Truth in Advertising, Part 3: Promises vs. Reality

Several years ago, developers sold on the promise of things to come.  When times were good, the promises often came true.  However, since early 2008, many developments have failed to offer even the minimum level of amenities and infrastructure. 

It is easy for a developer to promote a variety of amenities “to be built”, but it is more challenging to turn them into reality.

Here at The Headwaters at Banner Elk, the amenities I orginally promised to build in the first marketing materials have been built with the only exception being the indoor pool.  It has always been the plan to start that amenity in August 2009.  Given the soft market, it may be moved back into 2010.  One reason is that this is a very maintenance intensive amenity and one that should only be built when sufficient property owners are in residence.  However, all other amenities have been built and are ready for your enjoyment:

1. paved roads
2. fiber optics to the home
3. staffed gate house
4. Welcome Center
5. Six community parks
6. and the mountaintop clubhouse

By putting these amenities in up front in the life of the community, it shows a commitment to get them done and deliver on the promises.  But we’ve even gone beyond the original plans. For example, the Deer Creek Park was never in the plans until I walked the property that would eventually become this exceptional recreation area. 

Another item I have added to the plans is our mountaintop spa.  This building (already permitted and designed) will feature a massage therapy room with two tables, steam showers and a hydrotherapy room with soaking tubs and a movable glass wall from which one can take in the 20 mile view.  This will be built next to the clubhouse.

Even the most basic of items such as paved roads is critical.  If you should visit a competing development that has been in operation for more than two years, and still doesn’t have paved roads, you might consider looking elsewhere.  When you arrive at The Headwaters, you’ll find well maintained and landscaped roads throughout the development.  Lenders in particular like to see communities with paved roads.

So don’t believe the photos you see in ads and on websites until you’ve asked the question, “Do these amenities exist?”  Often times, they don’t.  But here at The Headwaters, they already exist, so I encourage you to call or visit our web site at www.headwatersnc.com and plan your visit to see this most amazing community.  You’ll be glad you did.