Like one of its street names suggests, Magnolia Creek is proving to be the charming Little Gem of Ooltewah.
"These aren't just off-the-shelf plans. It's what people want today," said listing agent Becky Cope English of Re/Max Renaissance Realtors.
The 50-lot development, less than 1 mile from Exit 11, has seven bungalow homes completed and English said Waters-Holland Residential Builders aims to please as they finish each home and begin new ones.
"They're young and they're hungry for ideas," she said. "They actually want to be involved with the buyer to make it different so it's not cookie-cutter." She estimated that a cellulose insulation upgrade, for example, requested by a homebuyer, would shave $20 or $30 per month off an electric bill.
"Buyers are so much savvier," she said. "They don't make rash decisions.
They look at everything and they buy the best." She said her customers appreciate the closet space, the open living space, and the quality construction, which includes thick granite, nail-down hardwood, and no vinyl to be found on the exterior.
"The little bit of extras that are spent are being noticed in comparison with other homes," she said.
Buyers of homes in progress work with the decorator to choose colors, carpet, granite, cabinetry finish, tile surrounds and more.
Already, English said, Magnolia Creek has drawn interest from empty-nesting couples, families with young children, and singles in their 20s, and all appreciate the two cul-de-sacs.
"That's been a big hit," she said. "Our neighborhood will really be all walks of life." English expects Magnolia Creek to be built out in three to five years.
"We're not too small but we're not too large," she said.
For a limited time, buyers will get memberships to the Champions Club at Hampton Creek nearby. Buyers of under-construction homes have access to incentive packages, including closing-cost money and a discount if they choose to add a bonus room.