As a Realtor® that sells Land and homes, I get a common question that people often ask me HOW DO I PICK A HOME BUILDER?
Over the years I have developed some questions with the help of my consumers, and internet searches for common questions you should ask.
Will the builder give you references of
recent buyers/occupants?Can YOU view the homes on the builders website?
Can you google the home builder on Angies list or another consumer website with reviews?
Some questions to ask home owners include: Are you happy with your home? If you had any problems, were they fixed promptly and properly? Would you buy another home from this builder?
Usually, people tell you if they are pleased with their homes. And if they are not, they'll probably want to tell you why.
At the very least, drive by and see if the homes are visually appealing.
When you talk to builders and home owners, take along a notebook to record the information you find and your personal impressions about specific builders and homes. Doing so will help you to make comparisons later.
When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features. Inspect the quality of the cabinetry, carpeting, trimwork and paint. Ask the builder or the builder's representative a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally rather than in writing, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question. What seems like an insignificant question might yield an important answer.
Does the builder
have a financing plan established?
Are there options
in the floor plan — for example, can a basement or deck be added?
Can a room such as
the basement be left unfinished?
How much
"customizing" can be done versus standard features?
Can appliances be
up- or down-graded?
Are there any
additional fees relating to the home or development?
Will there be a
home owners’ association? If so, what will the dues cost and what do they
cover?
Does the builder
offer a warranty program?
Does the price
include landscaping? What if the plants die within a year?
Are there any
restrictive covenants?
What are the
estimated taxes on the property?
Are there any major
development plans for the area in the next five years?
Contact your local home builders' association to obtain a list of builders who construct homes in your area. You can find your local HBA at nahb.org/findanhba.
Look in the real
estate section of your local newspaper for builders and projects.
Looking
through the ads and reading the articles can help you to learn which builders
are active in your area, the types of homes they are building and the prices
you can
expect to pay.
Make a list of builders who build the type of home
you're looking for in your price range.
Local real estate
agents may also be able to help you in your search.
