Next to location, lifestyle is an important consideration when choosing a community in which to live. Brand new communities have the advantage of being designed for a specific lifestyle.
Starward Homes offers the freedom of a “lock and go” maintenance-free lifestyle for empty nesters and retirees who want to travel south or go to the cottage, says Lucy Poirier of Starward Homes. Proximity to schools and parks will be a priority for families with children who will be attracted to a more family-oriented Starward Homes neighbourhood.
With the community selected, it’s time to tour the model homes and get a feel for the builder’s designs and workmanship. Starward offers a variety of floor plans and design options that will again reflect your lifestyle. This is not the time to make a decision, it’s a chance to absorb the possibilities and have some initial questions answered.
“Coming for your first visit, you are just absorbing the cosmetic part of it,” explains Poirier. She invites potential homebuyers to “assess the model home and look at the quality we put into it.”
When the home has passed that first test, the prospective buyer will come back and look at floor plans. It’s at this stage that the expertise of Starward Homes staff can help guide choices around lifestyle, the way the home will be used and by whom.
“At Starward we want to make things helpful for you and answer all of your questions,” explains Poirier. “Buying a home is such a huge investment you don’t want to make a mistake.”
To avoid any mistakes, the third visit will involve a Starward Homes process called the “value list”, according to Poirier. The value list is process that “reconfirms and validates your decisions.”
Mike Woodridge and Janet Cook currently own a Starward Homes home and are set to move into another one in Garth Trails, an active adult lifestyle community.
“We know the quality and that is a really big thing… This will be the last home that we build,” says Woodridge. He and his wife are impressed by the “wonderful community centre” within Garth Trails. The luxury 14,000 clubhouse features a pool, workout room, billiard room and a grand ballroom.
Anticipating a move to Garth Trails, the couple like what they see when the drive around the community. They’ve seen smiling faces and residents involved in activities like bocce ball and tennis. The community itself boasts walking trails, a natural pond, putting green and a gazebo.
“I want to meet my neighbours, I want to be part of the community and I want to get settled,” says Cook. “We’re buying a new lifestyle and I’m really looking forward to it,” Woodridge admits.
To find out more about Garth Trails and the other Starward Homes communities, go to the website at
www.starwardhomes.com.
