Tips for Buying New Construction

Excerpts taken from Real Estate Advisor: August

Buying a brand new a shiny, un-lived in home has a certain amount of appeal. There is no previous homeowner who has affected the home or who has emotional ties to the home that will factor into the negotiation process. New homes are usually built with floor plans that reflect the latest, most popular design trends.

In many ways, buying new construction is an entirely different animal than buying an existing home. While you still need to determine your budget, decide which home features are must-have and secure financing; the process of buying new construction involves a number of different steps.

Representation

Always have independent agent representation when considering new construction. The builder will have sales agents of their own, but they are paid to represent the builder’s interests, not yours. Many will use pressure tactics to encourage you to sign the contract.

A buyer’s agent will act as your fiduciary and provide unbiased information on the pros and cons of any potential transaction. If you find developments that you are interested in learning more about, channel everything through your own independent representation. Protecting your own welfare is paramount.

Click here to read why Nashville Home Buyers choose JoAnne Staler as their REALTOR.

Learn About the Development(s)

Buying a home in a planned development necessitates careful research of the development and neighborhood itself – more effort than you might otherwise put into learning about an existing neighborhood surrounding a resale.

*     Drive around the neighborhood to get the lay of the land. Are street grids easy to learn, or confusing. What community amenities are in the development, and how conveniently are they located in relation to available homes?

*     Are homes built right on top of each other, or does each lot have breathing space between houses? Are houses laid out such that similar models are not side-by-side, or does each street have an overly “cookie-cutter” feel to it?

*     Inquire with the city or county planner’s office to learn about what is in store for the area around the development(s) you are interested in. Is that bucolic country neighborhood destined to besiegement from an array of shopping complexes and office parks? Is a seemingly too-distant neighborhood due to be linked by future mass-transit into core areas?

*     Research the bylaws and rules of the homeowners association, if one exits. Some subdivisions have HOA’s with strict rules and regulations restricting things such as exterior paint colors, outdoor sheds, landscaping and vegetable gardens. Violating these guidelines can result in expensive penalties, while living by them may be too stifling for some.

Research the Builder(s)

Accurately and fairly reviewing a builder’s history is a crucial step if you’re considering the purchase of a newly built home. Don’t rely on information provided by representatives of the builder or subdivision, as it will be their goal to represent the builder in the best possible light.

Go to the courthouse to see if any liens or lawsuits have been filed against the builder, and verify how they were resolved. Check with the Better Business Bureau for any serious complaints against the builder registered by past homeowners or subcontractors. If at all possible, contact homeowners currently living in homes previously constructed by the same builder to see how they feel about the quality of craftsmanship after having actually lived in the home. Experienced real estate agents should also have a good understanding of which builders have a good reputation locally, and which do not.

 Be Cautious with Upgrades and Extras 

Upgrades to the home itself are features (such as hardwood flooring or high end appliances) that you pay extra for to improve the home based on your tastes. Builders can make a lot of money on upgrades, because they get the parts and labor at favorable rates and generally tack on a large markup.

Make sure you know the base feature list of the model you are purchasing by heart. When the builder offers upgrades, make sure you understand exactly what is being offered by asking questions and taking notes.

Do your own research to compare the cost of the feature plus installation as offered by the builder with what it would cost to have the work done independently after move in. If the builder’s version is far and away more expensive, bidding the work out to independent contractors after you move in is probably the smart move. If the costs are similar, however, it may be less stress to have the work completed by the builder in advance.

Click here to see the Must Have Features in New Nashville Tennessee Homes.

Hire an Independent Home Inspector

Many people who purchase new construction fall into the trap of thinking that because the home is newly built, the important step of getting a detailed home inspection is unnecessary. Simply put, new construction does not guarantee sound construction, and skipping a professional inspection can leave you open to future problems that might crop op as a result of building flaws or cut corners. Even homes built by the most scrupulous contractors can have defects that are not obvious to the untrained eye.

