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Tips for New Construction Buyers

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

If you are searching for a turnkey home with the latest smart technology, energy efficiency, and modern floor plan and materials, you will want to investigate new construction. Of course, buying a brand-new house has some differences than the purchase of an older home. New construction has all the things on your wish list, but there are a few things new house hunters need to be aware of.

- You will need a buyer agent to represent you. The builder’s agent will be looking out for their client--not you.
- Go through the pre-approval process but shop around for the loan that fits your needs. If the builder’s lender has incentives and discounts, take advantage of them if it will benefit you in the end.

Ask the builder:

- How many lots and homes have been sold, how large each lot is, and how much space is between houses?
- What is the length of the home’s warranty, and what does it cover?
- How much input does the buyer have in choosing paint colors and materials for flooring, kitchen, and bathrooms? What is the policy if the builder runs short on chosen materials?
- Is smart technology wiring included in the basic home package, and is wiring to all bedrooms an extra expense?

- What appliances are included in the basic price?

- Keep in mind that the model home you are shown has all the bells and whistles! Never assume you are getting everything in your home that the model shows. Ask about these features and write everything down as you get answers.
- Talk to residents who are already living in the community, and ask them about any concerns they have, and what they love about their new home.
- Do not skip the home inspection just because it is new construction. Be sure your purchase contract allows you to hire an inspector outside the building company.

- If the model home is one of the last homes left in the neighborhood, ask about buying it!
- You may not get every finish just as you would like, but you can paint a room or change the flooring!

Be aware that the builder makes their main profit on upgrades and will do their best to convince you that you need that “free” entertainment package or other “gifts” they may offer. If you are a DIY-buyer, leave the custom closets and finished storage areas for later. Saving money on the purchase price of your new home is your most important goal, but you must do some “home” work first!

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

Photo credit: realtor.com

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New Delaware Homeowners: Wait Before You Renovate!

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

Your new home charmed you as soon as you walked into the entryway, despite rooms with dark paneling, a pink tile bathroom, or a small galley kitchen. You knew you wanted to make some changes when you bought it, but is it worth the added stress, not to mention the stress on your new budget?

The home-buying process and moving are no small feats and undertaking a renovation can take another toll. Give yourself a break before starting something new.
Getting used to living where you are could cause you to rethink your plans. For instance, you wanted a bay window to replace the two smaller windows in the dining area, but after feeling the hot afternoon sun shining in, you change your mind. Little things like this are not noticeable from a few walkthroughs and virtual tours.
Many fixups are inexpensive and can tide you over until you make your final decision on whether to renovate or not: painting, fixing up the floors, or purchasing new furniture are all ways you can satisfy that itch and make the new house feel like your own.

Living in your home as it is for a while could show you that a major renovation is not needed at all! One room could simply need better lighting, or a closet you wanted to enlarge simply needs a few organizational pieces.
Continue the savings habits you adopted while saving for your down payment and other costs associated with your home purchase, and you can pay for your redo in cash, one step at a time!
Go ahead with your planned decorating! It is possible that you will find those renovations unnecessary once you have new furniture, draperies, and wall color.
Some renos cannot wait and are best completed before moving in structural work, full kitchen or bathroom re-do, large room addition, or changes to the layout.

Patience is a virtue, and in today’s instant world, it is hard to wait for something you have looked forward to for months. Holding back on the revamping of your new home will not only teach patience, but it could save money and headaches for you! Architectural Digest covers other aspects of home renovation to consider.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

Photo credit: motley fool

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Protect Your Home's Plumbing

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

Our home’s plumbing is not necessarily something we consider when it comes to “caring” for our house. There are many ways we abuse this necessary home system every day without realizing it! No one wants to go days without the convenience of plumbing, nor do we want to pay the bill that comes with plumbing repair. Keep the following in mind to keep your plumbing running smoothly:

- Know where your main water shut-off valve is located and know how to turn it off in case of burst pipes. This can at least prevent flooding, though it will not solve the running water issue.
- Consider investing in a leak protection system that will sound an alarm when it detects leaks. The cost to install such a tool can save big money in water damage repair costs.
- Just because there are drains in our sinks and tubs does not give free rein over what goes down those drains! Items that should not go down the drain include paint, medications, household chemicals, coffee grounds, and raw flour.

- There are products we use as part of our daily hygiene routine that are not good for plumbing, according to this article from Apartment Therapy.
- Garbage disposals are great tools but must be used properly. Grease or oil of any kind, eggshells, and bones are all on this list of what not to put into the disposal.
- Check washer hoses often and replace every them five years.
- If your water heater is more than ten years old, consider replacing it. They have an average lifespan of 8-12 years and using them longer than that can cause sediment to clog the hot water pipes.
- Items labeled “flushable” should just be thrown in the garbage can. These items do not break down quickly and clog drains, as well as septic and sewage systems.

- Using drain-clearing chemicals can do more harm than good, especially if you use them often as they corrode the pipes. If a plumber has been called, let them know that there are chemicals in the pipes so they can protect themselves from chemical burns.

The plumbing in our home is one of those out-of-sight-out-of-mind things, so there is not much thought given to it until it breaks down. Taking care of the pipes to, from, and inside our house is the best way to avoid clogged or damaged lines, as well as adding longer life to this important home system.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

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Displaying blog entries 1-3 of 3