Metro Detroit

NEWSLETTER: MAY 2020

May 18, 2020

WE’RE BACK!

THOUGH WE NEVER REALLY LEFT…

Construction might have taken a break, but our hybrid crew has been handling new construction AND resale behind the scenes – showing homes (virtually), answering questions (through every non-contact medium imaginable), putting together offers, and closing on homes. Yes, closing on homes… in our cars, via the Franklin Title drive-thru window. Seriously.

So, things are a little different now.

Building homes will require an updated process, and showing homes or models will mean a whole new list of precautions. But… new homes are still new homes. Never lived in. Pure as the driven snow. You know, assuming the snow had it’s sump pump flushed out.

Here’s the good news: hot areas remained scorching while everyone was hunkered down, and we still found ourselves in bidding wars – even when people couldn’t physically see the homes they were fighting for. In the Metro Detroit market, where the idea of buying a home site-unseen was unfathomable only a couple months ago, this was a really encouraging sign. Of course, our custom buyers have been building homes with nothing more than renderings and blueprints for years, so maybe the more things change the more they stay the same.

Regardless, now more than ever we are here for you. Partially, to ensure the most efficient and safe route to you and your family’s new home, but also because now more than ever every company is saying now more than ever in every commercial and we didn’t want to feel left out. Now. More than ever.

CURRENT LISTINGS

OUR NEW CONSTRUCTION COLLECTION

LOT #52 | STONEGATE SOUTH

Ok we are back at it – drywall is finishing up, but you still have time to pick some of you interior finishes! This gorgeous Wellington II floor plan will feature a walkout basement AND a sunroom, the latter of which will offer spectacular views of Rochester Hills. Bonus: you aren’t actually in Rochester Hills, so your taxes are considerably lower than the houses you’re looking at!

If you’re interested in this 4 bed/2.5 bath/2,760+ sqft colonial by Strathdale Development (near the commute-friendly intersection of Dutton & Squirrel), connect with us for the details; there is still time to do many of your interior selections!

LOT #207 | BALD MOUNTAIN

The pic we have floating at the top of the newsletter – the one showcasing the massive kitchen island overlooking the nook, the great room, and out to the back yard? Yeah, that’s this house, and it looks even better in person. Located within the desirable Rochester Hills Community School District, this gorgeous move-in ready Castleton floor plan features 4 bed/3.5 bath, and nearly 3,500 sqft. It includes a modern open layout with a large island and kitchen cafe open to the 2-story great room, separate dining and office/flex space, the Pulte Planning Center®, lots of natural daylight, a 2nd-floor laundry, and a 2.5 car garage. If you don’t have half a car no worries, Lou still has that oxy-acetylene torch and some ideas.

Interested? Let’s discuss! Connect with us for the details, and we can walk you through the process for a contact-free purchase and closing.

5885 GREER | WEST BLOOMFIELD

Surrounded by some of West Bloomfield’s most desirable lakes and parks, this move-in ready spec by Kensington is perfectly positioned for the upcoming summer of solitude. Of course, Jeff is quick to point out the location only scores a 5 on his West Bloomfield PTNYB scale (Proximity To New York Bagel), but fortunately there is zero science behind that scale, and no one else adheres to it. Nonetheless, he says to try the salt sticks they’re worth the drive.

Featuring 4 bed/2.5 bath/2,500+ sqft, and backing to a nature preserve, the spacious kitchen + island is open to the dining and great room, while the oversized master suite includes a vaulted ceiling and private master bath with separate tub + shower and double sinks. Connect with Lou and Jeff (if you’re already working with us), or reach out to Julie & Jennifer directly for the details.

MORE LISTINGS

OUR NOT NEW BUT NEW TO YOU COLLECTION

1109 N. ALEXANDER | ROYAL OAK

Downtown Royal Oak has been expanding northward over the past couple years, now extending all the way to Catalpa/Gardenia – which officially makes this Royal Oak Manor bungalow walking-distance to downtown!

Featuring 3 bed/1 bath and extensive updating, this home has seen renovations to the kitchen & bathroom, extensive trim added throughout, and a beautifully-designed back yard paver patio + walkway. Bonus: this is a rare chance to be close to downtown, but still have a wooded back yard that will remain totally private unless a zombie apocalypse arrives and you’ll see what we mean. Connect with Lou and Jeff for the details!

