Custom Builder Shares Tips for Selecting a Community and Home Site

NORTH SHORE, IL –February 19, 2009 – The familiar axiom that real estate is all about “location, location, location” has never been more true, as Americans seek to obtain the best value for their purchasing dollars.
With that in mind, custom builder Jeff Samuels shares some advice for custom home shoppers who want to select the best community, home site and home design for their families’ specific needs.

Custom home builder Jeff Samuels shares tips with prospective clients on how to best select a community and home site.

“As with every aspect of life, it is important for buyers to do their homework, checking into the cultural, educational, religious and recreational opportunities a community has to offer,” Samuels said. “Many families make their decisions based on a key lifestyle need, such as choosing a community centered on a university, a religious institution or some uncommon recreational facility. Buyers should consider not only the general excellence of a community but also individual family preferences.
“Many people considering a custom home are attracted to North Shore villages because of their well-established character, ease of transportation to the city, grand old trees and mature foliage as well as outstanding reputations for schools and park district programs. However, when selecting individual home sites within established communities, there are additional items to consider in making a wise choice.”
Samuels advises that buyers should visit the building department in their preferred village to become acquainted with the zoning laws, the requirements on square footages and floor area ratios that determine the size of the home that is permitted on a given site.
“Sometimes, a buyer will have a specific site in mind while also envisioning a particular size and type of home,” Samuels said “In some cases, their visions and the zoning requirements don’t match, and it is necessary to look for a more suitable site. At Samuels Homes, we handle this research for our clients and we guide them to sites that will accommodate and complement the home designs they desire.
Other issues that may affect the decision are the topography of the site and the position of the mature trees and other foliage.
“For example, if a client wants to have a walk-out lower level to expand the living space in the home, this feature requires a more hilly parcel of land with different grade levels. Village setback requirements may affect the size of the home’s footprint and placement of the home on the site,” he said.
Another issue that savvy buyers may wish to investigate is the tax rate in their preferred community.
“There are differences in the tax rates, even among communities that are very desirable,” Samuels said. “This may be another element in the decision-making process. 
If prospective buyers have contracted with a builder such as Samuels Homes, that builder will provide the necessary expertise and guidance. In addition, on-line resources such as village and school district websites and chambers of commerce all can add to the knowledge bank for the serious shopper.”
Samuels Homes is a design/build custom builder who also handles major remodeling projects and has been successful in building in North Shore communities for more than 30 years. The company has an impeccable reputation for integrity and takes pride in the hands-on personal attention given to each client.
An affiliate of Red Seal Development Corporation, Samuels Homes has created several prestigious Northbrook, Ill. communities including Normandy Hill, Courts of Stonehedge, Mallard Creek, Woodmere, Carlyle and Braeside. Samuels Homes has also built custom homes in the Illinois suburbs of Glencoe, Long Grove, Highland Park, Deerfield, Buffalo Grove and Winnetka. Most of these custom residences are in the $1to $4 million price range. The company has received numerous awards, and has one of the best referral rates in the custom home building business from loyal clients.
For more information on Samuels Homes, call (847) 480-6476.