FAQs

How difficult is it to get financing?
How much money do we need down?
Do I need an appointment to visit one of your New Home Information Centers?
Can a New Home Specialist show me homes in several communities?
Why aren't prices for your homes listed on your Web site?
What professional organizations does Southern Homes belong to?
Am I allowed to visit my home under construction?
What kind of Warranty Program does Southern Homes offer?

How difficult is it to get financing?

Our preferred lenders are experts in getting loans for even the most credit challenged buyers. Each income and credit situation is different so we offer a variety of programs to make home ownership a reality for you.

How much money do we need down?

We have loan programs that move you in with $24 down, and we have programs that require 3.5%, 5%, 10% and conventional 20% down programs. Each potential buyer presents a different opportunity for a mortgage. You can find out all of this information by visiting one of our Model Centers and talking with one of our New Home Specialists. (See the map for directions)

Do I need an appointment to visit one of your New Home Information Centers?

We would like you to call for an appointment, however, we are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, Wednesday 1pm to 6pm and Sunday we are open from 1pm to 5pm. Feel free to call (888) 899-7434 to arrange a visit!

Can a New Home Specialist show me homes in several communities?

Yes. We want you to work with just one of our New Home Specialists. Each of these specialists has earned their job title by attending over 200 hours of training in listening, problem solving, mortgage programs, construction techniques, and home design.

Why aren't prices for your homes listed on your Web site?

Each community has different lot sizes and amenities so prices for the same floor plan can vary greatly. One big factor is the home YOU want... the home you tell us you want. The one-of-a-kind home that will fit your family's lifestyle and needs. Our homes start in the 130's and go up to the low 300's. Somewhere in there is the home for your family. Help us to help you create your dream home.

What professional organizations does Southern Homes belong to?

We are members of the National Home Builders Association, Polk County Builders Association, Lakeland and Winter Haven Chambers of Commerce, The Better Business Council, and we are affiliate members of Lakeland Area Realtors, East Polk Realtors, and the Lake County Board of Realtors. Greg Masters, the Vice President of Southern Homes, was the 2003 President of the Polk County Builders Association and currently serves as the vice chair on the Polk County Efficiency Committee. Ed Laderer, President, is a member of the Polk County Industrial Development Authority and the past director of the Better Business Council. Many of our staff members are active in many local churches and civic organizations. Unlike the national builders, this area is our home and we are investing our money, time, talents, and efforts to improve the areas that we build in.

Am I allowed to visit my home under construction?

Yes, we encourage these visits. However a job site is a dangerous place and we ask that you contact your builder to schedule an appointment. Our insurance carrier requires that these job site rules be followed. We think the building of a new home is an exciting experience and we want you to take photos or a video of the process. Southern Homes has built more than just homes. We've built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and materials by including an incredible list of features other builders would call extras.

What kind of Warranty Program does Southern Homes offer?

Our warranty program is a ten year program through The Bonded Builders Home Warranty Association. During the first year of home ownership, Southern Homes will guarantee all warrantable claims on our homes. The second year covers everything within the walls of the home:all pipes, wiring, AC ducts, and condenser units. For years 1-10, Southern Homes insures a structural warranty on our homes that covers anything load bearing or hindering to the structure of the home. We pride ourselves on the fact that for the past 15 years Southern Homes has never had a structural claim on any of the homes we've built. What's more, Bonded Builders provides a conciliation service that is free to our Buyers, where they will come out to inspect a claim that is being disputed. This ensures that the Buyer can have an unbiased 3rd party come to inspect their problem.