Ocala Preserve

So far I have been very pleased with the process of visiting and having a home built at Trilogy. I was looking for a place that I can work from home along with a social life until I retire and stay there once I retire. Bob is my sales agent and he has been extremely helpful. During the sales process, he took the time show me Trilogy and make sure what I found what I was looking for. During the tour he showed me homes that the owners expanded their lanai to allow them to BBQ and grill since he knew that was important to me. Once I made the decision, he found a lot that would put the lanai away from the sun and I could choose the elevation and colors that I wanted. Since then when I had a question he made sure to get me the answer. When it came to the design process, Sarah was a joy to work with and made picking all of the options fun. Part of the reason I am having a home built is that I prefer a more urban contemporary design than most 55+ people would want. Sarah was able to concentrate my choices on the options that would fit what I liked and make sure the colors worked together. She made sure to show me examples in the model homes if I was not sure if I wanted something or not. Also there were a couple things that she took the time to explain why I should select certain options. If you have a hard time making decisions, you could go into decision overload with all of the options. During my design visit, the golf pro arranged to give me a tour of the course, explaining how the hybrid course works and I played 8 holes before storms forced me back to the clubhouse. While hoping to wait out the storms, I had a chance to meet and talk with some residents and builders. They were all friendly helped reinforce my decision to move to Trilogy. When it comes to the build process, the project manager, Shaun, has contacted me to explain what will be happening during the build process and when I will need to visit. Sunday I received an email with a picture my lot preparing it for when the build permit was issued. Now comes the really hard part. Waiting for my home to be completed.

A REALLY nice community. Very well maintained and had all the amenities we were looking for! Sales person (Penny), was very helpful. The BIG problem, as my wife and I saw it is that you are FORCED into accepting a pre-determined "design package" that has absolutely no flexibility at all. The base package has Formica counter tops!!! You don't even get to choose a different color in the base carpet. Even if you "upgrade" from the base, you are locked-in to a specific counter top, floor tile, carpet and bathroom tile..........NO changes are allowed, and these "upgrades" are in the $20,000 - $30,000 range. Absolutely ridiculous. If you choose a home plan that is not part of the "Design JOY" package, you have a little more flexibility, but even with these homes (which per sq ft are SIGNIFICANTLY more in price), you only have a few choices in cabinets, NO choice in the granite, and only 2 choices in carpet. Trilogy is a VERY nice community. The people we met were extremely nice, the amenities are FIRST CLASS, but when you make the decision to "pull-up" and make a move the new home your going into should be EXACTLY the way you want it to be w/o having to pay a ridiculous price for very limited upgrade choices. Shea Homes needs to really re-look the way they are marketing these homes. The "Design JOY" homes are really a "Design BAD" offering. Really a shame, because the actual property, the amenities, and even the choice of floor plans are truly VERY NICE.

Took a visit last week and I came away extremely impressed, especially by the clubhouse. Really well done, nice restaurant and bar, personal wine lockers, and an area with comfy leather chairs in front of four big TVs where you can watch the game. I know that's where I'd be every weekend if I decide to buy here. There's also a nice spa and lounge area. The pool is pretty large and overlooks the pond, which is a nice touch. Didn't get to look around the model homes but from what I did see they look nice. Will definetly be keeping an eye on this one.

The neighborhood appears nice and from all that I could see will lead up to its reputation. If you are a new buyer, do your "due diligence." Know your contracts and perhaps take a realtor. Be very careful of the type contract you sign as there is no forgiveness or refunds. Make everything contingent on financing or a sale even if you actually have cash. You may think you can change it later but you can't. That will be your only way out. Lost 45K in this deal. The options can add up quickly. Get all costs that will added at closing so you will not be shocked. Realize the goal of the sales staff is to "sell." Sales staff are not your friends so don't be misled.