Do we really shop home builders the same way we do cars or even cell phones?

Sounds like a really great value. How many square feet in those homes?

Laura, this point makes me sick to think that people didn't shop around that could've.  Quality does matter.  Maybe the other place was paying a 7% co-broke???  Otherwise, how could they exist??

I definitely shop builders.  In this area you sometimes have communities with multiple builders and I would visit everyone to see what deals we can get.

Laura...

We have a builder in the area that used to be a trim carpenter. His $130K houses have better finish work than the average $300K house. So yes, it pays to shop!

I am a little jealous that you actually have new construction that cheap!  that would be the down payment on a lot of the New homes they have built around me in the past few years... The dirt is just too expensive.... and I dont know of any builder that puts sod in the back...

sounds like your clients will be glad you looked more !

Absolutely, people should shop around for builders.  If they take shortcuts, whether it's ungrassed areas, or no trim around windows, or whatever, you start to wonder what else they took short cuts on.  You have to be able to see that they are proud of the product they are offering, and take care to do it right, even if it costs slightly more. 

Laura you are right. 

It is your largest investment do your homework

I represent many builders in the area.  They are all different, they have strengths and weaknesses.  I have been preaching that there are 2 large components in a builder that mean allot beside price.  One beingFinish work, like you mentioned.  Second being follow up after the sale.  I have builders that work to make those 2 things their goal.  I have builders that dont try the second part. 

I recommend when doing a new home build job that you interview the builder and see past homes and talk with those home owners so that you can feel comfortable about the process and the end result.  Building from scratch is complicated but not feasible.  There are many elements of the process that get overlooked.  For example; who is doing to construction loan, and is there a financial savings to have the buyer get the construction loan.

I have been promoting 'Build now Buy Now" Campaign through the home builders.

Six Steps in new construction is

1. Check out the builder past homes ( find some 2-4 years old)
2. Check out the Lot your building on ( slop, Trees, etc)
3. Discuss Time Frame with builder ( reward or penalties for missing goal)
4. Discuss type of products bieng used ( might be worth spending more for better materials)
5. Spend time looking at lot and where house will go ( rain water, sun set/rise, water run off, traffic, driveway issues)
6. Enjoy the process it is truly FUN

Edwiin Gerace, www.EdwinGeracesREALestateBLOG.com or www.EdwinGerace.com