At Southern Homes, we’ve been building quality homes in Central Florida for over 30 years, and we’ve heard just about every myth out there. Some of these beliefs come from outdated assumptions about how builders used to work. Others are just plain misunderstandings that get repeated until they sound like facts.

So let’s set the record straight. Here are the most common myths about new construction homes, and what’s actually true for buyers in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties today.

Myth #1: “New Construction Homes Always Cost More”

This is probably the most common myth we hear, and we get why people think it. When you’re comparing list prices side-by-side, new construction can look more expensive than a resale home.

But here’s what that price comparison doesn’t show you: the full cost of ownership.

New homes come with modern insulation, high-efficiency HVAC systems, properly sealed windows and doors, and updated materials designed to keep your utility bills manageable. According to ENERGY STAR, sealing air leaks and properly insulating a home can meaningfully reduce heating and cooling expenses, and in Florida, where we’re running AC most of the year, that adds up fast.

What’s more, you’re not inheriting someone else’s deferred maintenance. That resale home might need a new roof in two years. Or a new water heater. Or updated electrical work. With a new construction home, everything starts fresh, and our comprehensive 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty covers you for 10 years on structural issues, 2 years on systems, and 1 year on workmanship.

When you factor in lower utility costs and fewer repairs over the first several years, new construction becomes much more competitive than many buyers expect.

Myth #2: “You Can’t Personalize New Construction”

We hear this one a lot, and honestly, it’s backwards.

When you buy a resale home, you’re living with someone else’s choices. You’re stuck with their layout, their finishes, their idea of what a kitchen should look like. Sure, you can renovate later, but that costs thousands more and creates months of disruption after you’ve already moved in.

With new construction, you get to make it yours from the start.

At Southern Homes, our “My Home, My Way” program lets you personalize your home in ways resale homes simply can’t match. You can select interior finishes, cabinetry, flooring, countertops, and even make structural modifications like removing walls to create the open-concept space you want.

Visit our design centers (we’ve got them at all our model home locations), and you can see and touch your options. Take off your shoes and walk on the carpet samples. See how granite countertops look with different cabinet finishes. Our team helps you create a home designed for the way your family actually lives, not the way someone else lived 15 years ago.

Browse our collection of award-winning floorplans to see what’s possible.

Myth #3: “New Homes Take Forever to Build”

Some buyers worry that building new means waiting months and months while their family is stuck in limbo.

Here’s the reality: yes, construction takes time. That’s just physics, you can’t rush quality work. A typical build takes 90-150 days from footer inspection to completion, depending on permits, weather, and material availability.

But there are two things that make this much less stressful than people think:

First, you know exactly what’s happening every step of the way. At Southern Homes, we assign you a Personal Builder who calls you every Friday with updates. You’re never left wondering what’s going on or when things will be finished.

Second, we offer Quick Move-In Homes for buyers who want the benefits of new construction without the wait. These are homes at various stages of completion, some ready now, others finishing up in the next 1-3 months.

Explore what’s available right now in our Central Florida communities.

Myth #4: “New Communities All Look the Same”

This myth comes from those cookie-cutter subdivisions from 20-30 years ago where every house was identical and the streets felt lifeless.

Today’s new home communities look nothing like that.

Our neighborhoods are thoughtfully planned with varied architectural styles, professional landscaping, and amenities that create real community gathering spaces. Many of our homes offer multiple elevation options, so even if your neighbor chose the same floorplan, the homes look distinctly different from the street.

And in growing areas like Polk County, new communities benefit from nearby development. Improved roads, new shopping centers, updated parks, and better infrastructure. You’re not moving to the middle of nowhere hoping things eventually develop around you.

What’s more, many of our communities have no CDD fees, which means you’re not paying extra monthly taxes for amenities that were financed through Community Development Districts. That’s a big deal both for your monthly budget and when it comes time to sell.

Myth #5: “Maintenance Costs Are the Same as Older Homes”

This one’s easy to debunk: everything in your new home is brand new.

Your HVAC system isn’t 12 years old when you move in. Your roof isn’t halfway through its expected lifespan. Your water heater hasn’t been running for a decade. Your appliances aren’t on borrowed time.

New construction homes are built to current Florida building codes, use modern materials designed to last, and include comprehensive warranty protection. When something does need attention, you’re covered.

Compare that to a resale home, where you might face major unexpected expenses within the first few years: a failed HVAC system ($8,000-$12,000), roof replacement ($15,000-$25,000), or plumbing issues that require tearing into walls.

