Start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage so you know your budget. You can also explore our floorplans online to find the layout you love and see the options available to personalize it. When you’re ready, visit our model homes. Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling an appointment ensures a new home consultant can spend time with you.

Yes. Pre-approval helps you understand your budget and confirms your financing before purchasing a new home. Since the builder funds construction during the build process, it also ensures you’ll be ready to complete the purchase when your home is finished. If needed, our sales team can connect you with preferred lenders who can help with the pre-approval process.

Most buyers purchase their home using a conventional mortgage, but VA loans are another option and work well for new construction. Cash purchases are also accepted. If you need guidance, our sales team can connect you with preferred lender partners who are familiar with the process.

Yes. Cash purchases are welcome. The process follows the same purchase agreement, design selections, and construction milestones as a financed purchase. A payment schedule will be provided during the build process.

You don’t need a real estate agent to buy a home in Waterset. Many buyers work directly with our Cardel sales team when they visit the model homes, but we’re happy to work with your real estate agent as well. If you do have an agent, we simply ask that they join you on your first visit so they can be registered.

Sometimes we have quick move-in homes in Waterset that are already under construction or complete. These homes can help you save time and money because the floorplan, homesite, and design selections have already been chosen. Take a look at what’s currently available on our Quick Move-In Homes page, or connect with a new home consultant for the latest options.

Our homes include a premium set of standard specifications. Many homes include features like stone countertops, stainless-steel kitchen appliances, soft-close cabinetry, LED lighting, and energy-efficient systems. Because specifications vary by home type, you can view the full details for each model in the Floorplans section.

Cardel homes are ENERGY STAR® certified and include several features designed to improve comfort and efficiency, including:

• High-performance insulation in walls and ceilings
• Insulated ductwork throughout the home
• High-efficiency air conditioning
• Programmable thermostat

Personalization works a little differently depending on the home type. Single-family homes offer the most flexibility, with floorplan options and a visit to the Cardel Design Center where you’ll choose finishes like cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting and paint colors. Townhomes offer select floorplan options and the choice of one of five professionally curated interior design packages.

When building a single-family Cardel home, you’ll visit our Design Center to choose finishes and details. With the help of a design expert, you’ll review the home one room at a time, deciding where to upgrade and where to keep things simple.

At the Cardel Design Center, you’ll work with one of our expert designers in our 2,400-square-foot space to personalize the finishes in your home. Together you’ll go through the home room by room, exploring a wide range of selections and choosing the upgrades that matter most to you.

Yes. You can explore our floorplans online and try different layout options, like adding bedrooms or windows, to see the plan update as you go. When you’re ready, a new home consultant will help finalize the floorplan and purchase.

For single-family homes, many buyers budget around 10–20% of the base home price for Design Center selections and upgrades, depending on their priorities. Townhomes work a little differently — the price is all-inclusive, and you simply choose from one of five curated design packages with no additional upgrade costs.

Cardel Homes builds in four regions across North America: Florida, Colorado, Alberta, and Ontario. In Florida, you’ll find Cardel communities in the Tampa, Orlando and Sarasota areas, including Waterset in Apollo Beach, North River Ranch, SeaFlower, Coasterra, Fieldstone, and Southwind. You can see all of our Florida communities on our Where We Build page.

Every new Cardel home includes a 1-year workmanship and materials warranty, a 2-year systems warranty covering plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, and a 10-year limited structural warranty.

If something needs attention after you move in, our warranty support team is here to help. Service requests can be submitted directly, and our team will coordinate the next steps to resolve the issue. For urgent situations, they can also direct you to the appropriate service partner.

Yes. Homes in Waterset have both HOA and CDD fees, which help maintain the community and its shared amenities. These contribute to things like parks, trails, and other neighborhood features. A new home consultant can provide the current HOA and CDD amounts for the homes you’re considering.

A Community Development District (CDD) is a special taxing district that helps fund and maintain infrastructure in master-planned communities like Waterset. This can include things like roads, drainage systems, parks, and recreation areas that support the neighborhood. CDD fees are typically paid as part of your annual property tax bill.

Students in Waterset currently go to:

• Southshore Montessori School
• Inez Doby Elementary School
• Waterset Charter School
• Eisenhower Middle School
• East Bay High School

There are a variety of community amenities including pools, fitness centers, sports courts, parks, and miles of trails. The surrounding Apollo Beach area also provides convenient access to restaurants, shopping, beaches, and major highways connecting to Tampa and the wider region.

Waterset is conveniently located near several major employers in the Tampa Bay region, including:

• MacDill Air Force Base – about 30 miles
• Big Bend Power Station – 1–3 miles
• AdventHealth Riverview – about 8 miles
• Amazon Fulfillment Center – about 10 miles
• Tampa General Hospital – about 17 miles
• Downtown Tampa – about 18 miles