Why I Chose Summer Hill in Grand Junction

Why I Chose Summer Hill in Grand Junction For My New Home

For months I previewed homes in the Redlands and North Area.  I visited open houses and checked the MLS at least 6 times a day for new listings.  Eventually I found a home I liked and made an offer and then I was so relieved when I found out that the seller accepted another offer.  One Sunday I visited an open house and fell in love with the home.  The home had 3 outdoor patios, extensive landscaping and the owners were both Master Gardeners. I went home and I typed up an offer and emailed it to the listing agent.  Feeling satisfied I made the right decision, I went to bed.  At 11 pm I woke up panicked over my decision and  I tried reassuring myself that all would be okay.  I was thinking about the gorgeous landscape and how much of my time would be spent maintaining it.  That is not what I wanted to be doing! This happened all night long until at 5:30 am I went to the computer and sent the listing agent an email withdrawing my offer.  I couldn’t believe it, me, buyer’s remorse?  I’ve been a REALTOR® since 1984, and I can’t decide where I want to live!

One of my co-workers recommended I visit Summer Hill, but I brushed it off thinking that the lots were very small.  After all these months of looking, I decided to drive out to Summer Hill and preview a spec home.  The minute I drove into the community I was attracted to the area and what it had to offer.  I previewed the spec home and it was the perfect floor plan for what I wanted.  The interior finishes offered as standard were not the usual “builder grade”.  Every component was high quality with many extras included.  I decided to meet with Nate Porter of Porter Homes, the builder.

I already knew Nate Porter was one of the premier custom home builders in the Grand Valley area.  I had viewed many of his homes online and  at Parade of Homes events.  When I met with Nate I was impressed with his philosophy on the builder-customer relationship. Nate works by the saying, “Quality Without Compromise”.   Most importantly, I was impressed with what Nate offered in quality and design of a home at Summer Hill.  It would be a total custom home, meaning I could change any wall, enlarge, or re-configure any aspect of the house.  I would be given a budget for an agreed upon price for the home and from there it was up to me to stay within the budget or add extras of my choosing.  I met with Porter’s decorator, Sherry of Design Perspectives,  just to see what type of finishes I could have.  I found gorgeous tile, quality hardwood flooring and plush carpeting. I looked at granite counter tops choices and decided to move forward with designing my new home….and no buyer’s remorse!

Within a few weeks of signing the contract I had 90% of my finishes selected.  Several times a week I would drive out to see my home coming together.  Porter Homes has an online software called Co-Construct that keeps me informed of every task.  I can see the dates that certain items have to be ordered by and then I make sure I have made those selections.  Rod Porter, Nate Porter’s dad is the project foreman and he uploads photos of the construction milestones.  Through the software I could ask and answer questions. Rod oversee every aspect of my home and frequently called me to come by and give my approval.

Summer Hill homes are Energy Star Rated, 2×6 construction, and stucco/stone exteriors.  The ceilings and walls are hand textured and all homes are pre-wired for sound and security.  A custom fireplace in the great room, keyless garage entry, tankless hot water system and a large rear covered patio for entertaining are just some of the features.

The lot I chose faces east and has a beautiful front courtyard where I can sit and enjoy views of the open space, a pond, and the Bookcliff Mountains.

The Summer Hill community is located in the popular “North” area of Grand Junction and there is nearly 20 acres of open space. An extensive network of walking trails along natural drainages offers residents a great way to exercise and enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty of the neighborhood. A newly built gazebo is a gathering spot for residents on Monday evenings in the summer months.  Residents will bring a snack, or a bottle of wine to enjoy with the conversation and evening.

Summer Hill embraces the “Lock and Leave” lifestyle and has an HOA that maintains all the front yards, landscaping and snow removal on sidewalks is included.  Because homes in a lock and leave neighborhood foster a sense of community, the homes have been very popular with  retirees.

I moved into my new home the end of February and I LOVE IT!

Disclaimer:   I am not the listing agent for the new homes being built by Porter Homes.