Have you ever thought about the elements that would go into your ideal home? Is it a large yard with a pool, sprawling gardens and lots of room to entertain? Do you envision soaring ceilings, oversize windows, a designer kitchen or a spa-like ensuite?
Hyde Construction has years of experience bringing those dreams to life and their Countryside Estates project in Stratford is no exception. Situated in the northwest end of the city’s Avon Ward, the development is now in its final phase, with just a few lots remaining.
Buying new and building from scratch can seem daunting for homebuyers.
Village Media sat down with REALTORS® Stephanie Theodoropoulos and Paul Graham of Realty Team Stratford to discuss what percentage of buyers decide to build new, how a real estate agent can help guide the process and what it is that sets Hyde Construction apart from the rest.
VM: How many of your clients pursue a custom build?
ST + PG: One of the best ways for a buyer to achieve their ultimate dream home is to custom build. While resale homes are still the popular choice for most buyers, building new allows buyers to get exactly what they want. Of all the home buyers we represent, we’d say 10 percent end up building new.
VM: What advice do you give someone who is about to embark on a project like this?
ST + PG: Building new is an exciting and very involved process. Buyers should be prepared to spend lots of time answering questions, making decisions in all aspects of the process, visiting vendors and doing on-site visits throughout their build process. This allows them to have the ultimate experience and get exactly what they want out of their new home.
VM: How can a real estate agent help with the custom home building process?
ST + PG: Realtors will help you determine what is best for you and your family, from finding the right location to choosing the right builder to work with. We help buyers understand the different standard features that you can expect with a custom build, what extras to consider and where you can save some money too. We help guide buyers through the meetings with the builder and lend a hand when it comes to selection meetings as well.
We are there throughout the entire process for the buyer, helping them navigate through the build to ensure they take it step-by-step and enjoy the experience. We have a wealth of experience and experts in each field to help them get exactly what they want within their budget.
VM: What has your experience been like working with Hyde Construction and Countryside Estates in particular?
ST + PG: We have represented Hyde Construction for almost 30 years and are very proud to say so. Hyde Construction has enabled us to provide one of the best custom built home experiences in Stratford and their newest project, Countryside Estates, is no different. They not only have a fantastic design team to finalize the plan and pricing, but they also have one of the best construction site crews in the business. This ensures our clients receive a final product that meets and even exceeds all of their expectations.
VM: Why is this project in particular something you feel comfortable recommending to buyers?
ST + PG: Realty Team Stratford has been helping people build homes for years. We have many subdivisions and projects that we have represented over the years. Our expertise helping buyers navigate the building process has been refined over that time to provide a seamless and stress-free experience.
Countryside Estates is one of the only sites available in Stratford where buyers can build a custom home in a neighborhood filled with similar sized and priced homes along with similar density levels. If a buyer is looking to build a bungalow with a double garage, Countryside is the only option in Stratford.
VM: What are some of the unique things about Countryside Estates that would be especially attractive to buyers?
ST + PG: Countryside Estates is a truly custom built neighbourhood. No two houses are the same. If you drive through phase 1 through 3 you can see the quality in the build, the pride of ownership and how each home contributes to the feel of a well-established neighbourhood. All Hyde Construction projects are thoughtfully laid out, built with quality specifically for the homeowner, but also with the entire neighbourhood in mind as well.
VM: How long of a time frame is typical when building a custom home?
ST + PG: The actual construction schedule to build a new home is between 5 to 6 months from the time that plans are approved by both the buyer and builder. Most often the design and pricing process can take between 2 weeks to 6 weeks to complete as the buyer decides the layout and major features of their new home.
The group at Realty Team Stratford are full-service REALTORS® who have the added expertise of new construction.
“We represent a builder that is hard to beat,” says the agent. “We pride ourselves on ensuring our clients have a successful experience with us and work hard to earn the trust of our clients so that they become part of our real estate family.”
You can reach REALTORS® Stephanie Theodoropoulos and Paul Graham Paul Graham of Realty Team Stratford at 519-271-5515.
You can also visit Countryside Estates, Sutton Group - First Choice Realty Ltd. or follow Realty Team Stratford on Facebook.
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