Out Touring New Homes | Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch | David Barr Realtor
I've been working with a buyer looking for a new home in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. I've been saying this for a long time: you really do need your own Realtor when you're ready to buy a new home.
The biggest issue we ran across was making sure we were getting accurate price quotes for homes that were already built. When you see "homes starting at" on builder advertisements, those prices usually don't include any upgrades or home site premiums. For example, homes starting in the mid $300,000's usually ended up costing over $400,000.
An "inventory" or "quick move in home" may be either finished or under construction, with up to 60 days before it's ready for occupancy. These quick move in homes should be priced with upgrades included as well as any lot premium. A lot premium can run from $0 (if your home backs up to another home, or a road) to over $75,000 for a lake view home site.
Lot premiums are one of the most negotiable items when buying a new construction home. Builders will many times offer discounts on lot premiums when they are advertising incentives.
Some builders like Lennar build their homes with "everything included", and just a short list of upgrades to choose from. Others like M/I Homes have up to 6 levels of flooring, counter top finishes, and cabinetry.
The best thing you can do for yourself as a new construction home buyer is to make sure your list of important criteria is realistic. Can you buy the home you are looking for with your available budget? Too many "must haves" is going to drastically limit your options.
Contact me with your new construction home questions, or send me your email address for a download of my exclusive Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch new home e-books.
The biggest issue we ran across was making sure we were getting accurate price quotes for homes that were already built. When you see "homes starting at" on builder advertisements, those prices usually don't include any upgrades or home site premiums. For example, homes starting in the mid $300,000's usually ended up costing over $400,000.
An "inventory" or "quick move in home" may be either finished or under construction, with up to 60 days before it's ready for occupancy. These quick move in homes should be priced with upgrades included as well as any lot premium. A lot premium can run from $0 (if your home backs up to another home, or a road) to over $75,000 for a lake view home site.
Lot premiums are one of the most negotiable items when buying a new construction home. Builders will many times offer discounts on lot premiums when they are advertising incentives.
Some builders like Lennar build their homes with "everything included", and just a short list of upgrades to choose from. Others like M/I Homes have up to 6 levels of flooring, counter top finishes, and cabinetry.
The best thing you can do for yourself as a new construction home buyer is to make sure your list of important criteria is realistic. Can you buy the home you are looking for with your available budget? Too many "must haves" is going to drastically limit your options.
Contact me with your new construction home questions, or send me your email address for a download of my exclusive Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch new home e-books.
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