FRIENDS WITH SPECS

This month we are expanding our Friends With Specs section as a show of support to our builder-friends, helping to showcase some of the amazing move-in ready spec homes that are currently available. Also, we had to compensate for lacking in our In Other Real Estate News section because there has literally been no other real estate news in two months…

44170 WINCHESTER | CANTON

Built by Lombardo Homes in the extremely populär Sheldon Estatesneighborhood, this 3 bed/3 bath/2,200+ sqft Leland Craftsman floor plan sits on a private, wooded site and if you’re questioning our spelling of “popular” perhaps you underestimate just how far-reaching Ikea’s influence is in Canton.

Located within the acclaimed Pymouth-Canton School District, this home also includes a bountiful kitchen appliance package, 5’ plank hardwood floors, upgraded cabinets & granite countertops throughout, a master bath with a 5’ tiled shower + dual sinks, and an included sod & irrigation package.

For more info, have your agent reach out to our friend Hailey Bobinacdirectly. Not working with an agent? You should be, let’s chat.

515 S. WINDING | WATERFORD

Years ago Lori introduced us to Ashley Korn Byron and ever since we’ve been trying to figure out how her company Townsend Homes consistently offers well-built homes, loaded with high-end finishes, all while staying amazingly priced. Sorcery. Our conclusion is sorcery.

Featuring 3 bed/2.5 bath/1,850 sqft, this move-in ready colonial offers as efficient a design as you’ll find. It includes designer soft-close cabinetry, solid wide plank bamboo flooring, a second floor laundry, and most importantly of all, beach and lake/docking/mooring privileges on all-sports Elizabeth Lake – all for $289,900!

For more info, have your agent reach out to design-aficionado/owner Ashleydirectly. Not working with an agent? You should be, let’s chat.

56915 ROCKWAY | SOUTH LYON

Forest Edge by Pulte Homes is down to their final lots, so if you really want a new construction home but hate the idea of living in an active construction site for years to come, this move-in ready Maple Valley floor plan is going to knock out a little problem solving for you.

Positioned on a low-traffic cul-de-sac near the front of the neighborhood (aka – “commute friendly-er”), it features views of the woods from your
café, sunroom and extended gathering room, a gourmet kitchen with an enormous island, the popular Pulte Planning Center®, a well-appointed owners suite, and a side entry 3-car garage.

For more info, have your agent reach out to Pulte sales guru Jennifer Eckardtdirectly. Not working with an agent? You should be, let’s chat.

5447 MORGAN LAKE | CLARKSTON

Located in Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake, technically this home is in Independence Township, but its part of the Clarkston School District and the actual Village of Clarkston is tiny, so let’s not complicate things we’re just out here making geography easier for everyone.

Built by Clearview Homes, this move-in ready Franklin II floor plan features 4 bed/3.5 bath/3,100+ sqft and includes a 2-story foyer & great room (with a 2-story stone fireplace surround), a loaded Gourmet Kitchen, various added trim locations and ceiling details, a gorgeous master suite, and a partially finished daylight basement. Bonus: this home backs to Morgan Lake offering amazing views, as well as proof that the community is authentically-named.

For more info, have your agent reach out to Terri Theide directly. Not working with an agent? You should be, let’s chat.

IN OTHER REAL ESTATE NEWS…

No, we were serious – there is nothing going on out there at the moment; every residential development under review in every city/township planning department across Metro Detroit has been tabled until further notice.

Sure, we could fill the space writing about commercial developments, but when we’ve done that in the past Tim Stapleton shows up at the office, tells us to stick to residential, then flicks Lou and Jeff behind the ears and leaves. Laugh all you want, but the digits on those massive cro-magnon hands REALLY STING OK.

BUILDERS: DON’T JUST LIST YOUR HOMES…

GET THEM IN FRONT OF THE RIGHT BUYERS!

Our website caters exclusively to new-home-specific buyers, so in addition to the usual audiences found on the MLS, Zillow, etc., we also bring you local buyers searching specifically for new homes; and we do it for less than what resale agents charge.

Get in touch to find out how we can sell your homes AND save you money in the process.

CONTACT US

Questions about your new home search? Call or email us today – we look forward to hearing from you! Not ready for that kind of commitment? Check out our new-home-specific-search and email us incognito. Use a name like Anita Bath. We’ll never know it’s you…

Lou Bitove & Jeff Bortnick, owners of The New Home Experts®, have more than 35 years combined experience in real estate, much of that with builders like Pulte & Toll Brothers.  They also provide market research for area builders, developers and national firms.  If you’re considering a new home, remember: the builders rep represents the builder, not you.  Work with the only local agents in Metro Detroit to specialize in new homes, and save money in the process – ask us how!