Real Estate Scorecard chats with Dave about Brunswick Forest

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By Margie Casey

If you’re one of the 76 million Baby Boomers approaching retirement, it’s likely the happiest time of your life. After working hard and diligently saving, for many, now’s the time to cash in the rewards and what better place than in one of the North Carolina’s most beautiful coastal areas. Wilmington is found in a string of barrier islands connected by the famous Cape Fear River. Boomers love Wilmington because it’s not too far from family and friends in the northeast, the region rarely experiences snow and it boasts over 200 days of beautiful sunshine.

When folks first dabble into exploring Wilmington NC real estate for retirement, it’s natural to start by exploring communities who were built in the early 1980’s. Amenities are in and the curb appeal is apparent. Yet for some, the downside to living in older communities is the awareness that resale homes are often outdated and homesites to build a new home don’t exist. Older homes built in the 1980’s and 90’s are typically smaller, have low ceilings, smaller bathrooms, short doors, and limited glass. These type of renovations are costly which makes building a new home far more attractive.

We had the opportunity to chat with one of the most respected custom home builders in Wilmington NC, Dave Spetrino of Plantation Building Corp, a company established in 1997 who agreed with us that building a new home will make you happier in the long run for many reasons.  According to Spetrino “products and trends are constantly evolving, colors and features come and go – but a good design is timeless”. This is why they’ve become “obsessed with design and approach”.

Plantation Building Corp is one of Brunswick Forest’s preferred custom home builders who builds about a dozen homes in Brunswick Forest every year, as well 30 or so in 18 other communities in one of the best coastal towns in North Carolina. Their homes have spacious open floor plans, lots of windows to capture the outdoor beauty and their homes are technologically brilliant. They’ve won dozens of home building awards. Before they ever put a pencil to paper, they spend 2-3 months getting to know the client and their retirement lifestyle. Do they cook and entertain? Are they gardeners? How large is their family that will visit during the holidays? Do they need a split floor plan or bedrooms upstairs? Do they need a workshop, mud room or office?

Some interesting stats about Plantation Building Corp clients:

• 63% are empty nesters
• 56% live out of the area during the home building process
• 27% choose 3 car garages
• 17% build swimming pools
• 16% choose waterfront

Spetrino describes the typical Brunswick Forest buyer as “middle to upper class clientele, educated, have strong marriages and are financially sound. As buyers who have been sacrificing and saving and are now their willing to splurge on themselves. They want the upgraded appliances, modern fixtures and accessories.” This is why Plantation Building Corp has clients pick their appliances and fixtures first so they have an idea of the level of quality the client desires in their home. From start to finish, clients will be happy to know the entire process to take less than 12 months. The best statistic of all, they’ve achieved 100% satisfaction! Take a peek at what clients have to say about them:

Plantation Building Corp Testimonials

The Cate Greene is Plantation Building Corp’s most popular model. This beauty is like no other home in Brunswick Forest. Situated perfectly on the 11th tee of the Cape Fear National Golf Course, the home was designed to capture sunsets and golf games with floor to ceiling windows across the back. It won BEST DESIGN MASTER BATH overall and the SILVER award in the 2016 Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association Parade of Homes. Be sure to tour the Cate Greene model when you visit Brunswick Forest located in one of the best coastal towns in North Carolina.

Plantation Building Corp has found over the years people typically spend $75,000-$90,000 more on building a new home versus purchasing a resale. The reward; the home is more energy efficient, it’s tailored to their interests, has a more functional floor plan and is built with lower maintenance materials. Spetrino admits “building is rarely the less expensive option but the benefits of new construction is the long term savings from utility costs and deferred maintenance that will ultimately by on the horizon”. We agree, new construction doesn’t provide an immediate benefit but it does provide immediate happiness from having something perfectly designed and built for you. We love the fact that their custom home building team takes the time to study the homesite selection to maximize the sunrise, sunset and vista views common at Brunswick Forest. It’s a photographers dream.

Since 2005, Brunswick Forest has welcomed over 1,800 families. It’s conveniently located, has incredible curb appeal, optional golf at their own Cape Fear National golf course and they are constantly adding new amenities such as swimming pools as the community continues to grow. Amenities currently include:

• 18 Hole Championship Golf Course designed by NC native Tim Cate
• Golf Clubhouse with restaurant and bar
• 18,000 Square Foot Fitness & Wellness Center with lounge
• Indoor and Outdoor Swimming Pools
• 5 Hard Surface Tennis Courts and a Sport Court
• 6 Hard Surface Pickleball Courts
• Community Parks and Gardens
• 100+ Miles of Walking, Biking and Nature Trails
• Canoe, Kayak and Small Boat Launch

We also like the fact that Brunswick Forest is a walkable and bicycle friendly community. You can leave the car at home. The Villages at Brunswick Forest is the community’s 500,000 square feet town square with a grocery store, restaurant and pizzeria, a famous coffee shop, banks and medical practices.

Spetrino loves building at Brunswick Forest. “The greatest people I’ve ever worked with live in Brunswick Forest. A true sense of community, not just an anomaly.”

If you’re considering Wilmington NC real estate for retirement, call Brunswick Forest now at 877-588-4313 to schedule a tour.