FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions we've frequently been asked over the years. We hope this helps answer questions you may have on your journey to homeownership! If you do not see an answer to your question, Contact Us anytime - We are here to help!

Why Highland Homes Choosing the Right Home Your Path to Homeownership Living in Your Highland Home

How long has Highland Homes been building homes in Florida?

Highland Homes has been building homes in Florida since 1996 and has helped more than 20,000 Florida homeowners achieve their new home dreams.

What makes Highland Homes unique?

Here are 6 things that make Highland Homes unique:

  1. Highland Homes offers unmatched choice and value:
    • Choose from a wide variety of homes, including single-family homes, bungalows, and townhomes, with home layouts and price points to meet your needs, whether you are looking for your first home, your next home, or your forever home.
    • Choose from quick move-in homes or build your dream home from the ground up, personalized to your unique style and needs with a large selection of design options at every price point, including many choices available at no additional cost.
    • Every Highland Home includes features for your lifestyle convenience, the protection of a best-in-class warranty, and safety and security benefits thanks to modern systems and construction methods that meet or exceed the latest Florida building codes.
  2. Highland Homes has a full-service design center with professional designers to help you bring your dream home to life if you choose a personalized new build. Choose from high-quality, name-brand features with hundreds of options available at every price point, from included and no additional cost to luxurious upgrades.
  3. Highland Homes is focused on customer satisfaction and the relationships we build with our homeowners. When you build with Highland Homes, you can expect personal attention throughout the building process. Our goal is to make the purchase of your new home easy and exciting!
  4. Our people! When employees find fulfillment from their jobs, it shows in every interaction. Our homeowners have told us time and again that the personal service we provide, smiling faces, and overall support and dedication from our team members have helped them feel comfortable and confident in building with Highland Homes.
  5. We are local! Highland Homes is based in Florida, builds homes exclusively in Florida, and has 30 years of experience building communities and homes that endure Florida's unique environment. We live and work in the communities where we build, so our customers are our neighbors and friends, and we are both accessible and there for you every step of the way.
  6. We aren't just committed to our customers - Highland Homes is committed to enriching the communities in which we live, work, and build through sponsorships, donations, and volunteer hours.

What incentives does Highland Homes offer new home buyers in Florida?

Highland Homes offers great incentives to Florida new home buyers:

  • Competitive interest rates, with Highland Homes paying to buy down your rate.
  • Closing cost savings or all closing costs paid, in many cases.
  • Low down payment finance options - you may be able to purchase with ZERO down, with your Earnest Money Deposit as your only out-of-pocket expense.
  • Limited-time incentives, offers, and savings such as price discounts on select homes, special finance offers, and lease buyout opportunities.

Highland Homes' incentives are subject to change without notice and may require financing through a Highland Homes lender partner, or have a contract date or other qualification criteria.

What type of home tours does Highland Homes offer? How do I tour a model home?

Highland Homes offers both in-person and virtual tours of our Florida model homes and communities.

  • To tour a model home in person, an appointment is suggested (though not required!) so we can give you the one-on-one attention you deserve.
  • To tour a model home virtually, an appointment is required so we can set up a secure video chat link.

To schedule a model home tour, call us at 863-797-4999 or visit our website to schedule an appointment via email or chat.

How much does it cost to build a new home with Highland Homes?

The cost to build with Highland Homes varies based on the neighborhood, home, and options selected. Currently, base pricing ranges from the mid $200's to the low $500's. 

What is included in the base price of a Highland Home?

Highland Homes' base pricing includes a standard homesite, a home built with the community's included features, and a full builder warranty.

Is the lot included in the price?

Yes, a standard lot (or homesite) is included in the base price. Premium homesites may have an added cost.

Why is the same floor plan a different price in different neighborhoods?

The same floor plan is priced differently between neighborhoods due to factors such as:

  • The size and cost of the homesites.
  • The cost to construct the home, which can vary based on different contractors, wages, and material costs in different areas.
  • Permitting, utility, and other jurisdictional feeds.

Is there a warranty on my new home?

