Buying New Construction Homes: What You Need to Know

Embarking on the adventure of purchasing a new construction home brings a mix of exhilaration and challenges. The allure lies in the myriad customization options, the state-of-the-art amenities and the unparalleled experience of being the home’s first occupant.

Yet, the road to owning a brand-new home is laden with complexities that can be particularly overwhelming for those new to real estate. Among the numerous factors to weigh are the costs, the maze of financing options, land ownership responsibilities and customization decisions.

This article aims to demystify your journey by addressing your most pressing concerns, from identifying budget-friendly locales to preparing for unforeseen delays and costs.

1. What are the key differences between buying new construction and buying an existing home?

Choosing a new construction home means investing in a residence tailored to your needs and wants. With options to pick your floor plans, wall finishes and even smart home features, you’re not just buying a house but creating your dream home. These new builds adhere to modern safety standards and often incorporate energy-saving technologies that benefit the environment and reduce your utility bills. The flip side, however, is the usually higher upfront costs.

Contrast this with existing homes, which offer the comfort and charm of well-established neighborhoods. These homes can be ready for immediate move-in but may need substantial updates or renovations, adding to your expenses in the long run. Also, unlike new construction, these homes typically lack warranties, meaning you assume all risk for future repairs.

Related article

Considerations for Buying an Existing Home or New Construction

We’ll discuss some of the differences between buying an existing single-family home or new construction. And discuss factors that I found interesting with each type of home purchase. Choices await you, from new homes to turn-of-the-century homes and everything in between. Let’s make a few comparisons…

2. What state has the cheapest new construction homes?

If cost is your primary concern, you would do well to direct your house-hunting efforts toward states like Oklahoma, Mississippi and Arkansas. Here, land and construction labor tend to be more affordable, offering an economic advantage to thrifty buyers.

The price tag on new construction can vary greatly, however, influenced by proximity to bustling city centers, reputable school districts and community amenities. For this reason, comprehensive market research and advice from a knowledgeable local real estate agent can be invaluable in providing a complete, current picture of pricing expectations.

3. Is the land included in the price of new construction?

The land cost is incorporated into the house’s total price in most instances involving new construction homes. This simplifies the financial equation for buyers, giving them a more transparent view of their entire investment.

However, there are special cases to consider, especially when considering a custom-built home. Here, you might find yourself purchasing the land separately from the house. Your builder or developer should clarify this at the onset. It impacts your budget and has ramifications for your financing strategy. Remember to ask about additional costs that might lurk behind the scenes, like site preparation fees or charges for connecting utilities, which may not be included in the initial price of the land.

Related article

Top 3 Factors to Consider when Qualifying for a Home Purchase or Refinance

Financial institutions look at a wide variety of things when a customer applies for mortgage financing on a home. There’re 3 main building blocks that create the foundation for a solid mortgage application. If any of these 3 building blocks are compromised, it can result in a less than…

4. How can I estimate new home construction costs?

To accurately estimate the cost of constructing a new home, consider various elements such as land acquisition, material expenditures and labor costs.

You can begin with a basic calculation: Multiply the estimated square footage of your future home by the average per-square-foot construction cost in your targeted area. Layer on the costs of customization features, special amenities and potential upgrades for a more precise figure. Also, be sure to account for external costs such as permits, inspection fees and local taxes.

A detailed online calculator or a consultation with a professional construction estimator can further refine your cost expectations.

5. What are the financing options for new construction homes?

Navigating the financial landscape for a new construction home presents unique challenges and opportunities compared to purchasing an existing property. One popular choice is a construction-to-permanent loan. This specialized loan covers the building costs initially and then morphs into a standard mortgage upon project completion.

Another option is a construction-only loan, which requires refinancing into a conventional mortgage once the construction is done.

Some builders even extend in-house financing options.

The takeaway here is to investigate all your options thoroughly, comparing the terms and conditions of each to secure the best deal for your financial situation.

Related article

An Ultimate Guide to Moving for Home Buyers and Sellers

Buying and selling a home doesn’t make you an expert in moving. Buying and selling are much more different when you’re actually moving. Carefully go through the tips listed below and uses these as your ultimate guide whenever moving…

6. When do you start paying for a new construction home?

The financial journey of owning a new construction home often starts with an upfront deposit. This initial sum locks in your chosen lot and secures the builder’s commitment to your project. Generally non-refundable, this deposit is a predetermined percentage of the total home cost.

Once the actual construction begins, you’ll enter the “draw” payments phase, staggered to align with various construction milestones. These draws could be financed through a construction loan, which eventually converts into your standard mortgage.

