Buying a New House: What to Look for
Whether your dream home is new construction or an existing home, you will want to know what to look for as you begin your home search. What are your criteria for buying a new home? Do you like the neighborhood? Are you looking for luxury real estate? What about your work commute? How are the schools? What is the crime rate? What about traffic? Zoning issues? Are there any toxic waste sites nearby?
If you are a first-time house buyer, be sure to check out the first time house buying tips. Once you identify a home of interest, your exclusive buyer’s agent can help you research the public records and property value, write an offer and assist with negotiation, mortgage and home inspection arrangements.
Remember that new construction does not mean ‘sound construction’ and a higher price does not necessarily mean a higher quality. Going direct to the builder is not the best option as the builder will be looking out for his bottom line and protecting his company’s interest. Consider using an exclusive buyer’s agent who can help you determine if there are impact fees, association fees, easements, restrictive covenants, liens, and learn about the topography of the land, soil condition, availability of water and sewer, property taxes and school district.
Remember that NAEBA-member EBAs represent your needs solely; they cannot and do not represent the needs of the seller, so that you can be sure there is a close hard look at all of the issues that need to be dealt with when buying a new house. Click here to find an exclusive buyer agent near you.