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Need-To-Know for New Home Buyers

By
Real Estate Agent with Gina McKinley Group LLC

 

Arizona has always had a strong market for new homes, and after the recession, new home sales are finally starting to rise.  Many people desire homes customized just for them, and new homes provide a great opportunity for this.  However, there may be some pitfalls during the building process.

While many homes are built correctly, there will be the occasional homes that are not.  Unhappy buyers that are tempted to go straight to a lawsuit for the construction defects may be shocked to find their claim dismissed because they missed some important steps.

Firstly, any claim for a construction defect in a new home requires that you send notice via certified mail to the home builder.  This notice must specify, in detail, the nature of the defect and be sent at least 90 days before filing any lawsuit.  You also need to provide the builder with the time and opportunity to fix the defect.  This includes allowing the builder to complete their own inspections and propose repairs. Only if the home builder and the buyer cannot reach an agreement, may the buyer file a lawsuit.

Representation is critical during the home building process – many buyers are surprised to learn that the on-site agents that draw up the contract are not working for them. Those agents are skilled at getting the best price and terms for the builder, at your expense! Don’t you want someone who will look out for your best interest?

At The McKinley Group, we provide experienced and knowledgeable representatives who look out for YOU. We make sure that the home is properly inspected and will be there at every step of the home building process.  This representation is provided at no cost - contact us at today 480-355-8645 to see how!

 

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Comments (13)

Joy Daniels
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd. - Harrisburg, PA

You are so right - the builder reps are very good at making a buyer feel represented. . . but they are NOT!  I always tell my buyers to tell all representatives at new home communities they have an agent!

Jul 26, 2012 11:28 AM
Terkel Sørensen
Real Estate Places - Temecula, CA
Realtor, 951.805.0773 , Bank owned and Short Sales

Good info Gina - and spot on, you should have a few people read this!

Jul 26, 2012 11:37 AM
Kwee Huset
Kwee Huset Realty - Venice, FL
Venice Florida Homes For Sale

Hi Gina, great information keeping buyers informed and educated. Congratulations on the FEATURED.

Jul 26, 2012 12:07 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Gina, thanks for the AZ info.  Now you've got me wondering what the VA process is.  I will make that a must learn next week.  Thanks for helping me learn something I need to learn.  8=)

Jul 26, 2012 12:16 PM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

It is very unfortunate that buyers don't understand that the builder's agent is looking out for the builder and not for the buyer.. You hit it on the head   "many buyers are surprised to learn that the on-site agents that draw up the contract are not working for them. Those agents are skilled at getting the best price and terms for the builder, at your expense! Don’t you want someone who will look out for your best interest?"

Jul 26, 2012 12:43 PM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Gina, this is such great information for Arizona buyers of new homes and for readers in all states!

Sharon

Jul 26, 2012 01:54 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Gina, thanks for sharing tips on how to follow up (and go after builders...lol)  when defects are found in a new home.

Jul 26, 2012 03:21 PM
Tom Bailey
Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. - Oak Island, NC

Gina, Good post. All of these problems can usually be avoided by independent Inspections before closing.

Jul 26, 2012 03:30 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Gina, a case where the buyer has to have their facts together before filing a lawsuit.

Jul 26, 2012 10:43 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I sat tract homes and loved it when buyers had agents. If not, I looked after their interests...A happy buyer makes for good referrals...

Jul 27, 2012 12:13 AM
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

I also just wrote about how important it is to get your own representation.  Too many naive buyers think they can get a "better deal" working with the listing agents.  This is decidedly untrue, especially when it comes to new construction and agents working for the builders.

Jul 27, 2012 12:15 AM
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

Good information.  Realtors are needed even when you are negotiating your custom built contract. 

Jul 27, 2012 12:16 AM
Adrian Willanger
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience

Gina, Really good advise for new home buyers they really need to have someone representing them in when purchsing a new home. 

 

Best

Jul 27, 2012 02:27 AM