10 Secrets Every New Home Buyer Should Know

Although most homes for sale are resale, one out of four homebuyers purchases a new home. Find out the advantages of both, and which is better for you!

A house with a nice living room

Which is Better: Existing or New?

The right answer, of course, is up to you. Both resales and new homes offer advantages. Existing homes are less expensive on average and are generally closer to and enjoy the warmth and surroundings of established neighbourhoods. On the other hand, new homes offer innovative use of space, modern energy efficiency, and options and upgrades. What's more, everything is new - even the neighbours. 

The choice that's right for you depends on many things: your finances, your family composition, and your taste. The fact of the matter is that most buyers consider both new and resale homes before they decide.

Below is a special report that has just been released, which identifies ten secrets every new home buyer should know, including little-known buyer advantages that most builders won't divulge unless pressed.

10 Tips to Save You Time and Money: The Homebuyers' Guide to NEW HOMES

When shopping for your home, you'll discover that most homes on the market are resale. Yet, one out of four homebuyers purchases a new home. Both new homes and resales offer advantages. Before making a decision, let's explore some of the advantages and unveil some disadvantages.

Let's look at the benefits of buying new & existing homes!

New Homes

  • offer innovative use of space and style 
  • greater energy efficiency 
  • a choice of options and upgrades 
  • everything is new and modern. 

Existing Homes 

  • on the average, they are less expensive 
  • often they are in established neighborhoods with mature landscaping 
  • homes have already settled, eliminating possible problems that arise from this happening after the purchase of home 

As you can see, there are advantages to both. Most people consider both new and existing homes before they decide to purchase. Should you be considering buying a new house, here are 10 points to consider before visiting your first model home. 

1. Determine a Comfortable Price Range

Before you visit your first model home, sit down with your agent and do your homework. You'll want to be prepared so that you can determine a comfortable price range for your new home. If you own a home, you'll first need to know the net proceeds from its sale in order to determine how much cash you'll have to work with. Don't simply estimate this, but carefully calculate every possible selling cost. If you're a first-time buyer, you'll need to first qualify your income. Determine the size of your down payment, then work out a monthly debt load so you can determine a comfortable price range. 

2. Sellers' Agents Versus Buyers' Agents 

Negotiating home

Here's a good point to remember. The sales agent in the model home represents the builder, not you. They are known as sellers' agents. As a buyer, you can work with a buyers' agent at no additional cost. It's their business to best represent your needs by being knowledgeable about home construction, warranties, financing, differences in pricing, quality, and even lot selection so that you get the best value for your money. 

3. A Builder For All Reasons 

Like all tradespeople, builders vary in their fields of expertise. For example, some builders specialize in craftsmanship, others are known for their innovative use of space, and some offer below-market financing or customer attention during construction and after move-in. Determine your own specific needs or preferences, then shop around for a builder that will best address your requirements

4. Get the Facts About Your Builder 

Contruction worker building a home

Before making a final decision, it is wise to check out the reputation and financial strength of the builder. Get "spec sheets" on home features covering everything from floor plans to energy efficiency, including lot availability and delivery of your home.

5. Check Out the Neighborhood

  • Learn as much as you can about the community. 
  • Discover what amenities it has to offer. 
  • Investigate if financial reserves have been set aside to build or replace major amenities like schools or community roads. 
  • Find out from local land-use officials what else is planned or could be constructed in the area, especially where vacant land is applicable. 
  • Review the rules for the homeowner's association, or find out if one will be set up. 
  • Think of how you will be affected by commuting routes and times. 

6. Choosing Options and Upgrades 

A man and agent shaking hands

The less expensive the base price of the house is, the more options and upgrades you can add without fear of overpricing it for the neighbourhood. Options are items the builder installs during construction, such as adding usable space like a sunroom or a powder room. These features can add the most to the resale value of your home. Upgrading means selecting quality above "builder standard," such as carpeting, ceramics, detailing, kitchen fixtures and appliances. Be sure to take advantage of builder incentives that offer free upgrades or credit off of the sale price. Remember, you can add a deck, finished basement or landscaping later, sometimes for less money.

7. Negotiations

Often, buyers don't realize that there may be room for negotiating price, upgrades or options. For example, you have some scope for negotiating with the builder if s/he has a completed home but has yet to sell it. Also, some "premium lots" are priced higher and are sometimes saved to be sold last. Keep in mind that typically, all lots cost the builder the same, so be sure to enquire about lot pricing. Builders may offer discounts or special financing to help close a sale. 

8. Be Sure the Contract Works in Your Favor! 

a man signing a contract

When spelling out the particulars of an agreement with your builder, ensure you protect yourself by having safeguards written into the agreement, such as: 

  • placing your deposit in escrow 
  • detailing your upgrades; 
  • allowing you access to the construction site to check on progress; 
  • a 30-day advance notice of the closing date. 
  • an explanation of what the fine print means in the warranties of the builder and manufacturer. 

9. Financing - What's Best for You? 

Some builders can offer special financing packages, especially in high-volume communities that place large numbers of loans. However, because "home loan" lending is highly competitive, you have many financing choices other than those being offered by the builder. Shop around for everything, from rates to lender fees. Appraisals, inspections, surveys, attorneys and closing fees can vary as well. 

10. Just Because it's New....Doesn't Mean it's Perfect 

Yes, it's new, and typically, it's built with modern materials that are durable, low maintenance, stronger, quieter, and safer. But because nothing is perfect, even if it's new, consider hiring a reputable, licensed home inspector. Then, create a builder "punch list" from what you've learned to address any problems before closing. Consider budgeting for items to be modified or added later on. Many new home buyers use a real estate agent to help them negotiate the best price and terms with the builder. 

Buyer Advantages Your Builder May Not Reveal! 

a man looking at the house plan

Here's a fact that you may not be aware of: some builders have newly constructed homes available for immediate delivery. Usually, these homes are ready to move into within 30 days. Even if some builders are eager to sell, they'll probably keep that knowledge to themselves. Immediate delivery homes are often available for various reasons:

  • the community, where new homes are being constructed is nearly complete, so the builder proceeds to have the on-site-contractors build "spec" homes (homes built on speculation for sale) on the last lots; 
  • the model home is for sale; 
  • the contract on a home has fallen through; 
  • builders include constructing homes for immediate delivery for buyers who are relocating or who have sold their previous home and need one to move into quickly. 

Immediate delivery homes may be more desirable because, sometimes, builders offer financing incentives or free options. This may be done in place of chopping prices to appeal to buyers purchasing later in the building phase. An immediate delivery home is an advantageous way to purchase a home if you need to move in quickly or need a physical space to walk through and see before you sign a contract. Be sure to inquire.

To learn more about the home buying process, watch the video below on how to avoid those secret costs when buying a home!

Contact Us Today for a Free Home Buying Consultation 780-462-5002


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