With new construction, you spend less time managing problems and more time enjoying your home. That peace of mind is worth a lot.

Myth #6: “Building On Your Own Land Is Too Complicated”

A lot of buyers already own land. Maybe they inherited a family property, or they found the perfect lot in the area they love, but they assume building on it is going to be a nightmare of red tape and complications.

Here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be.

Southern Homes offers a Build On Your Land program for properties within 10 miles of our active communities in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties. You pick the floorplan you love, and we handle the building process from start to finish.

Our team has been doing this for more than 30 years. We know the local permitting process, we work with the right subcontractors, and we’ve built relationships with suppliers that ensure quality materials at competitive prices. You get the same service, the same Personal Builder support, and the same warranty coverage as our community builds.

If you’ve got land and you’re wondering what’s possible, give us a call at (863) 648-4663. We’re happy to walk you through the process and answer your questions.

Let’s Recap: What’s Actually True About New Construction

Here’s what you should know instead of those myths:

The Reality:

• New homes often cost less over time thanks to efficiency and lower maintenance
• Personalization options are extensive with programs like “My Home, My Way”
• Build timelines are predictable, and Quick Move-In options exist for faster occupancy
• Today’s communities feature varied designs, thoughtful planning, and real amenities
• Maintenance costs are significantly lower in the early years of ownership
• Building on your own land is accessible with the right builder support

Ready to See For Yourself?

New construction offers real advantages: modern efficiency, true customization, warranty protection, and homes designed for the way families live today.

If you’re exploring your options, we’d love to help. Browse our floorplans, tour our Central Florida communities, or reach out through our Contact page to ask questions.

At Southern Homes, our entire team lives and works right here in Central Florida. We’ve been “A Neighbor You Can Trust” since 1991, and we’re here to help you make the best decision for your family, even if that means helping you understand when new construction might not be the right fit.

We always encourage you to ask questions, so you feel comfortable and informed as you make decisions. That’s what neighbors do.

Visit us online at MySouthernHome.com or stop by any of our model centers. We look forward to meeting you.

But there are other ways a new home saves you money that buyers often overlook. These aren’t the flashy talking points builders put in their brochures. They’re the quiet, practical advantages that show up in your bank account month after month, year after year.

At Southern Homes, we’ve been building in Central Florida for over 30 years, and we’ve watched thousands of homeowners discover these benefits. So let’s talk about the five money-saving advantages of new construction that don’t get enough attention.

1. Predictable Maintenance (Translation: Fewer Budget Surprises)

Here’s what nobody tells you about buying an older home: within the first few years, something expensive is going to break.

Maybe it’s the HVAC system that was “working fine” during the inspection but fails six months after you move in. Maybe it’s the water heater, the roof, or plumbing that needs replacing. Maybe it’s all three.

With a resale home, you’re inheriting systems and components at various stages of their lifecycle. That 12-year-old air conditioner? It could last another three years, or it could die next summer. You just don’t know.

With new construction, everything starts fresh. Your HVAC system has a full 15-20 year life ahead of it. Your roof isn’t halfway to needing replacement. Your appliances aren’t on borrowed time.

What’s more, you’re covered by our comprehensive 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty:

• 1 year of workmanship coverage
• 2 years of systems coverage (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
• 10 years of structural warranty

This predictability helps you budget with confidence instead of keeping a “home emergency fund” for the next surprise repair. That peace of mind? Hard to put a price on it, but it’s worth a lot.

2. No Expensive Renovations to Make It Work for Your Life

Let’s say you find a great resale home in your price range. There’s just one problem: the kitchen is dated, there’s no home office space, and the layout feels closed off.

No big deal, right? You’ll just renovate.

Except kitchen remodels start at $25,000-$50,000. Adding a home office or reconfiguring the layout? Another $15,000-$30,000. Suddenly that “affordable” resale home just got a lot more expensive — and you’re living through months of construction dust and contractors in your space.

With new construction, you start with a layout designed for how families actually live today.

At Southern Homes, our “My Home, My Way” program lets you customize your home from the start. Want an open-concept space perfect for entertaining? Need a dedicated home office now that you’re working from home? Prefer a large walk-in shower instead of a tub?

You can make these choices during the building process — when it’s simpler and far less expensive than renovating later.

