| urpose of this home buying tip is to explain some of | | | | builder, you'll have some say in the floor plan, the |
| the advantages new homes have over existing | | | | features, the design elements and more. You can |
| homes. | | | | truly put your personal touch on the home. |
| Before you begin your home buying process, it helps | | | | 4. Negotiable Features |
| to identify the type of home you want. In fact, it's a | | | | This benefit will largely depend on the kind of real |
| necessary step if you want things to go smooth | | | | estate market you're in. But in many cases, you'll be |
| later on. | | | | able to negotiate the price, the options and the |
| Why is this important? By having a clear picture of | | | | closing costs. When you buy from a builder, you'll |
| your ideal home, you'll be able to narrow down your | | | | probably deal with a sales associate who represents |
| search, which will save you time and energy. | | | | the building company. The salesperson wants |
| One of the first questions that will come up is new | | | | commissions, and the only way they get commissions |
| home or resale home? Both have their pros and | | | | is by selling homes. Typically, you'll find that a |
| cons, but new homes have the following distinct | | | | salesperson will "bend" as much as possible (within |
| advantages. | | | | the limitations imposed on them) in order to make a |
| Advantages of a New Home | | | | sale. |
| 1. It's New! | | | | Some builders will offer incentive packages as part of |
| A major advantage of buying a new home is that | | | | negotiations. For example, maybe they won't lower |
| everything is ... well, new. In other words, the kinds | | | | the price, but they'll be willing to upgrade the kitchen |
| of things that can cost a lot to repair -- like the roof, | | | | features or the flooring. |
| the major appliances, the heating and cooling -- | | | | 5. Thorough Inspection |
| shouldn't need any repairs for a long while. If they do | | | | Usually, a neutral third-party will inspect a new home |
| need repairs, see the next item. | | | | before the buyers close on it. This could include a |
| 2. Warranties | | | | member of the city / county zoning and construction |
| Most new homes come with substantial warranties | | | | board, or a licensed inspector hired by you. |
| on critical areas like the roof, the foundation, etc. If | | | | The builder will also walk through it with you, at |
| you buy a resale home, you'll most likely have to | | | | various stages of construction. The point is, there are |
| purchase a warranty yourself (if you want one). | | | | usually more people reviewing and inspecting a new |
| 3. Design Input | | | | home than a resale home. |
| If you have a home built to your specification, you'll | | | | * Copyright 2006, Brandon Cornett. |
| be able to make a lot of choices. Depending on the | | | | |