Why Choose Cottage Homesites in Wendell Falls, NC?

For buyers who want a new construction home in Wendell Falls without moving into one of the community’s larger or more expensive home collections, Cottage Homesites offers a more approachable option.

Cottage Homesites is the final phase of single-family homes planned within Wendell Falls. The neighborhood includes 121 homesites, each measuring 26 feet wide, with homes built by Garman Homes and Brookfield Residential.

With pricing expected to begin in the mid-$300,000s, the neighborhood is geared toward first-time homebuyers, downsizers and buyers who want a lower-maintenance home while still enjoying the lifestyle and amenities of Wendell Falls.

What Is Cottage Homesites?

Cottage Homesites is a collection of 121 single-family homesites located within the Wendell Falls master-planned community in Wendell, North Carolina.

All of the homesites are 26 feet wide, which allows the neighborhood to offer a more compact single-family housing option. These homes are designed for buyers who want the privacy and independence of a detached home without the larger lot, higher price point or additional upkeep that may come with some traditional single-family properties.

Because Cottage Homesites represents the community’s final phase of new homesites, it may also appeal to buyers who want to purchase new construction in a more established section of Wendell Falls.

Homes Built by Garman Homes and Brookfield Residential

Homes within Cottage Homesites will be built by Garman Homes and Brookfield Residential.

Having two builders gives buyers the opportunity to compare different floor plans, design styles, features and available options within the same neighborhood.

Garman Homes is known throughout the Triangle for creating homes with modern layouts, thoughtful details and distinctive design choices. Brookfield Residential is a national builder and developer offering homes designed around current buyer preferences and everyday functionality.

Floor plans, included features and upgrade options may differ between the two builders. Buyers should compare the full cost of each home rather than focusing only on the advertised starting price.

Items to compare may include:

• Base pricing

• Lot premiums

• Structural upgrades

• Design-center selections

• Appliances

• Flooring and countertops

• Closing-cost incentives

• Estimated completion dates

• Builder warranties

Understanding what is included from the beginning can help buyers avoid surprises later in the construction process.

Pricing From the Mid-$300,000s

One of the biggest reasons buyers may consider Cottage Homesites is the expected starting price.

Homes are priced from the mid-$300,000s, giving buyers a possible entry point into Wendell Falls that may be more attainable than some of the community’s larger single-family home collections.

The final purchase price will depend on several factors, including the builder, floor plan, homesite, upgrades and current incentives.

A home advertised in the mid-$300,000s may increase in price once structural options, design selections, lot premiums and other upgrades are included. Buyers should request a complete pricing breakdown before making a decision.

Even with those considerations, Cottage Homesites may provide an opportunity for buyers who want new construction and access to the Wendell Falls lifestyle without moving into a significantly higher price range.

A Strong Option for First-Time Buyers

Cottage Homesites is being geared toward first-time buyers who may want the benefits of owning a single-family home while keeping the purchase price and maintenance more manageable.

For many first-time buyers, new construction can be appealing because the major systems, appliances and finishes are new. Depending on the builder and the specific home, buyers may also receive warranty coverage that helps provide additional peace of mind during the first years of ownership.

A more compact home and lot can also mean less time spent on yardwork and exterior maintenance.

First-time buyers should still prepare for the full cost of ownership, including:

• Mortgage payments

• Property taxes

• Homeowners insurance

• HOA fees

• Utilities

• Lawn maintenance

• Builder upgrades

• Closing costs

The advertised home price is only one part of the monthly budget. Reviewing the complete financial picture is essential before signing a new construction contract.

An Appealing Choice for Downsizers

Cottage Homesites may also work well for buyers who are ready to downsize but do not want to give up the privacy of a detached home.

Some downsizers are moving from a larger property and want fewer rooms, a smaller yard and less maintenance. Others want to remain close to restaurants, walking trails, community amenities and everyday services without purchasing another large home.

The compact homesites may provide a balance between having your own home and reducing the amount of property that needs to be maintained.

Buyers who are downsizing should carefully review each floor plan to make sure it works for their daily routine. Important considerations may include:

• Main-level living

• Bedroom placement

• Stair use

• Storage space

• Laundry location

• Garage size

• Guest accommodations

• Outdoor space

A smaller home can feel comfortable and functional when the layout matches the way you actually live.

The Benefits of Living in Wendell Falls

Residents of Cottage Homesites will also have access to the broader lifestyle offered throughout Wendell Falls.

