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Home Builders Upbeat About Market

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By LAURA KINSLER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 8, 2008

K-BAR RANCH - Even with the subprime mortgage crisis and record-high foreclosure rates, area builders have faith in New Tampa's new home market.

Construction is bustling in Easton Park, a 600-home community off Morris Bridge Road. M/I Homes is the lead developer, and it is building a community swimming pool and cabana. Tampa-based Mobley Homes also has dozens of houses completed in the neighborhood, and new builder Bering Homes has joined the project.

Bering president Chad O'Brien said the company purchased 16 lots in Easton Park and has an option to buy more. The new model home will open any day.

"We want to be known as an affordable, quality home builder," O'Brien said. "We take pride in customer service. We're targeting entry-level, first-time homebuyers. We consider Easton Park a move-up, second-house market, but it doesn't preclude the entry-level market."

Bering Homes was founded by Mark O'Brien, former chief executive officer of Pulte Homes and Jim Walter Homes. His son, Chad, said the company will offer five floor plans, each with three elevations.

On the opposite side of K-Bar Ranch, another community is showing signs of life. Mobley Homes is the lead developer for Bassett Creek, which is off Kinnan Street.

Vice president Marc Mobley said the company will open two models this month. The first closings also are set for this month. The 300-lot neighborhood has a few residents living in houses built by Taylor Woodrow Homes.

Taylor Woodrow, which merged last year with Morrison Homes, completed its Bassett Creek models in the fall. The company will open two models this month in nearby Grand Hampton, on County Line Road.

Taylor Woodrow has 30 lots in Grand Hampton's new Outpost Point neighborhood, situated between two new private parks. The cottage series is available on 50-foot lots. All feature large front porches and three-car garages at the rear of the house. Prices start at $290,000, and buyers can choose from several styles, including Key West, Craftsman, Colonial, Coastal and Greek Revival.

Taylor Woodrow's estate series homes are available on 70-foot lots. There are six floor plans to choose from and prices start at $330,000.

David Weekley Homes, which has been active in FishHawk Ranch and Mirabay, will build on 29 lots in Grand Hampton's Outpost Point. Prices start at $299,000 for the 50-foot lots and $312,000 for the larger lots.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.

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