Problems with Del Webb Catalina©

How can there be problems with Del Webb Catalina when it just opened? 

As someone who not only lives near the newly established Del Webb Catalina but also experienced life in a Del Webb community firsthand, I have a unique perspective on what living in these developments is really like. 

With their appealing marketing and beautifully designed homes, it’s easy to be drawn into the allure of Del Webb’s promise of resort-style living. 

However, there are a few factors that potential homeowners should be aware of before making a long-term commitment. 

Yes, I sell real estate and have successfully helped people like you with new construction in Del Webb and other amenity-rich communities in and around Lakewood Ranch.

Learn the Pros & Cons of Living in Del Webb Here

I have personally built a home in a Del Webb community, so I have experienced the building process and the nuances of living there.

Although I am a Realtor, I am also an advocate.  I believe in being straight-up and disclosing information so that you can make the best decision for your retirement lifestyle and homeownership.

You Might Like the Article: Top 9 Active Communities in Lakewood Ranch

After 27 years of helping people navigate the construction process, I am passionate about giving back via blog posts & videos and sharing my knowledge about communities like Del Webb.

So, stay with me as I discuss community insights and problems with Del Webb Catalina.

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🧑🏽‍🍳Problems with Del Webb Restaurants

What problems do you see or experience with restaurants in Del Webb? From an outsider, the restaurants look to be a great amenity. They can be a fun gathering place for neighborhood functions, wine clubs, and special dinners. The in-neighborhood eatery can also fill the void when you don’t feel like cooking or driving to go out to eat.

Del Webb VS Cressind-Explore the Differences Here

How does this contribute to the problems with Del Webb Catalina? Del Webb Catalina is slated to have a restaurant with an annual food and beverage fee of $700-$800 per household. Whether you decide to dine there or not, you are financially responsible.

Potential Problem for Del Webb Catalina

Managing the on-site restaurant is one ongoing challenge in many Del Webb communities. Unlike typical restaurants managed by professional hospitality or restaurant management companies, the Del Webb restaurant falls under the community’s Homeowners Association (HOA) management. 

New Construction-Do You Need A Realtor?

This arrangement has led to several operational inefficiencies, mainly due to the lack of expertise in managing a food and beverage establishment.  

Until the builder completes construction and hands over control of the community, residents have limited input. Moreover, they are still responsible for paying the annual fees without having a say in managing the restaurant.

Since Pulte basically subsidizes the restaurant’s management while the builder is active in the community, you won’t see a significant deficit until the builder turns the community over to the residents.  

However, the pressure to manage the restaurant profitably becomes most critical after the builder hands control of the community over to the residents.

Del Webb Lakewood Ranch Restaurant-Example

We don’t have to look too far to see this exact situation. Del Webb at Lakewood Ranch, Catalina’s sister community, has faced this tough challenge head-on. I experienced it first-hand as a resident.

While Pulte and the HOA controlled the community, residents experienced inconsistent hours of operation. For example, opening and closing times would change without notice. Plus, one week, the restaurant would be open on Monday, and then it would change to every other Monday, and so forth.  You couldn’t keep track!

Residents in Del Webb LWR often voiced concerns about the inconsistent hours, which varied unexpectedly. This left them frustrated and caused the restaurant to miss out on potential business.

In addition, the restaurant frequently changed management and wait staff. As a result of the multiple leadership changes, service quality, and operational strategy lack continuity. 

This instability has contributed to financial challenges, with residents worrying that the community is losing money. 

The HOA’s handling of the restaurant, combined with these management changes, has resulted in the restaurant becoming a financial burden rather than an amenity, leaving many residents questioning its sustainability.

Lakewood Ranch Del Webb Success

When Pulte was ready to turn the community over to the residents, the residents already knew they had a challenge ahead of them regarding the restaurant.  But finally, they were in control of overseeing management and finances.

One of the benefits of living in a 55+ community like Del Webb is the myriad of talent that lives there.  There are so many people with past management, financial, and other experience to tap into. 

Therefore, coming up with a solution was more straightforward. Plus, being retired, they had time to do the work. 

How did Del Webb Lakewood Ranch tackle the restaurant problem? They hired a restaurant consultant, and the cost wasn’t cheap. However, with the consultant’s guidance, they were able to hire a solid management staff and cut costs where needed.

Currently, the restaurant is thriving, and residents enjoy that convenience. But it didn’t come without challenges.

Having a restaurant in your Del Webb community can be an added convenience and a great place to meet your neighbors.

But be aware that improperly managed restaurants can cost you. You will most likely see increased fees, such as HOA and food and beverage costs. 

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💸Rising HOA Fees Del Webb Catalina

Del Webb communities are known for their amenity rich facilities. Catalina will be no exception. In fact, when you compare Del Webb Lakewood Ranch to Del Webb Catalina, you will find that Catalina offers more amenties than its sister neighborhood.

