TL;DR
This vlog details what you need to know when visiting Babcock Ranch in person. Get inside information on what builder traps to avoid and what to look for when buying a new construction home in America’s first solar-powered town.
Don’t Walk In Blind & Let Babcock Options Assault You
Babcock Ranch’s 23 neighborhoods and nine builders offer an overwhelming array of choices that could cost you thousands if you make the wrong move. Most buyers walk into this master-planned community completely unprepared for what awaits them.
The builder’s sales offices are waiting to pounce. And those model homes? They’re hiding secrets that could blow your budget.
The real kicker isn’t just about choosing between condos, villas or custom homes. It’s about avoiding the hidden fees, construction zones and future development plans that could make or break your investment.
In one of Team John Garuti’s latest videos, we run the gauntlet on seven game-changing tips that separate successful buyers from those who end up with serious buyer’s remorse. Plus, there’s a bonus tip about future development that most realtors won’t tell you about.
Video Highlights
Want to avoid the costly mistakes that plague most Babcock Ranch buyers?
Team John Garuti Agent Greg Healing reveals the insider secrets that builders don’t want you to know about America’s premier solar-powered community.
What You’ll Discover:
– Why model homes could be your biggest mistake
– The truth about HOA fees and hidden costs
– How to dodge the builder’s office trap
– The secret weapon that costs $0 but saves thousands
– BONUS: The future development insight that changes everything
Don’t even think about visiting Babcock Ranch before watching this video.
We’ve Sold Over 200 Babcock New Construction Homes
Would you like to explore Babcock in the flesh?
Or schedule a video call where our team of realtors can reveal more secrets about one of the fastest-growing areas in the country?
Get in touch!
- Let’s talk Babcock.
- Let’s tour Babcock.
- Ask questions in our free Moving to Babcock Ranch Facebook Group.
- Call Team John Garuti at (239) 251-2371.
Video Transcript
Are you thinking about visiting Babcock Ranch? Before you set your GPS and pack your bags, there’s seven crucial tips that you need to know to avoid common mistakes and make your trip unforgettable. Trust me, the tips we outline in this video, they’re going to help you to fully explore everything this incredible community has to offer.
Hey there, I’m Greg Healing with Team John Garuti and eXp Realty, your go-to guide for all things Babcock Ranch. If you’re new here, don’t forget to smash that subscribe button, give this video a like and hit the bell icon so you never miss out on updates. Oh, and stick around until the end, I’ve got a bonus tip that even seasoned visitors don’t think of. So, let’s dive in.
Pro-tip number one, do your research. Before heading the Babcock Ranch, take the time to dig into the details with the local expert. With nine builders in 23 distinct neighborhoods, this growing community offers a wide range of housing options. From condos and rental properties to amazing villas or townhomes, single-family homes, and even fully custom-built residences. Each neighborhood has its own unique vibe, so understanding which areas align with your lifestyle and needs is essential. Without a plan, you could easily spend days wandering through this vast town, searching for the perfect home. Instead of just browsing aimlessly, pinpoint the neighborhoods and builders that fit your preferences. A little upfront research is going to save you some time and eliminate stress, and ensure that your visit is productive and enjoyable.
Now, whether you’re looking to just move quickly or exploring options for the future, a strategic approach will help you get the most out of your time in Babcock Ranch. Having a casual conversation with someone from our team can be a great help during your initial research. We all live here and we work here. And so, we have great relationships with every builder in town. We know the right questions to ask ahead of time to make your visit as productive as possible.
Pro-tip number two, find your perfect neighborhood match. Let’s be honest, choosing the right neighborhood in Babcock Ranch is like picking the perfect ice cream flavor. Do you go classic and simple like vanilla, very low maintenance, low HOA fees, or do you go all out with sprinkles and toppings with amenity pack communities and pools and golf courses, fitness centers and gated security. Whatever your flavor, Babcock Ranch has something to satisfy every lifestyle and budget.
