Now That's the Home for You

When you think of home buying, the ideas that usually come to mind first involve shopping for already-built homes that have been lived in by others over the years. Of course, this is not the only way to buy a home. Someone has to be the first person to buy and live in a brand new home. Do you want that someone to be you? Then you will benefit from following these real estate buying tips.

Plan ahead. 

It can be a year or more between the time a home is first slated to be built and the time that home is ready to be moved into. As such, you want to make sure you plan ahead. The moment you decide you want to buy a new construction home, take action. Start contacting real estate agents, applying for mortgages, and considering your options. If you wait until a month before you're ready to move, you'll never find a new home in time.

Hire the right real estate agent.

Yes, you do still need to hire a real estate agent when buying a new construction home. Your agent will make sure all the paperwork is filed on time. They'll help you negotiate and ensure you pay a fair price for the home, and they'll do a lot of the go-between communication with the builder and the builder's lawyer so you don't have to. Do, however, make sure you hire a real estate agent that has experience working with buyers of brand new homes. They'll be more familiar with the process. And remember, as the buyer, you do not have to pay the real estate agent's commission; the builder will be responsible for those fees.

Research the builder beforehand.

Typically, you buy a new construction home before it is actually built, so you don't get a chance to walk through your actual home and see the builder's work quality. So you really should seek out other homes built by the builder whose home you're thinking of buying. Drive by and look at them. Read reviews written by other home buyers who went with the same builder. Do you like what you see? Then, you can buy with confidence.

Buying a new construction home is a great choice for many people. As long as you plan ahead, research the builder, and work with an experienced real estate agent, you should be on track.