Dear Builders, Maybe You Shouldn't Build On EVERY Available Lot!
I was out with a first time home buyer who is looking for newer construction homes in the lower price range of the market. Some of the homes that I found were interesting to say the least.
This one was literally built 25 feet off of SR 500 in Vancouver WA. I took this picture out of the window in the master bedroom of this new construction home.. It was so loud in this room that we could barely hold a conversation. Needless to say, my client wasn't interested in this one so we moved on to other homes in the area.
What would possess a builder to put a home here? I am sure that he got the lot cheap, but when is building not a good idea?
When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of Realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area. Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.
When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark Countyand we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area. Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service.
You put up some shutters to absorb the noise, turn on a tv or radio, and viola, no noise!
When we go by houses like this, I say it's perfect for someone who grew up on the New Jersey turnpike or perhaps beside a railroad track! Honestly, there is a buyer for every house but some houses definitely have more challenges! 25 feet is VERY close to a major road, wow!
Sharon
Sounds like a place better suited for anothe purpose. Who wants to live near loud? At least you showed the house when the client got to hear what it would be like everyday-Dinah Lee
they also build homes along the Atlantic City Expressway as well as I 4 in Central Florida. For some strange reason some one buys those houses. Having worked for national builders it is just a matter of time before it is sold.
"What would possess a builder to put a home here?"
What would possess you to show it?
Mark the truth is that there is a buyer for everything! The builder will make a profit and so will the agent.
There are two great lessons here:
1. Situs!
2. We must stop seeing ourselves in the property and let the buyer decided.
Bill
Hi Mark
If the price is right the home can be buffered from the road and the sound either by a fence and or natural landscaping of trees and shrubs.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Mark - Price can overcome major objections. What is noise to some can be music to others. Let the Buyer decide. We caution buyers from out of town about busy roads here because if they come from the city they seem like secondary roads to them.
They say there is one born every day. Perhaps there is two: The builder, and the buyer that buys it.
You are right -- builders should not build on every single lot -- some lots would be best left open.
Donna - Maybe no noise. Maybe MORE noise.
Sharon - I agree. There is a buyer for every house.
Dinah - A nice purpose for this lot may have been a park. Most people don't mind the background noise at a park. But the master bedroom?
Rob - I know what you mean. I have sold several neighborhoods in area that were a little closer to a busy road than most people would care for. The tough part is reselling it when the buyer is moving on.
William - What possessed me to showit was that my client found it on the internet and demanded to see it even after I described it's proximity to the highway. After seeing the property, she agreed with me and apologized for not trusting me in the first place.
Nextly, you are right. Someone will buy it sooner or later. Of course we currently have over 12 months worth of inventory here and this home is over priced by about $15,000. But to your point, the market will some day catch up and this home will sell to someone. All houses will sell to someone given enough time.
Thank you for commenting.
Lou - You are correct. If someone has the intent of buffering the noise of a busy highway, it can be done.
Jim - Thank you for the comment. I know that every home will sell if the price is right. Here in Vancouver WA, people are more accustomed to a rural style of living. There are only a few builders who are developing these types of properties in the part of the state. I wonder how they will do, given that there are so many homes with better locations that are listed for less $$$'s.
Tim - Thank you! I am sure you understand exactly what my post is about.
Bob - Thank you. I am noticing that there are a huge number of of bank owned properties that sit on these lots. Coincidence? I don't think so.
Maybe so they could put in the MLS, close to freeway and busline?
Call Greg Biffle, he may not mind the view or the noise.
I've always wondered myself how people can stand that much noise, day in and day out. Especially in the summer when you want to sit on your back deck and...yell to the person next to you. No price reduction could or would make me buy one of these. I live in a cul-de-sac, and I do expect some of life's noises. Kids playing, lawnmowers, etc. But a big "no thank you" to the traffic noise! Leave these lots to the rabbits.