I think that all the builders mentioned above are using very similar building material. The key difference would the flexibility of the builders and the quality craftsman work of the sub-contractors. Also the work ethic of the onsite superintendents is very important too. At this price point, some builders would offer site finished hardwood floor instead of engineered hardwood floor. Some builders build their home on a crawl space instead of slab. All of these feature would make the difference on the price and the quality. Many homes in Highcroft/highcroft village in Cary have both features. If you are in and out builder's sites frequently, you would be able to tell the difference. Drees Homes is another builer to consider.

Thanks,

Buskise

At 450 price range you have an icredible market to choose from and yes it is a buyer's market. I like the Orleans homes, a lot of house for the price and they have a few lots left that could go with a 3 car garage, similar homes I viewed with Toll Brothers were more per square foot. I looked at both as well as many of the new builds in the 400-700 range over the past 5 months for 2 clients. There are several custom builders that won during the parade of homes that I would like to show you that have a bit more of a lot and some impressive unique features.

If I can provide additional assistance please let me know.

Deborah Miller, Broker, Consultant
YourAgentDeborah.com
Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston - Southpoint Office
919-491-2826

I disagree with the previous comments regarding Toll Brothers. They DO provide extensive customization options and the ability for each individual buyer to have there own unique one-of-a kind home. The others do not. Yes, they are also known throughout the country as a luxury builder and in FACT have been recognized as America's Best Builder, National Builder of the Year and National Housing Quality Award. The others have not.
They also have financial strength being in the business for over 40 years and in these economic times that is paramount to any prospective buyer.

I have no affiliation to Toll Brothers but in my humble opinion think they are far superior in quality to the options presented.

Talking about 'Quality' alone, all of them are very similar. From the feedback from home inspectors that I have used in inspecting homes for my buyers in Green Level, Harmony Reserve, Weldon Ridge & Horton's Creek respectively, Horton Creek seems to stand out a bit better.

My observations are that NONE of the above is a 'custom' builder. Toll does not claim to be custom either; they are America's 'luxury builder'. They may have more 'included' features in a $800K home Vs a Weldon Ridge home being sold for $450K. Now, Toll may have more 'flexibility' and willingness to do a few alterations to the plan and that is notable. Weldon and Horton's Creek also will do these to some extent. Pulte, on the other hand, builds what is on the paper. NO changes at all.

Hello Buckise,

Toll Brothers is a custom builder and produces a higher quality home in comparison to the other three you've noted in my opinion.
Green Level Crossing is a high end community in Cary that offers numerous amenities ( clubhouse, jr. olympic pool, basketball court, tennis court when completed) while being in close proximity to restaurants, shops and major highways. Both the Manors & the Woodlands provide all the bells and whistles that you'd expect in the 600-900 price range.

Here is some additional information on the community:
http://www.greenlevelcrossing.com/index.shtml
Regards,
Lizete

In that price point, you may be more pleased with a custom builder that will give you more unique features in that type of home. I think they are all decent builders but custom just gives you more. Green Level Crossing is in a great location that is growing !!! Let me know if you need any detailed market analysis.