In today’s real estate market, which has limited inventory in many areas, new construction can be a great option. It’s more complicated than buying an established home, but it can be worth the effort. New homes offer modern layouts, energy efficiencies, and the opportunity to choose design elements that make it your own.

Here at Cornerstone Real Estate Co., we represent some of the best home builders in the Imlay, Almont, Attica, and Dryden areas! Our advice is to do your homework before you build. Here are some tips for choosing a quality home from a reputable builder and ensuring a positive experience:

1. Know what you want.

When building a new home, whether it’s a custom build or a spec home, there are many options to choose from. It can be overwhelming to decide exactly what you want. The best way to make these decisions is to look at new homes whenever you can. Attend home shows to see what’s trending in home design and materials. Visit model homes and new construction open houses locally to see what is being built in your area. Be sure to take photos and make notes, especially when considering which floor plans fit your lifestyle.

2. Check out the workmanship.

When you’re visiting these homes, be sure to look closely at the quality of workmanship and materials used. Inspect the quality of the windows, cabinets, countertops, flooring, trim work, fixtures, and even the paint. Are the materials quality brands? Are the design features attractive? Does the builder pay close attention to detail or are there items that look unfinished?

3. Research the builder and ask a lot of questions.

Once you’ve narrowed down a list of prospective builders, be sure to do some research. Look at their previous developments and search for online reviews. Try a Google search for “best new construction builders in (your area).” How many homes and developments have they built? Were customers happy with the process? Did they provide testimonials? Are the same issues cropping up in different reviews, which may signal a problem?

If you’re talking directly with the builder or his/her representative, come prepared with a list of questions. (And remember, there are no stupid questions!) Some good questions to ask include:

• Will you provide references from recent buyers?
• Are optional upgrades available? For example, casement windows or premium materials?
• Is there an opportunity to choose finishes?
• Is there a homeowner’s association? If so, what is the cost of dues and what do they cover?
• If you are buying in a development, what are the future plans for that development?
• Do you provide a warranty and what does it cover? (Coverage for new construction varies from builder to builder, so be sure you know what it entails.)

4. Don’t be afraid to negotiate.

Many people assume that builders won’t negotiate on price or features, which is not true. You can often negotiate price, lot lines, upgrades and fixtures, appliances, and other items. They may say no, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Working with a trusted real estate agent can help you with negotiations (see tip # 8).

5. Consider the neighborhood.

It’s easy to fall in love with a new house with its open floor plan and beautiful granite countertops, but the neighborhood is an important consideration. If the neighborhood is new and still in development, find out about the plans. Will there be amenities such as parks, walking trails or a community pool? Check out the nearby businesses, including the grocery store. What will your commute time be? If the neighborhood is already established, take a walk through it and chat with neighbors. The neighborhood may also have a social media page you can peruse.

6. Read the fine print.

Once you choose a builder and you’re getting ready to sign a contract, be sure to read the fine print in all documents. Pay particular attention to details such as appliance packages, lighting, and landscaping.

7. Get a home inspection.

Some people forgo an inspection on new construction, but even the best builders can make mistakes. It’s important to identify issues before closing. Common problems include cracks in the drywall, uneven or warped flooring, and incorrectly applied siding.

8. Work with an experienced realtor.

You can buy a new construction home directly from the builder, but working with a trusted real estate agent can save you time, money, and headaches. A local agent can help you decide on a development that fits your needs and give you information on amenities, benefits/drawbacks, and HOA requirements. In addition, an experienced realtor can also help you negotiate, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. They will also ensure that everything is in writing and that the documents are signed. As importantly, they can help you manage timelines, inspections, and the closing.

To help ensure that your dream home becomes a reality, consider working with an experienced agent at Cornerstone Real Estate. If you’d like to schedule a face-to-face meeting to discuss your plans, contact us at (810)-721-7398. We’d love to help make your dreams come true!