Christopher Manning
Luxury New Construction Specialist
Compare Southwest Florida’s top custom builders, select the right lot and community, and negotiate incentives — with independent representation on your side.
Sarasota · Lakewood Ranch · Bradenton · Venice · Wellen Park · Charlotte County
Christopher Manning
License #SL3431079
Capital Real Estate Investments
Independent luxury advisor — not a single-builder salesperson.
STEP 1
Discovery call
Budget, timeline, must-haves, and whether build or resale fits better.
STEP 2
Shortlist builders & communities
I filter options so you only tour homes that match your goals.
STEP 3
Private tours & lot walks
Model homes, available lots, and honest notes on upgrades and trade-offs.
STEP 4
Negotiate & protect your interests
Incentives, contract review support, and advocacy from contract through closing.
Become the trusted advisor — not free marketing for one builder
When you buy luxury new construction in Southwest Florida, you deserve someone who compares John Cannon, Lee Wetherington, Arthur Rutenberg, Anchor, Perrone, WestBay, and more — then fights for your outcome.
Private model home tours
Walk models with a licensed advisor who explains upgrades, lot premiums, and what actually drives resale — not a sales script.
Builder comparisons
Side-by-side guidance on custom vs semi-custom, finish levels, timelines, and which builder fits your budget and lifestyle.
Hidden incentives & negotiation
Many buyers leave money on the table. I help you surface design-center credits, closing costs, and timing leverage.
Lot selection strategy
Orientation, views, HOA rules, flood zones, and future build-out matter as much as the floor plan. We choose carefully.
Build vs resale analysis
Sometimes a resale luxury home wins on price-per-foot, timing, or location. I run the numbers so you decide with clear eyes.
Buyer representation at no extra cost
You can (and should) have your own Realtor when buying new construction. My fee is typically paid via the builder’s cooperative commission — not an added fee to you.
Luxury builder comparison (SW Florida)
Educational snapshot only — pricing and programs change. I keep current on incentives, available lots, and which product lines fit your goals. Request the full 2026 guide for a deeper breakdown.
| Builder | Price band | Fully custom | Semi-custom | Luxury finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
John Cannon Homes Sarasota · Lakewood Ranch · Bradenton | $$$$ | Yes | No | Excellent | Fully custom luxury; private model tours; strong presence across SW Florida communities. |
Lee Wetherington Homes Sarasota · Lakewood Ranch · Venice | $$$ | Yes | Yes | Excellent | Custom and semi-custom options; well-known finishes and community presence. |
Arthur Rutenberg Homes Sarasota · Lakewood Ranch · Southwest Florida | $$$ | No | Yes | Excellent | Semi-custom luxury brand with refined design packages and franchise model homes. |
Anchor Builders Sarasota · Lakewood Ranch · Manatee County | $$$–$$$$ | Yes | Yes | Excellent | Custom luxury builder known for elevated design and craftsmanship. |
Perrone Construction Sarasota · Casey Key · Coastal estates | $$$$ | Yes | No | Excellent | High-end custom builds; often estate-level finishes and sites. |
WestBay Lakewood Ranch · Sarasota County | $$–$$$ | No | Yes | Very Good | Strong community developer/builder presence; good option for luxury-adjacent new construction. |
Neal Signature Homes Sarasota · Lakewood Ranch · Manatee County | $$$ | Yes | Yes | Excellent | Custom/semi-custom luxury with attention to architectural detail. |
$ bands are relative market guidance ($$ = upper-mid, $$$$ = ultra-luxury custom), not quotes. Always verify with current builder pricing and lot premiums.
Market the neighborhood — not just the builder
Great custom homes live inside great communities. I help you evaluate lifestyle, amenities, HOA dynamics, and long-term demand — including places where John Cannon and peer builders deliver product.
Star Farms
Lakewood Ranch
Master-planned luxury living with modern amenities and new custom/semi-custom inventory.
The Concession
Lakewood Ranch / East Sarasota
Exclusive golf community known for estate lots and high-end custom homes.
Wild Blue
Lakewood Ranch
Water-forward lifestyle community with resort amenities and newer luxury product.
Lakewood Ranch core
Manatee & Sarasota Counties
One of America’s top-selling master-planned communities — multiple builders and price bands.
Wellen Park
South Sarasota / North Port area
Fast-growing planned community with new construction and evolving luxury pockets.
Venice & coastal custom
Venice / Nokomis / Osprey
Custom builds near beaches, golf, and the Intracoastal — strong second-home demand.
2026 Luxury Builder Guide + private tours
Compare John Cannon, Lee Wetherington, Arthur Rutenberg, Neal Signature, Anchor, and more.
Free concierge buyer service
I represent buyers purchasing new construction at no additional cost in most builder transactions. Many buyers don't realize they can have their own Realtor while purchasing directly from a builder — until it's too late to negotiate from strength.
Luxury new construction FAQ
Do I need my own Realtor when buying from a builder?
Yes — you should. Builder sales agents represent the builder. As your buyer’s agent, I represent you: comparing options, spotting upgrade traps, and helping negotiate. In most new-construction purchases, the builder pays a cooperative commission, so you typically get representation at no additional cost.
Can you show me John Cannon and other builders?
Absolutely. I work as an independent advisor. We can tour John Cannon, Lee Wetherington, Arthur Rutenberg, Anchor, Perrone, WestBay, Neal Signature, and others so you choose the best fit — not the loudest marketing.
What price range do you focus on?
Luxury new construction and custom homes commonly fall in the $1.5M–$5M+ range depending on community, lot, and finish level. I also advise when a strong resale home is the smarter buy.
What is the 2026 Luxury Builder Guide?
A practical comparison overview of major SW Florida luxury builders — custom vs semi-custom, typical price bands, finish expectations, and questions to ask before you put down a deposit. Request it below and I’ll send it personally.
Which areas do you cover?
Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Venice, Wellen Park, Charlotte County, and nearby coastal markets including Nokomis, Osprey, Siesta Key, and Casey Key.
Ready to compare builders with a local expert?
Christopher Manning · (941) 451-0749
Capital Real Estate Investments · License #SL3431079