Browse our award-winning floorplans to see layouts designed for modern living. Many families find they can live comfortably in slightly less square footage when the space is efficiently designed, which means lower monthly costs and less house to maintain.

3. Built-In Lifestyle Amenities That Keep Money in Your Pocket

This one’s subtle, but it adds up over time.

Many new construction communities include amenities like parks, playgrounds, walking trails, sidewalks, and open green spaces. These aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re practical features that can change how your family spends money.

When your kids can bike to the neighborhood park instead of needing to drive to entertainment, that’s savings. When you can take an evening walk through your community instead of paying for a gym membership, that’s savings. When there’s a dog park down the street instead of paying for doggy daycare, that’s savings.

These small lifestyle shifts might only save you $50 or $100 a month, but over the course of owning your home? That’s thousands of dollars staying in your pocket instead of going to outside activities.

And here’s something else: many of our communities have no CDD fees. That means you get these amenities without paying extra monthly taxes to finance them through Community Development Districts. Communities like Harper Estates in Lake Wales and Sand Lake Groves in Bartow offer great amenities with no CDD — real savings that continue for as long as you own the home.

Explore our Central Florida communities to see what’s available.

4. Lower Insurance Premiums (Especially in Florida)

If you’ve been paying attention to Florida homeowners insurance lately, you know it’s gotten expensive. Really expensive.

One thing that helps? Living in a newer home built to current Florida Building Code standards.

Insurance companies look closely at when a home was built and what safety features it includes. Newer homes are designed to meet updated wind resistance standards, have modern electrical systems that reduce fire risk, and include features that insurers value.

The result? Many homeowners with new construction qualify for lower insurance premiums compared to older homes.

Now, we can’t promise you a specific discount — that depends on your insurer and your individual situation — but the difference can be meaningful. In a state where insurance costs are rising across the board, any reduction based on your home’s age and construction quality helps your monthly budget.

And remember: your insurance rates stay more stable over time with a newer home because you’re not dealing with aging systems that increase your risk profile year after year.

5. Long-Term Cost Stability (The Big Picture Benefit)

This might be the most underrated advantage of all.

Older homes are unpredictable. You might go two years with no problems, then suddenly face $15,000 in repairs all at once. That unpredictability makes it hard to plan financially, and it creates stress every time something makes a weird noise or doesn’t work quite right.

New construction offers consistent, manageable costs. You know what your mortgage payment is. Your utility bills are predictable (and lower). You’re not constantly wondering when the next big repair bill will hit.

This stability is especially valuable for first-time buyers or families on a careful budget. You can plan ahead with confidence instead of keeping thousands in an emergency fund just waiting for something to break.

At Southern Homes, our Personal Builder system adds to this peace of mind. During construction, your dedicated Personal Builder calls you every Friday with updates, so you always know what’s happening. After you move in, you’ve got our comprehensive warranty backing you up.

The Bottom Line: New Construction is About More Than Just Energy Efficiency

When you add it all up — predictable maintenance, no renovation expenses, lifestyle amenities, insurance savings, and long-term cost stability — new construction offers financial advantages that go way beyond lower utility bills.

These benefits might not be as flashy as talking about energy efficiency, but they’re often more meaningful to your day-to-day financial comfort.

Ready to See What’s Possible?

If you’re weighing your options between new construction and resale, we’d love to help you understand the full financial picture for your situation.

Browse our floorplans, tour our communities throughout Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties, or learn more about our Build On Your Land program if you already own property.

At Southern Homes, we’ve been “A Neighbor You Can Trust” since 1991. Our entire team lives and works right here in Central Florida, and we’re here to answer your questions — even the ones about costs and budgets that some builders try to avoid.

Give us a call at (863) 648-4663 or reach out through our Contact page. We always encourage you to ask questions so you feel comfortable and informed as you make decisions.

Visit us online at MySouthernHome.com or stop by any of our model centers. We look forward to meeting you.

But here’s what we’ve learned after building homes in Central Florida for over 30 years: the best floorplan isn’t necessarily the biggest one or the one with the most rooms. It’s the one that fits how you actually live.

Think about your typical weekday evening. Are you hosting friends in the kitchen? Working from home while the kids do homework? Curled up in a quiet corner with a book? Your daily routines, habits, and yes — your personality — all play a huge role in which layout will feel most comfortable long after the excitement of move-in day fades.

At Southern Homes, we offer 25+ award-winning floorplans because we know one size definitely doesn’t fit all. So let’s have some fun with this. Which personality type sounds most like you?

