​There are many elements that are different when it comes to buying a “new construction home,” which is the choice of many Home Buyers. For one you won’t have to deal with a previous Homeowner’s emotional scale which often affects the negotiation process. But that doesn’t imply that the developer(s) or builders of that “new home community” won’t have a similar reaction to the negotiation process. In previously owned homes, the Homeowners tend to associate the sale price with the accumulated memories made in the home whereas the Developers of a New Home construction tend to associate the sale price to the amount of work, materials, planning, and execution of the home sites.
 
Here are a few tips to know about buying a new construction home–particularly if the property you selected is not completed yet.
 
Similar to buying a previously owned home, you must know how much your entire budget can allow for and remember to account for the costs that Home buyers tend to forget about such as appraisals, home inspections, property taxes, insurance, home warranty, landscaping, maintenance, and furniture.
 
Tip #1: Measure the Pros and Cons
There are typically 3 ways to buy a New Construction Home.

1. Buying a Spec home — new and already built (or nearly finished) so it’s move-in ready
2.  Semi-Custom Home — part of a Development (you can choose from a set of finishes and upgrades) and may not be built yet
3. Full Custom Home — built on your own lot and everything will be built and designed to your specifications

 
However, before you get lost in selecting all the fine details and custom kitchen island, it is best to evaluate your situation and find out if a new home construction matches your lifestyle.
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There are a few questions to ask yourself first:

1. Are you willing to be further out of the city and sometimes a longer commute? More often, new home developments are outside the city limits.
2. Are you okay with the cookie cutter look of a new subdivision?
3. Does the idea of being the VERY first owner with everything untouched and unscathed thrill you?
4. Do you mind having neighbors close by?

 
Step #2: Research Builders and Communities
Consider working with a real estate agent who knows the area well and has direct relationships with builders as they will know how to navigate the intricacies of buying a new construction home in a new subdivision really well.
 
Some of the tips to know about buying a new construction home include the following:

1. Visit the construction site regularly – If the development is still under construction you may be living amongst contractor trucks, cranes, and jackhammers for a while.
2. Request a tour of the model homes and check out the neighborhood, amenities, and quality of the homes.
3. Ask your real estate agent or developer about potential HOA fees and policies you may have to be aware of.
4. Ask what internet and cable companies will be servicing the new area and if their services will be readily available when you move in.
5. Ask your agent about construction phases and expected completion times. With many new construction developments, unexpected situations with construction often come up so be prepared to be flexible and patient.

 
Tip #3: Know what is Included and What is Extra
When buying a new construction home ask your realtor or the builder for a feature sheet and define what is included with the home’s base price and what features are potential upgrades such as flooring, tiles, countertops, appliances, etc. For example a standard electric stove may be included but you have your eye on a high-end gourmet Viking range oven. Find out if that’s an option and if so how much extra?
 
Tip #4: Get an Inspection and Home Warranty
This is a very important thing to know when buying a new construction home. Just because it’s a brand new home doesn’t mean there aren’t potential details that may have been overlooked. If you are purchasing a new construction that is yet to be completed, try to visit the construction site as often as possible or during the different phases to ensure everything is going as planned and on schedule.
 
Builders and contractors are human, so mistakes can happen. There is nothing wrong with bringing to their attention any issues or problems you have with the construction. Be aware that some things may appear to be problems, but may just be incomplete construction. Bring any problems to your builder’s attention and they should advise you as to whether it is yet to be finished or something that needs to be fixed.

One of the newest developments in San Diego is Millenia. Visit their website to learn about new construction homes that will be available soon

www.milleniasd.com/homes/houses-for-sale/

If you are thinking about buying, selling, investing, or relocating, talk to Realty Executives Dillon Real Estate Experts to see how we can help you achieve your real estate goals. 

Bring your home into the 21st century with some high tech home automation upgrades. Many people have already upgraded their property with home automation, but may be completely unaware that they have. You may already use products such as the Nest thermostat or the Amazon Echo, these products are in fact technologies that are part of the home automation revolution that is changing the way people live in their homes.

Today’s market provides a home automation device for each and every room in your home. Below are some of the top home automation products to upgrade your home.

In the kitchen

Bluetooth thermometer • You will never mistakenly burn your meal again with a helpful smart meat thermometer. It works by sending the information from the thermometer to your smart phone via a Bluetooth connection, showing you when your pork, chicken, turkey, or fish reaches the right temperature.

Slow cooker • You can start dinner before you leave the office with a Wi-Fi enabled crock pot. By simply swiping your finger across your smart phone you can turn the cooker on, set the temperature, or turn it off to make sure that your dinner isn’t burnt if you are delayed in getting back to your home.

Wi Fi enabled kettle • Set the kettle to boil remotely by using an app on your smart phone. Whether you want the kettle to be boiled before you get out of bed or ready for you when you get home from work, the Wi Fi enabled iKettle will boil your water and even hold its temperature for up to a half hour.

In the bathroom

Bluetooth speakers for the shower • Sing along to your favorite songs with the Aquatunes waterproof speaker. The speaker connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth and enables you to stream music from your device that is played in the shower. Simply hook the speaker on to your shower rod and press the sync button to link up with your mobile device.

Heated toilet seat • LumaWarm offers the heated nightlight toilet seat. The seat is illuminated by a blue LED light and is equipped with multiple temperature settings that warm the seat within a couple of minutes.

In the bedroom

Smart bedroom lighting • Smart lighting can help you relax at the end of the day, and even help you fall asleep, with lighting that is personalized to you, with dimming and variable color temperatures. There are several types of smart lighting products available, with some set by timers that can be easily accessed and changed through your smart phone, while others utilize motion sensors to adapt the lighting to your nightly routine.

Smart windows • Equip your windows with smart window film, or adjustable blinds that operate by a motor, which can be accessed on your smart phone. Smart blinds and shades can adapt and respond to the lighting level outside. Smart window film offers the ability to transition your window from clear to opaque by simply tapping a button on your smart phone.

Home automation for any room

Smart sockets/plugs • Smart plugs are a simple and easy way to make a start upgrading your home. The smart socket device plugs into your existing power outlet and enables you to remotely control the power usage and keep an eye on your energy usage. There are several manufacturers of smart plugs, iHome, TP-LINK, Belkin, and D-Link to name a few, and the devices are an affordable way to start upgrading your home with prices ranging from as low as $30.

Humidity detector • The Humidity Sensor and Fan Control by Leviton can identify the level of humidity in your home and automatically react to it by turning on a ventilation fan. The smart device can be used in the bathroom and any other area of your home to reduce moisture in the air.

Room by room upgrades • If you still don’t really know where to start, there are several home automation and smart home upgrade kits on the market.

The main purpose of home automation is to make daily tasks easier for the user. You don’t need to rush and try to upgrade everything in your home at once. Identify areas of your home or exact tasks where you would appreciate some technological help, then research what home automation options are available to fulfill your needs.