Why Choose a New Build Home
When considering the purchase of a new build home in the North Texas area, including vibrant cities like McKinney, Prosper, Celina, Aubrey, Frisco, Anna, Melissa, and Princeton, it’s essential to understand the variety of options available to you. New build homes come in three primary categories: custom, semi-custom, and non-custom builders.
Custom Builders
Custom builders offer the unique opportunity to personalize your home extensively. You can tailor your floor plan and select almost every feature to match the vision for your dream home.
Semi-Custom Builders
Semi-custom builders are prevalent in North Texas and provide a selection of base floor plans. You can then customize certain interior and exterior elements to make the home feel more ‘you’.
Non-Custom Builders
Non-custom builders, on the other hand, construct homes based on their specifications, often referred to as “spec” homes, meaning they are built to the builder’s own specifications. These are generally available for purchase once construction is complete.
Researching Your Builder
It’s crucial to investigate your builder’s reputation. While online reviews can be a starting point, they should be taken with a grain of salt. A few negative reviews don’t necessarily reflect the quality of a builder, especially given the high volume of homes constructed in our area. For more personalized advice, consult with your real estate agent about their experiences with local builders. Some of our favorite builders here at Astra Realty include Highland Homes, Perry Homes, and Drees Homes.
The Role of a Builder’s Salesperson
In Texas, a builder’s salesperson, often the first point of contact in a new neighborhood, is typically not a licensed real estate agent. They may be employed by the builder or contracted by third parties. Remember, their primary role is to represent the builder’s interests, not yours. The most important thing to remember is the salesperson solely represents the builder’s interests throughout the transaction, not your interests. As friendly and helpful as they are, you should still be represented by a real estate agent during your purchase.
The Importance of Having a Realtor by Your Side
This is why having a real estate agent to represent you is so important. At Astra Realty, we have the most experienced and qualified Realtors ready to assist you. Our agents will represent your interests during negotiations and throughout the building process, at no additional cost to you. Builders cover the agent’s commission, ensuring your home’s price remains unaffected. Just remember to have your agent with you from the first visit to the model home to ensure they can advocate for you effectively. If you happen to find yourself out breezing through model homes on a Sunday afternoon, just inform the salesperson that approaches you that you are working with an agent. Do not discuss price or any specifics with the builder’s salesperson without your agent present. You could risk interrupting the negotiation process.
Finding Value in Spec Homes
Spec homes can offer excellent value. Builders are motivated to sell these homes, sometimes at a discount, if they’ve been customized by a buyer who later backed out. It is not uncommon for buyers to begin the purchase process, select specific features they want in a home, and then back out near the end of the construction process for various reasons. These homes may have features chosen by someone else, but with the right negotiations led by your agent, you could land a great deal. Minor aesthetic details, like paint colors or carpet styles, can be changed easily and affordably after purchase.
Understanding Builder Warranties
Before finalizing a contract with a builder, it’s imperative to scrutinize their warranty. Discuss the warranty’s duration and coverage with your Astra Realty agent, and compare it with warranties from other builders. A comprehensive warranty can influence which builder you ultimately select.
The Necessity of Home Inspections
Contrary to what a builder’s representative might suggest, independent inspections are vital. A third-party inspector can uncover issues that may have been overlooked by the builder’s inspectors and the city’s inspectors, potentially saving you from future warranty claims. Investing in a new home inspection is a wise decision that can provide peace of mind and long-term savings.
Staying Within Your Budget
During the design process, it’s easy to get swept away by upgrades and enhancements. However, it’s crucial to adhere to your budget. Some upgrades can even be completed after your purchase, potentially at a lower cost by hiring different contractors.
At Astra Realty, we understand the intricacies of purchasing a new build home. Our expertise in the McKinney, Prosper, Celina, Aubrey, Frisco, Anna, Melissa, and Princeton markets ensures that you have a knowledgeable partner on your side. We have established and maintained relationships with builders and their salespeople throughout the North Texas area; these relationships frequently allow us to negotiate lower purchase prices, higher value upgrades, and overall better terms than you would be able to negotiate for yourself . We are dedicated to helping you navigate the journey of buying a new build home with confidence and ease.
Ready to Explore New Build Homes?
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of a new build home, or if you have any questions about the process, contact Astra Realty today. Our team of expert Realtors is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your home-buying experience is as seamless and successful as possible.
