Thinking of Buying A New Home?
 

 		  
Is it time for a change? Need more space? Need to get away from high rental fees? Wishing you had a home, not just a house? Looking for a back yard where you can stretch out your legs without putting them onto your neighbour's property?

Before you charge into the New Home Sales Trailer and choose your largest investment from a piece of paper, showing an artist's concept with a floor plan on the back, take a look at the facts below and check off the ones that are important to you. It might just help you avoid some difficulties you hadn't considered.

PRE-OWNED (RESALE)

NEW CONSTRUCTION
1. What you see is what you get. (WYSIWYG) 1. You buy from plans or from a "model".
2. You have your own representative. The "agent" works for you. 2. You are your own representative. The "agent" works for the builder.
3. The offer contract is written by your agent, with your input. 3. The offer contract is written by the builder.
4. The interior and exterior may not be changed, without written consent, and subject to negotiation. 4. The interior and exterior may be changed, subject to price, product availability and the contractor's availability. Often a product you may wish is not an option.
5. The house closing may not be delayed, without your written consent. You may seek compensation for any such delays. 5. The house may be delayed up to 120 days, with no protection or compensation to you, the buyer.
6. Fixtures, windows, doors and cabinets are as seen in the inspection and may not be changed without written consent. You may seek compensation for discrepancies. 6. Fixtures, windows, doors and cabinets may vary in quality. You need to specify, and be prepared to pay, if the builder is willing to supply.
7. Extras are included or are negotiable. 7. Extras will always add to the cost!
8. Finishes are WYSIWYG. If you don?t like them you discount the price. 8. Finishes are usually inexpensive and will require repainting after as little as one year. The builder is required to repair drywall blemishes after one year but does not repaint!
9. Landscaping is WYSIWYG. 9. Landscaping is either minimal or non-existent. Specify the driveway you expect.
10. There are usually window coverings included (subject to negotiations). You will be able to close the blinds and change in privacy, the first night of the move. 10. There are no window coverings.
11. Phone, cable and power outlets are WYSIWYG. All subject to your negotiations. 11. You will pay for extra phone and cable outlets. Plan ahead and specify power, cable and phone needs, especially for your entertainment centers and your workstations.
12. You won?t live with MUD for about a year, unless you want to change your landscaping. 12. You will live with MUD for about a year.
13. Your agent and you can determine the demographics of the neighbourhood. 13. You have no way of knowing who your neighbours will be.
14. Your final cost might delight you. The "starting" price is always more than where you finally settle. 14. Your final cost might shock you. The "starting" price is always less than where you finally settle.

 




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