So picture this, you’re living in a serene neighborhood with just enough amenities to keep life easy and fun, but without the hefty fees. Or maybe you’re a go big or go home type, ready to dive into a vibrant community with activities galore and top tier perks. The beauty of Babcock Ranch is that you can have either or even a sweet blend of both. With 23 neighborhoods and counting, the options are endless, but the decision doesn’t have to be overwhelming. So, take the time to think about your vibe. Do you want quiet nights and simpler living, or are you looking for a bustling activity-filled community where there’s always something happening? Answering these questions are going to help you zero in on a neighborhood that feels like home. Now, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, grab a coffee or a margarita, no judgment, and chat with a local expert like us. We can help you navigate the options and find your perfect fit without breaking a sweat.
Pro-tip number three, don’t sleep on resale homes, they could be your hidden treasure. While shiny new construction homes grab a lot of attention, resale homes in Babcock Ranch are the real under the radar gems. Why? Because many of them come packed with upgrades that new homes don’t have, at least not without adding significant time and cost. We’re talking about private pools, outdoor kitchens, upgraded flooring, luxury appliances, lush landscaping that’s already been done for you and much more. Not only can these upgrades save you money, but they can also save you a headache of planning and waiting for improvements to be completed. Plus resale neighborhoods often have a more settled in feel with mature landscaping and a welcoming, established vibe. Not to mention peace and quiet and free from the constant hum of construction. Moving into a resale home means stepping right into a community and a home that’s already tailored to offer comfort and convenience. It’s like finding a diamond that’s already polished, ready for you to enjoy from day one. Trust me, the value here is huge and it’s worth taking a closer look at.
Pro-tip number four, avoid the builder’s office black hole. Don’t fall into the builder’s office time warp where you walk in for a quick chat and suddenly it’s dinner time and you’re somehow considering upgrades like adding a gold-plated toilet. Builder sales offices are everywhere in Babcock Ranch, and while some reps are chill and low pressure, others could sell ice to an Eskimo. Now, here’s the deal. Their job is to sell you their homes, and sometimes that means sugar-coating the truth or conveniently forgetting to mention better options elsewhere and taking so much of your time that you can’t visit any of the other neighborhoods.
You might find yourself agreeing to a hard sell on a home that doesn’t quite fit your lifestyle or budget because spoiler alert, they’re not here to represent your best interest. Instead of signing your life away on a house that you only half sold on, bring along a realtor like me or anyone from team John Garuti, whose priority is your best interest. We’ll make sure you see all of your options and avoid the dreaded, “Why did I agree to that,” moment later.
Pro-tip number five, check out finished homes, not just the models. Model homes are like Instagram filters, they’re designed to look flawless and make you fall in love, but don’t let that perfectly staged decor and top tier upgrades fool you. Before making any decisions, be sure to tour completed homes in the neighborhood. Trust me, there’s plenty of them. Why? Because those dreamy models, yeah, they’re packed with upgrades that don’t come standard, and they can drastically inflate your expectations. By seeing finished homes, you’ll get a clear, unfiltered look at what home you’ll actually be buying. This way you can confirm the layout, the finishes and the overall vibe aligns with your expectations, without the distraction of designer furniture and expensive add-ons. It’s a smart reality check move to ensure that there’s no surprises when it comes to your future home.
Another reason to check out homes other than the models, not all floor plans have a model home available, but don’t let that limit your options. Are you considering something like a Washingtonia by Lennar or an Ashby by Pulte, or another home that doesn’t have a model? Instead of relying solely on brochures at the builder’s office, there may be one currently under construction or finished that you can visit. With over 100 floor plans offered by builders, but only a select few showcased as models, exploring homes in progress is a great way to step inside and get a real feel for the floor plan of your future home.
Pro tip number six, know what it will cost to live in Babcock Ranch. Before you buy a home here, let’s break it down so it’s easy to follow. Number one would be HOA fees. Some neighborhoods have one HOA payment to the Master Babcock Ranch Association, that covers your internet and landscaping. But others have two separate HOA payments. Different fees mean different amenities, so know what you’re paying for. Number two, property taxes. Babcock Ranch is split between two counties. Each one has its own property tax rate. Check which one of your dream home falls into. Number three would be the CDD or ISD assessment. These are extra fees to help fund future infrastructure, and they can vary depending on the lot. Now, understanding these costs will help you find the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and your wallet. It’s like shopping with a budget, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into and avoid surprises later.
