Whether you’re working with a local Georgia-based real estate agent or with our internal sales team located in Grayson, it’s extremely important to understand the full commitment you are making. While there’s more obvious deliverables on the contractor’s part, make sure you know what end of the bargain you’re responsible for. As well, you want to vet out your proposed builder so that you can be confident you’re making a sound and safe investment. This decision not only impacts your finances but your lifestyle. Outside of the basics like project delivery timeline and when you can move it, we suggest you review the following with your realtor to get a full picture.
Ask for references!
A reputable company will be eager to share a long list of references with you to back up their track record.
Find out what you can and can’t customize
Most builders streamline their operations and generate economies of scale by keeping their projects fairly cookie cutter. If there’s a deal breaker home feature you’re hoping to have, then be sure to have these discussions upfront. What might seem like a trivial modification can cost a lot more time and money to execute than anticipated so don’t ever assume that your builder can quickly change plans on a whim.
Ask if appliances can be upgraded
Many times, designers are choosing kitchen, laundry, and bathroom appliances to appeal to the masses. They’re trying to find the sweet spot between functionality, price, and aesthetics. Custom home designs take into account the exact dimensions in the plans. If you’re thinking you’d like to change these out, an inch or two difference will be noticeable. Have these conversations early!
Does the price include landscaping?
We don’t just mean shrubs and grass, but patios and decks. If you’re looking for a turnkey property, sit down with your builder’s landscape architect to make sure the front lawn and back yard are included in the project scope. If you’re looking for ideas on different landscaping styles and possibilities, you can check out Garden Design’s digital magazine.
Are there restrictive covenants in the building area?
Some municipalities enforce strict rules, like quiet hours. If you’re a party animal, you’ll want to know this before moving in and getting an angry police visit. Other covenants could include where you keep your trash, how long you can keep it on the curb, and where and how many cars can be parked in the street. Some areas have parking passes to manage this.
What are the estimated property taxes?
In addition to your mortgage and interest payments (and we always recommend a slush fund for repairs and maintenance even on brand new builds) you’ll have to think about all the carrying costs. Get a sense of what property taxes will look like over the next 2 – 5 years as the neighborhood appreciates and gains in popularity. Keep this in mind for your long-term financial planning. To get a preliminary sense of what property taxes will be in your zip code, here’s a quick and easy to use online calculator.
Understand all the fees
In the same vein as our note above, we develop our communities with amenities for all our clients to enjoy. This means most of our neighborhoods are built with HOAs that manage things like landscaping, security, and common area maintenance. You’ll want to know all the fees involved like homeowners association fees, utility connections, and municipal charges. This will help you budget and confirm that you’re buying a home in the right price range for your family.