The Entertainer: “My Kitchen Is Where Everyone Gathers”

You’re the friend everyone wants to be invited over by. Thanksgiving? Your house. Game day? Your house. Random Tuesday? Still probably your house.

If you love hosting friends and family, your home is more than just where you live — it’s the gathering place for your people.

What Entertainers Need:

• Open-concept layouts where the kitchen flows into the living area (so you’re not stuck cooking alone while everyone’s having fun)
• Large islands or breakfast bars that become the natural gathering spot for conversation
• Easy indoor-outdoor flow through sliding glass doors to a lanai (because Florida entertaining means outdoor space)
• Dining areas that can handle a crowd without feeling cramped

When you’re hosting, the last thing you want is to feel separated from your guests. Floorplans like The Rockingham II (2,395 sq ft with a great room and large kitchen) or The Westfield (2,240 sq ft with optional floating island) are designed with entertaining in mind.

Browse our open-concept floorplans to see layouts where the kitchen is the star of the show.

The Planner: “A Place for Everything, Everything in Its Place”

You color-code your calendar. Your pantry is organized by category. You know exactly where your keys are right now (unlike the rest of us).

Planners value organization, efficiency, and a sense of order. Your home should support that, not fight against it.

What Planners Need:

• Clear separation between living spaces and sleeping areas (public vs. private zones)
• Plenty of storage — walk-in closets, pantries, mudrooms, linen closets
• Logical traffic flow that makes daily routines feel smooth and natural
• Dedicated spaces for specific purposes (not everything crammed into one room)

A well-designed floorplan can make your everyday life feel simpler. You’re not constantly working around an awkward layout or wishing you had just one more closet.

Floorplans like The Savannah (1,783 sq ft with a den and ample storage) or The Cambridge (1,946 sq ft with a smart, efficient layout) give planners the organization they crave.

The Homebody: “This Is My Happy Place”

Some people can’t wait to get out of the house. You? You can’t wait to get back home.

Your home isn’t just where you sleep — it’s your sanctuary. You spend more time here than anywhere else, and you want it to feel comfortable, calming, and completely you.

What Homebodies Need:

• Cozy living areas that invite you to settle in and stay awhile
• Private bedrooms that feel like true retreats from the world
• Natural light that makes spaces feel warm and welcoming
• Comfortable flow between rooms (nothing harsh or jarring)

For homebodies, the layout should support relaxation and downtime. You want spaces that feel intimate without being cramped, and peaceful without being isolated.

Floorplans like The Covington (1,405 sq ft with an outdoor patio) or The Dalton (1,586 sq ft with vaulted ceilings) create that cozy-but-not-too-small feeling homebodies love.

The Multitasker: “We’re All Home, Doing Different Things”

Work-from-home meetings while the kids are doing remote learning. One person needs quiet to focus while another wants to watch TV. Homework happening at the kitchen table while someone’s on a Zoom call.

Sound familiar?

Multitaskers manage busy, overlapping routines under one roof, which means layout separation isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential.

What Multitaskers Need:

• Dedicated workspace — a real office or study nook, not just “the kitchen table”
• Clear separation between quiet zones and active living spaces
• Smart sound management (bedrooms away from the main living area)
• Flexible rooms that can serve multiple purposes throughout the day

You need a home that helps reduce interruptions and noise conflicts, so everyone can do their thing without driving each other crazy.

Floorplans like The Rochester (2,042 sq ft with 4 bedrooms and great separation) or The Manchester (2,612 sq ft with office options) give multitasking families the space they need to coexist peacefully.

The Long-Term Planner: “What Will I Need Five Years from Now?”

You’re not just thinking about today — you’re thinking about how your life might look in 5, 10, or 15 years.

Maybe you don’t need that fourth bedroom right now, but you’re planning for a growing family. Or maybe the kids will leave eventually, and that bedroom could become your dream hobby room. You want a home that adapts as your life evolves.

What Long-Term Planners Need:

• Extra bedrooms that can shift purposes over time (nursery → kid’s room → teen space → guest room → home gym)
• Flexible spaces that transition easily based on changing needs
• Layouts that still work well as you move through different life stages
• Smart design that doesn’t require major renovations to adapt

For long-term planners, flexibility isn’t about juggling daily tasks. It’s about choosing a home that grows with you.