Pro-tip number seven, don’t underestimate the power of a local realtor. It’s your secret weapon. Let’s get real, navigating 23 neighborhoods in Babcock Ranch, some finished other still under construction, can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. That’s where working with a local realtor becomes your smartest move. Let me explain why. Number one, they save you time. Local realtors know the area inside and out. So, instead of spending endless hours researching and visiting neighborhoods or using someone who knows nothing about the town and has nothing to offer other than just hanging a license somewhere, a local expert will guide you straight to the best fits for your lifestyle and budget. Number two, they’re going to save you money. From insider knowledge on builder incentives to identifying resale homes with valuable upgrades, local realtors help you avoid overpaying and ensure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Number three, they also set clear expectations with deep insights to HOA fees, taxes, CDD assessments, local amenities, you name it, local realtors arm you with the facts. No surprises, no regrets. Number four is that they work for you. Builders represent their own interest, but your realtor represents yours. They’re going to protect your best interest, help you avoid unnecessary pressure, and give you a clear understanding of all your options. And here’s the best part, it costs you nothing. Seriously, $0. As realtors, we get paid by the seller, not the buyer, which means you get expert guidance for free. So keep in mind that skipping a realtor is not going to save you any money. Home prices are not going to be lower without one. In fact, there’s no downside to working with us and every reason to take advantage of expert guidance at no cost to you.
As Babcock Ranch experts, we got the scoop on everything. From pricing trends to builder perks, making your home search smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Let us help you find that perfect home that checks every box and leaves you confident in your decision.
At the beginning of this video, I promised a bonus tip. Well, here’s a little nugget that most people don’t even think of. You have to factor in the future development plans. When buying in a master plans community, don’t just focus on the home or neighborhood as it is today. Think about what it will look like in a few years. Check out the community’s development plans, including upcoming neighborhoods, commercial areas, schools or recreational amenities. Proximity to future amenities, that you might love the idea of being close to a future town center or a school or a park, but if you prefer a quieter spot, you want to avoid areas near planned high traffic zones. Maybe construction disruption. Even if your neighborhood is complete, ongoing development nearby can mean noise, dust, and even construction traffic for years.
Most buyers focus only on the present, but understanding how the community will evolve, ensures you pick a home that fits your needs, both now and in the long term. A local expert’s going to help you get the inside scoop on what’s in the pipeline.
And there you have it. Our seven pro-tips for anyone visiting Babcock Ranch for the first time. Thank you for sticking around and watching this video. If you found it helpful and want to dive deeper into Babcock Ranch or explore other amazing real estate opportunities in Southwest Florida, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and give us a thumbs up. We have a ton of content on our channel to help you navigate Babcock Ranch, looking for personalized help and finding a dream home team. John Garuti is here to make it happen. We’ll guide you every step of the way ensuring that your journey is smooth and formed and stress-free.
If you want to learn more about Babcock Ranch, my team has some fantastic resources to help you. One, check out our new website at www.babcockranchnewhomes.com. We have great blog articles covering topics like schools in the area, HOA fees, real-time pricing on various home models, and much more. Two, if you’d like to get a deeper understanding of the town before visiting, you can always schedule a Zoom call with a member of my team at talkbabcockranch.com. And three, if you’re ready to explore Babcock Ranch in-person and want team John Garuti to guide you every step of the way, schedule a tour at tourbabcockranch.com. And four, for those burning questions or a chance to hear different perspectives, head over to Facebook and join our group, Moving to Babcock Ranch, where you can connect with current residents and get valuable beyond just team John Garuti. You can also reach out to us directly at info@swfloridarealestate.com or give us a call on our YouTube line at (239) 842-9956. We’re excited to help you take the next step, but who knows, maybe we’ll be calling you neighbors soon.
