New construction
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A new construction house is a home where the buyer is the first person to live there after it’s built—but it can happen in a number of ways. A buyer may purchase their own plot of land and contract with everyone needed to build a custom home, including an architect and builder.
On the other end of the spectrum, a buyer may purchase a completely built home and the property it’s on from a developer. The home buying process can fall somewhere in between as well. For example, a buyer might purchase empty land from a developer and then choose from a variety of home design options, and then a builder will build the home.
Trust me, you need representation
When buying a new build home, most people don't think you need an agent.
Personalize & Customize
Pros & Cons
A custom, tailor-made home provides a unique opportunity for builders to showcase their creative talent and craftsmanship. It also allows you to express yourself with finishes that reflect your tastes, preferences, and personalities.
Existing homes rarely offer the opportunity for you to change the layout of the house. At best, you can remodel and change out the old fixtures and finishings.
Expensive
On average, it cost around 20% more to have a new home built than to buy an existing one. This number changes based on the area and price range of the home.
Extra clean
Newly constructed homes offer the most sanitary solution possible. Moving into a new home knowing that no one has ever lived there is a great feeling. New houses provide all of the latest materials and sealants. Living in a brand new house that no one has ever lived in will eliminate any nasty surprises you might find when buying an existing older home.
Less Mature Landscaping
Developers creating new neighborhoods typically tear down all of the vegetation in the area as the most costly way to break ground. When you have a new home built, you may have to pay extra to have new landscaping put in. This expense can be costly as the average landscaping project for a home is around $3,000 to $16,000. These additional costs come out-of-pocket in most cases.
Limited Options
New home builders like to stick with their most commonly used products and materials. The option of choosing products outside the showroom will most likely not be available for you. Make sure to get information on all of their products!
Additional expenses
When buying an existing home, you might be able to buy it for the set price without any other expenses. Buying a new construction home means that there are always more costs than just the purchase price.
Offgassing
The new-home smell that so many people love may be damaging to your health. Formaldehyde is one of the most common chemicals that is released from the new wood in a home.
Over 10,000 potential chemicals off-gassing in a new home, it can take up to 10 years for these chemicals to fully vent. If you're sensitive to chemicals, make sure you do more research before making your next move.
No Need For Updating
An existing resale home is like a blank canvas. It’s just waiting to be created as the buyer sees fit. When you purchase your own new and improved masterpiece, there's no need for updating because the products used are taken from the current design trends.
When purchasing an existing resale house, the previous owners could have picked out the design choices decades ago, such as colors or flooring patterns. This leaves the new homeowner with the desire to update.
Energy Efficient
The efficiency benefit from new construction causes utility costs to be lower than average. A few reasons include vinyl windows, new door trim and seals, and better insulation between walls to keep out drafts. These products can reduce the need to heat and cool your home by a significant amount. The savings help to offset the higher cost of a new home in the long run.
Less maintenance
New construction homes have less maintenance than older existing homes. You won’t have to worry about your roof leaking when it rains or your air conditioner breaking in the middle of summer. You can enjoy all the perks of living in a brand new home without maintenance headaches. When things do breakdown, they are typically covered by the builder’s warranty.
Timeline
With a new house, typically you have to wait 3-12 months before moving in. This issue can be a challenge for people who are in temporary housing and need to get out of their current situation as soon as possible.
If you buy an existing home, you can move right into your new place within 30 to 45 days of signing the sales contract.
Pros
Cons
Everything you need to know about buying new!
Your complete guide to buying new construction!
The New construction
guide
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Educate & Research
Buying a new construction home
HOW IT WORKS
Research prior to visiting model homes!
01
Get pre-approved
Builder lenders might charge you additional points in order to give you 'incentives' make sure you talk to a local lender first to know your numbers
02
Find a top realtor
You need a realtor who is familiar with the new build process. Have peace of mind that you have someone in your corner.
03
Research the builder
Look at floorplans, make a list of questions, and read any past customer reviews.
04
Negotiations (in writing)
Typically, the best way to negotiate with a builder is through upgrades rather than a price reduction. Your realtor can help you navigate where to push. Document everything in WRITING!
05
We try to make it as smooth as possible for you to buy a home. Connecting you with lenders, financial advisors, and more to help you along the way.
design & Construction
You need to remember - you are not buying the model home. Don't assume that what you see is what you get. You'll want a good understanding of the options - and remember structural items cannot change once you sign the contract
06
Home inspection
The builder will conduct inspections throughout the process, but you'll want your own third party inspector. I recommend at least twice (if not more) both pre-drywall and post-drywall.
07
Know your coverage
Coverage for new construction varies from builder to builder. You'll want to have a proper understanding of what is covered in your first year, second year, and if they offer a structural 10 year warranty.
08
Look into the future
The more custom your home is, the less likely of a reliable timeline of completion. You'll need to work with your agent and builder to make sure the timeline goes as smoothly as possible.
09
Final walkthrough
This happens about 2 weeks prior to closing day. We go through and blue-tape every item that needs to be fixed prior to closing. Sometimes they'll fix it after closing as well so just keep this in mind.
10
Closing day
The morning of closing day, you'll walk your new home once again. You will then close on your home, sign all of the paperwork, and move into your new home!
11
Post-closing
The post-closing experience varies from builder to builder. I recommend keeping a list of items that need to be addressed. They will most likely stop by at one-month and 11 months. I recommend getting another home inspection prior to the end of the one year warranty so you can address all of those items. Remember structural items might be covered in years 2-10.
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ALBUMS we deliver annually
THE NUMBER OF
25
GROOMS THAT CRied. HARD.
THE NUMBER OF
24
MILES WE DROVE LAST YEAR
THE NUMBER OF
15k
COUNTRIES we've traveled to
THE NUMBER OF
9
OUR COUPLES WHO DO FIRST LOOKS
THE NUMBER OF
95%
WEDDINGS WE SHOOT PER YEAR
THE NUMBER OF
25
AT A GLANCE
by the numbers
check out these new construction communities
Ready to move forward?
Remember to call me prior to your 1st visit
Lauren S.
"Chloe knows the right people to get the job done."
“Chloe got me in touch with her lender and he not only walked us through the different types of loans, but sent us step-by-step videos on how the process works. Chloe not only has amazing real estate skills but knows the right people to get the job done.”
Trusted REpresentation
I advocate for your best interests, from the home search to closing, with relentless loyalty and confidentiality.
04
Referral Networks
I know the best lenders, inspectors, and other professionals in our area who have a hand in the transaction.
03
Transaction management
From accepted offers to closing day, you can rest assured I am managing each milestone and ensuring deadlines are met.
02
Market Expertise
Whether it’s detailed sales data, new neighborhoods, or quirks you don’t see in listing photos, I am your market expert.
01
Advantages of working with a realtor
Even if you’ve worked with a real estate agent before, I can guarantee that my process is a little bit different. I’ll educate you about all of the different terms, common buyer mistakes to avoid, talk about creative ways to increase your buying power AKA likelihood of getting an accepted offer, as well as connecting you with some of the best contractors and lenders in the biz. We want you to love your new home, and I want this process to be as smooth as possible for you.
why book a call with me?
Ready to book a call?
If you want to learn more about the buyer’s process please schedule a chat with me
Chloe Powell Realtor®
Design by ToniC
Copy by BLUEPRINT BRAND STUDIO
photos by e.losinio photography
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Location at Retreat at Cool Spring
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customized by saltwater designs
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Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty
22 W. Market St
Leesburg, VA 20176
Licensed in va, MD, & WV
Contact
Direct line - 571-379-0199
chloe.powell@hcsir.com