Wendell Falls is known for combining newer homes with community amenities, trails, parks, gathering spaces and convenient access to Treelight Square.

Treelight Square serves as the community’s town center, offering restaurants, coffee shops, groceries, healthcare, fitness and personal services close to home.

For buyers, this means Cottage Homesites is not simply a collection of smaller homes. It is part of a larger community where residents can enjoy recreational amenities, community events and everyday conveniences.

Depending on the location of a particular home, residents may be able to walk, bike or take a short drive to different parts of the community.

What Does a 26-Foot-Wide Homesite Mean?

Every homesite in the neighborhood is 26 feet wide.

That measurement refers to the width of the lot rather than the interior width of the home. The actual home size and layout will depend on the floor plan offered by the builder.

Narrower homesites allow builders to create detached homes in a more compact neighborhood design. Homes may be positioned closer together than those in other sections of Wendell Falls.

For some buyers, that is a worthwhile tradeoff for a lower starting price, less yardwork and access to a single-family home.

Other buyers may prefer a wider homesite, more space between neighboring homes or a larger backyard.

When touring the neighborhood, consider:

• The distance between homes

• Driveway and garage space

• Backyard size

• Window placement

• Privacy

• Guest parking

• Outdoor entertaining space

• The position of the home within the neighborhood

Looking at the actual homesite is just as important as reviewing the floor plan.

Advantages of Buying in the Final Phase

Because Cottage Homesites is the final phase of 121 single-family homesites, buyers may be purchasing within a community that already has established amenities, businesses and residential areas.

This can make it easier to understand what daily life in Wendell Falls feels like. Buyers can visit the community, drive through different sections, explore Treelight Square and see how the amenities are being used.

Purchasing during a final phase may also mean that buyers should pay close attention to availability. The most popular floor plans, homesites or price points may not remain available throughout the entire sales period.

Builder incentives can also change as the neighborhood progresses. An incentive available during one month may be reduced, replaced or removed later.

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing

Before purchasing a home in Cottage Homesites, buyers should ask:

1. Which floor plans are currently available?

2. What is included in the advertised base price?

3. Are there lot premiums?

4. Which structural upgrades are available?

5. How much should buyers budget for design selections?

6. Are any homes available for quicker move-in?

7. What builder incentives are currently being offered?

8. Can the incentive be used toward closing costs or an interest-rate buydown?

9. What are the HOA fees?

10. What does the HOA cover?

11. What amenities are included?

12. What warranties come with the home?

13. Where is the homesite located within Wendell Falls?

14. How close is the home to Treelight Square, parks, pools and trails?

15. Are additional apartments, commercial buildings or roads planned nearby?

These questions can help buyers compare the true cost and lifestyle of each available home.

Should You Use Your Own Real Estate Agent?

Buyers purchasing new construction can have their own real estate agent represent them.

The builder’s sales representative works for the builder. Your agent can help you compare builders, evaluate pricing, review incentives, understand the contract and keep track of important deadlines.

Your agent may also help you compare a new home in this neighborhood with resale homes and other new construction options throughout Wendell, Knightdale, Clayton and the surrounding Raleigh area.

It is important to involve your agent before visiting the builder or registering online. Builder policies regarding buyer representation can vary, and your agent may need to accompany you during your first visit.

Is Cottage Homesites Right for You?

Cottage Homesites may be a strong option for buyers who want a new single-family home, a more manageable homesite and access to the amenities of Wendell Falls.

The neighborhood may be especially appealing if you are:

• Purchasing your first home

• Downsizing from a larger property

• Looking for new construction from the mid-$300,000s

• Interested in a smaller yard

• Comparing Garman Homes and Brookfield Residential

• Looking for access to Wendell Falls amenities

• Interested in living close to Treelight Square

• Comfortable with homes positioned on narrower lots

The best way to determine whether this neighborhood fits your needs is to compare the available floor plans, walk the homesites and review the complete monthly cost.

A home may look affordable based on its starting price, but the right decision depends on the final price, builder incentives, HOA fees, taxes, upgrades and how well the floor plan supports your lifestyle.

For first-time buyers and downsizers who want a more attainable opportunity to live in Wendell Falls, Cottage Homesites may be worth exploring before the community’s final homesites are sold.

Brandy Nemergut, Realtor ~ eXp Realty Raleigh, NC
[email protected]
919-583-6895
LivingInRaleighNow.com