Your regular mortgage payments kick in once your dream home is constructed and your financing structure transitions to a permanent mortgage.

7. Do new construction homes appraise higher?

New construction homes frequently appraise at or sometimes even above their listed selling prices due to their contemporary amenities, energy-efficient systems and adherence to the latest building codes.

However, the final appraisal value isn’t guaranteed; it can be influenced by variables such as the home’s location, the quality of materials and workmanship and current real estate market conditions. Opting for customization and upgrades can contribute to a higher appraisal value.

8. Are there warranties on new construction homes?

New construction homes generally come with warranties, offering a safety net for new homeowners. These builder warranties usually encompass everything from minor cosmetic issues to significant structural defects.

While the warranties for minor issues often expire after the first year, coverage for significant structural elements can extend up to a decade.

It’s crucial to read the fine print of your warranty agreement to know exactly what is covered and for how long so you can be prepared for any future issues.

Related article

5 Best Actions to Increase Your Credit Score in 60 Days

There are other factors that are looked at when trying to qualify for a home, but credit scores is the top factor. This article will discuss credit scores, how they work and 5 of the main actions that you can take to improve your credit score as quickly as possible…

9. What customization options are available?

The sky is the limit for customization in many new construction scenarios, though the specifics vary depending on the builder and the construction type. within some planned neighborhoods, you will choose among pre-approved options for things like paint colors and countertop materials.

If you opt for a fully custom build, however, you can dictate everything from the floor plan layout to design features like custom cabinetry and unique architectural details.

Always consult your builder for a comprehensive rundown of what customizations are feasible within your budget and timeline.

10. Can you add a pool to a new construction home?

If a pool is on your wish list, adding one to a new construction home is often feasible. Whether or not you can proceed will hinge on factors like the size and configuration of your lot, local zoning laws and any Homeowners Association (HOA) guidelines.

If the coast is clear, coordinate with your builder to incorporate the pool into your construction blueprint. Remember that adding a pool will inflate your total costs significantly. Plan for the pool installation, but also remember to budget for peripheral needs like safety fencing and landscaping enhancements.

11. How long does it typically take to build a new construction home?

The construction timeline for a new home can vary considerably based on several factors, including the complexity of your chosen design and any customizations you may have requested.

The building phase might span four to nine months for relatively straightforward projects. More elaborate, custom-designed homes may take a year or even longer to complete. Therefore, it’s essential to have a frank discussion with your builder about the estimated construction timeline.

Remember that unforeseen issues like inclement weather or delays in material delivery can extend this timeframe.

Related article

Things to Consider When Choosing Neighborhood for Your House

We all love finding our dream home—a house that fits perfectly with what we wanted—but is that enough? There’s another factor to consider as well like is this particular neighborhood a good fit? Here are 5 things that you should consider…

12. What happens if construction is delayed?

In the event of a construction delay, you should review your contract to see if it contains provisions for such a scenario. Many contracts have stipulations that specify an estimated completion time while allowing for delays due to unavoidable or unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters.

Depending on your contract’s terms, you may have the option to seek compensation or pull out of the deal altogether. Always consult the contract for guidance and seek legal advice for more complex issues.

13. Are there any hidden costs to be aware of?

Your contract should list the major costs of your new home’s construction, but be prepared for unexpected or hidden costs. These can range from fees for altering permits to unforeseen expenses related to land preparation or incidental utility connection charges.

To safeguard against these unforeseen expenses, it’s wise to set aside a contingency budget.

Ensure you scrutinize your contract to understand which additional costs could fall on your shoulders.

14. How can I get out of a new construction home contract?

If you need to exit a new construction home contract, the process can be complicated and heavily dependent on the contract’s specific terms. Most contracts come with defined contingencies; failure of the builder to meet these can offer you a legal way out.

Be warned that you might forfeit your initial deposit or incur other financial penalties. Therefore, consult a legal advisor experienced in real estate law in your jurisdiction before making any decisions.

Purchasing a new construction home offers the enticing prospect of a space that’s uniquely yours, complete with all the modern amenities and custom features you could wish for. But it’s not without its complexities and challenges. You can navigate the new home construction landscape more effectively with accurate information and a thorough understanding of what to expect. Making well-informed decisions will help you realize your dream home.

Related article

8 Things to Look For When Evaluating a Home’s Sustainability

There are many reasons to want a sustainable home. It can be healthier for you and your family, by keeping your air clean and your environment free of unwanted chemicals. It can save you money by reducing heating, cooling and water costs. And it can reduce your impact on the environment…