Don’t Buy a New Construction House in Northern Virginia Before Reading This

If you’re getting ready or just have a smidgen of a thought to buy a new construction house in Northern Virginia, your head is probably swirling with visions of countertops, flooring, the perfect layout, and a fabulous back yard.

But before you get caught up in all the trappings of new construction housing amenities, it’s important to slow down and look at the big picture. Careful planning for a new construction home is vital in order to ensure a smooth process that will bring your vision to life.

Must-Know Tips to Buy a New Construction House in Northern Virginia

As you embark on the planning of your new construction house in Northern Virginia, it’s important to know the following:

• New homes aren’t always on your real estate agent’s radar screen. Many new homes aren’t listed on the local MLS, the Multiple Listing Service. If you’re interested in a new home, visit new construction websites like newhomesource.com and drive around your target areas.
• The reputation of the builder. Contact your local National Association of Home Builders group and ask about the builder. Get references from family and friends. Find out how long the builder has been in business. Check the Better Business Bureau to determine whether any complaints have been filed.
• Pay attention to the details in the contract. The builder should provide a contract that has everything spelled out – prices, timeline, etc. Ask for the builder’s warranty as well.
• You might get a discount if a new development is in the early stages. Builders are typically eager to get their first batch of houses sold. It helps with their marketing and shows their lenders they’re in a good position as far as sales go. Working with a real estate rebate agency is another way to cut costs when buying a new construction home.
• Negotiating is more difficult. When you negotiate with the seller of an existing home, the situation is always going to be unique. The seller has a sentimental tie to the house and every seller has a different timetable and incentive to sell the house quickly. A home builder is building houses and has set prices based on the lot size, size of the house, and amenities. There is typically less room for negotiation.
• While negotiating on price is more difficult for a newly constructed home, you might be able to discuss the possibility of concessions in the form of builder upgrades. An upgraded countertop, flooring, or landscaping might be in the cards at a reduced cost, or no cost at all.
• You’ll have the benefit of easy and less expensive maintenance. The National Association of Home Builders says 73 percent of owners of new homes spend $25 or less a month for routine maintenance. Owners of new homes also spend less on their energy bills.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that it’s important to work with a real estate agent, even if you’re planning to buy a new construction house. It’s important to have an agent who has sold new construction before. Glass House Real Estate sells dozens of new homes a year, we have the experience and knowledge to get you the best deal possible. We also have a wide array of experience helping clients purchasing a new construction house.