Many builders will proved an all-inclusive home warranty as a part of the purchase agreement. This should not dissuade you from getting an impartial inspection: most warranties have a limited lifespan, and many original issues with home construction may not become apparent until many years later.

Click here for a list of reputable Nashville TN Home Inspectors.

Shop for Lenders

Builders almost always have a preferred lender (sometimes even an in-house mortgage company), and will typically try to steer you to using this lender to secure the mortgage for your new home. Some builders will even offer deals on the purchase price of the home or free upgraded – contingent upon you using their lender.

Using the builder’s lender, especially without first shopping around for mortgages and other sources, is highly problematic. A mortgage provider who has a working relationship with a builder or development is out to make sure they can get you into a loan for the property. What they aren’t necessarily doing is making sure you get the best deal. Always shop around for the best possible rate, lowest closing cost and fewest hassles.

Click here to pre-qualify for your home loan and shop current mortgage loan rates.

This information was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Nashville  TN REALTOR with RE/MAX Elite.  JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to  home buyers and home sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Williamson County and Franklin, Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Nashville Tennessee MLS visit http://joannestaler.com/.

No matter what your price range JoAnne Staler can help you find your Nashville TN dream home.  Click here to recieve automatic emails of new listings that fit your home buying criteria.

Click here for more information on buying a home in Nashville TN.

Condo and Loft Homebuyer’s Guide

By Alyson McNutt English, FrontDoor.com

If you’re looking for amenities, attractive prices and a low-maintenance lifestyle in the city, a condo or loft may be right for you.

A condo is generally an individual unit in a larger building or structure that was built as housing. A typical condo complex may look like an apartment building, but each unit is owned, not rented. A homeowners association (HOA) governs the condo community, collects dues and maintains the common areas.

A loft is a living space carved out of a building that wasn’t built as a living unit. Many lofts are built out of converted warehouses or old factory buildings in a city’s urban center, making them an appealing alternative for professionals who work downtown. Lofts typically do not have interior walls, have more open space and higher ceilings than other homes, and require minimal maintenance. Loft developers will sell them as move-in-ready units or as empty “shells” for buyers interested in designing the space themselves. An HOA also governs the loft building.

If you’re considering buying a condo or loft, follow these six steps to guide you through the process.

• Step 1: Weigh the Pros and Cons
• Step 2: Find a Real Estate Agent Who Knows the Market
• Step 3: Know What to Look For
• Step 4: Get to Know the HOA
• Step 5: Consider Insurance
• Step 6: Do the Research

Click here to read this article in its entirity and see if a condo or loft in Nashville TN is right for you.

This article was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Nashville TN REALTOR with RE/MAX.  JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to  home buyers and home sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Williamson County and Franklin, Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Franklin Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Nashville Tennessee MLS visit http://joannestaler.com/.

Click here to view condos and townhomes listed for sale in Nashville TN.

Affordable housing makes ownership possible

Tennessean.com – June 25, 2010

Ask a room full of people to define affordable housing and chances are you’ll get as many different answers as there are people in the room. For many, this concept carries with it the idea of Section 8 housing, which is a part of affordable housing, but certainly not the only meaning. The term “affordability” is defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as simply the ability for a household to expense no more than 30 percent of its annual income on housing.

For some households, 30 percent of annual income could mean Section 8 housing. But for many, especially those in the first-time buyer and workforce housing market, affordable housing means something totally different.

It means being able to find clean, safe housing within a reasonable distance of their job that is priced no higher than the area’s median housing price.

The Greater Nashville Association of Realtors just launched a new website that hopefully will help those buyers and Realtors locate housing options and home-buying assistance. Late last year, GNAR was chosen by the National Association of Realtors to be a pilot market for a new affordable housing website. The site, http://www.greaternashvillehomeprograms.com,  provides centralized information on programs available in the Greater Nashville area. Potential buyers can visit the site to find information on programs and packages from government and private nonprofit agencies, as well as answers to consumer issues like credit and lending.

Middle Tennessee is fortunate to have many organizations and agencies that offer multiple programs to assist potential homebuyers reach their goal of home ownership. Programs like the Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Great Start and The Housing Fund’s Home Ownership NOW both provide things like down-payment assistance and closing costs to individuals and families who qualify.

