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Buying a new home is probably one
of the best – and biggest - investments you’ll make.
It’s a time of excitement coupled with concern that you’re
doing everything possible to make your transaction as smooth
as possible.
We’ve assembled a list of some of the most important aspects
of your process that will help give you the least amount of
worries:
- Use a reputable
attorney. If you don’t know a good real estate attorney
yourself, ask your friends or relatives who have bought
their own homes recently to recommend one. Make sure
that they were comfortable in the attorney’s negotiating
skills & knowledge of Real Estate. A good real estate
attorney will review all legal documents with a fine
tooth comb and will have your best interests as their
priorities. They will also be there to guide you through
the entire transaction.
- Use a reputable real
estate broker. Make sure your broker is licensed in your
state, works with a reputable firm, and has solid
experience under their belt. Feel free to ask for
references.
- Use a reputable Title
Company. The role of a title company is to basically do
a background check on your potential new home – they
make sure that there are no liens against the property
and insure that you receive the proper legal ownership
of your new home.
- Know your builder! We
can’t stress this enough. If you are buying a brand new
home, make sure the builder is a professional,
experienced builder with a solid portfolio and
reputation. Do your research – check references and the
internet to gather as much information as possible about
their background and their previous projects. Is your
builder using the latest in materials? Are their
homeowners happy with the quality of their homes? Are
they responsive to problems that might arise?
- Know your warranty!
When you close on your new home, your builder will be
providing you with a copy of his Builder Warranty. This
warranty will tell you how long they will be responsible
for the heating and air conditioning system, roof,
plumbing system, and the major structure of the home.
- Make sure you receive a
Final Certificate of Occupancy. This is a certification
from the Building Department that a home has passed all
inspections, meets with all requirements, has been built
according to the Architect’s plans and all building
codes, and is safe for you and your family to live in.
- Get a Final Survey – it
is imperative to know exactly what property you will be
responsible for, and to avoid issues with your neighbors
when it comes to encroachments, vegetation, easements,
etc. Know what you own!
- Warranties on
Mechanicals – your new home contains a lot of new
appliances – everything from your stove, dishwasher,
washer and dryer are most likely brand new and should
come with manufacturer’s warranties. They are not the
builder’s responsibility so make sure that when you
close on your home, you are given all the warranties.
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