Buying a house is always an exciting experience. It's even more rewarding when you get to customize a home completely to your needs and taste. With so much new construction in the Pittsburgh area, there are plenty of opportunities to work with a builder to construct a brand new house just for you.
Advantages of Buying New Construction
Many communities throughout Allegheny County and Butler County are thriving with new construction. Ryan Homes, Traditions of America, and Infinity Custom Homes are among the biggest builders in the region. There are a lot of reasons buyers choose new construction, including:
- Getting a home customized to fit your needs and taste
- Won't need to think about repairs and replacements for years
- Brand new appliances and fixtures
- No issues with a current owner (like waiting for them to move out, cleaning, etc.)
- Desirable communities
What's not to love? If buying new or custom is important to you, it's time to consider the best way to move forward in the process before diving straight in.
Tips for Buying New Construction in the Pittsburgh Area
After identifying the development or community you'd like to move into, you should work with your agent to meet with the sales team. You'll likely tour the model home, discuss finishes and customizations, and pricing. As you evaluate your options, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be cautious about buying in an incomplete phase. You might have to deal with dirt, construction, and noise for years.
- Be aware of tricks used to make model homes look more appealing: removing bedroom doors, professional staging, etc.
- Make sure you know which appliances are included in your home (i.e., the model home might have a dishwasher, but your model may not).
- Get the builder's expected finish date in writing, and discuss what will happen if your home is not complete on time.
- Have an inspection and do a walk through. Ask the builder to teach you about the electrical, security, and other systems.
Should You Work with a Real Estate Agent to Buy New Construction?
Many people think buying direct from the builder is the simplest solution. The builder's salesperson will certainly make you believe that! But going it alone presents many issues. When you work directly with the builder, your salesperson is focused on getting the best deal for the builder, not you.
First, you could end up overpaying. Second, if you're not an expert in real estate, the legal process can be lengthy and complicated. Third, you may miss opportunities to negotiate a better deal for yourself. Still not sure? Here are a few common misconceptions most people have about working with an agent.
Myth: "There's a cost to working with an agent."
Truth: There is a cost, but not for the buyer! The builder pays the agent's fee.
Myth: "Builders will give me a better deal without an agent."
Truth: Building companies often prefer to work with agents because it makes the process faster and easier for them. It helps them ensure they meet their deadlines and close quickly.
Myth: "I can handle it myself."
Truth: Real estate is a complicated business with legalities and paperwork. If you anticipate needing any sort of help or guidance - most people do - it makes sense to go through the process with an expert. Remember, it's free to you!
Myth: "An agent will only negotiate price."
Truth: Real estate agents know what builders are willing to do to get homes sold. You could end up with free upgrades or your preferred closing date. Negotiation is our specialty - we know how to get the "yes" you're looking for.
Myth: "An agent will make the process more complicated."
Truth: Actually, a real estate agent will make the process much simpler for you. Again, we handle all of the nitty-gritty details so you can focus on enjoying your new home.