Homestead Design, Inc., Essex, Vermont
 
HDI's new Heatherfield Townhomes, Chimney Corners, Colchester, Vermont feature comfort, convenience, security, and a terrific four season Vermont lifestyle
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   HEATHERFIELD Frequently Asked Questions
Heatherfield Frequently Asked Questions

How many Townhomes are you building?

Is there any other housing being built on this site?
Which buildings and townhomes are you going to build when?
What do I have to do to secure a townhome?
Can I reserve a townhome in a later building?
What do you estimate taxes to be?
How much are the association fees?
What are the differences between Series I and Series II designs?
What is standard and what is an upgrade in the models?
Do you offer any options?
Can I choose options that you do not offer?
Can I make modifications to the floor plan?
Can I do any work on my own in the townhome while it is under construction?
Why is the hot water heater rented?

Why do buildings G and B have sprinklers in the homes?

Why did you add soffits in the ceilings of the Master Bedrooms and Guest Bedrooms?
Who controls the association?
Is there a bicycle or recreation path nearby?
Do you have any information concerning the South Burlington school system?
Any information on the City of South Burlington?
What is the relationship between Homestead Design, Inc. and HDI Real Estate?
Is there any warranty on our new townhome?

What if I have a house to sell?
What is the relationship between Heatherfield and the Vermont National Country Club?
How do I know my new home will be in new condition before I actually close?

Can I move any items into the home before I close?

 

How many Townhomes are you building?

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Homestead Design is building 89 townhomes at Heatherfield and Spear Hollow.

Is there any other housing being built on this site?

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There is some available land behind the Faith United Methodist Church, that may have homes on it some day, accessed off of Songbird Road.  It will not be part of the Heatherfield Homeowners Association.


Which buildings and townhomes are you going to build when?
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The following is a tentative schedule of order of construction. It can and probably will change. There is currently no time frame set for the construction of these buildings. Please check the price sheet in the marketing packet for which townhomes are currently for sale and when they are scheduled for completion. Homestead Design, Inc. is making no representations as to townhome design or time frames by offering this schedule. It is in estimated exhibit only.

Order
1. Building O      7. Building M    13. Building E     19. Building S
2. Building N      8. Building Q    14. Building F     20. Building X
3. Building L      9. Building I     15. Building G     21. Building T
4. Building K    10. Building R    16. Building B     22. Building W
5. Building P    11. Building H    17. Building C     23. Building U
6. Building J     12. Building A   18. Building D     24. Building V

What do I have to do to secure a townhome?
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Please read the contract that we include in our marketing packet. The details of the purchase and sale process are there. Generally: The initial deposit is $10,000. This money is non-refundable except in the event that Homestead Design defaults or cannot provide you with a clear title to the property or the property is destroyed, as in a fire, and you decide to void the sale. There is an additional non-refundable deposit due of 50% of any options that you choose. For example, if you opt for an option and the price is $5,000 there would be an additional non-refundable deposit due of $2,500. All deposit monies are applied to purchase price or returned at closing, depending on financing.  

Can I reserve a townhome in a later building?
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We do not take reservations on later buildings but as a courtesy we would be happy to place you on our "To Be Notified" list for any building. We will contact you with pricing and availability when a particular building becomes available for sale. There is no cost or obligation involved.

What do you estimate taxes to be?
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Based on discussions with the City of South Burlington Tax Department, the formula for determining the property taxes at Heatherfield is the following: Purchase Price  ___/ 100 x $1.7051 (2007-2008 tax rate) = estimated 2007-2008 taxes. Therefore, a home with a value of $350,000 would have annual property taxes of $5,970. We strongly recommend that any prospective buyer contact the South Burlington tax department at 802-846-4109 for more information.

How much are the association fees?
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The current monthly association fee payable to Heatherfield Owner's Association, Inc. is estimated to be $219 for a Series I home and $215 for a Series II home.  Series I dues are higher due to the fact that buildings B and G are equipped with sprinkler systems. This fee includes:

1. The removal of trash and recyclables

2. Hazard insurance on the condominium

3. Exterior maintenance

4. Snow removal from driveways and walkways

5. Lawn mowing and landscaping maintenance (excluding the maintenance of plantings installed by Buyer)

6. Maintenance of the storm water run-off system.

There is an additional charge of $9.00 per month for insurance for sunrooms. The amount of $200 shall also be due from each Buyer at closing and shall go towards the cash reserve fund only. This amount is not an association dues payment.

What are the differences between the Series I and Series II designs?
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Series I               

-Eight foot ceilings on first floor     

-Formica Kitchen countertops with wood edge     

-Carpet as standard in 1st Floor living/dining area

-In Master Bath, shower and/or tub with fiberglass surround   

-Arched entry             

-Whirlpool side by side refrigerator

-Central air conditioning as standard

Series II

-Nine foot ceilings on first floor

-Corian or granite Kitchen countertops

-Oak Hardwood flooring in 1st Floor living/dining area

-In Master Bath, shower with tile surround and jetted tub with tiled deck

-Arched entry with trim and lit niche

-Whirlpool "French door" refrigerator with bottom freezer

-Central air conditioning as standard


What is standard and what is an upgrade in the models?
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There are sheets specifically outlining what the upgrades are in each model.

Do you offer any options?
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Yes. we have information on all the options we offer and the prices. Only options offered by Homestead Design will be allowed.