Yes, Highland Homes includes a best-in-class new home warranty on every home we build - in fact, your new Highland home in Florida includes multiple levels of warranty protection:

  • A one-year builder warranty;
  • A 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, providing ten years of structural defect coverage from the nation's leading home warranty company;
  • And, manufacturer warranties on products from lighting to flooring and appliances!

Do Highland Homes' communities offer amenities?

Some of Highland Homes' Florida communities offer amenities, and some do not.

To find a community that suits your needs:

  • Use the Community Type filters on the homepage and Find Your Home page of our website.
  • Chat with us - Hazel, our digital assistant, is familiar with the amenities in our Florida new home communities.
  • Call or email us - Our New Home Matchmakers are standing by to help you find your dream home by providing information about neighborhoods that meet your needs!

Are there CDD fees in Highland Homes' communities?

Some of Highland Homes' Florida communities have CDD fees, and some have no CDD.

To find out if there is a CDD in your Highland Homes community of interest:

  • Check the community page on our website.
  • Call or email us - Our New Home Matchmakers are experts on our Florida new home communities, including whether they have CDD fees.

Do you offer financing?

Highland Homes does not have an in-house lender and instead works with a network of Lender Partners to provide you with the best financing options and the highest level of service. While you are free to choose any mortgage company, you will receive several benefits by financing your home purchase through a Highland Homes Lender Partner, including:

  • Outstanding service
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Closing cost savings
  • Low down payment options
  • Special incentives
  • FREE and easy online pre-qualification

Does Highland Homes work with buyers who have a Real Estate Agent?

Yes, Highland Homes works with buyers who have a real estate agent. We love working with Florida Realtors, which means if you have a real estate agent, we will make sure both you and your agent are 100% satisfied with the experience of building with Highland Homes.

And, if you are not currently working with a real estate agent, that is perfect, too! Our New Home Specialists are here to guide you through the process of buying or building your new home in Florida. They will take the time to get to know you and will help you select the right community, home site, home plan, and financing program for your needs. Our dedicated team is here to help you during every step of the homebuying process.

Where does Highland Homes build?

Highland Homes builds new homes in Florida, in desirable metropolitan areas, including:

Use the interactive map on our website to find your new home in Florida!

Can you build on my lot?

Highland Homes does not currently build on your lot or offer homebuilding on privately-owned land.

Does Highland Homes offer move-in ready homes?

Yes, Highland Homes offers move-in-ready homes in many of our Florida new home communities, and we also have quick move-in homes under construction, which will be completed and ready to move into within the next couple of months.

Our quick move-in homes in Florida provide the benefits of a new construction home with a faster timeline to move in, and you can rest assured knowing your home was professionally designed with features and finishes hand-selected to provide you with enduring style, move-in convenience, and easy home maintenance.

Does Highland Homes build from the ground up?

Yes, Highland Homes offers the opportunity to build your personalized dream home from the ground up in most of our single-family new home communities in Florida.

When you choose a new build or pre-construction home, you choose:

  • Your ideal homesite, whether that is an included lot in the community, a corner lot, in a quiet cul-de-sac, or a premium homesite with conservation, pond, or lake views.
  • The perfect home plan and plan options that suit your needs.
  • The features and finishes to personalize your dream home to your style and needs, with the assistance of a professional designer at the Highland Homes Personal Selection Studio.

Then, watch as your dream home comes to life and move into a home ready to live and love from day one. Welcome home!

 

How do I choose the right home plan?

Finding the right home is, for most, one of the biggest factors in deciding to build a new construction home from the ground up - there are so many more options available, and so much more flexibility, when compared with resale homes! 

When choosing the right home, think about things such as:

  • Who is going to live in the home, and what sort of space do they need?
  • Do you prefer a single-story ranch-style home or a two-story home?
  • Are you seeking the low-maintenance lifestyle provided by a townhome, or prefer the backyard and space between neighbors offered by a single-family detached home?
  • What's on your must-have list? These are things you can't compromise on, such as the number of bedrooms you need.
  • What's on your wish list? These are items you would like, but could live without if all your must-haves are met.
  • Do you see your needs changing within the next 5 years? If so, does it make sense to find a home that suits your long-term needs, or do you plan to move again?
  • Of course, the location is a top consideration - Each neighborhood we build in offers a unique selection of homes due to factors such as home site dimensions, zoning regulations, HOA covenants, and the overall design of the community.

