new_construction_blog.jpgWhat's the difference you can expect when buying a new construction home? First of all, you are buying directly from the builder and have the opportunity to make your home as customized and unique as you'd like! While there are many advantages to this type of home buying, it also can be a long and time-consuming process. To simplify the process, we've listed 6 tips for buying a new construction you need to know before you get started!

6 Tips You Need to Know When Buying New Construction 

1. Hire a Real Estate Agent

The first and most important tip for new construction home buyers is to hire a broker or a real estate agent. Contract with an agent before you start shopping because many communities will require that agent to be with you during the first showings. A real estate agent is beneficial for throughout the new construction home buying process in many ways. The sales manager works for the builders, not the buyer. In order to get the best deals on upgrades and customizations you'll need an experienced agent by your side throughout the process to negotiate. You'll save money working with an agent! 

Learn what you can expect when working with a real estate rebate agent for new construction in this article.

2. Negotiate with Builders

When buying new construction it's important to keep in mind that you can negotiate with builders on certain upgrades and custom additions. This is another reason why working with an agent is important! An agent can help you negotiate and make decisions on upgrades early in the process. If you find yourself going back and forth on pricing, remember that builders want to sell QUICK. Use an agent to help you get upgrades in for reduced costs in order to speed up the process and close the deal. 

3. Research and Compare Builders

Before choosing the builder for your new construction home, it's recommended to research and compare various builders. Take a look at builders who are featured in your desired communities and visit their previously constructed homes within those communities. Another great way to research and compare is to read what local real estate agents write, review or post about builders on their website or blog. You can even call some localmodel_homes_pic.jpeg agents and ask about home builders and their experiences. Builders often have open houses with their model homes, make sure to keep an eye out for these to get a live walk through experience of the builder's design style and options. Most importantly, when comparing builders make sure to look at the Better Business Bureau website to see if there are any complaints about them.

 

BONUS: Read these articles to compare some of the top builders:

4. Research and Compare Neighborhoods

You may have an idea of the area or town you'd like to move into but many times there are multiple neighborhoods and communities within that area to choose from. Start researching by taking a look at the online listings for new home construction in the state you are interested in. You will see a list of new communities with new construction homes and start to get an idea of the areas and opportunities out there. You can even go to the communities and walk around to talk to current homeowners and take a look at the neighborhood. Some questions for you to investigate during your neighborhood research process are:

  • Are there home owner's association fees? What are some of the rules and penalties you should know about? What do they allow?
  • What cable and internet companies are available in the area?
  • Is the community still under development? For how long? This is important to know if you have children or work from home in case there are daily disturbances for construction. 
  • Ask about zoning laws for the neighborhood.
  • Talk with your agent about plans for the area.  

BONUS: Looking to move in Northern Virginia? Read about Virginia's only "farm to table" community, Willowsford Farm, located in Ashburn, VA.

5. Create Smart Offers and Document Everything

signing_documents.jpgA large part of the new construction home process is customization and making choices on what you want and what you need in your home. It's important before you start making these decisions to understand whats included within your home style. If something is included, take a visit to the builder showroom and look at the models. Get a real understanding of what you need and what you want so that you can make important decisions when it comes to upgrades. Document everything! Make smart, long term decisions on upgrades that will save you money in the long run. 

6.  New Home Inspection 

It's recommended to hire an individual home inspection professional of your own, along with the builder's inspector, at the end of your project. In your contract, make sure you add that the closing is contingent on a final home inspection by a professional of your choice. An agent will be able to help you find the right person and work with the builder to add this to your contract. Hiring your own professional inspector will ensure that your inspection is thorough and you are protected. Also, make sure your agent works with the builder to add in after move-in warranties to cover any defects in craftmanship. 

Need an agent for your new construction home process? 

Work with Glass House and SAVE a ton of cash when buying a new construction home in Virginia, Maryland or DC. We offer the largest real estate rebate in the industry, giving our clients 1.5% cash back upon closing. That means that not only will you save on discounts and deals when we negotiate with your chosen builder but we also give you 1.5% back for working with us! Why leave that money on the table? Talk to us today!

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Khalil El-Ghoul

Discover our 2.25% Full Service Listings and Buyer Rebates. Khalil is dedicated to guiding home buyers and sellers with expert advice and objective information. For professional real estate assistance, text Khalil at 571-235-4821 or email khalil@glasshousere.com today.