When you buy a brand new home, you typically don't have to worry about a lot of the baggage and potential money pit situations that come with an older home. However, just because the home is "new", doesn't mean that everything is automatically perfect with the home or neighborhood. Even if you are buying a brand new, never lived in, house in a new development - in order to avoid disappointment or buyer's remorse, it is important that you follow these next six tips to ensure that this particular home is right for you:
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Your house may not look like the model home. Remember that the model home is not a replica of your home - it is just like its name , a model. Decorating and design strategies could potentially make the model home look larger and more spacious. Get details about the exact measurements of your home if you desire to use the model home to get a realistic idea of what your new home would look and feel like.
You may also find helpful: What to expect in closing costs when buying a home
- Talk to other homeowners in the area. This information is as real as it gets about buying and living in that area. Current homeowners can share their invaluable experience of having lived in the new home in a potentially newly developed area. Ask how they like their home and how they feel about the neighborhood. You can't buy this kind of information.
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Try to avoid incomplete developments. If you buy in an unfinished development, the risk is that the initial plan may never be completed, thus, leaving you with a home that may be difficult to sell. If you are going to pay the extra amount for a new home, you want to make sure its location will keep the home's value as best as possible.
Also read: How buying in a specific school district can protect home value
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Have the home inspected. Don't make the mistake of thinking that just because a home is "new" that there can't be any problems with it. A home inspection is still a necessity in making sure everything was built properly, safely and according to code. Whether the home is 5 minutes old or 50 years old - always have the home inspected. Period.
See Also - Home Inspections: What You Need to Know - Make sure your contract contains a completion clause. This will guarantee your house is completely built by a certain date. Without this, you could be waiting months and potentially a year or more, for your home to be built and move-in ready. Plus, a completion clause protects you financially, as you can walk away from the home with your money back if it is not finished when promised.
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Analyze the neighborhood. What might be the views from your home? How close is your neighbor to you or is there an open lot? Is there an HOA and if so, do you like their rules? Does the development have future expansion plans? Parks? Cleanliness? School District? These are all important questions you need answered before buying.
Others also found helpful: How to find a good homeowners’ association
For all your real estate needs, contact expert DFW realtor, Stacey Perry with Keller Williams Realty, today!
Phone: 817.313.1833
Email: staceyperry@kw.com
Website: Stacey Perry Team
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Blog: Stacey Perry Team
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