Because the right home is different for every person, we offer a wide variety of home types, sizes, and layouts, so you can choose a home that truly suits your needs and can even grow with you into the future. Tools on our website can help you start narrowing in on the perfect new home for your needs:

  • Browse home plans available in each Florida new home community - Each home offers visualization tools such as:
    • Interactive floor plans that let you select plan options to customize your layout, see how furniture might fit in different rooms, and save your customized plan so you can refer back to it later.
    • 360 virtual tours allow you to virtually walk through, look around, and feel as though you are touring a home, without leaving your sofa or chair.
    • Photos and videos give you a feel for the layout, size, and varied decor styles.
  • Our online Inspiration Gallery showcases homes built by Highland Homes and lets you ♥ Save your favorite design inspo.

Last but not least - We are here to help you find the perfect home! Call or Email to connect with a New Home Specialist, and a visit to a Highland Homes model center can help you finalize your decision as to which home is perfect for you. Our New Home Specialists will take into consideration your new home must-haves, wish list, and budget, and make recommendations on which home best fits your needs.

Can we customize your homes?

It depends on what you mean by "customize". When you build your new home from the ground up with Highland Homes, we are able to specify how the home should be built through your selection of:

  • Pre-designed plan options, such as:
    • A bedroom in lieu of a den or loft
    • An in-law suite
    • Optional bathroom and kitchen orientations
    • Adding an optional bath
    • Adding or extending a lanai, if not included in the home plan 
    • Garage depth extensions 
  • ADA-related options, such as:
    • Widening doorways
    • Creating a roll-in shower
    • Removing steps for accessibility purposes
  • Additional concrete (driveway, additional pad, patio, etc.)
  • Changing types of doors/windows and adding optional doors/windows
  • Plumbing, electrical, and pre-wire locations
  • Colors, features, and finishes with a wide array of home design options available to personalize every room of your new home!

Please note, there may be a price associated with any allowable modifications, specifications, or design upgrade options, and all building code regulations, homesite requirements, and HOA requirements must be followed.

What options are available to personalize my new Highland home?

At the Highland Homes Personal Selection Studio, you will find everything you need to personalize your new home, inside and out. Hundreds of options are available to choose from in every price point, from included and no additional cost to luxurious upgrades, including a great selection of:

Interested in previewing some of the home design options available to personalize your dream home? Visit our online Inspiration Gallery to browse photos of beautiful homes built by Highland Homes, see a list of design options in each photo, and even Favorite room looks and individual options that you love so you can come back and look at them again, as well as share them with your Design Consultant when you visit the Studio to personalize your dream home!

Can I put in a pool?

While Highland Homes does not currently offer the option to add a pool during the building process, you can put in a pool after you move in, provided building codes and HOA requirements are followed.

If you would like to know if a pool will fit on your new homesite, ask your New Home Specialist about getting a Pool Lot Fit drawn by our engineering department.

Does Highland Homes offer 3-car garages?

Yes, Highland Homes offers new homes in Florida with 3-car garages, in communities where the homesites, HOA, and building codes accommodate it.

How much is required for the deposit?

Highland Homes requires an earnest money deposit, due at the time of contract, which is generally:

  • $1,000 on USDA and VA loans through a Highland Homes Lender Partner.
  • $2,500-5,000 on Conventional and FHA loans through a Highland Homes Lender Partner.
  • $5,000 on cash purchases.

The deposit requirement may vary if you are using a specialty program to sell or rent an existing home, or if you are not financing through a Highland Homes Lender Partner.

How much do I need for a down payment?

How much you need for the down payment varies depending on your personal financial situation and the loan program you qualify for, but in general, you can probably purchase your new home in Florida with less money down than you think! In fact, through our lender partners, we offer low down payment loan programs requiring as little as zero down!

In addition, down payment assistance programs are available to help cover your down payment and other purchase costs. 

