New Northern Virginia Home Caveats (Part One)
Results from a recent Trulia survey show that when Americans were asked their preference between buying a newly built home or a previously lived-in home, 41% reported they would prefer the brand new home. It is understandable why Northern Virginia home buyers would choose this when given the choice; having a chance to personalize and customize key elements like the kitchen or basement can be an attractive option. However, buying a newly built or in-the-process-of-being-built Northern Virginia home in a development under construction can also present a number of issues Northern Virginia home buyers might not be aware of.
Before you buy that brand new Northern Virginia home make sure you know the facts.
- Unfinished Developments Can be Risky
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you ask questions that provide insight on specifics of the development process, namely how many of the other lots have been sold and are under contract. You do not want to buy into a development that is under construction and ends up never being completed. Situations like these make it extremely difficult to try and sell the home, as unfinished communities do not make strong sales pitches.
- See the Real Thing
When potential Northern Virginia home buyers are looking into a development that is being built, they are often walked through and shown home models or prototypes. Since the actual homes are not yet built, developers set up these models so Northern Virginia home buyers can get a feel for what the home will look like. Keep your guard up in instances like these as model homes are often staged to perfection and are not always exact replications of the Northern Virginia home you will be buying.
- Feel the Flow
To complement the perfect staging of model homes, builders also work to make sure the rooms flow well from one to the next. However, this flow is often accomplished by removing the interior doors that will be in place when your home is built. If you notice this design hack, make sure you factor in the additional space needed and how it will look and feel.
- Be Specific
When you are presented with the new home’s price be sure to ask questions and understand exactly not only what you are paying but also what you are getting. Newly built Northern Virginia homes can come with upgrade packages like a sauna in the master bathroom or a gourmet kitchen, but these come with a price. Know what packages you have signed up for and if you do want to include an upgrade, make sure you are aware of all of the costs that will be included.
Check back next week for the second half of Homes Re-Imagined tips for buying a newly built Northern Virginia home!