If local sellers have done their job, a Southern Maryland home for sale has been cleaned up, dressed up, and put on display to entice potential buyers to make an offer.
This is never more evident than when you tour model homes in new Southern Maryland housing developments. These models are carefully staged, and every element – from wall color to appliances to decorative accents – is chosen to appeal to a buyer’s emotions.
If you want to spend a weekend touring Southern Maryland’s model homes, it’s a good idea to go into the process with as much information as possible. Before you take those tours, here’s some of what you should think about.
What to Bring with You
Don’t tour model homes without your Southern Maryland real estate agent! This may seem counterintuitive because you’ll meet the builder’s on-site real estate agent when you get there. Wouldn’t that be more convenient?
The builder’s agent is probably a very nice person, and it is perfectly legal for him or her to work with you and the builder in what is known as “dual agency.” But teaming up with this agent could lead to taking unnecessary chances.
The builder’s agent duty is to look out for the best interests of his or her client, and that client is the builder. It doesn’t cost you a penny to have your own representation, and you stand to gain a lot by having someone in your corner. Bring your own real estate agent!
At the very least, let it be known that you have an agent and have no intention of working with the builder’s agent.
Next, bring your wish list. Like any list, this list will help keep you focused on what’s truly important – what we really need and want – and avoid impulse shopping.
Bring your camera or your smartphone, too. Having photos of the various features will help you compare homes.
Bring along a tape measure so that you won’t have to guess at room sizes, the length of walls, and the interior of closets.
If you’re shopping alone, bring along a friend or family member for a second opinion and to bounce ideas off of.
Get the Lay of the Land
You know the saying: “Location, location, location.” It’s true! Location is everything when it comes to Southern Maryland real estate, to get to know the community before you look at homes. Consider not only its location within the county, but also surrounding amenities that you require.
Then, walk or drive through the community to get a feel for what it will be like when it’s done and to get an idea of which lots are better suited for your needs.
Don’t Fall for the Staging
We frequently see Southern Maryland homebuyers lured into buying a new home just because of the way it is presented. Look beyond the snazzy décor and perfect paint colors to the flow of the home’s floorplan.
Staging is meant to target your emotions! Try to imagine the home with your furniture, appliances, and accessories. In fact, we recommend that if you’ve fallen in love with a home, you should ask to see the same model unfurnished.
After all, this is what your home will look like when you buy it. If your heart is set on the home looking identical to the model, ask for a breakdown of the upgrades used in the model and the cost to replicate them.
Never be shy about asking questions. If your Southern Maryland agent isn’t with you on the tour, ask the on-site agent. Find out about home warranties that are included with the purchase, the cost of upgrades that interest you, the type of financing offered, community amenities, the building process, and whatever other questions come to mind.
The process to buy a brand-new Southern Maryland home differs from buying an existing home. We’re happy to walk you through the process, so feel free to reach out!
Hughesville 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
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