Buying a new construction home is exciting, especially when you can see gorgeous model homes and consider all the design possibilities. But the process of buying a home can be quite long and confusing. From researching builders to financing and upgrades, there are a million different things to keep in mind during the new home construction buying process.
There can be lots of paperwork and processes that can wear you out. Having an expert by your side can make all the difference. Your process can be made far more simple with a real estate agent who really understands all the technical stuff about buying a new construction home. Take a look at some of the essentials you need to pay attention to while buying a new home construction and how an expert can help you with it.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Where can I find a new home construction near me? First, know where you want to build. The key to a good property is all about the location. Finding a suitable location is easier said than done. It requires many hours researching online and driving through neighborhoods. But a real estate expert can make this search much shorter.
An experienced agent can easily identify large neighborhoods that fit your needs and even share some exclusive locations that may not be listed publicly. You don’t have to spend your time looking through multiple neighborhoods and homes. Instead, an agent can help shortlist the ones that work for you, saving considerable time and money.
Finding a Good Builder
When it comes to new home construction, having a trustworthy builder is a must. How do I find new home builders near me? You can look through online reviews and forums to learn more about a builder, but nothing beats an expert’s knowledge. Experienced real estate agents know reputable builders, thanks to their network. Make use of their expertise to find reliable builders with quality construction and warranties. A good real estate agent will find out if a builder has cut costs on their materials or if they have a history of not honoring their new home builder warranty. They will also know if construction is likely to take longer based on the builder and market trends.
Protecting Your Interests
It’s always a good idea to have a real estate expert with you when dealing with builders and sales agents. While the sales agent can help you in your purchase, they represent the interests of the builder at the end of the day.
Having a real estate agent by your side removes this conflict of interest. They can guide you through the process of buying new construction and give you details on what to expect from a builder. An expert will make sure that the builder’s agent answers all your queries, and they will inform you of any points of concern. Your agent will also update you on the status of construction, while functioning as a point of communication between you and the builder. This frees you from having to worry about what’s going on at all times.
Understanding What Is and Isn’t Part of the Deal
A model home is not an accurate representation of what your home will look like. Model homes are often set up with the latest in technology and shown with features that are intended to charm potential buyers.
A real estate agent will be able to tell you what is and isn’t part of the deal when you buy a new construction home. They can check on what amenities are offered and what appliances come with the home. In addition to many other things, they are also aware whether the house will be part of an HOA, including the rules and fees that come with an HOA. An experienced agent knows what to look for in a new home. They can tell you whether that amazing new home you have your eye on is a good deal or will end up costing you more down the road.
Taking Care of the Home Inspection and Warranties
Experts always advise new construction buyers to get a home inspection. New homes often come with their own set of issues, which can be rectified if caught in time. Many of these issues deal with the quality of material and construction.
A new home inspection gives you a clear idea of what state the home is in. Even more, having an agent by your side during this process can result in significant savings for you. The agent can let the builder know of any issues and get them fixed before the build is over. A good agent will also be able to use the information to negotiate the price and new home builder warranty.
Getting You the Best Price
New home negotiations differ from resale home negotiations in many ways. For one, the builder’s agent is likely to be more resistant to lowering prices, as it can affect the pricing of the rest of their homes. An experienced agent can assist with this process because they know what factors the builders are willing to budge on. An agent will be able to convince the sales agent to throw in extra incentives or upgrades to give you a better deal on the house.
Your agent can also help you with the financing process. Builders often have preferred lenders for financing buyers. While this option is easier, your agent will be able to check around and let you know of better offers. They can also help you choose between different types of loans and financing options for your budget.
Ensuring the Paperwork is In Order
The contract is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of buying a new home. New home contracts need to be read through in detail because they are usually written to benefit the builder. This is an area where the expertise of an agent is invaluable. You need someone to go through the contract carefully and catch any parts that need to be changed. An agent will be able to explain the contract and the implications of certain wordings, as well as connect you to a real estate attorney if necessary. The agent will be aware of the finer details and can inform you of what you are agreeing to.
If you are thinking about moving sometime soon and are considering new construction homes as an option, let us help! Over the last 20 years, we have helped thousands of families move into the home of their dreams. Fill out our form and let us know how we can help you.
Alicia Persson is a Content Strategist SEO writer at Marketplace Homes, utilizing previous years of experience on real estate teams that specialized in investments and property management. Before she joined Marketplace Homes, she was also a freelance writer for 7 years, leading to a specialization in real estate and home living content for boutique digital marketing agencies. During her writing years, she learned the basics of SEO and gained experience writing for many different clients, making her versatile at creating diverse content.
She is a proud University of Virginia master’s graduate and enjoyed her undergraduate years at the University of Mary Washington. When Alicia is not writing, she plays keytar and sings in a local 90’s rock cover band, or she spends time with her amazing family.