News & Stories
Building With Sam
How the process actually works, and what to ask any builder before you sign.
August 13, 2026
Ten Questions to Ask Any Builder Before You Sign
A radically honest vetting guide for Florida homebuyers — the ten questions any builder should welcome, from license lookup to warranty, and how to check the answers.
August 5, 2026
What Makes a Home Semi-Custom? The Middle Path Sarasota Buyers Love
What semi-custom really means: a proven floor plan as the starting point, then structural and finish choices that make it yours — the middle path Sarasota buyers keep choosing.
July 16, 2026
How to Read a Floor Plan Like a Builder
Sightlines, bedroom wings, garage depth, storage — a builder's guide to reading a plan drawing, with the Casey Key and Destin as worked examples.
February 13, 2020
The Potential Benefits of Buying a Model Leaseback
It's one of the best-kept secrets in real estate: model homes are up for sale — and buying one can be a smart long-term financial investment.
November 15, 2019
What Most Custom Builders Won’t Tell You
Ready to build a home? Before you choose a homebuilder, here are a few things some custom builders won't tell you about lots, pricing, and materials.
July 23, 2019
Custom Versus Semi-Custom Homes: What’s the Difference?
So, you’ve decided to build your dream home. One of the first—and most important—choices to make is deciding if you want a custom or semi-custom home.
April 15, 2019
Why Most Florida Custom Home Builders Aren’t Truly Custom
Some Florida builders call themselves custom builders, but that's not always the case. Here's how to tell production builders from truly custom ones.
July 3, 2018
Summer Home Shopping?
Get the most out of the summer housing market with Sam Rodgers Homes — four facts, tips, and good-to-knows before you start serious home shopping.
July 21, 2017
7 Reasons to Buy a Brand New Home—Not a Resale One
A "new home feel," savings on bills, and the chance to personalize a home to your liking — here are seven reasons buying a brand new home is the way to go.