So, you’ve been going back and forth but have decided that now is the right time to buy your first home. You’ve worked on your credit score and you’ve saved up for a down payment and are ready to get started. So before you get too far into the home buying process you should take a few minutes to read these five common first time home buyer mistakes made with in new construction.
- Thinking you can’t afford new construction.
There are many options available in the real estate market, but thinking you have to settle on a used home is not your only option. New homes are available in many price ranges and in areas you want to be. New construction can even save you money compared to used homes. New homes are more energy efficient with lower maintenance costs; where as used homes are typically less energy efficient and may require expensive maintenance much sooner. Replacing roofing, appliances, HVAC system components or water heaters can be very expensive.
- Running up debt after the pre-approval.
The construction process on a new home can take up to six month and sometimes even longer. Some first-time homebuyers can get excited about getting new things for their new home, like furniture or a new car, and doing this can effect your chances of getting your home loan. From the day you sign your contract to the day you close on your home, the general rule of thumb is don’t open any new lines of credit or increase the amounts on any open credit accounts.
- Not knowing the plans for the community.
You may think the charming community with only 12 homes is just what you’re looking for, but if you ask the Builder’s representative this charming neighborhood is actually the beginning of a 300-home community. Or you could have selected a home that backs up to a vacant field, but there are plans to build an apartment complex in the next six months. Be sure to ask the Builder’s representative what the future plans are so you can make sure you are selecting the right neighborhood for you and your family.
- Not speaking up or asking questions.
Sometimes speaking up or asking questions can be difficult, but it is key that you do this. If you have questions at any stage in the process, from contract to closing to warranty, you need to be sure to ASK. There are no silly questions. Since you’ve never built a new home you may not know what that “doohickey” in the attic is or if that “doodad” is covered under warranty, so you need to ask. Your agent and the Builder’s representative are there to answer those questions for you.
- Going overboard with upgrades.
Remember that model home you fell in love with? There is a high chance that that home was heavily upgraded. So when you go to your selections appointment you should go with a budget in mind. You’ll need to weigh the cost of getting everything you want versus having just the options you really want and staying within your budget. Some upgrades can pay off in the long run, like upgraded carpet padding as it can extend the life of your carpet. However, you should also consider the resale value when doing your upgrades. The average first-time homebuyer usually lives in their home for 11 years before selling. You may have always dreamed of lavender countertops in your master bathroom, but when you go to resale your home that might be a turn off for potential buyers. Maybe lavender on your walls could be a nice compromise.
There is no better feeling than the profound pride that comes with owning your first home. And just imagine if your new home is brand new. So avoiding these five common mistakes first-time homeowners make with new construction can lead to making the right home buying decision for you and your family.
McKee Homes, North Carolina’s #1 Choice for New Homes
McKee Homes has highly skilled team members dedicated to creating the best home building and buying experience possible in Eastern North Carolina. Areas we are building in include: Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen, Raleigh and Wilmington NC. Some of our new home resources we can provide you include: New Home Financing, Buyer Incentives and more.
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