What to expect in the home buying process

When looking for a home, it’s important to protect your best interests; if you had a business you would hire a CPA. If you are buying a home, hire a REALTOR®. The business of buying a home should be taken very seriously. I work with my clients to ensure that their best interests are protected at all times. Purchasing a home is a very complicated process and a professional has the knowledge and insights to assist the buyer with navigating the intricacies of the process.

When looking at new construction it doesn’t cost you any additional money to have a buyer’s agent, a REALTOR®, that will look out for your best interests at all times. I always suggest to my clients to drive around and get familiar with areas and explore new home communities prior to going on a search. Interacting with people in the neighborhood or area you’re looking to purchase your home in could give you a chance to learn some first-hand information about the area. That initial groundwork is extremely important so that the buyer gets exactly what they’re looking for.

While looking at new construction, it's important to have a pre-drywall inspection and then a final inspection once the building processes are completed. These inspections can uncover items prior to move-in so that they are taken care of prior to closing. Of course, all new homes come with a warranty and all new items would be addressed. It is possible as a consumer to miss some of these items and that’s why I always suggest a new home inspection.

Purchasing a new construction home is a very different process from purchasing a previously lived-in home. New construction homes provide the buyer with a clean slate, the most up to date options and upgrade opportunities. The buyer also interacts with a builder instead of a homeowner; builders are much less likely to feel as attached to the home as a seller who lived in the home might. This works to the buyer’s advantage and makes it easier for design options. One thing I particularly enjoy helping the buyer with is discovering the design choices while choosing finishes and details for your new home.

A REALTOR® can help make suggestions and decisions alongside with the buyer that could ultimately benefit them and make the home more desirable, should the buyer want to sell the property in the future. One of the advantages of new construction homes is the ability to truly customize the home to the buyer’s tastes and give it a more personal feel. Whether it's countertops, lighting, flooring, etc. there are numerous options for personalization in a new home.

Most home builders have mortgage lenders available and I believe it is always important to look at the options with that lender, but also get a second opinion and weigh out those options as well. This is a crucial part of the process that needs to have special attention so that documents are provided in a timely fashion to ensure the mortgage approval process doesn’t hold up the closing. Keep in mind, when working with a REALTOR® as your buyer’s agent in new construction, they will of course always look out for your best interests, and they can negotiate the best deal possible.

Ann replied that “When purchasing with Eastwood Homes, the consumer has the opportunity to stick with our already beautiful standard features in our homes such as granite countertops in the kitchen and baths, hardwood and LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring, extensive trim in the first floors and formal areas and high standard appliances or they can choose options to upgrade to more premium flooring, countertops such as quartz, designer kitchens, luxury baths and designer trim packages.”

“We also offer a community catering to the 55+ demographic. We offer many single family floor plans from ranch to 2- and 3-floor homes and town homes with garages.” As Ann mentioned, new construction communities allow for ample customization that is unachievable when purchasing a resale home. Secondly, I asked Ann, “Where are your communities located here in the Triangle? What sets them aside from others?”

She explained, “We have 9 communities currently and opening 4 more this year. Our communities are located throughout the Triangle in Wake Forest, Willow Springs, Knightdale, Garner, Benson, Youngsville, Franklinton, and Durham.”

The decision to purchase a home, new construction or resale, can seem intimidating but finding the right REALTOR® will always ensure that your needs as a buyer are met and listened to. REALTORS® will look out for your best interests and make sure you make the right decisions when looking into different communities and customizations, whether you’re buying your forever home or looking to resell it in the future.