Whether you are buying new construction with an agent or are looking to purchase an older home, chances are you have a lot of things to think about.
Picture it: your own brand new living space, fresh paint, bouncy carpet, light wood floors, and the crisp, earthy scent of freshly mown grass outside. With a plethora of new builders like Fieldstone Homes, D.R. Horton, and Nilson eager and ready to help you build your dream home, you just need one thing to make your dreams a reality – an agent.
As real estate agents with Inman Torres and Company, we have great working relationships with many builders throughout Utah. Before approaching a builder, it’s important to hire a licensed and professional real estate agent who can ensure that your needs and desires when buying new construction are a top priority. Real estate agents can offer valuable insight that the builder either may not have time for or would not know about and having assisted in the transaction of new construction homes for years, real estate agents are fully equipped to safeguard your interests and help advise you in the right direction when building your home.
With the craziness of the 2020-2021 housing market and the low inventory we’ve seen, more buyers are interested in buying new construction. Not only is the concept of having a brand new home appealing, but with people telecommuting and many working from home, spacious living and room for a home office are high in demand.
There are three basic types of New Constructions:
- Quick Move-Ins: These homes are pre-built according to the builder’s design templates and ready for a speedy move-in.
- Semi-Custom Home: These homes are mostly built, with the option of the buyer customizing the finish of the home such as requesting specific designs, paint, or upgrades.
- Fully Custom Home: Fully custom homes allow the buyer to give the builder input from start to finish on the design and model of the home, all upgrades, and any tweaks along the way. This option is perfect for those who are interested in literally building their dream home.
When working with your real estate agent, you will sit down to map out important details about where you want to live. These may include:
- Location
- Budget
- Size of the Home
- Neighborhood
- Builders you may be interested in
The great news about buying new construction is that as Americans, we’re spoiled for choice. There is a wide selection of skilled and accomplished builders in Utah to choose from. We can provide comprehensive market reports for subdivisions you may be interested in building in, and we often meet with buyers to drive to the lot areas and discuss what they’re looking for with their new homes.
In addition to having an experienced real estate agent, be sure to investigate the builder you’re interested in building your home with by looking online, reading reviews and ratings, and ensuring the quality and model of the home they have is right for you.
One often overlooked item on the home building to-do list is the home inspection. While you’ll be getting a brand new home with all the trimmings and wainscotting, don’t forget to invest in a home inspection. New homes are generally very well built and in excellent condition, but recently, a new home subdivision in Layton had flooding in the basements of their new homes. As we’ve learned during the pandemic, anything can happen, and being prepared is the best way to safeguard your investments when buying new construction.
One of the many positive benefits of purchasing new construction is that you control the transaction. From selecting the right real estate agent for you, hiring a home inspector, mortgage lender, and most importantly, your home, you will have a lot more of a hands-on, enjoyable experience while your real estate agent takes care of the technicalities and paperwork. With the guidance of a seasoned Coldwell Banker® agent, your home purchase will be a special memory to celebrate and treasure for years to come. Here are some pros and cons to consider if you feel like a new construction might be the right choice for you:
Contract terminology can be complicated. There are many details that need hammering out and information needed on the warranties of the home, interior and exterior amenities, and details that only a real estate agent will be equipped to deal with and guide you through. Real estate agents can also answer any questions about real estate language and contract terms for you. Newly constructed homes can have slightly more complicated contracts than a typical previously-owned home would, so be sure to communicate and ask any questions. Your real estate agent will be glad to help.
Bring your agent with you to meetings with the builder as well, to help ensure that your needs are being met. Working with a knowledgeable real estate professional will guarantee your safety and satisfaction as you build and purchase your new home.
We are here to help your home buying or selling experience be a special, memorable journey you’ll never forget. We love what we do, and we consider our past and present clients part of the Inman and Torres and Company family. If you’re interested in buying new construction or you’d like to look at some current homes for sale, contact us today and let us put our award-winning expertise as REALTORS® to work for YOU!
