Affordable new homes feature quiet suburban setting

Homebuyers looking to get away from the problems of failing schools, high property taxes and the fear of rising crime might want to visit the community of Lake Meadows in the Clay County suburb of Smithville. Smithville, named “Best Affordable Suburb in Missouri” by Business Week Magazine, boasts good schools, low taxes and a crime rate that is almost non-existent.

Lake Meadows has new homes available to fit most any budget. The community is especially popular with first-time buyers with home prices starting in the low $160,000s.

“A new home in the $160,000s is unheard of in today’s market,” said developer Craig Porter. “For buyers looking to get away from the uncertainty of renting, this is a great opportunity to own a new home with payments that in many cases will be less than the rent they currently pay.”

Buyers with homes to sell can take advantage of the Trade-in Program offered by the developer, Porter Communities. The program is available on selected new homes and allows a buyer the luxury of having just one move without the worry and stress of two mortgage payments while waiting for their previous home to sell. For those without a home to sell, Porter Communities is offering $2,000 toward closing costs to buyers of selected new homes that close prior to June 15, 2015.

There are several new homes available in Lake Meadows, and some are available for immediate occupancy. One of the many popular floor plans in the community is The Charleston, featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. It is priced at $162,900.

“Don’t think this is a stripped down model either,” said builder Joe Hendrix of H2 Development, LLC. “The home is built with many energy-saving features including low-E glass windows for additional energy savings.”

Other features include custom cabinets with tile backsplash, a fireplace and a large master bedroom with a ¾-bath and walk-in closet.

“When people see the quality of these homes they are pleasantly surprised,” said Hendrix. “They are even more surprised when we do the mortgage calculation and they see the payment, including taxes and insurance, is approximately $1,000 a month.”

Other homes available in Lake Meadows include the Jamestowne, a three-bedroom, two-bath split with a two-car garage. It is priced at $164,900. For $187,900, homebuyers can move up to the larger four-bedroom, three-bath Jamestowne II. New homes in Lake Meadows qualify for all types of conventional financing in addition to FHA, VA and USDA.

Photos, plans and locations of all the homes in Lake Meadows can be viewed at Porter Communities’ website www.portercommunities.com.

The Lake Meadows entrance is directly on U.S. 169, approximately three miles north of downtown Smithville. Smithville Lake, along with all of the recreational activities it provides, is less than one mile away. KCI is less than a 20-minute drive.

This story was originally published April 25, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Affordable new homes feature quiet suburban setting."