Building a New Home

Building a New Home

Building a new home is easier than ever today. New home sales are at all time records. There is a tremendous amount of competition in the new home arena. Builders are offering enormous incentives to new home buyers, as well as a multitude of upgrades and features.

• Why would I want to build a new home?
  Of course, for many people, the question would be, “Why would I want to buy an existing home?” This decision is entirely a matter of personal choice. There are many factors to be taken into consideration when making this decision, however. The biggest reason most people want to build a new home is because they get complete control over the location, floorplan, features, upgrades and decorating. Just like the smell of a new car and the feeling that it is all yours, the feeling applies to houses as well. Many people want that brand new, never lived in before feeling.
  
  Maintenance is also a consideration with new builds. Many builders offer extensive warranties on their homes, covering structure, mechanics and appliances. These warranties remove many of the headaches of homeownership and guarantee a positive experience for years to come. In addition, these warranties are transferable and make the house very desirable when it comes time to sell.

• I don’t want to wait a year to move into my new home.
  Most home builders have a very streamlined building process. Average build times on new homes is between 5 and 10 months. However, many builders have for sale ‘spec’ homes, which were built on speculation. These homes are often ready to be moved into within weeks. In addition, spec homes offer many complimentary upgrades and features that a custom home would not. Builders build these ‘spec’ homes for many reasons, but they are always a great value for the consumer.

• Do I need a Realtor to build a home?
  Yes, absolutely. You must remember that when you enter into any new home builder’s offices, you are immediately in the middle of a salesroom. The builder’s job is to sell you a home and it is the job of the builder’s agent as well. Although the builders cannot lie to you (that would be fraud and therefore illegal), they will focus only the positive aspects of a particular floorplan, lot or neighborhood. It will be very rare to find a builder who will willingly tell you about any negative features of a floorplan, model or location.
  
  Almost all builders work happily with Realtors and will pay their commission without adding anything to the sales price. Builders and Realtors have a good relationship because Realtors are a large source of customers for builders. Indeed, most builders will not give you a discount for not having a Realtor.
  
  In the end, it is just as important to have your own professional advice and representation with a builder as it is with any other Seller. The builder will pay the Realtor’s fee with no cost to you – you have nothing to lose!

• How do I know which builder is best for me?
  There are over one hundred builders in the Central Ohio area alone. That is why it is important to work with a Realtor who can give you objective information on the different builders and their reputations. Some builders are definitely better than others. A professional Realtor can help you determine which builder will give you the best building experience.