Guest speakers Jackie Mercier and Mike Weseman joined us on our podcast to talk about Grand Oaks and new construction in Gainesville, Florida.
Jackie is a Realtor here at Rabell Realty Group. Mike is the founder of Weseman Homes & Renovations, and one of the principal builders of the Grand Oaks community. Between Mike and his father Gary Weseman, the developer of the project, the family builders bring a combined 50 years of experience.
Here are some of the highlights of Jackie and Mike's conversation. Check out our past live streams for more up to date real estate news and analysis, and don't forget to subscribe!
How many phases and how many homes are available?
Jackie: We are presently in Phase 2. Phase 2 has 96 lots and we're about a third of the way through.
Mike: We're still moving regardless of interest rates. We're going to be doing a Phase 3 as well, so we'll be there for two or three more years.
Related Content: Grand Oaks Phase I Sold Out. What’s Happening Now?
What do you have on the market now?
Jackie: We do have 3 or 4 homes that are ready to go now. If someone just wants to start from scratch and move in this summer, we do have some lots available.
Mike: If you are starting from the bottom up, you get more input on color selections and we can work with you to customize as much as we can.
What floorplans are available?
Grand Oaks homes range from 3 bed / 2 bath at 1,700 sq/ft to 4 bed / 3 bath at 1,999 sq/ft, all in different stages of completion.
To see detailed floorplans, visit our Guide to Grand Oaks.
Tell me about the location?
Jackie: I timed it and it's a 9 minute drive to Ben Hill Griffin stadium. It's the closest new construction community to the University of Florida and Shands in all of Gainesville.
Mike: In terms of affordability and proximity to things, Grand Oaks location is perfect. You're also a 3 to 5 minute drive to Celebration Pointe. It's also near the Town of Tioga's main plaza, and the new retail and services popping up along Tower Road.
What community amenities are there?
- A pool
- A tot lot
- Lots of Green space - walking trails around retention ponds
- Low HOA fees - $180 every three months
The Grand Oaks amenities space is a short walk from the homes.
What extra features do you offer?
- An enclosed screen porch
- Fencing
- Wood closet systems
- Custom-designed pantries
- Gas cooktop with hood vent - we can also drop in a gas line for a summer kitchen
- Luxury vinyl planking throughout -- no carpets
Mike: A lot of what are considered 'extras' with other builders are standard at Grand Oaks. So the quartz counter tops, the soft-closing cabinets, luxury vinyl planking throughout, the stone accents out front, the extra tall 8' garage -- all of that comes standard with each home. We do offer upgraded kitchens on two of our models, that's the only difference.
How high are your ceilings?
Our ceilings are 9' feet high. The tray in the living room can get up to 9' 6".
Energy efficiency
Mike: These homes are as efficient as you can get. We use a radiant barrier to help keep the heat out. It's more costly than normal plywood, but it does help. I put it on my house and I put it on all the houses I build. And all the windows are all double-pane.
What's the Seasonal Energy Efficient Rating (SEER) for the HVAC?
16.
What are you current incentives?
Jackie: We will pay 1% of your closing costs. We work with a bunch of local lenders here. We don't have a preferred lender, so if you want to use someone else, we'll still give you the incentives.
Do you offer 100% financing there?
Jackie: We're lucky enough to work with a local lender and we do qualify for 100% financing and no mortgage insurance, which is pretty unheard of.
Taxes
Mike: They're all taxed as vacant lots, which is a plus.
Insurance
Jackie: You're not going to have to jump through hoops to get insurance on a brand new home.
Interested in viewing a home or touring the development?
We do try to host open houses every weekend. If you drive by you'll probably see Mike on one of the houses. You can always stop and say hi and ask him a question!
If you have any question or want to see these houses, Jackie Mercier or Kristen Rabell are available to meet you out there anytime.
Jackier Mercier, Realtor
Kristen Rabell, Realtor