Just Sold in Warrenton's Community of Brookside!
Buying new construction is a real treat. Just being a model home is like an alternate reality. Everything is just so. The decorator touches get you drooling. The new home smell is as intoxicating as the new car smell. But when you go under contract for a home that is to-be-built, a buyer's patience can really be tested.
My Buyers found the Rome model by Ryan Homes to fit their needs to a T. They went under contract in late June. Unlike many new construction deals, my Buyers were able to get their closing cost incentives untied from the builder's lender. It's not easy to do, but if you can find a mortgage lender that offers a product they don't, or a rate they can't match, it can happen.
I think the design center is the most fun you can have when buying new construction. You get to pick the floors, cabinets, countertops, hardware and lighting. My Buyers chose top of the line, distressed hardwood floors on the majority of the main level, upgraded carpet and pad just about everywhere else except ceramic tile in the bathrooms and vinyl in the laundry room. The kitchen had off white cabinets and granite counters with upgraded appliances.
After a delay with the VA appraisal around the holiday, this new construction home was purchased by my Buyers on January 2, 2014. They paid $543,877, substantially less than neighboring lots are paying for a similar home. Why? They negotiated the lot premium. And as already stated, they kept their builder paid closing costs totaling $3,500.
It pays to have an agent representing your interests when buying from a builder. I even helped them save $225 in HOA documents that the builder was attempting to charge them, with no legal basis.
If you are interested in buying a new home, hire a Buyer's Agent. Most builders offer Buyer's Agent compensation, meaning no money out of your pocket. There really is no reason NOT to hire a Buyer's Agent.
Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker-Licensed in VA, Long & Foster REALTORS®
703-402-0037, ChrisAnn@LNF.com
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