Good home builders in Southern Maryland

[moon5leg]

It is a bit far south of any stores - I think it's about 7 or 8 miles down from the base. But that's one of the things that works for me about it. I've recently moved here from New York, where every 100 yards is another shopping strip with a supermarket, pizza place, and card store.

The thought of having some breathing room is nice for us. We'll be in phase 4.

You'll definately need to have a good supply of patience though. The process (as many others have mentioned) is slow, slow, slow.
The county certainly doesn't rush issuing the permits for building, and then you've got a 6-9 month building process, so basically, if you're going to sit on a waiting list that is 6-12 months long, it could be 2 years before you actually close on your new home!!

Best of luck, I hope you find something soon. My advice is to find a good real estate agent or broker. Sometimes the builders give them the inside scoop on upcoming developments before the info is released to the public or advertised.

 

[Dupontster]

Are there any other new developments I'm missing? I couldn't find Dean's Forest the other day... does anyone know how to get to that? [/B][/QUOTE]

Dean Forest is down Rt. 244 (Medleys Neck Road)....Right by Leonardtown Middle School....Follow that down and you will pass Kingston on the left....then Swans Rest on the right....then Dean Forest will be on the left right after Swans Rest.....There is no sign there yet.....There is some building going on back there now....Woodsy lots.....a number of builders in there....Tru Homes is one that is good....

 

[Josimmon]

Yes it has been a hassle to say the very least. We are able to get out of the contract since he wants out to get more money. I have read the posts and will keep them in mind. Thanks!

 

[jazz lady]

Originally posted by moon5leg
You'll definately need to have a good supply of patience though. The process (as many others have mentioned) is slow, slow, slow.
The county certainly doesn't rush issuing the permits for building, and then you've got a 6-9 month building process, so basically, if you're going to sit on a waiting list that is 6-12 months long, it could be 2 years before you actually close on your new home!!

The permit process was a nightmare and took us about 9 months. From buying the land (not in a subdevelopment) to actually moving into the house was over 2 years.

 

[watercolor]

Originally posted by tys_mommy
From my understanding, it's impossible to find a lot to build on. Good luck!

Pretty much right now, yeah. Because the only things out there are unperc'd properties. Which are worth a damn- because they are unuseable. Until next year- when someone decides to put the money out to do it.

Last MLS that was pulled up I saw 2 lots in SMC...and they were not worth the price that was being asked. And yes... that is 2...

 

[bhanks]

Newton Manor

I took the time to drive up to see Somerset Home's latest St. Mary's development called Newton Manor. It's located off of Pappy's Way, (which is a few streets north of St. John's Rd. in Hollywood), right off of the 235.

My verdict? Disappointing. Pappy's Road is difficult to locate as your coming south on the 235--one of those small inlets that you can easily miss if you're going 55 mph.

Once you've pulled onto Pappy's Road, you'll drive through an older (run-down) section of housing. Suddenly, though, you hit Newton's Manor. In other words, you go from seeing older homes to these big, beautiful mansions...

I suppose, to me, it just didn't have the flow you look for in a new housing community. We drove all the way to the very end of where they're building and just were not blown away. (Should have been by the archetecture of the homes, but the surroundings really made me think twice.) Anyway, I wasn't sure if anyone was still reading this thread, but I thought I'd just keep adding new developments when I see them! Has anyone else visited this development? What were your thoughts?

 

[larrys]

Originally posted by Dupontster
Are there any other new developments I'm missing?

One development no one has mentioned yet is Dunleigh. This will be a QBH development and will be on the right side of Rue Purchase Road right behind the new WaWa. I think the people at Meadowlake (another QBH development that no one has mentioned) said that there will be something like 35 lots there. They will be small, though. Less than a quarter acre each, I think.

 

[bhanks]

larrys I'm glad you mentioned that one--I hadn't heard the new development's name, but I knew of the location. I spoke with a QBH sales representative last week and she said that, even though that particular development hasn't even been advertised yet, they believe they have enough names on the list to actually fill the lots! Isn't that something?

I think I may have mentioned this a few posts back, but QBH is going to begin advertising 3 new housing developments soon. They don't know yet what the pricing will be or what the lots will look like. But, I'm keeping my ears open for any information that comes available...

Does anyone know anything about Society Hill in Leonardtown? Is it nice? What are your impressions of the area? (I'm thinking of driving around it this weekend just to take a look at some of the lots that are still available.)

 

[bresamil]

Society Hill in Breton Bay has always been considered one of the nicer areas in the county. Many professionals there. Everyone keeps up the yards and homes. Access to the golf course and the new rec center. Also good resale value.

 

[mixallagist]

anyone have complaints about Wildewood?

 

[bhanks]

mixallagist I know a couple who recently moved into Wildewood and they really enjoy the lifestyle there. (They moved into one of the new homes that are being built.) The only thing I've heard is that the new builder who is coming into take over the Wildewood construction is very good. However, the new builder may not have the same regard for the trees as many of the residents. (Apparently, more trees are being cut down during new construction than in the previous sections.) Beyond that, though, how nice it must be to live in a quiet, tucked away little neighborhood, but have all the conveniences within a 5-minute drive.

