So you’ve decided to buy new construction. You’re looking forward to that fresh home smell, brand new floors, stain-free carpets, and smudge free walls! Buying new construction can be a very different process than buying a preowned home. First of all, you’re buying from the person who built it, not the person who called it home. The property is often one of many the builder is trying to sell. This can lead to a different dynamic both in negotiating and throughout the transaction.
So what can you really expect? Check out these helpful tips when buying new construction to smoothly guide you through the new home buying experience!
1. Find a great agent!
Be sure it’s someone who has experience in new construction and isn’t affiliated with the builder. Model homes are typically staffed by a real estate agent who has a relationship with the builder. It’s important for you to have an agent to represent your best interests, from advising you on how to structure your offer to be most appealing to the builder to making choices that can affect your home’s resale value.
2. Be creative during negotiations
Builders don’t like to drop their prices. Instead, consider asking for the builder to pay closing costs or perform upgrades at no additional charge. Builders are often reluctant to set a precedent for negotiating prices since future buyers in the development may expect similar discounts. Consequently, builders are often more likely to negotiate “on the back end” since closing costs and upgrades are a less obvious way for them to sweeten a deal.
3. Get everything in writing
Don’t sign anything until everything has been negotiated, agreed upon and written into the contract. If you’re considering purchasing a home that is not yet complete, it’s very important to spell out how the home will be finished, what will happen if construction is not completed on time and the deadlines for decisions that will occur through the process. Verbal conversations are not binding, so everything important must be put in writing and signed by all parties.
4. What you see isn’t always what you get
The fit and finish of the model home doesn’t necessarily represent what comes standard.Often the model home reflects a mix of standard materials and fixtures, as well as a handful of upgrades. When touring the model home, make sure to find out which is which. The important thing is to know exactly what you’ll be getting, what’s available and, of course, what it will cost. Keep in mind that costs can change. The price quoted at the start may not be the same when you decide to move forward.
5. Do your research on the builder
Search online for reviews, testimonials and news. Keep in mind that many builders will have both happy and unhappy customers in their past. Look for trends in reviews and make sure any concerns are covered in the purchase agreement documents.
Cesi Pagano
National Builder Trade In Program
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