Will this be the year you buy a brand-new Southern Maryland home? Don’t be discouraged by national news reports claiming that “U.S. home building fell” or “housing starts dropped.”
Those scary-sounding numbers are due to a drop in multi-family home building, not single-family home construction.
In fact, the single-family home construction market across the country and here in Southern Maryland is set to be just fine, with a surge in new building permits late this summer.
Moving into a newly built home is a lot like the first time you sit behind the wheel of a brand-new car — but better. No stinky smells from whatever it was the previous occupant was cooking, no greasy range hood and walls, no dinged-up baseboards – everything is new and pristine.
While these aspects may make you starry-eyed, there’s reality to contend with as well. Today, we share with you some things to watch for when taking on the purchase of a brand-new Southern Maryland home.
The builder’s real estate agent
When you drive up to a Southern Maryland new home community, you’ll notice quickly how you’re directed to the builder’s office before you get to the model homes. That guy or gal sitting in the office isn’t a receptionist, but the builder’s real estate agent.
She or he will show you a map of the buildable lots available, talk to you about the community’s amenities, and, naturally, the homes, before sending you on your way to view the models.
If you fall in love with one, which is every builder’s goal, you’ll want to get the purchase process underway quickly.
I don’t blame you — this is exciting stuff! And, what better and easier way to do it than to allow the builder’s real estate agent to get the ball rolling?
OK, that’s the third time I’ve said it: “the builder’s real estate agent.” Catch anything there? Sure, legally this agent can represent both you and the builder, but is it a wise move?
Think about it this way: If this were a legal situation, would you use your about-to-be former spouse’s attorney in your divorce proceedings? Why do you suppose that isn’t common practice?
Here’s why: It is almost impossible for the builder’s agent to protect both the builder’s interests and yours in the same transaction.
Since the seller pays for the buyers’ real estate agent at closing, it only makes sense that you have your own agent who will look out for nobody else but you.
Avoid this problem by letting the builder’s agent know, upfront, that you have an agent.
The builder’s lender
They make this easy – it’s one-stop shopping!
Home builders understand that they need to hook the buyer when he or she is most excited, so they offer all the services one might need to get the process started. This includes an “in-house” or “preferred” lender.
Now, unlike using the builder’s agent, there’s nothing wrong with using his or her lender — as long as you’ve shopped around and know that you’re getting a good deal.
Never feel that you have to use this lender, however, because you don’t.
The builder
If you’re not familiar with this particular Southern Maryland builder, familiarize yourself with their reputation and work. Start with the Better Business Bureau, and then scour local public records for lawsuits against the builder.
Buying a newly constructed home in Southern Maryland is a lot more involved than buying an existing home, but the end result is well-worth the steps it takes to get there.
La Plata MD Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services in Southern Maryland. You now have a search engine to help you with your Southern Maryland home search! And I’m ready to provide you with a custom home valuation if you’re considering selling your home. Let’s connect to discuss how I can help you. Contact Kimberly Bean at 301-440-1309
