February 16, 2021
Categories: Tools
New home builders strive to make shopping for a new construction home an easy and enjoyable experience. Builders have invested heavily in ensuring each step of the process is designed to educate and inform the future homeowner about what makes their brand, and their homes stand out from the competition. This hard work is evident in the stylish model homes you will find in the Charleston area new home communities. Model homes represent floorplans built in the neighborhood and decorated to give you a feel for how the home will perform in real life. Model homes are also staffed with knowledgeable sales agent that will help guide you through the new home buying process.
Model homes are usually impressive, and it is easy to be “wowed” by the professionally decorated interiors. Do not be surprised if you feel like you are experiencing information overload as you tour the model, and the sales agent presents you with numerous details and choices. Having a list of pragmatic questions established before you tour the model can help keep you on track and make sure you have all the information you need prior to signing a sales contract.
Pulte Homes
1.) What is the timeframe to build a new home? After I sign a contract, how long until I can plan to close and move in?
Timing is a crucial first question (or two) because it will dictate how you begin your new home search. Are you looking to move relatively soon, such as in a month, maybe three? If that is the case, you will need to consider move-in ready homes or homes currently under construction. Most builders try to have standing inventory available they would be happy to show you. If you have longer (think in the ballpark of six months) you can start the process from scratch. In this regard, many new homebuilders follow a similar process. They encourage homebuyers to pick out the homesite they want for their new home, select the perfect floorplan, and make any structural modifications. After making these selections buyers then choose all the finishes and fixtures that will outfit the home. Once the construction process starts it typically takes anywhere from three to six months to build a home (here are some more specifics on that timeline). During this time, you will likely be nailing down the particulars on financing for your home. If you are in the process of selling your existing home, that is also a factor you’ll need to take into consideration with the timeline. While unforeseen things like delays in permitting, weather setbacks, or material shortages can pop up, it is likely your builder will be able to give you a good estimate of how long it will take your new home to be built. They will keep you updated along the way as you attend various walk-throughs and a new-homeowner orientation.
DRB Homes
2.) What features are included as “standard” in this home and what features are “upgrades”?
When you are shopping model homes, you will quickly notice a difference between “standard” or “included” features, i.e., those that are included with the base pricing of the home, and those that are “upgrades.” Builders approach this differently— for instance, Lennar takes an “Everything’s Included®” approach where upgrades are already built into the price of the home, whereas other area builders strive to offer the lowest possible base price and let homeowner’s pick what’s important to spend their remaining budget on.
It truly depends on your personal style and budget which approach is best for you, but what’s most important as a homebuyer is to distinguish what approach your builder of choice has, and to know what’s included, and what upgrades cost so that you’re not hit with sticker shock when you see the final price of your home. Keep this in mind as you tour the model home and be sure to ask the sales agent what’s upgraded and what’s standard.
Some builders encourage a visit to their Design Center to give you a better idea of the options available and their costs—these choices can extend from structural modifications to the home (like including a third garage bay, opting for a 4th bedroom vs a loft, selecting a “gourmet” kitchen), to the finish on your appliances, to the knobs on your cabinets, to the addition of a screened porch & backyard sod package.
Nexton
3.) Is there a new home warranty? What is covered under the warranty?
One of the appealing benefits of new construction is that homes typically come with a new home warranty. You will likely hear your builder use the phrase “1-2-10 warranty.” What does this mean? It means that after you have been in the home a year, they will do a walk through and address any issues like nail pops that are likely to have occurred after the home settles as it goes through seasonal changes. Your appliances and plumbing will be covered for two years (often this is through a manufacturer warranty rather than your builder). The structure of the home is covered for ten years. This is a very general sketch and will vary from builder to builder so be sure to ask your builder on the particulars. It is also worth asking if they have an in-house warranty department that will be available 24/7 to address any unforeseen issues that you might have.
4.) What do the annual HOA fees cost? What is stipulated in the Covenants & Restrictions?
Annual homeowner’s association fees are typically part of life in a new construction neighborhood. These fees cover the upkeep of common areas like the entrance to the neighborhood and any amenities. The more amenities your neighborhood has, the higher the fees typically are. You will want to be sure to budget this in as part of your homeownership cost in addition to your mortgage, taxes, and insurance. Covenants and Restrictions serve a variety of functions and are something worth considering prior to signing a sales contract. For example, they can dictate the type of fencing you install in your new home and might limit structures like above ground pools or outdoor sheds. To know more about the ins and outs of HOA’s and Covenants and Restrictions, read here. The onsite sales agent should be able to provide you with a quick summary of the Covenants and Restrictions, as well as being able to provide you with a digital or hard copy.
Summers Corner
5.) How large will the neighborhood be? How many homes are ultimately planned?
It is not uncommon for the development of large-scale master-planned developments to span years or even decades. Summerville’s Summers Corner is a perfect example of such a project. Ask the sales representative what the plan for their neighborhood is and for the community overall. It is good to know the projected number of homes and the potential for any commercial space for retail or restaurants, as well as civic buildings like schools or churches. This will give you a feel for the future landscape you can expect and is information that might potentially impact your home’s future resale value.
The answers to these questions will provide you with valuable information and as you compile your research, you’ll be in a great position to make a well-informed purchase decision. Remember that your sales agent and builder will be there for you throughout the process and will be happy to answer questions as they may arise. The Guide, oldest and most reliable new home resource, can also serve as a trusted resource for information as you navigate the process; you’ll find articles on a variety of topics from mortgage info to move-in tips and everything in between in the “Resources” section of the website.
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Thank you for reading and sharing our articles from The Greater Charleston New Homes Guide. Our business is to know Charleston, SC's new home construction, home builders, neighborhoods, and homes so we may assist you as you take your new construction home journey. Please take the time to explore our site. The Greater Charleston New Homes Guide is considered the best and most reliable ‘local’ resource to new home construction, builders, neighborhoods, and homes throughout the Lowcountry since 2004.
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Categories: Tools