Thompson Woods brings that elusive quality within the price range of most homebuyers, especially first-timers

After a day at work, coming home to Thompson Woods near Scenic Highway 30A means stepping into quality workmanship at a value price to homebuyers.

"There is no new construction going on, and we've got two local builders going out and starting new construction," said RE/MAX Southern Realty broker Kerry Veach, who holds listings for Thompson Woods developers Dick Ousley and Hanie Nasri.

With its location just one mile from 30A, and an even easier access to U.S. Highway 98, Thompson Woods gets its name from Thompson Road in South Walton. The proximity to a traditionally second-home locale belies the value of Thompson Woods homes.

"It's homes priced - near the beach - from $235,000 to under $300,000," Veach said. "It's cheaper than renting. It's surrounded by nice parks for walking and close to the beach."

The development is divided into two phases, with 40 homes per phase, with a target market of first-time homebuyers or people who haven't owned a home in three or more years. The prices on the new construction, Veach said, go back to the early 1990s.

"They're probably priced as good or better than foreclosures and short sales," he added.

The model home and first spec home in Thompson Woods have been built by C.C. Ousley Building Co., although the developers are open to selling lots and having other builders in the development.

A homeowners association, with $30 a month fees, has been established as an architectural review board for any outside builders.

The homes provided by C.C. Ousley come in two-, three- and four-bedroom plans, ranging in square footage from 1,400 to 2,300. Lots range between 45 and 60 feet wide.

"We're leaving the yards low maintenance," Veach said, noting that the surrounding parks allow for play areas for children. The homeowner association fees also cover maintenance of two neighborhood pools, which will be built as part of the neighborhood's amenities. Upkeep of roads and common areas will also be covered by HOA fees.

The exteriors of the homes feature HardiPlank siding and rear decks, while the interiors come standard with hardwood floors, granite countertops, crown molding, 9-foot ceilings, large closets and master bath Jacuzzi-style tubs.

"It's going to be a family neighborhood," Veach said. "That's what we're gearing for."

With a variety of financing options, Veach also said that Thompson Woods homes are suitable for the "hero" professions, falling into a price range for medical providers, military, safety enforcement officers, and educators.

Veach points to a recent government stimulus package that allows an extra $8,000 tax incentive for first-time homebuyers and those who have gone for three years without owning. In addition, the developers are willing to cover up to $5,000 in closing costs.

Since the new construction meets the new wind codes, Veach added, homeowners insurance could cost as low as $1,000 per year.

"It almost pays to buy a new house," he said.

The overall purpose of Thompson Woods, however, comes from the developers, who have deep roots in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Both Ousley and Nasri came into the project with a goal of preserving a community close to their hearts, said Hanie Nasri.

Nasri represents not just the family lifestyle that prospers in this region. He also represents the American dream, having come to the nation from Egypt 30 years ago.

After graduating from Cairo University, the young mechanical engineer pursued his master's degree at New York University.

"The engineers," he said, "had long faces because they worked all day and went to classes at night." He was among that group. When he finished his degree, he found himself in Houston, where he met his wife.

Not wanting to raise their family in the big city, they began to drive east. When they hit Destin, they stayed.

Nasri opened a restaurant called Hanie's Restaurant, of which Ousley was a regular customer. Over the years, Nasri found himself wanting out of the food service industry, and eventually his former customer became his partner.

"It was fun to learn from someone who really cares about putting out the best quality without cutting corners," Nasri said.

The foundation for Thompson Woods, however, began with a vision that Nasri still holds.

"It started about five years ago when I saw that there were a lot of big companies coming into our area and buying the land," he said. "As a small builder, I felt I needed to do something to protect my living here.

"It was really hurtful to me to see that I helped build this town, and now big companies are taking it away from us."

With the development of Thompson Woods, Nasri and his partner see their vision come to fruition.

"I design all the homes," Nasri continued. "I design them with comfort, with flexibility for the customers."

While affordability and flexibility highlight the designs by Nasri and Ousley, ultimately it is for the people who purchase the homes that the builders created Thompson Woods.

"We appreciate the community," Nasri said.

For more information

For information about Thompson Woods, contact RE/MAX Southern broker Kerry Veach at 837-1880 or kerry@veachview.com, or visit www.thompsonwoodshome.com.