Floorplans like The Belmont (4 bedrooms, 1,816-1,865 sq ft with bathroom options) or The Trenton (4 bedrooms, 2,699 sq ft) offer the adaptability long-term planners value.

Quick Reference: Personality Type & Ideal Floorplan Match

• Entertainers → Open, connected layouts (The Rockingham II, The Westfield)
• Planners → Structured, organized designs (The Savannah, The Cambridge)
• Homebodies → Cozy, private spaces (The Covington, The Dalton)
• Multitaskers → Flexible, well-separated rooms (The Rochester, The Manchester)
• Long-Term Planners → Adaptable layouts (The Belmont, The Trenton)

Finding Your Perfect Match

No matter which personality type resonates with you (and let’s be honest, most of us are a mix of a few), choosing the right floorplan helps your home feel natural from day one.

At Southern Homes, you can explore our complete collection of floorplans — from compact 3-bedroom homes to spacious 5-bedroom designs. Use our design centers to see how different layouts come together with your choice of finishes through our “My Home, My Way” customization program.

Need to move sooner? Check out our Quick Move-In Homes — thoughtfully designed homes at various stages of completion, so you can enjoy new construction benefits without the full build timeline.

Already own land? Our Build On Your Land program lets you choose the perfect floorplan for your property in Polk, Highlands, or Hardee Counties.

We’re Here to Help You Find Your Fit

Finding the right floorplan isn’t just about rooms on a page. It’s about choosing a home that supports how you live every day — and that’s something we’ve been helping Central Florida families do since 1991.

Our New Home Specialists can walk you through different layouts, show you how spaces work in our model homes, and help you think through which features matter most for your lifestyle. No pressure, just helpful guidance from neighbors who know these floorplans inside and out.

Give us a call at (863) 648-4663, visit our Contact page, or stop by any of our model centers throughout Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties.

We always encourage you to ask questions, so you feel comfortable and informed as you make decisions. After all, you’re not just picking a floorplan — you’re choosing where your life happens.

Visit us online at MySouthernHome.com to explore our communities and floorplans. We look forward to meeting you and helping you find your perfect match.

Broker Referral Requirements

 For a Broker/Agent to be eligible for a commission, all of the following conditions must be satisfied:

