Many people think that in order to live in a professionally designed and decorated model home, they must choose to live in the communities where the homes are built. With John Neal Homes, this is not the case.
For homebuyers who already own property, or wish to reside somewhere other than a master planned community or neighborhood, there is another option.
In the following interview, Dawn Merrill, Offsite Sales Director for John Neal Homes, offers advice to Realtors and potential homebuyers to know their options. After receiving overwhelming customer interest in John Neal Homes’ floorplans and the desire to build those homes on lots that customers already owned or planned on purchasing, the company decided to offer offsite “On Your Lot” building options.
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Q: What was a main reason that John Neal Homes began the Offsite Division?
A: We saw a need in the market and we knew we could fill that niche. The advantage to offering an offsite option is that we are able to serve an even larger market segment than ever before. For example, we have many prospective homebuyers who wish to live West of the Trail in Sarasota, but they want the quality and service that John Neal Homes is known for. My job is to reach out to customers who want a John Neal Homes model on their land. We also offer Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes floorplans, and that means about 50 models and close to 100 floorplans to choose from, all built by John Neal Homes.
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Q: Are there any challenges you’ve faced with the Offsite Division?
A: One challenge has been getting the word out to Realtors about our offsite options. We’ve been proactive in hosting monthly Realtor breakfasts to try and bridge that gap. If a Realtor has a client who wants a John Neal home, we can help them through that process. Not only will I help clients and Realtors find the land if they don’t already own the lot, I can also help with the home selection process as well as the contract for the new home. My goal is to reach out to Realtors with clients who want the Neal service, experience and quality. I want them to know that we will help them get exactly what their customer wants. They can have our models on their ideal property.
Q: What is an advantage of buying a John Neal home?
A: John Neal Homes is a service-oriented company where the salesperson is with the customer from the beginning of the process to the moment the keys are unlocking the new front door. The clients know the name and contact information of the builder in charge of creating their dream home, and are encouraged to contact them with questions. It’s an extremely hands-on process. We want customers to feel in charge of their home, that’s something John Neal Homes is very proud of. We like that customers have the peace of mind that the process will be as worry-free as possible. This company has financial stability that is unparalleled in this economy, and I enjoy telling people that we can build their dream homes, and we’ll be around to care for it later on.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about the Offsite Division?
A: I would definitely just like to emphasize that we can help Realtors keep and work with clients who are looking for that perfect homesite. We would encourage all Realtors to come out to our monthly breakfasts to get additional information and understanding about the process of offsite building and the benefits that come from that arrangement. Our models range in price from 1,200 square feet to 5,000 square feet and are priced from $300,000. The area that the offsite division services is Palmetto to Venice, and I welcome the chance to discuss with clients and Realtors alike. I am constantly monitoring the market and searching which lots are for sale every day. I know what’s out there. We’ll make it easy for Realtors and customers to find exactly what they want. Don’t let offsite building scare you; I’m here to help.
Contact Dawn Merrill at 941-373-5063 or visit the John Neal Homes’ website for more information.