When purchasing a home in an amenity-rich community like Catalina, knowing how the HOA fees will evolve is essential. Initially, when you move into the community, the HOA fees are set at a lower rate.

This early pricing is typical when many amenities are still under construction. If you buy in a brand new community, you may get used to paying the lower fees. Keep in mind that once the amenities are completed, you will see an increase in HOA fees. Plus restaurant fees will also be required.

📈Catalina Fees Will Go Up

Expect HOA fees in communities like Catalina to rise to cover the upkeep of these shared facilities, ensuring they remain in top condition for all residents to enjoy.

I have personally seen fees increase roughly 15% from the development’s initial grand opening phase to amenity completion. While this can feel like a significant jump in monthly or quarterly dues, these increases are necessary to preserve the resort-style lifestyle many seek when moving into these neighborhoods.

In addition, when the builder turns the community over once construction is completed, expect your HOA fees to go up again.

It’s important to factor this into your long-term budgeting plans to avoid surprises down the road.

Many of my clients acknowledge and accept the increase in HOA fees and realize it’s just part of owning in this type of neighborhood. My experience of selling in Del Webb in the past 8 years, especially resale homes, has shown me neighborhoods that offer resort style pools, gyms, activities directors are in demand and people are willing to pay for it.

Overall, the increase in HOA fees has not hurt resale value or lessen the demand for living in Del Webb.

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💥Del Webb Catalina & Noise

Can we address the elephant in the room?? If you are beginning your home search process and considering Del Webb Catalina, you may need to be aware of Bradenton Motorsports Park. The closest house will be roughly 2,000 feet from the Motorsports Park.

This drag strip has been open since 1974 and does not have to follow noise ordinances. That means it can and does race until very late in the evenings. I live several miles away and can hear it from my house. Sometimes, they race until past midnight. Drag strips not only have noise but vibrations from the sounds.

I typically don’t hear the noise as much in the summer (maybe because the air is heavy), and the noise doesn’t travel as far.

Del Webb Catalina and Noise Mitigation

How noisy will it be to live in Catalina? Pulte acknowledged that noise will be an issue and has made plans to mitigate it. But the noise won’t go away entirely. If you decide to buy a home in Catalina, you will be signing a waiver and acknowledging the noise issue.

Catalina will have a 20-foot-high landscaped earth berm/wall along the property line of the motorsports complex to serve as a sound barrier. In addition, each home will be equipped with impact glass.

I used to live on the west side of Indianapolis. I was 5 miles away from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and 3 miles from a NHRA drag strip. Believe me, you can hear cars racing from miles away. The drag strip is the worst.

Noise and Impact of Lifestyle

If you plan to have a pool or entertain outdoors on your lanai, a nearby drag strip that races during the day and night may not be in your best interest.

In addition, if you are retired and will be home often, consider how noise will impact you. I typically hear the drag strip more on weekends than during the week.

Resale Value

The noise, especially from sources like a nearby drag strip, can significantly impact a home’s resale value. Buyers typically prioritize peace & quiet when purchasing a property, particularly when looking for a 55+ community.

Noise pollution from racing events, even if occasional, may deter potential buyers sensitive to sound. For buyers who want a quiet neighborhood, the unpredictable noise from a drag strip can be seen as a major drawback. Therefore reducing buyer demand.

Because you compete with other 55+ communities in Lakewood Ranch, you may have to offer a better price to attract buyers.

See the Community-Del Webb Lakewood Ranch Here

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📍Problems with Del Webb Catalina

Del Webb Catalina is Pulte’s latest 55+ community in Lakewood Ranch. This community will have a grand clubhouse, state-of-the-art wellness and fitness facility and plenty of pickleball. But beware, there could be problems with Catalina in the future.

• Potential HOA Increases at Del Webb Catalina
  Homeowners in the Del Webb Catalina community could face potential Homeowners Association (HOA) fee increases. As with many active adult communities, the HOA fees can rise over time to cover maintenance, community amenities, or unforeseen expenses. Residents should stay informed about the possibility of unexpected assessments and fee hikes, which may impact the long-term affordability of living in this community.
• Unexpected Restaurant Fee Increases
  You can look as far as Del Webb Lakewood Ranch as an example. During the construction phase, when the builder was in control of the community, there were reports of mismanagement and constant staff changes. Many residents expressed frustration over the rising dining costs in community restaurants, citing a lack of transparency and inefficient management as contributing factors. Once the residents took control of the restaurant, things are back on track. However, it cost them.
• Noise Concerns from Nearby Bradenton Motorsports Park
  Del Webb Catalina’s proximity to Bradenton Motorsports Park, a venue known for drag racing, raises potential concerns about noise pollution. The sound of cars racing, particularly during events, could disrupt the quiet many residents expect from an active adult community. For noise-sensitive individuals, this may be a significant factor to consider when evaluating whether to purchase a home in Del Webb Catalina.