Click here to read this article in its entirity.

This article was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Nashville  TN REALTOR with RE/MAX.  JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to  home buyers and home sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Williamson County and Franklin, Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Franklin Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Nashville Tennessee MLS visit http://joannestaler.com/.

No matter what your price range JoAnne Staler can help you find your Nashville TN dream home.  Click here to recieve automatic emails of new listings that fit your home buying criteria.

Click here for more information on buying a home in Nashville TN.

Buyers are on the lookout for outdoor living spaces that can be used year-round

By Nancy Mueller • FOR WILLIAMSON A.M. • June 25, 2010

FRANKLIN — With a temperate climate and a beautiful landscape, people here are big on outdoor living. 

Most homeowners in this market really utilize whatever type of outdoor living spaces their home provides, often making their patios and porches the base locations for parties and family gatherings instead of their living rooms and dining rooms.

And the love of inside-out living shows no signs of fading; if anything the outdoor living spaces are getting bigger and more diverse.

As a result, anyone who shops for a house in Williamson County will see just about every kind of outdoor residential structure ever invented, from patios, decks and screened porches to pergolas, loggias and verandas.

Outside spaces with roofs permit more elaborate outdoor living and entertaining while protecting all of the furnishings and accessories that people are now bringing to their outdoor living rooms, like music systems, TVs, curtains, pillows, refrigerators, game tables, candles and even artwork.

Click here to read this Williamson A.M. article in its entirity.

See more Tennessee Homeowners Tips and Trends by clicking here.

This article was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Franklin TN REALTOR with RE/MAX.  JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to  home buyers and home sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Williamson County and Franklin, Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Franklin Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Franklin Tennessee MLS visit http://joannestaler.com/.

Welcome to the resort life in the Temple Hills Golf Community at 165 Deercrest Circle.  This is a rare find; a Zero Lot Line Townhome located on Temple Hills Golf Course!

This three bedroom townhome features a Master Suite on the main level, an oversized two car garage, and a Florida Room which overlooks the golf action and features a custom bar cabinet.  Deercrest is a small grouping of zero-lot line homes within Temple Hills Country Club Estates.  A small monthly fee takes care of your trash and mowing.  The club amenities, such as golf, pool, tennis are available but optional. Please visit the website www.165DeercrestCircle.com for additional information and photographs.

Click here to see more golf community homes listed for sale in Middle Tennessee.

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This golf course home for sale is listed by JoAnne Staler, Franklin Tennessee REALTOR with is providing a unique level of service to buyers and sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Franklin Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.joannestaler.com.

RE/MAX VOTED NUMBER 1 BY TENNESSEE READERS – Readers of the Greater Nashville House & Home & Garden magazine have voted RE/MAX of Tennessee as their favorite Realty Company for 2010.

Nashville, Tennessee

The prize is awarded following a ballot of readers.

Bob C. Sutton, Regional Director and Vice President of RE/MAX of Kentucky/Tennessee Inc said: “We could not be more proud of our RE/MAX Offices. RE/MAX Broker/Owners and Sales are the most experienced and educated professionals in the industry.” 

“Their dedication to providing exceptional service and expertise allows them to continue to produce outstanding results.  We congratulate them on this award and are extremely happy that consumers recognize the value of dealing with an experienced RE/MAX Professional” he added.

RE/MAX has a thriving network of 69 offices all across Tennessee and continues to look for new ways to serve Tennessee Home Buyers.

10 Most Desirable Features in New Homes

A new RISMedia article by Steve Kerch (“Top 10 Must-Have Features in Today’s New Homes”) summarizes consumer reports recently released at the National Association of Home Builders Show. One survey, by AVID Ratings Co., solicited home buyer preferences, revealing “10 ‘must’ features in new homes”:

1. Large kitchens, with an island
2. Granite countertops
3. Energy-efficient appliances, high-efficiency insulation and high window efficiency
4. Home office/study
5. Main-floor master suite
6. Outdoor living room
7. Master suite soaker tubs
8. Stone and brick exteriors
9. Community landscaping, with walking paths and playgrounds
10. Two-car garages

It’s an interesting article, worth reading in its entirety, HERE.