Learn more about how much you really need for a down payment, and suggestions to help you find the funds you need to own the Florida new home of your dreams.

Do you offer financing, or can you help us with financing?

Highland Homes does not have an in-house lender, but we absolutely can help you with financing - we work with a network of Lender Partners to provide you with the best financing options and the highest level of service. 

While you are free to choose any mortgage company, you will receive several benefits by financing your home purchase through a Highland Homes Lender Partner, including:

  • Outstanding service
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Closing cost savings
  • Low down payment options
  • Special incentives
  • FREE and easy online pre-qualification

Can I use my own lender?

Yes, you can use your own lender. While you are free to choose any mortgage company, you will receive several benefits by financing your home purchase through a Highland Homes Lender Partner.

How do I get qualified to buy a home with Highland Homes?

Discover your buying power by getting pre-qualified through a Highland Homes Lender Partner! It's as simple as completing an easy online application where you will provide information about your finances and consent to a credit check, and the lender will provide you with an estimate of what you might be able to borrow based on the information you have provided.

I'm interested in purchasing a Highland home. What do I do next?

Make an appointment to visit your favorite community today by clicking the Call or Email tabs at the bottom of the screen, or scheduling an appointment online from the community page! Our New Home Specialists look forward to showing you the community and helping you to find the perfect new home to match your lifestyle, budget, and needs.

What can I expect during the construction process?

Before the construction of your home begins, you will be assigned a Personal Builder who not only oversees the construction and ensures your home is built to the highest standards but also keeps you informed and is available to answer your questions throughout the building process.

Here is an outline of what to expect during the construction process:

  • Builder Orientation - When construction permits are received and your home is ready to proceed with construction, your Personal Builder will contact you to introduce themselves, discuss your home specifications, and give you details about what to expect next.
  • Building the Foundation - Many inspections occur as construction kicks off with the:
    • Homesite prepared for construction
    • Footer/foundation built
    • Rough plumbing installed
    • Slab poured
    • Block walls constructed
  • Framing Stage - Interior walls are framed, the roof is installed, and everything inside the walls is installed and inspected.
  • Mid-Construction Meeting - Your personal builder will contact you prior to drywall installation to set up a walk-through meeting to:
    • Review the construction to date
    • Confirm that electrical options are installed in the locations specified on your design paperwork
    • Discuss the installation of the options you selected at the Personal Selection Studio
    • Answer any questions you have
    • Discuss the upcoming construction stages
  • Drywall Stage - Now is the fun part, watching your home come together with:
    • Drywall, paint, trim, and wall tile
    • Cabinets and countertops
    • Driveway poured
  • Trim Out - The final products are installed and construction steps completed:
    • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC fixtures
    • Flooring
    • Landscaping and sod
    • Paint touch-up and finishing touches
    • Quality control checks
    • Full cleaning
  • First Walkthrough - Quality control checks are performed throughout the building process to ensure specifications are followed, quality materials and processes are used, selected options are installed, and the overall quality is in line with Highland Homes' high standards. During your first walkthrough, you will:
    • Walk the completed home with your personal builder
    • Wrap up any necessary final touches
  • Second Walkthrough and New Home Demonstration - Become personally acquainted with your new home:
    • Sign off on your home's quality and completion
    • Receive orientation of features in your home
    • Discuss home maintenance
    • Review warranty coverage and request process

How do I get permission from the HOA to put in a fence, pool, or other exterior modification?

Before making exterior modifications to your property, you will want to connect with your Homeowners Association (HOA) to obtain an Alteration Application and submit any documentation required for approval from the HOA's Architectural Review Board.

To find the website and contact information for your Homeowners Association:

  • If you live in an active Highland Homes Florida community - View your community page, scroll down to the HOA Information section, and click the "Visit HOA Website” link.
  • If you live in a community that is no longer on Highland Homes' website - Visit the Florida Division of Corporations website and search by entering the name of your subdivision/community as the Entity Name.

How do I file a warranty request?

To file a warranty repair request with Highland Homes during your first year of homeownership, visit www.highlandhomes.org, then select the Homeowners menu, and Warranty.