John and Jean Parziale were looking for a ranch that better suited their lifestyle. They were worried, however, that finding the new single-level home of their dreams, as well as finding a buyer for their older two-story abode in Aurora, would be difficult. But Ryland Homes solved both challenges and saved them a substantial amount on the selling agent commissions, too.
“We had put our Aurora home on the market earlier last year, but took it off after seven months,” said Jean. “We did everything possible, including lowering the price, but no homes for sale in our neighborhood seemed to be attracting buyers.”
Discouraged but not ready to give up, the Parziales focused on shopping around for new construction—particularly a new ranch that provided fewer stairs and single-level convenience. Their search eventually brought them to Blackberry Crossing, Ryland Homes’ community of single-family residences in Montgomery, last November. There, they were impressed by the Aspen ranch, a three-bedroom, two-bath design with 1,854 square feet.
“Not only did they have a great home we really liked, but Ryland told us about an exciting program they had in place to help buyers with an existing home to sell, like us,” said John.
Here’s how the program works: Ryland assigns a designated Realtor liaison to try to sell the customer’s existing home. If and when the home sells, however, instead of paying the typical 6 percent agent commission rate, the customer essentially pays only 2 percent after discounts and refunds are applied following closing.
“They were able to find a buyer within only a few weeks of us signing up for the program,” said Jean. “Plus, we probably saved about $4,000 or so in commission fees by participating. It’s an outstanding program that worked out great and benefited us on both fronts—unloading our older home and saving a few extra dollars, too. It really made the whole process a lot simpler.”
With their Aurora home sold by the end of 2009, the couple was able to have Ryland start construction on their Aspen, which they moved into last May.
“Ryland was excellent to work with through the entire process, and we can’t say enough about their staff,” said John. “They truly went beyond the call of duty in selling our old home and completing our new home to our specifications.”
Ryland’s program is available at any of its new home communities and is open to any buyer—with some restrictions—who has a home to sell that is not currently on the market, said Saylor Stam, vice president of sales and marketing, Ryland Homes Chicago Division.
“This has been a very successful program for us and our customers over the last couple of years,” said Stam. “So many prospective buyers have the worry of trying to first sell their existing home, so being able to help them find a buyer and pay less in commissions is a win-win for everybody involved.”
Blackberry Crossing features 10 different generously appointed floorplans—nine 2-story styles and one ranch—each offering a wealth of amenities, including: three to four bedrooms; two to two-and-a-half baths; two- to three-car garages; partial basement; living room, dining room and/or great room (per plan); well-equipped kitchen with Aristokraft cabinets and GE appliances; first-floor study (per plan); rear deck; 1,572 to 3,109 square feet; and a generously sized home site (starting at 10,000 square feet). Base prices range from $182,990 to $247,990 (all prices subject to change without notice).
Buyers can currently take advantage of $15,000 off the base price of any to-be-built home at Blackberry Crossing, for a limited time only.
Shoppers who would rather move in sooner can now select from three early delivery residences ready to be claimed:
• Two Bradbury homes, at 2327 Thunder Gulch Rd. and at 2331 Thunder Gulch Rd. Each is available for September occupancy and both offer three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, two-car garage, 1,572 square feet, full basement, nine-foot ceilings on the first-floor and upgraded kitchen cabinets. The former is priced at $182,361 and the latter is priced at $178,418.
• A Brentwood, located at 2335 Thunder Gulch Rd., with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, two-car garage, full basement, standing shower and double bowl vanity in the master bath, 42-inch maple kitchen cabinets, hardwood floors and 1,748 square feet—priced at $193,026 and ready for September move in.
In addition to no SSA fees, Blackberry Crossing residents enjoy convenient access to I-88, 17 acres of park sites, more than four miles of bike trails, three natural wetlands, and close proximity to a variety of nearby attractions, such as a 10-screen movie theater, new public library, Wal-Mart, restaurants like TGIF and the Olive Garden. Additionally, parents can send their children to acclaimed Yorkville district no. 115 schools.
Hours at Blackberry Crossing are Mondays from 1 to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays through Fridays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To reach the sales center and tour the two furnished models on display, take I-88 west and exit at Orchard Road; head south 5 miles to Rt. 30; proceed west to Gordon Road; head south to Secretariat Lane; make a left and drive to Gaylord Lane; turn left and proceed to the two models on the corner. For further information, call (630) 897-3800.
Visit RylandChicago.com to learn more about any Ryland Homes communities in the Chicagoland area, including:
Single-family communities
• Beacon Pointe in Hoffman Estates — from $329,990
• Blackberry Crossing West in Montgomery — Landmark Series from $182,990; Premier Series from $227,990
• Bryn Mawr in Crystal Lake — from $249,990
• Gilberts Town Center in Gilberts — from $224,990
• Lancaster Falls in Volo — Landmark Series from $189,990; Premier Series from $251,990
• Talamore in Huntley — Landmark Series from $224,990 Hartford Series from $279,990
• Tuscan Woods in Elgin — from $269,990
Townhome communities
• Cedar Grove Townhomes in Elgin — urban-style rowhomes from $199,990
• Gilberts Town Center in Gilberts — urban-style rowhomes from $179,990
• Emerald Bay Townhomes in Round Lake — classic townhomes from $144,990
• Lakewood Springs Townhomes in Plano — classic townhomes from $129,990
• Talamore Townhomes in Huntley — classic townhomes from $139,990
• Patriot Place Townhomes in Bolingbrook — villas from $239,990
