Recently I wrote about Anthem homes building 4 single family homes on slabs in the mid $300′s and 4 garden style attached homes on slabs in the high $200′s in Crabapple Crossing. All these floorplans are in the 2800 – 3000 sq. ft. range Not only is it good news for Crabapple but it’s no surprise. Crabapple is a great walkable community and while shops are somewhat limited right now I’m sure they are not far away. Additionally the restaurants in Crabapple are a big draw for the community and Milton area as a whole.

I think those people who bought (or buy) the remaining distressed properties there will end up doing very well. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say the buyers who purchase new construction in there now will end up doing well down the road too. Crabapple is the best option in North Fulton for a “Virginia Highlands Like” lifestyle in homes that are modest in size with very nice finishings.

Breaking Ground in Braeburn

Now John Wieland is breaking ground on three lots in Braeburn – this is the community behind Crabapple Crossroads that has the developed lots but has been sitting vacant for a couple of years. Originally they were going to build 45 homes in the 4500-4800 sq. ft. range in the high $600′s on 1 acre lots. The have re-configured the interior lots and will now build 52 homes in the 3000-3800 sq. ft. range. The lot sizes will range from .75 acres to 1 acre and the prices will range from the high $400′s for homes on slabs to the high $500′s / low $600′s for basement homes.

The home styles will be similar in style to Crabapple Crossroads and come with granite counters, tile in master bath (not secondary baths), hardwoods on main (not bedrooms), tall windows, transoms and mixed material exteriors (stone, brick, cedar shake and hardy-plank siding) and front porches.

Does Wieland know something we don’t?

Based on inventory and Anthem’s price point I have to admit, a 4/5 bedroom on a slab in the high $400′s seems like it’s pushing the envelope on price – although they do come with 3-car garages. I know Wieland has a very good product and is a long-standing, well respected builder in Atlanta. He is offering a 5yr / 20yr warranty and the community will have their own amenities (which will probably be in place before the homeowners in Crabapple Crossroads ever see their amenities).

I’m not sure that the market will bear the price quite yet though – but maybe they know something I don’t. Especially when Sharp Residential just went into Milton Place and is building in the high $300′s / low $400′s for a very similar product. Granted, you won’t be walking to shops and restaurants from Milton Place, Braeburn is in a stellar location, but – it’s a very competitive product. I hope Wieland gets what they want, I know they have sold one already and are working on another, but it may take some time.