Building a new home is an exciting process! It can also be stressful. As you move forward with all the decisions required of a new construction home, smart planning and wise choices can prevent new construction home buying mistakes.
Tips to Prevent New Construction Home Buying Mistakes
- Not Taking Good Notes There’s so much to learn about building your home from the ground up. Taking notes while meeting with your builder as well as writing down questions, ideas, and concerns you have as they crop up, will help you stay organized, keep your plans on schedule, and potentially make it possible to modify plans once construction is underway.
- Not Researching Builders Choosing a good, reputable builder can put you in the best position possible for your newly constructed home. Your builder will be the one to hire a good team, and provide quality materials and design selections. Being able to rely on the knowledge and experience of a good builder is a must. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the lot selection, new construction process, design choices, upgrades, and even financing. Other factors like deposits and walk-throughs are also important to inquire about. Make sure to have a thorough discussion with the builders you are considering as you make your decisions.
- Not Reviewing Standard Materials and Finishes That model home was staged and looking great, right? Be sure you understand how things like standard vs. upgraded design and finish choices work, as well as lighting package allowances. You shouldn’t assume that the high-end finishes you are seeing in the model homes are the standard, included choices available (without paying more).
- Not Understanding Incentives Builders in new development communities will often offer incentives to make building a home in their neighborhood more enticing. From rate locks to interest rate buy-downs – it’s vital to know these incentives to make the best choice on your loans and costs.
- Not Understanding Timelines A lot goes into building a home because of coordinating timelines with vendors and contractors, the delivery of materials, and even the weather. Knowing what you’re dealing with when it comes to your ideal timeline and move-in date can help guide your expectations.
- Not Having a Home Inspection Often not thought about with a newly-built home, a home inspection can help you feel confident about all the work done – both behind the walls and what you can see. If something is amiss, it can be rectified before closing and move-in.
- Not Visiting the Build Checking in frequently on the job site can catch mistakes while they are still relatively easy to fix and without major impacts to your timeline. Visiting your new home build weekly is not overkill and a lot of work can take place in between each visit. Reviewing the progress regularly is important to keeping your concepts moving forward.
Just remember: Building a new home is like life and comes with some inevitable challenges. Working with your builder amicably and in a timely fashion will make the hiccups move much more smoothly.
Working with an Experienced Memphis Area Real Estate Agent
When it’s time to sell your existing home or buy a great new place, turn to a highly regarded and well-informed local real estate agent. You want someone who you can trust to give you the best advice and know-how for your new home purchase or sale. Check out my other great real estate articles to help you through your home selling and buying experience here in Memphis. Staging homes for sale is also part of my expertise. Please ask me about it when you reach out.
Take a minute to learn more about me. With over 19 years of top-notch service for my clients, I can guide you with your house sale, new home purchase, or buying a great parcel of land. As a top, licensed real estate agent in the Memphis area, showing you the best properties for you and your family is my goal!
Contact me at (901) 828-8919 or drop me a quick note at angie@angiekelley.com and we can speak in person about your plans and options.
