At Palmetto Estates, a build-to-order home goes from a reserved homesite in northwest Bakersfield to a finished single-story house in about six months of construction, plus escrow. Three parties share the work: Palmetto Estates, LLC is the Seller, RESCO is the sales team representing the Seller, and our builder constructs the home. Below is the sequence as laid out on our Building With Us page.

“About six months from trench date to completion — with two design appointments, a frame walk, and an orientation walkthrough along the way.”

1. Pick a Plan and Reserve a Homesite

Start with the four plans — the Shasta, the Heirloom, the Sonoma, and the Tacoma — and the Available Homes map, which shows open homesites with lot-level pricing. A RESCO sales agent handles the reservation, and the reservation and deposit are made directly with the Seller. This is also when the exterior elevation (Spanish, Farmhouse, or Contemporary) and any structural options get settled, because both are built into the frame.

2. Prequalify and Sign the Contract

Within one to two weeks, you obtain a prequalification letter from one of the preferred lenders and return for the contract appointment. Conventional, FHA, and VA loans are accepted, and since the home is sold complete, standard mortgage financing applies — no construction loan is needed.

3. Trench Date and Groundbreaking

A few weeks after signing, the Seller coordinates with our builder to schedule your trench date, the point where construction officially begins. From there, the build typically runs about six months. The builder’s app lets you check real-time build status, review your selections, and message the team.

4. Two Design Appointments

Soon after groundbreaking, RESCO runs two design appointments where you select cabinets, countertops, finishes, and more. Upgrade cutoff dates follow the construction schedule, so final choices land within a few weeks of the start. Reserved buyers can browse finishes ahead of time in the Design Selections Portal. For preparation tips, see Inside the Design Studio.

5. Frame Walk at About Eight Weeks

Roughly eight weeks in, RESCO schedules a frame walk with the building team. You check structural details in person and meet the people putting your home together — it also serves as a structured quality-control checkpoint.

6. Appraisal Around Month Four

Near the four-month mark, typically around cabinet installation, an appraisal is ordered.

7. Orientation, Closing, and Warranty

As the home is completed, RESCO arranges a home orientation walkthrough with the builder’s customer service representative, then helps coordinate close of escrow with the Seller. Once escrow closes, the warranty program passes to our builder, which provides a 12-month fit and finish warranty and handles warranty requests directly. Ask your sales agent for complete warranty terms and coverage details.

Schedules, and a Cost You Won’t See

Weather, inspections, and material availability can move a schedule, so treat six months as typical rather than guaranteed; RESCO can follow up with the builder on any delay questions. One line item that never appears: HOA dues. Palmetto Estates has no homeowners association, so no association fee is added to your monthly housing costs, though property taxes and insurance still apply.

Rather Skip the Wait?

Some homes on the map are already finished or under construction. Move-In Ready or Build-to-Order? compares the two paths on timing and choices.

Walk Through It With Us

The sales office at 7000 Travata Court is open 7 days a week, 11am–5pm. Call 661-215-2727 or request a visit with our sales team.

Construction Process Questions, Answered

How long does it take to build a home at Palmetto Estates?

Typically about six months from trench date to completion, plus time for escrow. Weather, inspections, and material availability can shift the schedule.

When do I choose my finishes?

At two design appointments run by RESCO shortly after construction starts. Upgrade cutoff dates follow the construction schedule.

Can I see my home while it is being built?

Yes. About eight weeks into construction, RESCO schedules a frame walk with the building team so you can check structural details.

Do I need a construction loan?

No. Conventional, FHA, and VA loans are accepted, and standard mortgage financing applies because the home is sold complete.

What warranty comes with a new Palmetto Estates home?

A 12-month fit and finish warranty from our builder, which begins once escrow closes. Ask your sales agent for complete terms.