Things to Look for in a New Home
It’s easy to get carried away with a brand new home build. Custom lighting? Yes! Upgraded appliances? Absolutely. Before you know it, you’re stressed—over budget and past deadline. By heeding the following 8 tips on buying a new construction home, you’ll feel confident from the moment you send off earnest money to the day you get those shiny new keys.
- Know the different stages of builds. When shopping for a new home, you’ll be faced with various stages of completion. You can go fully custom and have it built ‘from scratch;’ however, most people choose to buy a new home that’s already complete or in the process of development which allows for semi-custom builds.
- Determine a comprehensive budget. It’s not enough to determine the maximum amount for which you’ll sign. Make sure you know what to expect in terms of property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, home warranties, ongoing landscaping, and furnishings—many of which you may want brand new. Understand there’s a high price to custom amenities, which brings us to the next point.
- Discuss standard vs. custom features. While any agent worth their salt will know to look out for this, don’t leave your finances in someone else’s hands. After touring the model home—which will often feature a mix of standard and upgraded features—ask the builder to provide a list of options and prices. Know that the markup on upgrades is significant and therefore cheaper to do it yourself after closing.
- Get everything in writing. This is true for any home purchase, but especially those under construction. The date of completion is most important as it is often delayed due to city permits and building suppliers. Clarify what it will mean to you and the lender if the home is not completed by your contract date.
- Research the builder. Word of mouth can be your biggest validation or the sole reason you move on to the next subdivision. Talk to other homeowners and make sure you know the builder’s reputation. The Internet is always a great resource for customer reviews. Just remember they’re somewhat biased as negative reviews are more commonly reported than pleasant experiences.
- Pick the right agent . Most model homes come with their own real estate agent. Convenient, right? Wrong. They could be the most knowledgeable agent on the planet and there will still be a conflict of interest when it comes to helping you, the buyer, determine what’s truly right for you and your long terms plans. Whomever you choose should be experienced in new construction and accompany you on your first visit to the property.
- Consider the community . Location, location, location! Even more important than the home’s surrounding schools and shopping centers are the long term plans to which you won’t be immediately alerted. What will the HOA entail? How long will construction take? You don’t want to wake up to jackhammering every morning for the next 12 months. Will your view change as new homes are built? Traffic might be a breeze now, but it may be a different story when the neighborhood is fully developed in five years.
- Don’t skip the inspection or warranty. One of the biggest fallacies of new builds is the assumption that its construction will be perfect—and for good reason. You pay for mint condition; you expect mint condition. Defects and code violations are still possible though—especially when the builder’s reputation precedes its quality of work. Hire an independent inspector with no conflict of interest.
Buying a new home has significant advantages to buying from a private seller. Lessen the burden of home shopping by doing your homework as it pertains to your personal life and professional real estate dealings.
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About Our Dove Mountain Community
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dove Mountain is a community of luxury custom homes where every detail has been carefully considered, from thoughtful site planning to magnificent home designs that enhance the beautiful desert views and foster a lifestyle that fuses the indoors and outdoors.
The custom homesites give owners the opportunity to design the luxury home of their dreams. However, if you prefer to move in more quickly, there are customizable floor plans, which can be finished to meet your specific wants and needs.
At The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dove Mountain, you may select from eight custom home floor plans to suit every need and lifestyle, but these suggestions may only be a starting point. Collectively, your wishes combined with the expertise of the competent and creative design staff, allow your residence to emerge as your very own distinctive home, reflecting your family and its lifestyle. Luxury custom homes in The Residences range from just under 1,700 to nearly 5,500 square-feet and are available in two neighborhoods.
Finding out whether or not it is just right for you begins with a call: 877-451-7205.
