We're approached all the time by clients wanting to know if they should purchase an inventory home from the builder.  There are many things to take into consideration when weighing the advantages of brand new versus pre-existing homes.  Brand new homes are becoming more desirable because of the open floor plans, financing options, and the warranties.

 

As with any transaction, buying a home is a major deal.  We want to make sure the buyer is comfortable and well informed before entering into a contract.  Follow the steps below to make sure the outcome is a successful one.

 

1. Choose a Realtor Who Has New Home Sales Experience

Have a buyer's agent represent you.  The builders pay the buyer's agent to bring you to them, just as a seller would.  At the same time, the builder sales agent represents the builder regardless of what they may tell you.  Have a strong agent to represent you and negotiate the sales price of your behalf.  The Evelo Team at Keller Williams Realty has past and current experience is saving our clients thousands off the sales price of builder inventory homes all while at no additional cost to you.

 

2. Check the Builder's Reputation

Just as not all Real Estate agents are created equal, not all builders are created equal.  Do a drive through of the neighborhood, speak to residents and see what complaints they may have about the builder, and see if the builder limits the number of investor purchases.  Again, speak with your agent and have them run market stats to make sure the neighborhood has retained its value.

 

3.  Hire a Home Inspector

Many Buyers purchase a new home and don't get a home inspection.  Most new homes come with a "bumper to bumper" warranty of some length, but many problems won't surface in the home until after that warranty has expired (builders are human too and may overlook something or make a mistake).  Mainly though, the inspector will educate you on the home and give an unbiased third party observation of the home. 

 

4.  Location, Location, Location

Some builder inventory homes will be built on less desirable lots within the neighborhood.  The builder will offer incentives for a buyer to purchase the home, whether it be a price reduction or something of value.  Speak with your agent before entering into a contract on any new home because this can impact your resale factor.  The Evelo Team at Keller Williams is invested in "Creating Raving Fans and Raving Referrals," if we know a home is going to be difficult for resale, we will let you know!