Last year, I decided to buy a newly built home. I found that in the South, because so many areas are still developing, the inventory for new homes is overwhelming. There are hundreds, if not thousands of new homes, which of course, you can customize, and have built suitable to your dreams. Here are a few things I learned with my experience:
1. Research the builder's customer satisfaction ranking.
Many builders have built in marketing that helps them sell their product. What you may not know is that often times, independent surveys are sent to home owners to gauge their satisfaction after they have closed, and moved into their home. JD Power is a huge company that does surveys, butmost big name builders know their ranking. Ask your sales agent about that.
2. Bring Your Own Home Inspector.
A reputable builder will have no problem allowing a home inspector in. When you mention bringing a home inspector, and the builder's agent tenses up, or discourages you, dial the inspector as quickly as possible. I found that with clients who had builders with upstanding quality and craftmanship, the home inspector was welcome. Builders offer warrantyies, and will follow-up with you once you are in your home, to try to fix anything that isn't working properly. If you have a home inspection, and make sure issues are cleared up before you move in, the repairs you will need after closing will be manageble.
3. Know your market.
As a result of the new construction "boom", you may find that builders are offering incentives to encourage you to close the deal. Once you know the area you want to live in, visit every new subdivision, and learn what the standard features are, along with the incentives offered. Not only will this help you feel comfortable, it should also give you some negotiating power.
4. Bring your own agent.
Builders have sales offices that are staffed with agents who work for them. When you walk in, without an agent of your own, you automatically grant them the status of "your" agent, despite the fact that they don't work for you. If they give you information, they can claim that they are the reason you bought, if you decide to do so. If you have your own agent, you have someone working on your side. Despite how friendly the builder's sales agents are, at the end of the day, you want someone who can handle issues, hire inspectors, and advocate for your best interest. Look for more information on buyer's agents tomorrow.
Comment Preview