Building a custom home starts long before the foundation is poured; it begins with securing the perfect piece of property. Finding the right lot is a critical step that can significantly impact your budget, design options, and overall timeline. Many prospective buyers wonder whether they should purchase land first or find a builder before beginning their search.
As a trusted custom home builder with offices in Port Orange and Orlando, Newberry Homes offers a unique advantage. We operate as both a real estate firm and a construction company under one roof, providing expert guidance from the initial land search to the final walkthrough. Whether you are looking for a lot in Spruce Creek Fly-In, a buildable parcel in Apopka, or an infill opportunity in Winter Park, our integrated approach saves you time, money, and stress.
Should You Buy Land Before Hiring a Builder?
The most common approach is for clients to purchase their land first and then begin the search for a custom home builder. However, this method can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. A beautiful lot might have hidden issues, such as extensive wetlands, restrictive zoning laws, or poor soil conditions that require costly site preparation.
This is why partnering with a design-build firm early in the process is highly beneficial. If you know you want to build a custom home but have not yet secured a property, our in-house real estate division can find the land for you. Because we have construction experts on the team, we evaluate potential lots through a builder’s lens before you make an offer, whether the property is in Volusia County or the Orlando metro.
The Advantage of In-House Real Estate and Construction
Having real estate and construction expertise integrated into one team saves clients significant time and money. Lisa Foor, a real estate expert at Newberry Homes, has access to all the market listings and off-market opportunities across Central Florida. When a promising lot is identified, Chad and Mike Newberry can immediately visit the site to assess its viability for your dream home.
We evaluate critical factors such as flood zones, utility access, setback requirements, and environmental constraints. This deep dive ensures that the land is the right fit for the specific style of home you wish to build. In Spruce Creek Fly-In, for example, we assess taxiway access and hangar placement. In Windermere or Winter Park, we evaluate tree preservation ordinances and HOA architectural guidelines. In Port Orange or New Smyrna Beach, we consider coastal resilience requirements and FEMA flood zone classifications.
Finding Land Across Central Florida
Our service area spans two distinct markets, each with unique opportunities for custom home buyers. In the Orlando metro, neighborhoods like College Park offer infill lots and tear-down opportunities on established streets. Apopka and Heathrow provide larger parcels with more privacy. Windermere attracts buyers seeking lakefront properties with expansive views.
Along the coast, Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach offer waterfront and near-beach lots ideal for modern coastal designs. Ponce Inlet provides exclusive, low-density living. And Spruce Creek Fly-In remains one of the most unique residential aviation communities in the country, where we specialize in designing homes with integrated hangars and taxiway access.
Evaluating Land for Major Renovations
Sometimes, the best piece of land already has a house on it. In highly sought-after areas where vacant lots are scarce, purchasing an older property for a tear-down or a massive renovation is a popular strategy.
If you choose to renovate, Newberry Homes specializes in extensive, whole-home transformations. We do not perform standalone kitchen remodels or isolated bathroom updates. Instead, we execute complete gut renovations where the entire floor plan is reimagined. In these large-scale projects, the primary suite, bathrooms, and a fully custom kitchen are redesigned cohesively to elevate the existing structure to the standard of a new luxury build.
Secure Your Perfect Lot Today
Do not navigate the complexities of purchasing land alone. By leveraging a team that understands both real estate acquisition and luxury construction across all of Central Florida, you ensure that your custom home journey starts on solid ground.
FAQ
Does Newberry Homes charge for land evaluation?
No. As part of our consultation process, we evaluate potential lots at no cost to help you understand the feasibility, costs, and design possibilities before you commit to a purchase.
What areas does Newberry Homes serve?
We serve all of Central Florida from our offices in Port Orange and Orlando. Our primary markets include College Park, Winter Park, Windermere, Apopka, Heathrow, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Ponce Inlet, and Spruce Creek Fly-In.
Contact Newberry Homes today to schedule a free consultation. Let our expert real estate and construction team help you find the perfect lot and build your dream home. We serve Spruce Creek Fly-In, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, College Park, Winter Park, Windermere, Apopka, Heathrow, and all of Central Florida.