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I've been reading the hundreds of posts and comments on the pros and cons of all the builders and new homes popping up everywhere. It's overwhelming yet insightful.
I'm curious... if you have purchased, or are looking, at a home right now... in your personal opinion, what communities are in your top 3?
*Did you take a real estate agent with you?
*Just as one would "kick the tires" of a new car, what were your rituals when walking through a house?
*What were the 3 biggest factors in your decision? A large lot, better schools, easier commute to RTP, energy efficient?
There's a lot to be said with "going with your gut", but I would like to get as much research and information together as possible before I let my heart go pitter-pat over a walk-in pantry and the perfect bathtub! I've read a few posts about buyers remorse and I'm trying very hard to avoid that, and possibly help others avoid that, too.
I may put together a spreadsheet with a list of all the communities we visit and post it with as much info as I can gather because, I think it could be really helpful for everyone out there! I'm coming out in 10 days, I'm going to write down, scan and take pictures of everything I see! (Because I obsess like that).
Thanks again everyone for your input, it's been SO helpful!
UPDATE
I've started a spreadsheet... it's FAR from complete, but it's a start...I'm starting with KB, then Centex... after I get back from my trip, I'll do a blog about each Not that I know what I'm doing, but I hope I'll be an expert in a few weeks
Most definitely take a realtor with you. Agents that are onsite for the builder DO NOT have your interests at heart. Your agents commission is already built into the cost of the house so you might as well use one.
As a home inspector, I will tell you Centex is the best large tract builder around by far. There service after the fact is 2nd to none. This is a ringing endorsement from someone they would consider their enemy no less lol. (my job is to pick their work apart)
The factors I personally looked for when choosing my next house(which I am currently having built) was woods in the backyard, close to good schools, and relatively close to the main highways. I also wanted, of course, a neighborhood that has a good chance of appreciating in value.
Petunia
I would love to see the completed spreadsheet...I appreciate information and as much details. I've started my own spreadsheet but since I'm no where close to purchasing yet, yours will be most helpful. Thanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by Petunia16
I've been reading the hundreds of posts and comments on the pros and cons of all the builders and new homes popping up everywhere. It's overwhelming yet insightful.
I'm curious... if you have purchased, or are looking, at a home right now... in your personal opinion, what communities are in your top 3?
*Did you take a real estate agent with you?
*Just as one would "kick the tires" of a new car, what were your rituals when walking through a house?
*What were the 3 biggest factors in your decision? A large lot, better schools, easier commute to RTP, energy efficient?
There's a lot to be said with "going with your gut", but I would like to get as much research and information together as possible before I let my heart go pitter-pat over a walk-in pantry and the perfect bathtub! I've read a few posts about buyers remorse and I'm trying very hard to avoid that, and possibly help others avoid that, too.
I may put together a spreadsheet with a list of all the communities we visit and post it with as much info as I can gather because, I think it could be really helpful for everyone out there! I'm coming out in 10 days, I'm going to write down, scan and take pictures of everything I see! (Because I obsess like that).
Thanks again everyone for your input, it's been SO helpful!
Yeah, I did alot of research online. I went looking at communities feeling like I knew what I was doing, what to expect, etc. I fell in love with a couple of communities online, but when I actually viewed the property, it was completely different.
I ended up purchasing my home through Anderson homes and I absolutely love it!!! I think its best to go in fully informed, get a list of questions ready and do your homework. You will know your future home when you see it.
My pleasure. I will gladly pass on praise to tract builders that perform above and beyond. Centex isnt the only worthy one of course, but they consistently impress me in comparison to most.
With that said, custom builders will tend to trump tract builders in quality. The one drawback is, centex or the equivalent is a safe bet to be in business 10 years from now when your structural warranty expires, while John Doe Custom Homes may not be.
If I was building in the 400k and up range, I would probably go with a custom builder...or just do it myself
My pleasure. I will gladly pass on praise to tract builders that perform above and beyond. Centex isnt the only worthy one of course, but they consistently impress me in comparison to most.
With that said, custom builders will tend to trump tract builders in quality. The one drawback is, centex or the equivalent is a safe bet to be in business 10 years from now when your structural warranty expires, while John Doe Custom Homes may not be.
If I was building in the 400k and up range, I would probably go with a custom builder...or just do it myself
Yes, always do your thorough research on the builders custom or not. You will find many custom builders who have been building "forever" here. The builders who are custom and coming in to get in on the "hot" market and make some fast cash, well you can see them a mile away after you do your research.
I always found custom homes do for sure have the quality and I query how all
these national builder homes will do on resale in 10 years. Guess we will see,
Don't overlook & miss out on the well crafted custom homes of Raleigh
It is overwhelming.... and NC offers too many nicely crafted homes to limit yourself to shopping the large tract builders. Names like Centex, Standard Pacific and Toll Brothers all build nice homes.
Having lived and owned in California before moving to Raleigh those were the well known reputable builders I relied on and still do.
But...here in NC, the quality of construction is in direct relationship to the pride in craftsmenship of the smaller independent builder who purchases 10-15 lots in a larger well marketed subdisivion and builds custom spec homes with personal signatures and branding often not found in the mass produced home developments. There is much to be admired and said for the well crafted homes ranging in price from $250k-$600k found in the Raleigh area. Hope that helps-
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I've read a few posts about buyers remorse and I'm trying very hard to avoid that, and possibly help others avoid that, too.
Thanks
Don't overlook & miss out on the well crafted custom homes of Raleigh
