September 29, 2020
Categories: Tools
If you’re local and have been keeping an eye on the new construction happenings around town, you’ll notice it’s often a slow-rolling process as new communities begin to take on life. It usually starts with a sign, “Coming Soon” on what looks like a big, empty piece of land. The sign will likely have limited information, maybe a website that provides just a few details and encourages you to join an interest list. Over the coming weeks and months, you’ll probably notice lots of engineering equipment putting in roads and infrastructure. An official entrance to the neighborhood will probably be one of the first things to appear. A sales trailer might soon follow. All of this will happen long before a model home or any houses go up. It might lead you to wonder, am I smart to jump on the train now, or wait until there are more signs of activity and I can see actual houses?
However, if you’re very interested in a particular location and builder, it’s always a smart choice to get in at the ground level. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. Call or stop by and chat with the onsite agent. If they’re not yet staffed every day, they will likely have a sign with a phone number, so you can schedule an appointment to meet them. While the onsite agent will sometimes have all of the details for the neighborhood, that often isn’t the case. The lack of information might initially be frustrating, but there are good reasons. The builder might not have nailed down all the specifics on pricing and what house plans will be available. But they’ll be appreciative of your interest in the community and this will likely be reflected with attractive introductory pricing that rewards you for your patience—the builders appreciate you being one of the first that has faith in their awesome new community. In addition to great pricing, you’ll also get the first pick of available new homesites. A large homesite on a cul-de-sac with private wooded views? It’s yours.
Once homesites are in, construction will begin on the model home and likely several spec homes that will be sold as “move-in ready.” At this phase the community will probably have a “Grand Opening” celebration to introduce the neighborhood to local Realtors and prospective new home buyers. If you missed the initial interest list and pre-selling, this is still a great phase to jump in. The grand opening is a fun event with food and festivities designed for the whole family. In addition to the merriment, the homebuilder will frequently have many appealing Grand Opening specials, whether it’s discounts towards the premiums for desirable homesites, or design credits towards the selections you choose to put in your new home.
One of the downsides of being one of the first few homebuyers in a community is that you’ll be living with construction activity for the first year or two you’re in your new home as your neighbor’s homes are constructed and the community is built out. The implications of this can be multi-fold. Noise if you’re home during the daytime. Mud on the streets from heavy equipment. None of these are drastic enough to be deal breakers but they might have a small impact on your quality of life. Ask your onsite agent how to best handle this, you might be pleasantly surprised at what suggestions and offers they present to you. Chances are that the amenities also might not be constructed yet. It is common for the amenities to be complete towards the end of the first year. Even though you won’t be able to tour and enjoy them, they will be already planned so you will be all able to hear all about what’s to come and probably see an artist rendering of what they will look like—definitely something to look forward to.
Whether you live locally and can drive past the community regularly, or you’re shopping long distance and considering relocating to the area, joining the builder’s VIP list online is a great way to stay in the know. The VIP list or interest list will be one of the first things available on the community’s website and it is definitely worth joining. Being part of this list is the best way to stay in the loop for special events and to be eligible for incentives for early buyers.
Do your research. Ask an area Realtor. Look online, search local. If you like being in the know, sites like
CharlestonNewHomesGuide.com are a helpful resource. It can keep you up to date on available area neighborhoods as well as those
Coming Soon or ones that are in their Grand Opening phase in the Charleston SC area. Follow the provided neighborhood and builder links to learn more about these neighborhoods, their homebuilders & floorplans. Be sure to fill out the “Want to Learn More” form to keep up with the builder’s news, community progress & introductory pricing. Remember, the early bird gets the worm.
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Categories: Tools