see them as the best deal on the surface. But is it really the best home for their family? What is the right decision? Is it the right price but the wrong decision for your family? The lowest price home may not be the right home.



1. Are you trying to achieve just the RIGHT price? Or would you prefer to have the RIGHT home AND the RIGHT price? (Maybe even pay attention at the RIGHT neighborhood, while you're at it.) Many of today's new homes have advantages over some of the competitive homes on the market today, especially the ones that some are going out of their way to make you believe a short sale is of course, the better deal. In some cases, the short sale/foreclosure home may be the best momentary opportunity for the homebuyer, and everything is perfect for them...that's great, but it's always good to compare and investigate all options before they do make the offer.

2. The Brand New Home may actually be a better floor plan and design for your family. New homes at The Riverfront at Harbour View, Founders Pointe, Graystone at Eagle Harbor, and Liberty Ridge all offer more of what today's buyers are looking for. (Hampton Roads area of Virginia)
Custom builders are paying more attention to interior design, energy efficiency, quality appointments, and how people want to live today. Backyard creations and covered back porches are found in many of the new homes because people are looking for outside living space, especially on some of the homesites offering a view of the water, golf course, or over their privately wooded backyard. Many of today's floor plans showcase bigger Kitchens with floating center islands which connect to the Grand Room (Family Room/Great Room). More attention is being paid to the cabinet layout, the energy star appliance package, and focusing on a return to the old mud room, now referred to as a "drop zone", commonly located off the Kitchen/Laundry on the way to the garage.

3. Newer homes are built to a higher standard in our region, starting about 2009. More energy efficient homes, better foundations & framing, and better overall engineering. Some of the building construction changes/improvements that our builders are now including in their new homes are highlighted below. (Many localities did not start requiring these changes until 2009)
The 2006 International Residential Code changes implemented as of May 1, 2009 *

• Pier and curtain walls not allowed anymore in the prescriptive code. Solid perimeter foundations required.
• Continuous interior footers required in lieu of footings for individual piers.
• Some cities are requiring an engineered stamp on the footer under the steel beam point load. This creates a possible increase in concrete and a charge from the engineering firm.
• Brace wall provisions in the 2006 IRC have been rewritten and are being enforced. The Brace wall provisions require a Brace wall plan on the plans. The area most affected are the garage wing walls on most floor plans. Narrow walls with big openings next to them are not allowed in some cases. A proprietary system may be required on some floor plans.
• Two story Family rooms and two story Foyers are now being looked at very closely. New requirements may be enforced for the large window walls that are common on most plans. LSL studs may soon be required on each side of a window opening.
• Insulation requirements have increased under the new code in the ceiling and under slabs. We are required to use R38 in the ceilings and R10 at the perimeter of concrete slab foundations.
• Window efficiency requirements have increased to .40 U value minimum. This has forced suppliers to provide Low-E window units in order to meet code. The old standard insulated glass window unites could only reach a .45 U value.

4. In many cases, the new homes include more than the competitive homes on the market and more than the new homes did four or five years ago. Builders are able to get more from their trades and subcontractors, and they're passing the value onto the consumer. One of our builders' cabinet maker admits their throwing in little things in the kitchens that help make a difference, because they want to impress the homebuyer too. Landscapers are including more shrubbery/plant beds. Carpenters are adding small touches like southern bead board in porch ceilings or below chair railing where they didn't before. Some of the backyard kitchens, stamped concrete patios, and fireplaces help make the setting a place people want to be. Everyone is out to give the customer something extra, and we're seeing happier homebuyers.



5. Go visit your new home communities BEFORE you make that offer...don't be afraid to tell your agent that you'd really like to investigate the neighborhood and the community amenities as much as do a home on a resale home inspection. Too many times, we qualify buyers by asking them just the price range, the number of bedrooms & baths, square footage, etc. I've witnessed many instances where buyers, who recently bought a resale, came into our Information Centers and say, "I had no idea that your community offered so much...our real estate agent didn't bring us here...we would've loved to have had a clubhouse and pool for our kids to grow up around"...or "the quality in your homes is much better than the resale we just bought four months ago". What's the big picture?

How often do you know what they're really feeling? Do we listen well enough to discover what matters most to the buyer? Many times, buyers say one thing, but aren't ready to open up and share their true feelings and motivations. It's wise to include a new home community in your initial tour. You can rely on the site agent to help qualify their needs and wants. At our new home communities in the Hampton Roads area, we try to figure out the right match (home plan/homesite) for potential buyers first. If you're showing homes for sale in our price range, at least expose your buyer to all options before they lock in on what may not be the right home for them.

• Right Home + Right Neighborhood + Fair Price = Happy Homeowner