Who doesn't want to be first? First in line. First to the finish. First to save $35,000 off the price of a new home.

Before long, McBride and Son Homes will begin accepting contracts on homes in Wabash Woods, their newest O'Fallon community, and the first five buyers will receive a whopping $35,000 off their dream home's purchase price. The next five buyers get a deal almost as sweet with $33,000 in savings. Plus, early buyers get the pick of the community's finest lots.

With seven floor plans to choose from, project manager Jeff Lewis promises, "there's something for everyone."

"Although we haven't yet broken ground on our display models, interested homebuyers can get a sneak peek at the elevations they can choose from by viewing proposed elevations online at www.mcbridehomes.com. The models we will be offering are from our very popular Bayside Series, which features two ranch floor plans, one story-and-a-half floor plan, and four two-story floor plans," Lewis said.

"We plan to break ground on our model home by the week of Sept. 28," Lewis said, adding that displays should be open by early December, but "fast-acting homebuyers, who take advantage of McBride and Son Homes' pre-construction specials, could be closing on their new homes just after the first of the year."

BUILDING WITH MCBRIDE AND SON HOMES

When asked to name the top three reasons why homebuyers should consider Wabash Woods, Lewis enthusiastically named location, value and service after the sale.

"Our Wabash Woods location is very convenient with easy access to I-70 and plenty of amenities nearby. T.R. Hughes Ballpark (home of the River City Rascals) is only a quarter-mile away," Lewis said. "Restaurants, shopping areas and entertainment venues abound along Mexico Road and Highway K."

Lewis also noted that O'Fallon services (fire, police and City Hall) are also very close to the property.

In terms of value, Lewis explained that McBride and Son Homes have always been known as an "al a carte" builder. "We offer high-quality, high-value floor plans with plenty of affordable options that allow homebuyers to customize their homes to meet their unique needs and lifestyle."

Some popular available options include: a 9-foot basement pour, 9-foot first floor upgrade on select models, upgrade to a third or fourth bedroom on select plans, vaulted and coffered ceilings, upgraded streetscape and elevations with brick and stone fronts, appliance and flooring upgrades and many more to accommodate every buyers lifestyle.

"Customer service and satisfaction has always been McBride and Son Homes #1 priority," Lewis said. "We want our homebuyers to have a great experience every step of the way. We always encourage homebuyers to be involved throughout the complete construction process."

"We offer a one-year warranty which includes a two-month walk-through and 10-month walk-through after our homebuyers close on their home," Lewis said. He explained that it's important to McBride and Son Homes to deliver a quality built house that the buyer will make into their home.

"We are extremely centered on customer satisfaction," Lewis said. "Referrals are a very large part of our business, and homebuyers appreciate that we stand behind our product and want to do everything we can to make them happy. Our service before, during and after the sale is why we have become the biggest builder in the region."

LEARNING MORE ABOUT WABASH WOODS

Homebuyers wanting to learn more about home buying opportunities at Wabash Woods can visit the building site in the O'Fallon community this weekend, Sept. 25-27 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

"Knowledgeable McBride and Son Homes staff as well as representatives from our preferred lender will be available to answer any questions homebuyers might have, including information on pre-qualifying for a home loan" Lewis said.

"The one thing we will not be offering this weekend is the opportunity to actually purchase one of our Wabash Woods homes," Lewis said. "For that, homebuyers will have to wait for the community's sales Grand Opening, Oct. 17."

Homebuyers also can keep tabs on the development online at www.mcbridehomes.com.

GETTING THERE

Take I-70 to the T.R. Hughes Blvd exit. Go North on TR Hughes. Turn left onto Wabash Road (3rd traffic light). Continue on Wabash Road one-quarter mile to Wabash Woods Way. Sales Trailer and parking will be visible.