House Hunters

The discerning home shopper arguably has an advantage in the current buyer’s market compared with conditions during the 2000s housing boom.

For instance, consider what is happening with home extras. People typically want special features but don’t want to fork over a lot of money. A few years ago homebuyers may have had to up their payments, or settle for fewer options.

But in places such as the Lennar-built homes at Hunters Bend, purchasers can pick up stylish touches and still keep their costs down.

The builder includes maple cabinets, hardwood foyers, separate tubs and showers in master bedrooms, closet shelves and brushed nickel faucets as standard attractions. So are two-car garages and a patio or lanai. There’s a substantial landscaping package, too. “We give you more than a few shrubs,” says Ann Ivey, the local director of sales at Lennar. Yet the total bill is from $139,990 to $181,990.

“We have a lot of features here that are options in other communities,” Ivey says.

The builder offers 31 three-to-four bedroom homes at Hunters Bend sized from 1,283 to 2,113 square feet. The half dozen floor plans are the Camillia, Indigo, Hawthorne, Cypress, Hartford and Linden. Ranch and two-story choices come with two to five “elevations,” or looks – such as brick, stone or vinyl-shake accents.

Some plans showcase vaulted or nine-foot first floor ceilings, tray ceilings in the master bedrooms, recessed lighting and bonus rooms.

The sales model is the 1,774-square-foot Hawthorne, priced at $164,990. Black-on-black kitchen appliances include a smooth-top stove with self-cleaning oven, space-saver microwave, multicycle dishwasher and refrigerator.

The community off College Park Road is centrally situated, not far from Interstate 26 and within walking distance of new Berkeley County schools.

“It’s convenient to downtown Summerville, I-26,” Ivey says. The neighborhood eventually will get a second entrance, she says.

Hunters Bend has 100 homes total, including houses constructed by other builders.

Purchasers of the Lennar homes benefit in two ways, she says. They get well-endowed houses at comparatively moderate prices and community amenities such as a swimming pool and ponds.

“Price, location, features in the house, value. You get a lot of options without paying for them,” Ivey says.

Lennar believes its strategy to deliver value properties with a healthy dose of perks has been paying off at Hunters Bend, which has seen a variety of purchasers.

“We have all sorts of folks: first-time homebuyer, empty nester, families with children. It’s really a wide mix,” Ivey says.

At least for now, the company is offering incentives up to $5,000 off the closing cost, she says.

The sales uptick at Hunters Bend is just one sign that the local economy is recovering, Ivey says.

“I believe in the Charleston market,” she says, noting that steady sales should continue locally even without the up to $8,000 federal tax credits offered through the end of April. “People want the American dream.”

To locate the Lennar homes at Hunters Bend, go west on Interstate 26 to exit 199-B, which is U.S. Highway 17A toward Moncks Corner. Travel two miles and turn right on Royle Road. After a mile, take a left on Discovery Drive. Follow Discovery to the last street on the right. The Welcome Center is on the left corner. An alternate route is to take exit 203, which is College Park Road. Turn left at the traffic left, right at the stop sign and right on Discovery.

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com

Neighborhood: Hunters Bend (Lennar)

Location: Berkeley County

Phone: (843) 821-3456

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Friday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday

Website: www.lennar.com