Ready, Set, Stop!

READY, SET, STOP!

5 P O W E R T I P S B E F O R E B U I L D I N G Y O U R N E X T H O M E

Florida is well known as a haven for retirees. No wonder; warm weather, low taxes, happy people. What else do you need ? Well, for starters, how about a beautiful new home ?

How do I know ? I’ve been there. After retiring as a Police Chief in N.J. my wife and I built a beautiful home for our family here in Venice Florida. Venice was our dream location because of all the reasons mentioned above, and then some. So we decided to build in a deed restricted, tract builder community. Easy Peasey, right ? STOP !

I want to outline for you some things to prepare yourself for to keep your expectations from being crushed and your patience from being tested. After all, having a home built is one of the most important decisions you will make, financially and emotionally, in your lifetime. As in my previous profession, my purpose in real estate is to serve people and protect them when it comes to selling or buying their next home. Here are my top 5 tips for you:

EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE PROCESS

This is your starting point. If you think this is an easy process…….THINK AGAIN. So many builders. So many developments. So many home designs. Narrow your selections down by taking a week or two to visit model homes in areas you are interested in. You will be surprised in the differences in each development. Put your needs forward in reference to home size, # of bedrooms, # of bathrooms, etc... DO NOT be afraid to ask questions of the sales representatives in the model homes.

That is why they are there. DO NOT leave until EVERY question you have is answered.

LOT SELECTION

On a preserve? On a lake? On a culdesac? What is your preference? Understand that in most communities you will pay what is called a “premium” for your lot. Basically, that means the nicer your lot, the more money you will have to pay. This was the most important choice we made. We have a preserve on the right of us and behind us. At the end of the day we can sit out on out lanai and hear the palm thonds wave and hear the family of owls that live in the trees hooting as the sun goes down. Peaceful natural beauty that was well worth the price. Location really is everything.

PREPARE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU ENTER A DESIGN CENTER

Once you have determined where you are going to have your home built, you will be asked to make design selections at a design center. Be prepared. This is a stressful, long, overwhelming process. You will be choosing carpet, tile, kitchen layout and cabinets, paint colors, plumbing and light fixtures for your entire home in one sitting. DO NOT bring your children if you have any. The day is too long and this will only add to the stress and confusion. If you do not see anything, style wise, that you like, consider going with builder grade materials and replacing it after construction. This may seem crazy but TRUST ME, in the end you will get what you want, you may even save some money. And husbands ? it may save you from sleeping on the couch for a few nights. Well worth it.

KNOW WHO'S WORKING FOR YOU Designers and building managers works for the builder. This is important to remember and it became quite evident to us along the way. Please understand. When you have a home built you WILL run into “ issues” along the way. It is inevitable. But know this. When push comes to shove with these “issues” the employees of the builder will more than likely give you an answer you may not want to hear in order to protect his/her employer, ie. the builder. Which leads me to my next topic.

PROVIDE YOURSELF WITH REPRESENTATION We didn’t learn this until our house was built and we moved in. Most builders do pay the Real Estate Agent commission for the buyer so it is no extra cost to you. This provides you an advocate as well as a set of eyes if you happen to be out of state during the build. Also, at a cost to you, you may want to hire a good real estate attorney to review any and all documentation. Rarely will those fees be excessive and in the end….. It will be well worth it.

According to Metrostudy, (a leading provider of primary and secondary market information to the housing and residential construction industry) the largest activity gain in new construction in Sarasota County came in the $400k – $450k price band, a 31.7% annual growth rate. Wow ! lots of people spending lots of money. So before you spend your hard earned money or life savings on a new home, keep my tips in mind.

In the end, we have settled in to our new home and new community. We are very blessed to have been able to build a new home and start a new life. My kids are happy, my wife is happy and that makes me happy.

For questions or comments email me. I'm a WOW Power Player here to serve and protect you for your real estate needs. See you soon !

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James Wozniak eXp Realty Real Estate Agent james.wozniak@exprealty.com