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Mass_nerder · 08-13-2013, 07:11 AM

First, I'm going to start off by acknowledging that, yes, there is a real estate sub forum. I'm posting this in OT, because I suspect the real estate section may not get much traffic. If it needs to be moved, that's cool.

My sister and her boyfriend are looking to get a new house built in an area of Houston undergoing redevelopment, and are therefore dealing with a predetermined developer if they want to be in this specific area. The developer has shown them plans that they like, but has also advised them that some things shown in the plans may not actually built by the construction company (smaller things like cabinetry in the laundry room etc...). She's worried that the builder might conveniently also not include more important features that were on the plan, such as the kitchen island etc...

I'm an architectural technologist, so I have some decent background in the subject, and have been trying to offer some insight. It's been 5-6 years since I was in school, and I've only worked in commercial offices, so I'm a little rusty.

First, I told her that it sounded like the developer was a little shady, as they were already making excuses on why things in their plans were omitted from the house before it was even built. Why include them at all, if they don't expect the construction company to comply?
I advised her to get a hold of the house spec, and review it (possibly higher a spec writer to help look it over) to ensure everything they're looking for is included in the spec.
I also advised her to look into using a real estate agent to purchase the house, as they would be able to review the sales documents, and include any stipulations my sister wanted written in to the contract. She said that they could save 3% on the purchase price by not using a real estate agent. I'm not sure if that's an incentive the developer is offering, or if she's referring to realtor fees. In an case, I told her to at least, have the documents looked over by some sort of real estate professional.

Any previous experience/ advice with this sort of situation?

08-13-2013, 07:11 AM	#1
Mass_nerder Franchise Player Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Barthelona Exp:	Building a New Home First, I'm going to start off by acknowledging that, yes, there is a real estate sub forum. I'm posting this in OT, because I suspect the real estate section may not get much traffic. If it needs to be moved, that's cool. My sister and her boyfriend are looking to get a new house built in an area of Houston undergoing redevelopment, and are therefore dealing with a predetermined developer if they want to be in this specific area. The developer has shown them plans that they like, but has also advised them that some things shown in the plans may not actually built by the construction company (smaller things like cabinetry in the laundry room etc...). She's worried that the builder might conveniently also not include more important features that were on the plan, such as the kitchen island etc... I'm an architectural technologist, so I have some decent background in the subject, and have been trying to offer some insight. It's been 5-6 years since I was in school, and I've only worked in commercial offices, so I'm a little rusty. First, I told her that it sounded like the developer was a little shady, as they were already making excuses on why things in their plans were omitted from the house before it was even built. Why include them at all, if they don't expect the construction company to comply? I advised her to get a hold of the house spec, and review it (possibly higher a spec writer to help look it over) to ensure everything they're looking for is included in the spec. I also advised her to look into using a real estate agent to purchase the house, as they would be able to review the sales documents, and include any stipulations my sister wanted written in to the contract. She said that they could save 3% on the purchase price by not using a real estate agent. I'm not sure if that's an incentive the developer is offering, or if she's referring to realtor fees. In an case, I told her to at least, have the documents looked over by some sort of real estate professional. Any previous experience/ advice with this sort of situation?