This post was originally published in March of 2012! I’ve recycled the post as there is still significant new construction in and around Auburn, WA, although many of these subdivisions are now completed. However, each of these builders continues to build homes locally and should be considered when buying new construction!
In Part I of this post, I reviewed new construction and communities by DR Horton, Soundbuilt Homes, Schneider Family Homes, and Conner Homes. Because new construction is such a huge part of our south King County and north Pierce County Auburn location, I’ve split my quick overview into two posts.
In addition, you’ll find a few more tips about buying new construction in the post 20 Tips to Buying New Construction.
I haven’t had a chance to work with any of the Premier Homes folks yet, but wanted to include them in this list as they have a nice community (Northlake) just barely southeast of Lakeland Hills in the Pierce County side of Auburn. At the same location, Lennar Corporation recently acquired the remaining home sites at Northlake and is now building them as Woodland Meadows. I’ve toured a couple of new construction Premier Homes over the last few weeks and they are beautifully finished and a good option for someone shopping in the upper $200’s. A quick drive through the neighborhood last weekend showed lots of activity on the Lennar home sites!
Polygon’s home plans have long been some of my very favorites. They’re wonderful folks to work with too! In addition, the Polygon builder team has one of the best home warranties, supporting their homes door-to-door for 3 years (with an optional 2 additional years at the Buyer’s cost), with a total of 10 years for the home structure. Coho Creek in the Covington area (just behind Kentwood High School) has homes available from the mid $200’s up to the low $300’s ranging from about 1,700-2,500 square feet.
Near the south edge of Auburn in Bonney Lake, you’ll find The Estates at Lakeland Hills with slightly larger homes ranging from the higher $200’s up into the mid- $300’s. There aren’t too many of these homesites left, however; The Estates is just about sold-out!
Richmond American recently purchased SDC Homes and appears to be continuing with many of the original SDC home plans and finishes. In addition, Pinnacle Estates is a gorgeous Richmond American community in the Lakeland area of Auburn—BIG beautiful homes with awesome views that sit up high on the east and southern ridge of the area. Note that Richmond American, in my opinion, probably builds some of the biggest homes for the money that I’ve seen, along with their signature art niche’s in the entry halls of most of their homes. Really attractive!
MainVue developments are springing up all over the place. Their newest development on the east hill, Kendall Ridge, is a gorgeous site – incredible views of the Cascade Foothills and Mount Rainier are available from the sites that site on the Ridge. (As an aside, the photo that comprises the banner of my Web site was taken from this development a couple of years ago – when there was just dirt!)
The MainVue floor plans are unique, gorgeous, and truly a breath of fresh air with huge glass doors framing their outdoor rooms (covered patios). Prices are a bit higher than some of the other builders, but with their less common floor plans, appear to be attracting quite a few avid followers. Expect prices to be in the mid $300’s to mid-$400’s at most MainVue communities.
When driving anywhere near Lakeland Hills, it would be hard to miss the many bright red signs pointing to the new Edgeview Homes community on the far east side of the area …just off of of Evergreen Way and Kersey Way. Edgeview is built high up a on ridge, and comprises probably a couple hundred home sites, community parks, playgrounds and even an off-leash dog park (yay!!). The largest home plan in the community is just over 2400 square feet, and most of the home sites are somewhat on the smaller side – maybe not important when all of the parks and playgrounds are factored in. Prices range from the low $200’s to mid/upper $200’s.
Covington Pointe
I haven’t had a chance to visit Covington Pointe, but really need to! This is a rare 55+ community, located conveniently near the Multicare Center just off of 180th. The community is gated and features gorgeous one-level homes (no stairs!). I’ve included it here because I haven’t seen any new 55+ communities for quite some time.
Just outside of the Auburn area are three communities being built by Kendall Homes. I wanted to include them in this list, however, as I did just assist a buyer in their purchase of a new Kendall Homes house … and it was a great experience! Of note, especially, was the willingness of the folks at Kendall Homes to make some slight modifications for my client. They removed a wall, repositioned a door, modified a shower enclosure, and, outside of the contract, allowed him to purchase his range and have it installed just in time to satisfy the final appraisal and inspection. For communities in the area, visit Mountain View in Maple Valley (just off Witte Road), and 132nd Court and Vermilion.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any Quadrant communities currently being built in Auburn that I can see. I’ve really been a fan of their new Revolution series; an update to their offerings that was long overdue in our area. There are a couple of small Quadrant communities in nearby Kent, along with a few homes here and there in other locations. Be sure to ask about their new homes when you talk with your agent. I think you’ll be impressed!
[…] Part II – New Construction In and Around Auburn WA […]