1. Community Eligibility: Southern Homes must be offering Broker/Agent commissions in the community where the home is located.
2. Registration at Initial Contact: For the purposes of this policy, “Initial Contact” is defined as that point in time when a prospective purchaser of a home (a “Prospect”) or a Prospect’s Broker/Agent makes first contact with a Southern Homes’ New Home Specialist or a Southern Homes online representative, in any manner; e.g., in person, online, by phone, by a video call or video tour with a New Home Specialist. At any form of Initial Contact, the Prospect must register his/her Buyer Agent with Southern Homes.
3. Accompanied Visit Requirement: In addition to registering the Broker/Agent, the Broker/Agent must accompany the Prospect on the Prospect’s first visit to a Southern Homes model home or, if the Prospect’s first “visit” is by a video call or video tour, the Broker/Agent must participate in such video call/tour to be eligible for a Broker/Agent commission.
4. Buyer-Broker Agreement Required: A copy of a valid Buyer-Broker Agreement (“BBA”) must be submitted to Southern Homes prior to, or simultaneously with, the Prospect’s or the Broker/Agent’s Initial Contact as defined The copy of the BBA can be transmitted electronically to Southern Homes’ Online Sales Counselor or New Home Specialist prior to a Prospect visiting a model home or video call/tour, uploaded through the Broker Registration feature on the Southern Homes website, or a hard copy can be provided to a New Home Specialist at the Prospect’s first, accompanied visit to a Southern Homes model home.
5. Referral Period: A Broker referral that meets all the conditions set out in in this SOP is valid for 30 days from the date Southern Homes receives a copy of the BBA or until the term of the BBA ends, whichever is A one-time 30-day extension (or until the term of the BBA ends, whichever is earlier) may be granted if the Prospect requests the extension in writing (an email from the Prospect being sufficient) before the original 30-day period expires. The term of the referral, including any extension, is the “Referral Period.”
6. Preconditions Required: For a Broker/Agent to earn and be paid a commission, all of the following conditions must be met:
   • The Broker/Agent must be registered in accordance with Section
   • The Broker/Agent must satisfy the “accompanied visit” described in Section 3.
   • A copy of the BBA must have been delivered to Southern Homes in accordance with Section 4.
   • The Prospect must execute the Southern Homes’ standard Agreement for Purchase, Sale, and Construction (“Purchase Agreement”) within the Referral Period;
   • The Broker/Agent and the Prospect must sign Southern Homes’ Title, Lender, Broker Agreement prior to or at the time the Prospect executes a Purchase Agreement;
   • Southern Homes must accept and sign the Prospect’s Purchase Agreement; and
   • The Prospect must close and take deed to the home which is the subject of the Purchase Agreement.
   • Southern Homes has the absolute right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to refuse to accept any Purchase Agreement.
   • The commission paid by Southern Homes to the Broker/Agent will be the lesser of the amount stated in the BBA or the amount being offered by Southern Homes at the time Southern Homes executes the Prospect’s Purchase Agreement.
     • For the purposes of this policy, a referral that satisfies all of the above conditions shall be a “Qualified Referral.”
7. Additional Terms
   • If Southern Homes’ CRM system shows that the Buyer previously contacted a Southern Homes’ employee about a home or a community without identifying and registering the Buyer’s Broker/Agent, or initially registered at a sales office and/or attended a self-guided or video tour of a home or a community without registering or being accompanied by the Buyer’s Broker/Agent, the Buyer’s Broker/Agent shall not be entitled to receive a commission related to the sale of any home in any Southern Homes’ community or other location to the Buyer.
   • Only one Broker/Agent will be recognized as eligible to represent a Prospect based on a Qualified Referral.
   • Brokers are solely responsible for compensating their affiliated
   • All documents, forms, and incentives used in making a Qualified Refe1rnl are considered proprietary to Southern Homes of Polk County, Inc.
   • Brokers/Agents are permitted to “self-represent” as a Buyer and receive an option incentive only (not a reduction in sales price) at the current co-brokerage For example, if the total sales price is $300,000 and the current co-brokerage rate is 2.25%, the Broker/Agent, which in this case is the Buyer, would receive $6,750 in options. This offer may be combined with current promotions/incentives.
   • Occasionally, Southern Homes may pa1tner with an approved Broker/Agent to assist our Buyers with services such as, but not limited to, lease buyouts, lease guarantees, listing agreements, etc. and will compensate the Broker/Agent the indicated commission rate on the Title, Lender, Broker document. In any of these cases, if Southern Homes refers a customer to a Broker/Agent, the Broker/Agent may not charge the Buyer any fees in accordance with RESPA. An example of this violation would be a “$500 Flat Fee Listing.”

One acronym that frequently crops up in new home communities is CDD fee, or Community Development District fee. CDD fees are imposed by homebuilders of a neighborhood or subdivision to pay the costs of community amenities, such as playgrounds, dog parks, or swimming pools. (This is separate from Homeowners Association (HOA) fees.) Instead of increasing the price of each home, the developer borrows money to finance those amenities.

That loan to the developer is then repaid through the CDD fees charged to home buyers by rolling that cost into the annual property tax bill. These fees are paid by the home owner typically over a 30-year period.

By creating a fee that is bundled into each homeowner’s property tax bill, the developer can advertise a lower price for their homes. Buyers must beware that they fully understand the price of their new home over the long haul. What may appear to cost less, may actually cost more.

The average CDD fee in the state of Florida is $250/month or $3,000/year. Once factored into the home loan, this CDD fee would negatively impact the home buyer’s buying potential by approximately $25,000.

Southern Homes prefers to incorporate expenses for common amenities into each home’s advertised sales price. That way, buyers can see the full cost of their new home upfront. Our Southern Homes’ communities do not have CDD fees. It might make the home price a bit higher, but we don’t want our buyers to be surprised when their approved loan amount is less than expected or when they receive their property tax bill.

Come visit us, and our team members can show you how a CDD fee would personally affect your home purchase. We always encourage you to ask questions first, so you don’t have surprises later. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our community!

We’re all hearing reports anticipating interest rates will drop. So, what’s better – buying when prices are high or buying when interest rates are high? We say, buy now, and here’s why…

As interest rates increased over the past months, many potential home buyers have held back. So, demand for homes has declined, thereby reducing home prices. Waiting for interest rates to drop could result in more potential home buyers entering the market, which will increase demand and result in higher prices on new homes – especially as Florida continues to attract new residents.

We’re already seeing some drops in interest rates, but Southern Homes will help lower interest rates even more with a 2/1 buydown program, getting your rate as low as 3.25% (5.970% APR) as of 9/13/24. Then, if rates drop more, we’ve got you covered with a rate float down or a refinance with no lender fees!

