PURCHASING A NEW HOME IN RIVERVIEW FLORIDA?

PURCHASING A NEW HOME IN RIVERVIEW FLORIDA?

Purchasing a new home in Riverview Florida? If you are, it’s an exciting time! There are several things to consider. Are you going to buy an existing home or are you considering purchasing a new home from a local builder. Do you want a pool home or is a pool of no interest to you? Are you thinking of purchasing a new home and adding a pool later? Are you interested in a single story home, or do you prefer two story homes? There is a lot to think about. I will give you my perspective as a realtor and the questions and comments I would share with any of my perspective buyers. The first question is are you considering buying a new home or an existing home? There is too much to cover in one blog, so we will start with the most important item. If you considering purchasing a new home then the first bit of advice I would give you is to find a competent local realtor who works in that area who can negotiate a better deal for you and knows the area and builders. Why do you need a realtor? It’s really pretty simple, but not always obvious. The person who greets you when you walk into a builder office works for the builder, i.e., they represent the seller. This means they want to get as much for the home as possible and give away as little as possible.  Builders love realtors because they know if we bring a client to look at new construction, the buyer has already been pre-approved and is not just out kicking tires and looking for free drinks and cookies. In most cases, the price is not really negotiable because the builder has an obligation to the neighborhood and those who have already purchased a new home in their community. For instance the builder sells two homes that are the same floor plan and have pretty much the same options in the same week. If they sold one for $10,000.00 less than the other the person who paid more may get very upset and even go up the ladder looking to get back his/her $10,000.00. So, most builders don’t haggle price very often unless it’s an inventory home that they need to move, but even then they avoid major price drops that would affect others in the neighborhood. But, there are other things a realtor can help you get from the builder. I just helped a young couple, first time home buyers, this past weekend to purchase a new home. Why did we lean toward new construction, when you can get more bang for your money buying an existing home? It’s simple. They are young and just getting started in their careers and after they purchase the home they have limited cash reserves. Purchasing a new home gives them a long window without any unforeseen big ticket items such as a roof, an A/C system, or appliances. Back to what I was able to get for them included in the original price from the builder. I was able to get the builder to throw in an additional $1500 towards the buyers closing costs. This was on top of what the builder was offering upfront. I was also able to get the builder to throw in the stainless steel refrigerator, a blinds package, and a garage door opener.  My job is to foresee some of the things my clients could benefit from the builder so their there aren’t all the out of pocket expenses and taking time off work to meet with a blind guy or a garage door opener guy etc. You say, well why would the builder give you things I couldn’t ask for myself? You can ask and you will probably get some of them, but not all of them. You ask why? First, it’s because I am a well known realtor in the area and they know if they make my client and myself happy enough to go to contract with them verses another builder, I am more likely to bring additional clients to them. What should you be looking for in a new construction neighborhood? Stay tuned. That will be the topic of my next blog. Many new home buyers get emotionally involved and miss some very important details. It’s my job to make sure they are aware of all the pros and the possible cons of a new neighborhood.