Thinking of Buying A New Construction Home?

Are you thinking of buying a new construction home? There are a few things to consider: the advantages, the disadvantages, vetting the builder, and deciding on representation.

The advantages may seem obvious - when everything is new, appliances, plumbing, wiring, and other systems are practically guaranteed to be in top shape. Before a builder can hand over keys to a new construction home, everything is inspected and tested, and the home often comes with a builder’s warranty for a set length of time. And if all that wasn’t enough already, depending on the builder and how early you buy, you may also have the ability to customize various aspects of the home, such as flooring, cabinets, and countertops.

Disadvantages to buying a new construction home are that it is typically a higher price, you may have to wait for it to be move-in ready (depending on when you buy), and if you purchase in a new development, there may be some construction going on around you until all of the homes are completed. Ultimately though, a new construction home only really may be ruled out for those on a tight timetable and on a tight budget. (And even then, it’s worth looking into!)

I can’t stress enough how important it is to research the builder of the home you are looking to buy. While many builders in the Pacific Northwest have great reputations and stellar portfolios, there are still some around that are known to use cheaper materials with their builds. This may bring down the cost of the home a bit and make them look more appealing, but ultimately will mean more repair work to be done in the future. Doing research on the builder of the house you are looking to buy will further give you peace of mind, and let you know what to expect with the home.

Do you still need your own real estate agent when buying a new construction? Absolutely. Without your own agent, you're left hoping that the builder advocates for you and not only for themselves. Your agent will guide you through the best communities, give you valuable information on the quality of the builder, negotiate the contract, help with any of the contract contingencies, and help with the inspection. Most importantly, they walk with you each step of the way, making sure the specifications you agreed upon are upheld. Don't go unrepresented into one of the largest purchases you'll ever make.

Overall, the decision to buy a new construction home depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. It's important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you need more information, please reach out! We’d be happy to help guide you through what may be best for your unique situation.