Buying a home can be a complicated and tricky process. Whether it’s learning all the new terminology or navigating contracts, mortgages, and closing costs, it can be difficult to know whether you’re getting the best deal. And that’s when a home is already built and move-in ready.
Buying a home that doesn’t even exist yet? That can be incredibly challenging.
Despite that, there’s no denying that there are numerous benefits to new construction. You have complete control over the floor plan and layout. No one’s ever lived in it before, which means the home will be in great shape. Plus, with modern construction techniques and emerging technology, you’ll also get the added benefit of high-rated energy efficiency.
But new constructions aren’t as simple as you’d think. There are many pitfalls that an inexperienced buyer can fall into if they aren’t prepared. That’s why it’s important to do your research and know what you’re getting into. Here are six tips from new construction experts to help get you started.
Partner with a Realtor
The most important part of the new construction process is finding the right team to work with. The first person you should add to your roster is an experienced realtor. They’re the industry expert you need on your side to represent you throughout every step of the process.
Homebuilders and realtors speak the same language. There’s a mutual respect there. Plus, a good agent will know what’s fair and what’s possible. When you’re talking about prices, contracts, and timelines, you can’t be expected to know when something’s industry standard and when someone’s trying to take advantage of you. That’s why it’s always wise to have an expert on your side.
Know What You Want
When you’re purchasing new construction, you don’t necessarily need a stack of blueprints with square footage and in-depth schematics on hand. However, you should know what you want. Things like:
- How many bedrooms?
- How many bathrooms?
- Do you want an Island, Galley, or L-Shaped kitchen? (Or something else?)
- Do you need a spacious, two-car garage?
- Do you want a large living room?
- Do you want one story or two?
- And so on!
Once you’ve decided on the exact specs of your dream home, write them all down. It’s helpful to have a list handy so you don’t forget anything.
Be Willing to Compromise (but Not Too Much)
It’s important to understand that during new construction, not all things are possible. So, you might have to compromise. That’s why it’s essential to prioritize which items on your list are non-negotiable and which can be sacrificed for the right reasons.
You’re paying for the new construction, and you’re most likely going to be living in it. So, you should go to the table knowing the things you can’t live without and the things you can.
Creative Negotiations and Prioritizing Experience
Many builders are reluctant to drop their prices because they need to maintain a specific value for their neighborhood and future buyers. That’s why new construction can be so complicated.
During this process, you may need to get creative with negotiations. Having someone like a realtor on your side can be especially beneficial here because they have experience negotiating with homebuilders, community managers, and contractors when you may not.
The more experience and expertise you have on your side, the better off you’re going to be. While compromises may be necessary, your needs should always come first. It’s your home, after all.
Get Everything in Writing
This is a hard lesson, but it’s one that every person pursuing new construction needs to learn. If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist to a builder.
As you might imagine, building a house from the ground up is relatively complicated. If something isn’t written down, it can easily be forgotten or ignored, and there’s no proof that it existed in the first place.
This is another excellent reason to have a realtor on your side. You wouldn’t go to court without a lawyer – there’s no reason why buying new construction should be any different.
Home Inspection is Key
You may think that a new construction won’t need to be inspected, but you can never be too careful. Home inspectors can find things that a builder may have forgotten to do. Or potential problem areas that could cause issues down the line if left undetected.
That’s why home inspections are so important. Most real estate agents have internal networks at their disposal and can recommend a home inspector they trust. That way, you can sit back and rest easy knowing you aren’t moving into a new home with a bunch of unseen issues that should’ve been fixed.
Get Started Today!
If you’re looking for new construction in Jacksonville or anywhere in Northeast Florida, contact the Welch Team today! We are experts in the new construction industry and are devoted to ensuring all our clients get the best deal possible on their forever home.