Can I choose options that you do not offer?
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Only options offered by Seller will be allowed. Homestead Design is pleased to offer our Heatherfield customers a wide range of options which allow you to customize your new home according to your tastes and preferences. We have selected a far ranging array of choices which still allow us to meet scheduling and marketing requirements.

Can I make modifications to the floorplan?

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Unfortunately, modifications to the floor plans will not be allowed. Scheduling, among a myriad of reasons, ranks high as to why it is not permitted.

Can I do any work on my own in the townhome while it is under construction?
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Custom interior work may be done after the closing. No such work will be permitted prior to closing. Exterior modifications must receive design approval from the Heatherfield Owner's Association.

Why is the hot water heater rented?
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The domestic hot waters are extremely efficient and therefore costly. By renting from Vermont Gas, if there is a problem with them, they will be repaired or replaced by Vermont Gas. The rental fee ranges from $22 to $32 per month, depending on the home design and series.  The tanks are initially leased for a three year period and can be upgraded at any time during this period. The homeowner will not have the option of replacing the water heater with one from an outside vendor and having Vermont Gas take back the leased tank/heater until the three year commitment is fulfilled.

Why do buildings G and B have sprinklers in the homes?

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It has to do with the entry road (Hermit Thrush Lane) and fire trucks.  The other entry roads at Heatherfield have either a turn around area that will accommodate a fire truck or are on a cul-de-sac.  Because these buildings will be equipped with sprinkler systems, the base monthly association fee will be $219.  Townhomes #32 in Building G and #33 in Building B will have a sprinkler room attached to them that will only be accessible from the outside.  Please see the sales associate for more information on the location of this room.

Why did you add soffits in the ceilings of the Master Bedrooms and Guest Bedrooms?

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The model homes do not show this feature. This change was required to meet the increased efficiency requirements of the Energy Star/Efficiency Vermont building program and have now been incorporated on all Series 1 & Series 2 homes.  The heating system needed to be pulled in to the 'thermal envelope' of the building to achieve a thermal seal.  This change is a benefit to our homeowners in terms of energy efficiency and was carefully designed by the architect, heating contractor and consultants from Efficiency Vermont.

Who controls the Association?
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Homestead Design, Inc. controls the association at this time and will throughout most of the building phase. There is a legal process to turn over an association that includes contacting homeowners about a willingness to serve on the board as elected interim directors. Homestead then schedules a series of meetings with the interim board of directors to explain the association, its responsibilities, and the turnover of the association to the homeowners. Homestead Design has been through this process many times before.

Is there a bicycle or recreation path nearby?
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Yes, there is a paved recreation path connecting Heatherfield to the South Burlington recreation path system. For more details see the City of South Burlington Recreation Department web site at http://www.south-burlington.com/recdept/rec_path.htm or you can call them at 802-846-4108.

Do you have any information concerning the South Burlington school system?
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The internet is a great source of information on schools. The South Burlington school district has its own web site at http://www.sbschools.net. Another great independent site is Great Schools. Their web address is http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/vt/93/improve. You can also call the South Burlington school district at 802-652-7273.

Any information on the City of South Burlington?
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South Burlington is the 5th largest community in the state with a population of 15,814. The following web sites provide some great info on the city: http://www.south-burlington.com/, http://www.virtualvermont.com/towns/southburlington.html.

What is the relationship between Homestead Design, Inc. and HDI Real Estate?

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HDI Real Estate is the marketing arm of Homestead Design, Inc. HDI Real Estate sells only Homestead Design, Inc. homes. Agents of Homestead Design and HDI Real Estate represent the interests of the Seller only.

Is there any warranty on our new townhome?
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Yes, there is a warranty on your new home. You will receive a detailed copy in your new home packet but the basics are as follows: Homestead Design, Inc. covers for one year problems with excavating and backfilling, site drainage, leaks in basement or roof, foundation walls, basement floors, garage floors, interior floors, interior walls, interior trim, exterior siding, exterior trim, roof, doors, windows, cabinets, countertops, plumbing, heating, water, septic, appliances, fireplace, electrical. Please see and be sure to thoroughly review the actual warranty for more detail.

What If I have a house to sell?
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Homestead Design will not hold a Heatherfield Townhome off the market while you attempt to sell a home. If you have a home to sell, we would be happy to recommend a number of qualified area real estate brokers that could assist you.

What is the relationship between Heatherfield and the Vermont National Country Club?
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Vermont National Country Club is offering a Free Social Membership to Heatherfield homeowners. When you purchase at Heatherfield, Vermont National Country Club will waive the $2,700 social membership initiation fee. You are still responsible for the annual dues. This initiation fee may be applied to a full golf membership as well. Social Membership includes:

  • Use of the tennis, swimming pool and clubhouse facilities
  • Participation in "members only" tennis, swimming and social events
  • Up to six rounds of golf at the member/guest rate
  • Limited use of the practice facilities - driving range, pitching and putting greens

How do I know my new townhome will be totally finished before I actually close?
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A week before your closing you will have a "walk-through" with Homestead's customer service representative. He will explain many of the features of your new home with you and together inspect the home for items that may have been missed during the final clean up. This one week period gives Homestead time to take care of most punch list items before closing.

Can I move any items into the home before I close?

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Absolutely no items may be moved into any portion of the home, including the garage, before closing.  No exceptions will be considered.

 

Information contained herein is believed to be accurate but is not warranted.

      Contact: Ron Bouchard, Director of Sales, (802) 878-3303 ext.208    email: ron@homestead-design.com