Buying a new home (construction) is a much different process than buying a pre-owned home. When you buy a pre-owned home, what you see is what you get (community, design, features, upgrades, etc.). New construction is not like this at all. The builder representative will try to convince you what the community could look like, the way the builder should build the home. It is fair to say that you are buying on speculation, and a poor decision may make it very hard to sell the home in the future and may cost you thousands of dollars.

The first thing I explain to my customers who are in the market for a new home (construction) is the difference between a “quality builder” and “quantity builder”. I am not saying that a quality builder can not build a bad home, nor am I saying that a quantity builder can not build a good home. The difference is mainly in the design and quality of the construction. Some examples of this are:

• Standard features included in the base price

• Roof pitch

• Ceiling height

• Architectural design and detail

• Flooring systems

• Quality of wood and other materials used in construction

As in any other industry, there are good and bad companies among builders, as well as there are good and not so good communities. The goal is to identify a great builder in a great community. One of the first steps I recommend in order to identify a great builder is to get feedback from builders' past clients. I would strongly recommend that you knock on a few of the builder's customers' doors and ask about their experience with that builder. If the subdivision is brand new, you can go to a similarly priced subdivision where the builder participated, and talk to those home owners. Of course, if you work with me, I will do the legwork for you, saving you time and money.

Please remember that our services do not cost you anything. Builders pay us from their marketing budget and not from the proceeds of the sale of the home. At the same time, builders do not offer discounts to buyers not represented by a real estate agent. It only makes sense to have us on your side to look out for your best interest. Not only does it not cost you anything, but it can save you from headaches, should the problems arise (and they usually do). Call us today at 813-317-4009 to get help with your new home purchase!