Builder Highlights: Dream Finder Homes

So, here we are. My number one preferred builder: Dream Finders. I will start by saying they do have one big flaw. I’ll get to that later, but the flaw is a tough pill to swallow. However, there was just too much good with this builder that I couldn’t take that number one spot from them.

Benefits

I don’t even know where to begin. I guess for a lot of us, money is probably the biggest factor. Well, the lot premiums (just like Hanover) are some of the best. Most of their communities range around the same price range as Hanover. Only some of their bigger lots in popular locations get pretty high. For the most part though, you’ll see most of their communities range anywhere between $0 to $20,000 for a lot depending on the size and location of the lot.

One of my favorite communities by this builder is Deer Island. It’s located in Tavares. While I completely understand Tavares isn’t one of those high in demand cities to live in when you’re looking at Central Florida, this community is just too good not to pass up. It’s on a large golf course. The community is HUGE. It’s well maintained by the HOA and it offers a club house with a community pool. The thing that’s great about this community is that it offers flexibility on how much you pay per month in HOA fees. What I mean is this beautiful community has a $50 a month HOA fee. If you want access to the club house & pool, there is an additional membership fee. There is also a golf membership fee if you want to have access to the golf course. However, that’s the beauty of it.

Most communities will just give you one flat fee and not let you choose which amenities you want access to and are willing to pay for and which ones you don’t want. But, where Dream Finders shines the most, in my opinion, is the floor plans they offer. By far, Dream Finders has some of my favorite floor plans. I don’t think there was a single time I brought a client through a Dream Finders model and they didn’t like it.

Personally, my favorite floor plan is the Avalon with the bonus. It’s gorgeous and can be a ranch style home. Or make it a bonus and get additional bedrooms on the 2^nd floor with a big loft! There’s so many options with this floor plan. This brings me to another great trait of Dream Finders. They offer so much flexibility in the floor plans. Let’s look at the Avalon for example. You can get this as a ranch home with 4 bedrooms. However, if you want a loft upstairs, you got it! If you want to add one or even two more bedrooms along with the loft, sure why not? They have other floor plans that offers this flexibility and it’s one of the things I like most by this builder.

Drawbacks

Now, let’s look at the flaw. This is without a doubt a huge hurdle when considering if you want to go with Dream Finders or not. Honestly, this is the part that my clients always have to consider. They either accept it and move forward with Dream Finders or they go a different route. Dream Finders currently has an escalation clause in their contracts. This means up until the construction of the home officially starts, they can raise the purchase price. This is due to increase in building materials. It’s a scary thought and it’s totally understandable to be nervous about this addendum in the contract. However, there are some things that do make it easier to swallow. These should be considered before deciding about whether to move forward with them or not.

Firstly, at this current time not one of my clients has experienced a situation where they raised the price. So, it’s not a common thing to happen. However, it’s important that you should be prepared for it because obviously, while not common, it’s a probability regardless. Secondly, if they do choose to raise the price then you as the buyer will be given a choice. You can move forward with the new purchase price, or you can get your deposit back and back out of the sale. This means that you’re not forced to pay the new purchase price. The only thing that’s lost on this sale in that situation is just your time.

Finally, it’s important to note why they do have this clause in the contract. They don’t want the price to raise as much as you do. Keep in mind, it’s a risk and a headache for them to raise the price on you. By doing so it opens the door for them to lose a buyer completely. Then, this property has already been submitted for permitting so it goes from a “To-Be-Built” home to a Spec / Inventory home. So, believe me when I say that if they are going to raise the price, it’s because they have no option but to due to the increase in building materials.

Join the Conversation

Anyway, the last four Builder Highlights articles make up my top four builders. As I said at the beginning, this is completely focused on guest service feedback. The feedback was received from my clients along with my personal experience and impressions. To take part in the conversations on Moving to Orlando, residing in Florida, and living near Disney, join our Moving to Orlando Facebook group. In addition, stay tuned to MovingtoOrlando.com to stay up to date on what’s going on in Central Florida. If you are interested in getting started on your Florida home purchase, our expert Moving to Orlando REALTORS are here to help you navigate the market. Take a moment to fill out our contact form or contact me directly at Ruben@MovingtoOrlando.com.