 

[Dupontster]

I know Arrowhead off of St Andrews Road on Indianbridge Road is full, but I was back there the other day and there is a new house back there for sale.....Not sure what realtor has it but it is straight back on the first road on your left....Not really sure of the name of the road....That is a pretty nice area back there......There is still a lot of building in St James/King James.....

 

[mixallagist]

bhanks
They are tearing alot of trees down. but there is another company building the apartments. its not victor stanley.

 

[bhanks]

mixallagist -- Thanks for setting the record straight. Someone else had posted here giving me the impression that it was Stanley Martin doing the tree trimming.

Dupontster -- I think I know the house you're talking about in Arrowhead. When I was visiting the model home I saw the O'Brien realty sign. I got curious and looked that one up online. The owners are asking $375K. Wow!

 

[bhanks]

Persimmon Hills

Does anyone know of someone who lives in the Persimmon Hills development in Mechanicsville off the 235? I saw a home for sale by owner in the complex over the weekend and was intrigued. It seemed like a really pretty neighborhood, but I thought I'd ask here and get opinions.... (The house was a 2-story, buillt in 1998, they want $395,000 for it.)

My one caveat with buying in PH is that I'd have to go the opposite direction of the base first when turning out of the complex, then do a U-turn to head south on the 235. I wonder how difficult it would be to do that at 7:30 a.m.? Does anyone have a driving situation like this?

 

[spinner]

There is a house that just came on the market on Drumcliffs Road off of Jones Wharf. It's a really nice area, quiet. I live off of Jones Wharf so I know.

 

[CMC122]

Re: Persimmon Hills

Originally posted by bhanks
Does anyone know of someone who lives in the Persimmon Hills development in Mechanicsville off the 235? I saw a home for sale by owner in the complex over the weekend and was intrigued. It seemed like a really pretty neighborhood, but I thought I'd ask here and get opinions.... (The house was a 2-story, buillt in 1998, they want $395,000 for it.)

My one caveat with buying in PH is that I'd have to go the opposite direction of the base first when turning out of the complex, then do a U-turn to head south on the 235. I wonder how difficult it would be to do that at 7:30 a.m.? Does anyone have a driving situation like this?

We know people there and they love it. No complaints on their house and the nieghborhood is quiet. Only drawback is their entrance sucks. That price sounds about right for that neighborhood.

 

[bhanks]

spinner Thanks for sharing...I've seen the Jones Wharf road when I head north on the 235. Can you tell us anything about the house? Is it on a wooded lot? One story or two story? Thanks!

CMC122 It's good to know that they're right on target price-wise. I am definitely a touch concerned about the entrance/exit to the place. (Kinda wish it had a way to get across the 235 without having to go north first.) Still, it looks like a great area.

CHESTNUT HILLS -- There's a home in the Chestnut Hills development for sale by owner (FSBO). They're asking $429K. (I think that's correct, although I may be off.) I looked on the real property search to see what other houses in that development have sold for and their pricing seems a bit high. (Most of the homes are selling in the mid to high $300s. I'm interested in seeing the inside of the home, but I wonder how to approach the owner knowing that I'd never be able to purchase it for the price he (or she) is asking. Does anyone have any experience in working with FSBO homes? Was it easy to negotiate price? I don't think we're quite ready to move yet, but it would be interesting to see the inside and get a feel for the neighborhood.

 

[bbubblyb]

bhanks you've been a huge help to me with all this info. I have been looking for a new house as well. I have mainly been looking at HBI. I didn't care for the park pine development either but the St. James one looks wonderful. Sad thing is the difference of $50K is a lot so I am more in the $275 range which makes it tough with the newer housing developments. One thought about being south of the base is the traffic is great down this way (I live on 235 right now near Spring Ridge Middle school).

Anyway, thanks for all the info. It surre gives me a lot to think about. I really believe if I wait to buy I could end up staying right were I am because prices will be crazy. I know someone who bought a house in St. James 4 yrs ago for 150K. Kind of makes you sick to think prices have more than doubled now.

 

[huntr1]

Re: Persimmon Hills

Originally posted by bhanks
Does anyone know of someone who lives in the Persimmon Hills development in Mechanicsville off the 235? I saw a home for sale by owner in the complex over the weekend and was intrigued. It seemed like a really pretty neighborhood, but I thought I'd ask here and get opinions.... (The house was a 2-story, buillt in 1998, they want $395,000 for it.)

My one caveat with buying in PH is that I'd have to go the opposite direction of the base first when turning out of the complex, then do a U-turn to head south on the 235. I wonder how difficult it would be to do that at 7:30 a.m.? Does anyone have a driving situation like this?

Somebody on here is moving in there I believe.