New Construction

Moving into a brand new home is one of life’s true pleasures. You don’t have to live with the previous owner’s decorating scheme, the walls are newly painted, the appliances are sparkling clean and the carpet is free of dog hair and grime. You also have the opportunity to select a floor plan that suits your lifestyle, choose the tile and cabinets and convert that extra bedroom into a study or crafts room. In other words, your new home is truly an extension of your personality.

If you’re in the market for a new home, there are many exciting developments springing up in the Jacksonville, Florida area. You may be tempted to purchase one of these new homes without using a real estate agent, but I strongly advise against doing that. Read on to find out why.

10 reasons why you should use Gina LaBarbera when purchasing a newly-built home

1. Many people think they’re going to save the agent’s commission if they buy directly from the builder, but it’s not true—you may even spend more money! Builders have already figured in the cost of an agent’s commission in the price of the home. Without a professional real estate agent like Gina looking out for you, you are at the mercy of the on-site agent, who is working to make the most money for the builder.

2. The friendly on-site agent is not your financial friend. He or she works for the builder and does not care whether your floor plan, site location or amenities are the ones that best meet your needs.

3. Gina understands what you want in a home and she’ll make sure your home suits you. She’ll help you select the right home in the right area, with the floor plan and the upgrades best suited for you.

4. Gina will advise you as to which styles, amenities, upgrades and extras have the most resale value.

5. Through her years of real estate experience in the Jacksonville area, Gina is familiar with the different builders and can recommend the ones who have the best reputation for quality, timeliness and customer service.

6. Gina will negotiate and review the sales agreement to ensure that all your requests are met at the best possible price.

7. Gina will recommend an independent building inspector who will make sure that everything is built to code and no corners are cut.

8. Gina will represent you during any disputes that may arise with the builder.

9. At closing, Gina will review the contract to make sure that everything that was promised is delivered.

10. Gina’s goal is not to just sell you a home—it’s to find you the right home!

Beautiful new communities to consider:

-St. Johns Forest - Featuring builders: David Weekley Homes; ICI Homes; Toll Brothers; Morrison Homes; American Home Builders; Kemick Homes; and Vintage Group. St. Johns Forest is a master-planned community offering large home sites, with lot and home prices ranging from the $300s to over $1 million. The community features a community activity center, pool complex, state-of-the-art fitness center, playing fields and basketball courts. In 2006 St. Johns Forest received the Best in American Living award.

-South Hampton - Featuring builders: ICI Homes; Beazer Homes; Providence Homes. South Hampton residents can take advantage of a variety of recreational amenities including an 18 hole Mark McCumber Golf Course and clubhouse, aquatics center, tennis courts, community clubhouse, social membership and full golf membership with every new property purchase. Homes at South Hampton are available in a variety of styles with prices starting in the 400s.

-St. Johns Golf & Country Club - St. Johns Golf and Country Club is located in the northwest corner of St. Johns County. Developed by renowned builder, St. Joe, the community offers a variety of home styles in a location that’s close to great schools, shopping and restaurants and is an easy commute to downtown Jacksonville.

-World Golf Village - Golfers come from all over the world to visit and play at World Golf Village in historic St. Augustine. The Village, just 20 minutes south of Jacksonville, also has residential communities, known collectively as The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village. The Neighborhoods offer residences that range from single-family homes to coach homes, patio homes and condominiums. Prices begin in the $200s.

-Palencia - Palencia is located along two miles of the scenic Intracoastal Waterway and Marshall Creek. The community offers 2,642 residential homes, 300,000 square feet of retail space and 600,000 square feet of office space. Amenities include an athletic park, a swim and fitness center, an 18-hole Arthur Hill championship golf course, a 10-court tennis center, a golf clubhouse and more than 30 acres of parks with walking, biking and jogging trails.

-Nocatee - Just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and an easy drive to Jacksonville, the planned community of Nocatee offers neighborhoods and home styles to suit every preference. Each of the community’s neighborhoods has its own personality and amenities. Choose from single-family homes, luxury estate homes, condominiums and townhomes constructed by some of Florida’s finest builders. Most of the neighborhood villages will have an elementary school within walking or biking distance. Nocatee has allocated land for six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Construction for the high school has already begun, and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2008. Following the philosophy of “Smart Growth,” Nocatee is integrated into the natural beauty of the land. Village-like neighborhoods with their own gathering places and amenities are connected via bike paths, trails and roadways to the Town Center.