This is the second in a seven part Series on Buying a New Home in Jacksonville Florida.

When Buyers are considering buying a new home in Jacksonville Florida, one of the first questions is, "Should I Buy a Spec Home or Build?"

The answer to that is - It depends.

Here are 5 Things to Consider when deciding whether to buy a spec home or build:

1. How long are you going to be living in the home? If it's your dream home, then it may be worth the wait and possibly paying more for upgrades and lot premiums, etc.

2. If getting the best deal is the most important item on your list, then look for a spec home that is finished. Builders want to unload these and will discount the price and other incentives to sell the home. If you are working with a Realtor®, they can help you know when Builders will discount the most.

3. Remember that if you get 80% of what you want in a new home, then that is probably the best you are going to get unless you build. Even when people build, there will be compromise unless money is no object.

4. If you have a home to sell, building will give you time to sell your home. Sometimes builders will work with you to sell your home. You can ask for discounts on materials needed to prepare your home for sale.

5. Be very careful not to fall for a deal that will be a nightmare to sell. The lot backing to a busy road or the biggest house in the neighborhood are a couple of examples. Some spec homes are built on the worst lots and discounted to get them off the books.

The decision of buying a spec home or building many times hinges on two factors - time and money. Some people have time but money is the most important factor. Many times a spec home will work best for this situation. Sometimes a builder is closing out a community, so they will discount even homes to be built. Some people have no time and need to be in a home immediately. If there are spec or inventory homes available, these buyers can often get a really good deal, unless there are multiple buyers wanting the same home. Some buyers have a little time and can buy a home that is under construction. Depending on the builder's situation, these homes may or may not be discounted.

Buying a new home in the Jacksonville Florida area can be a great experience, especially if you have a knowledgeable Realtor® helping you with the process. We work in the Jacksonville area, specializing in Clay County and portions of St. Johns County and Duval County.  Call or text us at 904-673-2308 or email us at sharon@teamalters.com.

Part 1 - How Can a Realtor® Help Me?

Part 2 - Should I Buy a Spec Home or Build?

Part 3 - Choosing a Community

Part 4 - Choosing Your Lot and House Plan

Part 5 - Negotiating the Contract and Financing

Part 6 - Design Center and Options

Part 7 - Build, Walk(through) and Close!