As seen by the proliferation of new communities throughout the
Orlando FL area, a definite trend in new building has swept across Florida in the past 20 years. Partly because older properties are scarce in this part of Florida, and mostly for the sake of convenience and quality, people are choosing to buy new homes in the Orlando area at a record pace. From first homes to luxury palaces, builders offer something for every need, taste and budget. Dealing with new home construction is a daunting task, one which you should not have to take on alone. Robert Mass has over 30 years of experience in the Real Estate market, 12 of which specifically with new homes in the Central Florida area. Robert has provided these helpful tips and resources for you to consider when thinking about purchasing new construction.
The Advantages of Buying a New Home
New Construction
The reasons for choosing a new home over an existing one are as diverse as the types of new homes available on the market. Many cite not having to deal with the problems accompanying an older home as their primary reason for choosing new construction. More and more, however, builders are reevaluating how a modern family spends their time, as well special needs of certain populations, and are creating homes to reflect this picture of the American family.
Here are some great reasons to consider new construction:
Maintenance
As homes age, maintenance problems can come out of the woodwork, quite literally! A new house has the advantage of time, and does not need as much repair initially. Many people do not possess the skills to perform do-it-yourself maintenance. Unless you are a devoted handyman/woman, you relish new episodes of Trading Spaces, or have an ample pocketbook to pay handymen or contractors for maintenance an older home many not be right for you. Many older homes require immediate maintenance after per code to remove hazardous materials like lead and asbestos. Another plus side concerning maintenance with a new home is that the materials used to build new construction are much more advanced than their counterparts of even 20 years ago. Advances in Materials Science have yielded more durable (and in many cases, termite-resistant) building materials which do not require the same upkeep as the simple wood, brick and mortar of days past.
Customization
Having it your way no longer applies to just your fast food burger. This mantra of customization applies to more and more in our daily lives, from cars, cell phones, and even new homes. And even better for the consumer, much of this customization has come to be expected to be included standard, or at least at a reasonable price! Previously, a new home buyer may have had a couple of choices for flooring or paint color. Increasing numbers of builders are offering options for standard plan homes never thought of even 10 years ago. And with this trend of customization, a growing number of custom home builders have emerged in the market, offering, in some cases, custom plans from the ground up! If you can dream it, most likely you can see it built with a custom home!
It’s Not the Jetsons…but Welcome to the Future!
Unless you have a great deal of extra cash, or just enjoy wholesale home-renovation, purchasing an older home often means that you are committed to its floor plan. Designs of from even only a few decades ago have been improved upon to reflect the way we live today. We see greater pre-wiring of electrical outlets and data ports for our Internet-driven lifestyles. Built-in entertainment alcoves now house 50-inch or larger flat screen TVs, and many homes come wired with surround sound. Trying to retrofit these features for an existing home can be costly, frustrating, and near impossible in many cases! To make cooking more of a family experience, architects have designed open kitchens that both children and adults can use safely. Also in new home design, homes are being designed more with seniors and the disabled in mind. Whether you plan on keeping your new home until your golden years, or wish to keep your home accessible to special populations, these new features add resale value to your home.
Keep it Green
With governments focusing more and more on how energy prices and pollution, building “green” has become a major selling point for new homes. Not only do energy efficient homes save the planet, but they can save your pocketbook. Advances in building materials have created most energy efficient materials to date. Just the savings experienced in the first few months’ utility bills often pay for any extra costs of a “green” home.
Community
Buying a new home in a planned development means that you will have more of a guarantee of who, or what, your neighbors will be. Many choose communities based on similar interests like golf or tennis, or similar ages as with retirement communities. Increasing numbers of people choose planned developments to ensure that commercial development near their property will be in check for years to come, and others choose based on schools zoned for the area.
Warranties & Customer Service
Builders realize that they have a great deal of competition in the housing market. Between other builders and the existing home market, buyers have more choices than ever. To attract would-be buyers, many builders include complete warranty that covers everything on the house in the construction price. Warranty terms vary so check with your builder before purchasing.
Are You Considering New Construction?
There’s a lot to think about when purchasing a new home! Robert Maas can guide you through much of the uncertainty of purchasing a new construction home. With his finger on the pulse of the Orlando real estate scene, Robert knows all of the hottest Orlando communities, and knows where the deals are! In dealing with builders, no one has more expertise than Robert.
Realtors can help you avoid having your transaction monopolized by the builder. Often, builders insist that you must use their lender, their title company and even their insurance company. Robert knows fair prices in this area, and can make sure that you are treated equitably by homebuilders. Through inspections and closing, Robert will be there to ensure that your purchase is flawless!
