Q. I’m Considering New Construction for My Retirement Home, but I Get Overwhelmed Just Thinking About It. Should I Do It?
You’re not alone – being intimidated by the process is probably the biggest reason that people don’t explore new construction.
We frequently work with people who have all heard the same horror stories about time and cost overruns, untrustworthy home builders, etc.
In my opinion, though, a new build is often worth it. It’s the only way to ensure that you get everything you want in a home. The most important job realtors have with a new build is to match clients with the RIGHT builder.
Some clients want to choose everything from doorknobs to light bulbs (that was me when I was a new build client), and some just want the key handed to them when the house is done. The client’s and the builder’s styles have to match up!
Realtors with a lot of experience in new construction also often act as intermediaries between builder and client as well, offering direction and advice on materials, construction loans, and site preparation.
My advice? You can do this. Start with a realtor in your area who has done a lot of new construction. That person will know the local builders–the good, the bad and the ugly. Once you’ve been matched with the right builder for you, and had the initial meeting, you’re going to walk out feeling a lot more confident than you do now. The end result will be living in the home of your dreams.
