| Buying a New Home |
| Buying a
new home can be a great investment. It can be very exciting to
know that everything in the home is new, including all of the
appliances. New construction can have a different feel than older
homes - features such as higher ceilings, rounded wall corners, arched
doorways, and of course the new carpet smell. Existing homes can
have mature street trees, larger rooms, and the character that comes
with established neighborhoods.
However, you may want to pick your cabinets, tile, paint colors and floor coverings. You may want the energy efficient appliances, new plumbing and new electrical systems. There may be less maintenance in a newer home. Homes typically come with a warranty on the electrical and plumbing systems as well as the structural integrity (up to 10 years). Is new construction right for you? Or will you be more comfortable in an existing home? If you are considering a new home, you may still want to use a REALTOR. Home Builders want you to think that nothing is negotiable with a home purchase, but in reality, EVERYTHING is negotiable. Engaging a REALTOR can help you effectively negotiate the contract with the home builder. Ask yourself if you would choose to purchase an existing home without representation . . . if the answer is no, then talk to your REALTOR prior to purchasing your new home. Ask your REALTOR to show you the new homes. When your agent escorts you into the model homes and registers you - it is likely that the home builder will pay your agent's commission. You will get representation at no additional cost just for being escorted into the models.
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