You’ll love your time at home when you own this charming brick cottage in the much-sought after Crieve Hall Estates Nashville Tennessee.

Located at 5042 Stillwood, one of the prettiest streets in town, this special home features hardwood flooring throughout and is in fantastic move-in ready condition.

The half-acre park-like lawn boasts mature trees and plenty of room for expansion or planting the garden of your dreams. 

Click here to view a virtual tour of this Nashville TN home for sale at 5042 Stillwood.

Find out more information and view additional photographs of this Crieve Hall home for sale by clicking here.

This Crieve Hall Estates home for sale is listed by JoAnne Staler,  Tennessee REALTOR .   JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to home buyers and home sellers in Nashville, Bellevue, Brentwood, Franklin, Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.JoAnneStaler.com.

If this house doesn’t fit your needs, JoAnne is a top buyer’s agent in the Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin  areas and can find the perfect home for you.  Contact JoAnne directly by clicking here.

The Crieve Hall community lies nestled in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, about 9 miles south of downtown Nashville. This suburban neighborhood, as we know it, was created in the mid-1950’s, subdivided from large farms and grand estates. With lovely views of the Overton Hills to the West, it is a scenic place, rich in history.  Click here to find out more information regarding Crieve Hall estates.

Beautifully manicured tree lined streets lead you to this 2,823 square foot Pottery Barn perfect home in the sought after community of Lenox Village.   

Just a few of the extraordinary upgrades this Nashville TN home offers are

• Media Room complete with black out curtains, theatre seats and a 55″ HDTV
• Luxurious crown molding and wainscoting
• Private Master Bath featuring soaking tub, separate shower, water closet, double vanities and outstanding walk-in closet.

Located at 8355 Saint Danasus Drive in Nashville TN this home for sale is perfectly poised on the best cul-de-sac in Lenox Village with a serene setting of extensively wooded acerage and a lovingly landscaped outdoor retreat complete with a stoned waterfall, firepit and built-in gas grill.

View a virtual tour of this fantastic Lenox Village home for sale in Nashville TN by clicking here.

Click here to see more photographs of and details on 8355 Saint Danasus Drive.

Lenox Village is a beautiful, walkable community with wide sidewalks, a Village Green with pavilion, tot lot and pocket parks. Lenox Village offers a maintenance-free lifestyle with lawn service provided by the HOA  and a community Town Center with shopping, dining, community cleaners, doctor’s office, hair salon and much more.  Click here to find out more about the award-winning all inclusive community of  Lenox Village located in Nashville Tennessee.

This Nashville TN home for sale is listed by JoAnne Staler,  Tennessee REALTOR .   JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to home buyers and home sellers in the Nashville area.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.JoAnneStaler.com.

If this house doesn’t fit your needs, JoAnne is a top buyer’s agent in the Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin  areas and can find the perfect home for you.  Contact JoAnne directly by clicking here.

Nashville home buyers will want to make sure they consider this rare find in Old Hickory TN; a brick one level home located in a cul-de-sac with a family friendly level yard. 

Located only 12 miles from downtown Nashville within the community of Hampton Park, Old Hickory TN offers big city convenience with a small town atmosphere. 

This Old Hickory TN home for sale offers open living spaces, neutral colors, and a versatile floor plan.

High ceilings, an elegant gas fireplace and a wall of windows adorn the living area.

For additional information on and photographs of this Old Hickory Tennessee home for sale located at 908 Jaywood Court click here.

Click here to take a virtual tour of this home for sale near Nashville TN.

Find out more information on the area of Old Hickory near Nashville TN by clicking here.

This Old Hickory TN home for sale is listed by JoAnne Staler,  Tennessee REALTOR .   JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to home buyers and home sellers in the Nashville area.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.JoAnneStaler.com.