Things to Remember When Buying Newly Constructed Texas Homes
Having a home built can be exciting because one gets to choose the lot, floor plan, and interior selections of the home. In short, the buyer has the opportunity to personalize their selections. It is fun to choose one’s flooring, counters, cabinets, appliances, carpet, and colors, and sometimes, one can modify a floor plan if it’s not a custom built home.
There are some important things to remember, however when you decided on that wonderful upgrade the builder offers! Always ensure you have the specifications of the upgrade: color, make, model, thickness (granite), cost, etc. You never want to pay for an upgrade without knowing what you are paying for, and yes, it happens! All too often, people hear “stainless” only to find the builder’s idea of stainless is something different. Remember, we live in a world where our own perception is our reality.
Always ensure that your upgraded selections and specifications are made a part of your contract, you want something in writing in the event a mistake occurs. Keep a list of your selections readily available when you visit your new home during construction to ensure the correct items are being installed. This isn’t to knock on builders by any means, simply that we are all human, and we all can make mistakes. In the event the incorrect tile, cabinets, or colors - go in, simply notify the builder or sales person, and you would be surprised on how quick they can remedy the situation. This is where your REALTOR® should earn their commission. Earning a commission is not done so by simply being present for the contract signing, it’s about being present throughout the entire construction process as your advocate and working with the builder on your behalf to ensure your best interests are at hand.
Always get your home inspected by a licensed third party inspector of YOUR choice. Your REALTOR® can provide you with guidance and a list of licensed inspectors to help you with your decision. Your home may be new, but remember, it has been built by many people, with many skills, and it is always best to have someone that has the Texas Code of construction knowledge to ensure the standards are met – your advocate for construction compliance. The builder may tell you they hire a third party inspector, but he is paid by the builder. It is best to hire your own. I can’t express to you how many times a new home has been inspected by a builder’s “third party” inspector, only to be inspected by the buyer’s own hired inspector, who finds code issues in need of attention. The people that best take care of you, are the ones that have a direct relationship with you because of your decision to hire them.
Make sure the builder offers you a plan of action for warranty requests, and discuss the warranty time frames for mechanicals, electrical, and structure. Keep a list of the vendors handy in a folder for those “emergency” situations upon move in the event you need to contact them for service. Most important of all… enjoy your new home! Like a new car, you will have a “breaking in period” where there may be little things that will need some attention, but that’s why your discuss the warranty game plan with the builder, being prepared will help keep you a happy homeowner.
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Comments (2)
Mr. Radford, Unfortunately, few REALTORS® or real estate agents ever follow through on new construction from contract to close. I have been told by both home sales agents and REALTORS® or real estate agents that once they contract, the next time they see their client is at the closing. This should never been the case, in fact, here in Texas, the REALTOR® is a fiduciary of the buyer once a Buyer’s Representation Agreement is signed, and as such, should hold their client’s best interest at heart. I strongly believe this should be the case for an out of state client who does not have the luxury of visiting their new home while under construction. I can honestly say that I have had at least two occasions of incorrect tile and cabinets going in, thankfully caught in time because of my visit and knowledge of my client’s selections, and of a lot that ended up with a seven foot rock wall, when it was suppose to have been level – to put a pool in, considering we asked the builder to shoot the grade to ensure a pool would fit. All of these issues ended up being resolved because of proactive involvement, not reactive actions. The REALTOR® relationship one hires for a new construction should not simply end at the signing of a contract to purchase; they should be there for you through the close, since the commission isn’t truly “earned†until then. My professional opinion is that a REALTOR® should be involved in all aspects of a new construction home; the homeowner should never go at it alone. I always make it a point to go to design center appointments to get copies of client’s selections as well so that I can ensure the correct selections go in. It is also great to have your REALTOR® there for all of your buyer walk-through appointments, inspections, and even your final walk.
Liz Voss, over 14 years ago
Interesting comment about the realtor earning the commission throughout construction. I've not been in this situation, but I would not have thought the realtor would provide this service. Would you say that a majority of realtors stay involved throughout the construction process?
Tod R., over 14 years ago