Most buyers easily admit that the single most enjoyable part of their pre-purchase home search is going to be visiting different attractive model homes and neighborhoods. There is no better way to begin to narrow down a list of prospective new homes, neighborhoods, and developers to make an informed final decision.
You must give yourself at least sixty days to at least six weeks to shop around at various new developments to gain ideas of what is available and how best to ask questions of each developer. Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for a new home:
Ask about a buyer’s warranty.
Buyers should inquire about a buyer’s warranty while shopping, so they can feel comfortable with the lender’s reply. Many homes have been damaged during the building process and need extensive repairs. It’s important to understand whether or not the warranty will cover these costs.
Many new home buyers find out too late that they weren’t covered for living expenses and other expenses associated with inhabiting their newly built dwelling. For more on this, we suggest you give Roost Real Estate a call as soon as possible.
Ask about energy efficiency.
New developments and older homes typically fall into this category. Developers may want to discuss upgrading the heating and cooling systems in these properties. Buyers may want to consider whether the homes meet LEED standards, which recommend efficient building practices.
Find out if the homes use low or high-energy appliances and whether the heating and cooling systems use natural gas or propane. Some buyers want to know if the developer complies with EPA regulations regarding energy efficiency in construction.
Get a floor plan.
A floor plan is an excellent way to visualize the space you’ll actually occupy during an inspection tour. Buyers should view floor plans when they visit various properties so they can picture out the layout of the future home on their own.
The most important thing buyers need to see is the layout of a property’s entrance and exit, and what types of doors lead to it. If a builder doesn’t provide clear information about the location of doorways, walk-through windows, ramps, and exterior entry and exit points, the buyer shouldn’t buy.
Check the cost of utilities.
Even if you’re buying a used model home, check the cost of utilities at different addresses. You may discover that you can get a better deal at a newer development than at a home on the housing market.
Builders that are offering fixed prices usually have an incentive to offer base prices that are lower than advertised, but homeowners who are paying by the hour or by the foot will go over budget. Look for floor plans that allow for reasonable increases in utilities.
Consult with financial planners.
Before buying a new home, contact at least three financial planners. Ask them to evaluate your income, assets, liabilities, and debt, among other things. Make sure that the planners agree that your base price and payment amount will make it possible for you to purchase a home in your price range.
Get referrals.
Friends, family members, co-workers, and real estate agents may be able to give you good advice when buying a new home. Before buying a house, however, make sure that you consult at least three people who are willing to speak to you about your potential investment before you make any decisions.
When buying a house, it’s important to make sure that your buyers understand all aspects of your plan so that they’ll have a clear perspective on your home buying process. New homes are generally more expensive to build than older homes. For this reason, it’s important for buyers to be aware of the prices of newly built homes in their areas.
A quick search online or through real estate listing services can help you find out what builders are offering in your area, as well as where you can find the best deals. There are many contractors and builders that offer expert service for buying a home, so make sure you choose one with years of experience.