Building a new home can be a complicated process to those who don’t do the necessary research before hand. Luckily, we’ve created the only list you’ll need to ensure that your next (or first) home build with Crescent Homes goes as smoothly as possible.
Weigh the Positives and Negatives
Walking through your shiny, new home for the first time can be an exhilarating experience, especially if it’s your first home, but before you get caught up in all the bells and whistles, consider these questions:
- New homes are typically far from the city center; how much will the change in commute affect you?
- Will the cookie-cutter nature of new subdivisions drive you crazy?
- New houses tend to be built close to one another. Do you mind the closeness and potential lack of privacy?
Research the Neighborhood and Surrounding Community
Before settling on a neighborhood, consider the surrounding community as well. Do research to help you better understand the dynamics of the area and whether or not it’s right for you and your family.
- Driving around the neighborhood and check out the amenities and the quality of the homes.
- Checking with the developer about potential homeowners' association (HOA) fees and rules; some are incredibly expensive -- and strict. They may not allow storage sheds, certain paint colors or finish materials, solar panels or even vegetable gardens. Be sure to find out if the HOA can assess penalties for infractions.
- Researching the zoning laws for the neighborhood, as they can change frequently.
- Asking your agent about future plans for the area.
Know What’s Standard and What’s Extra
Knowing the difference between amenities (features that usually benefit the entire community) and upgrades (personalized enhancements that affect just your home and property), and what’s available, can determine which neighborhood you end up going with.
After obtaining a feature sheet from your builder, you should still keep in mind a few things:
- Make decisions on upgrades early in the process. Changes, big and small, cost money.
- Have a good idea of what you need and want. They are two different things when it comes to upgrades.
Close on the Home
Usually, you can ask a builder to either use their preferred lenders, or choose one of your own. No matter which one you decide to do, though, make sure you’ve discussed warranties and home inspections in advance.
There are also several tax incentives and credits for first-time home buyers, so be mindful of those, too.
As always, if there’s any portion of a contract or legally binding document that you’re not familiar with or confuses you, do not hesitate to ask questions or request legal assistance.
The home building process is a tricky one that requires a great deal of research and patience if you want to secure the most value for what you pay. Crescent Homes, in Charleston, SC, is ready to help you take the first step. Contact us today at info@crescenthomes.net, or call us directly.
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