4 Must-Know Facts About New Construction

New construction is a great opportunity for many buyers. While new builds come with a lot of perks, they’re also a different kind of transaction, and knowing what to expect can save you money, time, and frustration.

Here are 4 essential facts every buyer should keep in mind when looking at new construction:

1. The builder’s agent works for the builder. When you visit a model home, you’re meeting with the builder’s agent, and their job is to protect the builder’s interests, not yours. That’s why you need your own agent who’s looking out for you. 

In most cases, the builder (seller) will even pay for your buyer agent's commission. You get someone in your corner for negotiations and the unexpected curveballs that can pop up, and the builder covers it!

2. That model home is full of upgrades. Those model homes are always gorgeous, which is thanks to the many upgrades they’re full of. Keep in mind that what you see in the model often isn’t what’s included in the base price. Things like countertops, flooring, lighting, cabinets, and landscaping might be premium upgrades that can snowball fast. Before you fall in love, ask for a list of what’s standard vs. upgraded so you can build your budget accurately. 

3. You still need a home inspection. Many buyers think that because the house is brand new, a home inspection isn’t necessary, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Mistakes and oversights happen all the time during the building process. Protect yourself and your investment by hiring an independent inspector to catch issues before you close and give the builder time to fix them. Trust me, future you will be glad you didn’t skip this step!

4. Build timelines will change. Construction delays are bound to happen due to factors outside your or your builder’s control like weather, supply chain issues, and labor shortages. Your projected move-in date can shift by weeks or even months. If you’re working within a specific timeframe, be sure to build in a buffer and don’t put in your rental notice too early.

At the end of the day, new construction is a fantastic choice for many buyers, but it pays to approach it with knowledge and a solid strategy.

Have questions about navigating the new build process? Reply to this email and I’ll walk you through what to expect!