In this country we’ve seen a great deal of change in the real estate market. Years ago, the trend was for large suburban homes with large tracts of land surrounding them. While this is still popular in some markets, the trend in many areas is toward developments with more modest sized homes and communities that have more amenities and recreation for owners.
According to one prominent developer, “Developed communities often incorporate better land-use methods, offer a desirable quality of life for residents, and add value to the surrounding communities as well. I believe a home in a thoughtfully developed community can be an excellent investment for homebuyers.”
Here are just a few of the advantages of developed communities that can help consumers make the choice to buy a home in one of these neighborhoods:
Convenience and amenities
New developments are often sited in desirable areas, such as those on or near the waterfront or close to centers of shopping, dining or other recreation. Within the developments themselves, buyers will usually find attractive community amenities, including swimming pools, biking or jogging paths, parks, clubhouses or even golf courses and marinas. Families with young children may find a developed community the perfect environment where kids can take part in activities and facilities designed just for them.
A sense of community
Along with the convenience and amenities provided by a developed community, people are seeking out communities that make them feel at home and give them a safe place to raise their children. Thanks to proper planning, these communities are often comprised of individual neighborhoods designed to encourage residents to connect with their neighbors.
Security
When potential homeowners are asked what they look for in a new neighborhood, one of their priorities is safety and security. A well thought out infrastructure and traffic flow help reduce safety concerns that older neighborhoods deal with, and by fostering a sense of community crime can also be reduced. Neighborhood watch groups that coordinate with local law enforcement, covenants that maintain property values, and gated security can all contribute to increased safety within developed communities.
Lower maintenance costs
If you’re buying in a newly developed community or one that’s just a few years old, you won’t have the worries that can come with purchasing older homes. A brand-new home will likely come with some type of warranty, and with the appliances and the structure itself being new, you should be able to enjoy your home for many years without having to make substantial investments in upgrades or repairs.
Range of prices to accommodate anyone
Many communities are now being built with a range of home prices and styles from which to choose. You may find large, estate-style homes and smaller, more affordable townhomes within the same community. Varying styles also make a community more architecturally interesting, avoiding the cookie-cutter look that some developments unfortunately have.
Custom options
If you’re considering buying a home in a brand-new community that’s still being developed, it’s very likely that your builder will offer upgrades to a standard house plan. Some options that may be worth the investment include high-end, energy-efficient appliances in the kitchen; semi-custom kitchen cabinetry using higher quality materials; additional lighting; larger closets; and extra electrical outlets. All of these can pay dividends at resale.
Rules that protect your investment
While having a homeowners’ association (HOA) and deed restrictions aren’t appealing to everyone, they do have distinct advantages. When there are contracts in place that establish certain standards for a home’s appearance and maintenance requirements, every homeowner in the community benefits. Overall property values are higher when every home in the neighborhood is in well-maintained condition. Plus, that value is more likely to grow when area homes aren’t allowed to fall into disrepair.
Those in the market for a new home should consider investing in a well-planned developed community. These are some of the most valuable and sought-after types of communities currently available. They provide home buyers with safety and security, a well-maintained neighborhood and a host of community amenities, along with customized options to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for.