Monday, July 20, 2009

There is some good news on the local real estate scene. Southern Development is enjoying record sales. To date, Southern Development, a Charlottesville builder and developer for 10 years, sold 40 properties and is projected to sell 76 homes by the end of the year. In fact, sales for 2009 will easily surpass those of 2008: All this in the teeth of one of the worst economies in years.

How is it that Frank Ballif's Southern Development, now the number two builder in the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors, continues to set new sales records? It all boils down to great locations, outstanding marketing, superior customer service and sharp price points. The firm is also beginning work in two new neighborhoods: Country Green Cottages and Laurel Park.

Celebrating 10 years in business, Ballif has made his mark in Charlottesville by building in prime locations. He has been a leader in the City of Charlottesville with neighborhoods like Brookwood, one of the best sellint new home construction neighborhoods in Charlottesville, where only 11 homes out of an original 94 are unsold.

Construction at Country Green will soon be underway with the first delivery anticipated for Fall 2009. Country Green will consist of 14 homes starting in the $280,000s. The single family detached homes are a refreshing Arts & Crafts style with 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths.

Some will have basements and some will have garages, said Sara Sechler, Sales & Marketing Manager at Southern Development.

The location is excellent. Country Green, located on Country Green Road near the I-64 exchange, is minutes from the Downtown Mall, the University of Virginia, and the UVA hospital.

Southern Development's newest town h0me community, Laurel Park, is located in Albemarle County near the heart of Hollymead Town Center. Dining and shopping are within walking distance. The community is less than a mile from the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport and a short drive to NGIC and the UVA North Fork Research Park, yet it's still just a short drive to Downtown Charlottesville.

A variety of floor plans are available at Laurel Park, which offers brick or hardiplank exteriors. Most units feature 3 bedrooms, with 2 1/2 baths and full, unfinished basements.

The first row of 8 Laurel Park town homes is now under construction, Sara remarked. There will ultimately be a total of 32 homes and the first should be ready for occupancy this fall.

The price points at Laurel Park begin in the $240,000 range. Great pricing combined with deliveries occuring before the November 30th tax deadline has been appealing to first time home buyers.

All of our current properties are priced below $300,000 and are attracting lots of first time homebuyers, Sara emphasized.

With great new communities like Country Green and Laurel Park, along with excellent price points, it's little wonder that Southern Development has prospered despite the economic turndown.

We're fortunate to have made some good decisions, Frank Ballif noted. We believe we have a great product, and some of the best locations.

To find out more about the new Southern Development communities, contact Sara Sechler at 434-245-0894. More information on Southern Development is available online at www.southern-development.com.
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