Before I moved to Florida full-time in 2016, I had never heard of a “GL Home.” However, with the relentless growth and top-shelf amenities, I quickly found myself incorporating one into my portfolio.

I was referred to a cousin of a childhood friend. I met her and her husband at the “selection” showroom within the under-construction Lotus neighborhood. The showroom was gorgeous, with top-of-the-line options. They had already selected the home, but were overwhelmed with the options. It has become a game of coordination within the showroom and homes of GL communities. Prior to taking the upgrade and options one may see in a neighbor’s home, many homeowners try to figure out how to make it more custom. I quickly learned the ins and outs of which credits to take, which upgrades to choose, and which upgrades to leave for later.

Here are some common scenarios homeowners consider:
(A) Upgrade nothing and take a credit on every possible item**: For the Certificate of Occupancy, certain materials need to be in place (e.g., kitchen cabinets, countertops, and appliances but not hardware). After moving in, they tear out the basic kitchen, relocate the cabinets to the garage or laundry room, and install a custom kitchen. This allows them to repurpose basic materials and customize the home later.

(B) Upgrade everything with GL on-site**: This approach allows homeowners to move in and only add minor touches later.

These strategies allow homeowners to personalize their space while managing costs and upgrades effectively.