History
 

The History of Countrytyme

Countrytyme’s history began with a philosophy formed by the Wilcox family nearly forty years ago. That is . . . "To provide customers with the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of owning a home in the country.”  Countrytyme’s owner and president, James Wilcox “Jim,” has retained the essence of these values while piloting the company through an ever changing landscape.  From its modest inception as a family business to its evolution into a multimillion-dollar corporation, Countrytyme has upheld the aspirations of the Wilcox family while conforming to changing markets and consumer needs. 

 


Jim Wilcox, President of Countrytyme Inc

For years Countrytyme thrived on the strength of the market, however, recently it has been surviving in spite of it.  With a soaring economy and a proven business model of developing acreage home sites, Countrytyme grew to over 50 million in annual sales with offices in 5 states.  Sales in the rural residential lot market started slumping at the end of 2004 and things just did not seem right through 2005.  Countrytyme’s market, which was primarily composed of higher end tracts for move up custom homes, was one of the first to suffer, far before the media noticed a downturn in the housing market.  Since the end of 2005 Countrytyme has been liquidating residential lots at sharply discounted prices.

Luckily for Countrytyme, while the vast majority of its growth was in residential lots, Jim spent a lot of time promoting and perfecting a niche in recreational tracts in the Appalachian regions of Ohio. Jim has always been passionate about the woods and water of Southern and Eastern Ohio.

Countrytyme’s business is off 75% in sales and it has closed all but the Grove City Ohio office.  

The company has survived while many in the industry have gone under, because of its intuition and attentiveness.  It anticipates the needs of customers and listens to their desires. Currently,  Countrytyme’s customers want the product that Jim has been so passionate about, the woods and water of Southern and Eastern Ohio.

 As Jim Wilcox says, Countrytyme is “trading on dreams,” allowing customers to fulfill their wish of owning “a little place in the country.”  Conceived by the aspirations of the Wilcox family and strengthened by their business philosophy, Countrytyme continues to help its clients achieve their dreams.

 

 

 

Financing
 

Once you choose your dream property, there are several options on financing!

·         Cash - Countrytyme now offers special discounted prices on several tracts on cash deals!

·         Financial Institutions - We continue work closely with any bank or mortgage company you choose.

·         Owner Financing - Various Financing Rates Are Available, as listed below. 

  • Offering Land Contracts on 10% or 20% down

  • 10 and 15 year land contracts are now available

  • As low as 10.9% interest rates are available (depending on credit rating)

  • Offering easy monthly payments

  • Click Here For The Owner Financing Rates

      ·       Notice:  Terms and Information regarding Countrytyme Financing are subject to change without notice and are not guaranteed.

>> Click HERE to use our Mortgage Calculator

 

 

Buying A Property From Countrytyme?

  • Q: What questions should I ask before I purchase? 

A:  There are some basic questions one should ask, but it depends on what you will be doing with the property.  The following is a sampling of questions that Countrytyme has researched before marketing began.

  • Is the property big enough for your dream home including garage, driveway, garden, play area, deck or patio, pool or pond, utility    building or whatever else you hope to someday have on your land?

  • Is the land zoned for single family residential use?

  • What utilities are available? (electric, telephone, cable, gas, water)

  • If water is not available, what is the well data for the area?

  • Is any of the land in a flood plain or wetland area?

  • Has the County Health Department approved an on site septic system? If yes, what type is approved?

  • Are there deed restrictions, boundary problems or easements that could affect your plans?

  • Q: Will my new homesite be guaranteed to be buildable?

A: Countrytyme guarantees that you will be able to build on your property or we refund your money. Plain and simple! (This guarantee may not apply to properties that are designated recreational, ask your salesperson.)
 

  • Q: Who pays the real estate taxes?

A: Countrytyme will see to it all taxes are paid up until the time you become new owner.  At which time, you as the new owner, will become responsible for taxes
.

  • Q: How long can I wait before I build?

A: In general, there are no specific time periods for which you are required to build, unless noted in the protective covenants and for the specific property. 
 

  • Q: What does land contract mean?

A: Land contract is simply a method we use to give you, the buyer, our land rights to the property without you actually getting title to the property.  The title is transferred when the land is paid off.  Payments are made monthly to Countrytyme, similar to a mortgage.  Land contracts are closed fast and sometimes can close within 24-48 hours
.

  • Q: How much money will I need for a down payment?

A: Down payments are based on your credit history and range from 5% down and upward.  We can check your credit in a matter of minutes and tell you what you will need for a the down payment..
 

  • Q: Will a salesperson meet me at the lot and walk it with me?

A: Ours salespeople love the outdoors, and would be more than happy to show you the property.  This is a great time to get familiar with the property and gain valuable information from the sales representative.
 

  • Q: Does Countrytyme build houses?

A: No, Countrytyme is not in the building business, however we can give you guidance and tips on finding a builder, or home dealer in your area.
 

  • Q: Will Countrytyme finance the tracts and home construction?

A: Countrytyme will only finance the land, however can help you get construction financing through our many sources.

Selling Your Property To Countrytyme?

  • Q: I want to sell my land and get the most I can for it.  How can I be sure I'll get the most for my land? 

A: Not every piece of land we look at meets our needs, but we can assure you that if we are interested in your land, we will show you what land in your area is selling for on today's market.  Most times, we pay more than market prices for land we want!
 

  • Q: What is the least amount of acreage or road frontage Countrytyme will buy?

A: There are no set acreage limits we look for in purchasing land, although we have found that 20 acres is usually the minimum that works best.  Contact us regardless of the acreage or amount of road frontage you have, and we will determine if it fits our needs
 

  • Q: If Countrytyme is not interested in my land, can you help me sell it?

A: Currently, Countrytyme does not operate a brokerage service even though we are licensed in the state of Ohio as a Broker.  However, we can guide you in the right direction with our many contacts throughout the states.
 

  • Q: I am a Realtor, how do I sell my land listings to you?

A:  Just like a "For Sale By Owner" would.  Contact the local office in the area where your listings are located.  We can make a fast assessment of the land and usually write an offer within 24 hours.
 

  • Q: As a Realtor, how much of my commission will I have to give up in the way of co-op fees to Countrytyme when you buy land through me?


A: Countrytyme does not co-op on the purchases we make even though we are Realtors.  You keep 100% of the commission involved in the deal.
 

  • Q: I am interested in doing an IRS 1031 tax free exchange for my land.   Can you help me with this transaction? 

A: Countrytyme legally can not handle 1031 tax free exchanges, however we can give you the names of qualified companies that handle the exchange as required by the Internal Revenue Service.
 

  • Q: Can you buy my land a portion at a time to save me tax dollars?

A: Countrytyme can work out a schedule to purchase your land however is best for your particular circumstance.  We are flexible and can make the purchase over several years if necessary to save you money
 

  • Q: Are you still interested if there is a house or barn on the property?

A: Yes.  Depending on the size of the property and the location of the buildings, we may still be interested.  Remember, there is no cost or obligation to you regardless, so please let us take a look.
 

  • Q: If I own a parcel of land and am interested in selling, do I have to pay Countrytyme a Commission?

A: No, even though Countrytyme is a Real Estate Broker, we do not charge any commissions to an owner selling their property.

 

 
 

Blog
 

ON THE ROAD WITH JIM (Owner of Countrytyme)!
Disclaimer: The information written is strictly the opinion of the individual

Jim Wilcox, owner of Countrytyme, has written several interesting stories that we would like to share.  His travels and creative writing will surely bring enjoyment to your day.