New Construction refers to those homes which are in the pre-construction phase, or those that are already built, but are not model homes, and have had no residents. An old home purchase refers to a dwelling that is purchased from the owner of the home, and it has, or has had previous occupants. In New Home Construction, working with an agent proves to be a safety net that will be invaluable. An experienced, distinguished Realtor will help protect your best interests and negotiate professionally on your behalf. Safeguard what’s important to you…rest assured with the right agent.

• Have a home that is custom-designed and built with your own specifications in mind.
• Your own creativity and inspiration shine through. Imagine the dream home that you’ve always wanted – so many beautiful things that embrace your imagination can be a part of your lovely new home.
• Enjoy features such as walk-in closets, enlarged laundry room, soaking and jetted tubs, a library, and many more.
• Reap the rewards of new appliance warranties, which provide you with no repair costs for at least a few years.
• Save on energy efficiency, which could possibly lower your utility bill.
• Thank your builder for including an alarm system, speakers built right in, as well as internet and cable saving money and the time it takes to have these installed and connected.
• Celebrate as you cross the threshold of your newly-completed, magnificent home!

1. Research agents. Be sure that he or she has no relationship with the builder. Ask questions, be inquisitive and make sure that the agent is a proficient Realtor in the area of New Construction Homes.
2. Be sure that you have done your due diligence on the builder. Check into their background, and how it may affect your home-buying experience. Does this builder have a history of not finishing on time, personality issues? Will he leave the job before it’s complete? These are top questions that you need the answers to.
3. Make sure that EVERYTHING is on paper – signed, sealed and substantiated. Your contract is like gold. Believe in it and what it can do for you.
4. Be sure that all of the amenities that you want and had originally agreed upon are a part of and will be in your finished home.
5. Take a crash course in the art of negotiation. This is very important…Just know.
6. Be a part of the process…This is YOUR home.
7. Educate yourself on the intricacies of buying a newly constructed home. There is so much to learn: From paint colors, to the newly-planted trees, to the location of the electrical outlets in the powder rooms, to the extra set of cabinets in the laundry room. Education is bliss.
8. Got inspections? Yes, you still need them – even on a new home, or pre-constructed home. If there were errors made along the way, or “things that happened,” it’s better to find out now and complete repairs as soon as possible.
9. Get educated about the nuances of the neighborhood. You have to live there and need to know about the neighbors-yes, however, the location of the gas line, lot lines, and property divisions, is priceless, and may be proven as practical knowledge on a day when you least expect it.
10. Keep in close contact with your Realtor. She will prove to the best friend you have throughout your home-purchase.

Enjoy as much of this time as possible. You may even look to it as an adventure once you place everything (what you have negotiated on with the builder) on the contract, and realize the relationships that you have established with your home construction teams will be a great asset.