And unlike interest rates, once you buy a home, you can’t change the purchase price.

Here’s how it works:

1. Southern Homes will pay to lower your interest rate by 2% for the first year of the loan. Your rate will adjust 1% each year until it returns to the original fixed rate after the buydown period.
   
2. Save monthly with reduced initial payments for two years.
   
3. When rates drop, we’ve got you covered with:
   1. A one-time rate float down – if you lock the rate in now, and rates improve by .25  or more before you close, we’ll float you down to that lower rate!
   2. A refinance period of up to 2 years with NO LENDER FEES!

These safety nets, along with Southern Homes’ local buying power, can reassure you that you’re making the most of your investment in a new home.

Southern Homes is the only locally owned production builder in town, and we have been building quality new homes for our community members for more than 30 years. Production builder means we build entire communities of new homes with a variety of existing floor plans and exteriors. We can build your personalized dream home, or we can find one of our quick move-in homes in one of our communities to meet your needs and wishes.

We know that finding a new home within your budget is essential. Over the past three decades, Southern Homes’ dedicated purchasing team has built strong vendor relationships, so our local buying power is unsurpassed. That way, we’re able to guarantee our homebuyers the greatest possible value.

When you support your local home builder, Southern Homes, you’re supporting a team of employees and vendors throughout Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties. In turn, Southern Homes is proud to give back to this community we call home. Simply put, when you invest locally, so can we.

“A Neighbor You Can Trust” is not just a tagline for us; it’s a way of life. Southern Homes cares about our neighbors, as seen every day in our attention to detail and authentic concern for every customer. We take great pride in our product and build each new home as if it’s our own.

Give us a call or stop by one of our model centers to meet one of our team members. We’ll be happy to show you around the neighborhood.

Let us help. As a local new home builder for more than 30 years, Southern Homes cares about the neighborhoods and community we’re building. We want to help every home buyer make the best decision – and investment — for their family. 

As interest rates have increased, potential home buyers have held back. Demand for homes has declined, thereby reducing purchase prices. Waiting for low interest rates could result in more demand and thus higher prices on new homes, especially as Florida continues to attract new residents. So why buy now? 

We’re already seeing some drops in interest rates, but Southern Homes will help drive interest rates even lower with a 2/1 buydown program, getting your rate as low as 3.75% (6.578% APR) as of 12/27/23. Then, if rates drop more, you can refinance! Here’s how it works: 

1. Southern Homes will pay to lower your interest rate by 2% for the first year of the loan. Your rate will adjust 1% each year until it returns to the original fixed rate after the buydown period. 

1. Save monthly with reduced initial payments for two years. 

1. When rates drop, we’ve got you covered with a refinance period of up to 10 years with NO LENDER FEES! 

These safety nets, along with our local buying power, can reassure you that you are making the most of your investment in a new home.  

Whether you’re interested in a quick-move-in home or in building a new home that includes some of your own design preferences, Southern Homes is a local builder, here to help.  

Learn more here: 3.75% Interest Rate

We’re so excited to brag a little! Recently, an article written by Tom Scalisi named Southern Homes the Best Overall Builder in Florida for 2023. You can find the original article here: The Best Home Builders in Florida of 2023 – Picks by Bob Vila.

The site first narrowed down candidates by price range, then considered type of home, warranty, energy efficiency, and the ability to customize options. Once they had a list of Florida’s top builders, they took a closer look at floorplans, customer satisfaction ratings, and other details that could be considered as pros and cons.

Southern Homes stood out from the state’s other builders for our longevity in the community (we’ve been building new homes for more than 30 years!), our high customer satisfaction rating, premier warranty, and affordable price range.

This adds to our growing list of national recognition. We’ve been named Best Home Builder in Central Florida six times by The Official Community’s Choice Awards, were recently awarded the Bronze Award from the National Housing Quality Awards, and continue to be recognized by numerous organizations, both local and national.

Check out the full list of our awards: Florida Award Winning Builder | New Construction Homes (mysouthernhome.com)

Not only are we honored to be part of the short list of homebuilders from around the nation to receive this award, but finalists also gain valuable and beneficial feedback from the NHQA team of judges, which we will use to make our company even better moving forward.

View the entire Pro Builder article here: 2023 NHQA Winners: Southern Homes and Windsong Properties | Pro Builder