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core_upt · 09-30-2015, 04:37 PM

Some advice I can share:

- get a very clear understanding of what is included and what is not. Items not included may be upgrades, which require YOUR discipline to manage, or there could be items such as architectural requirements which you need to know about up front (some builders only build in a rough contingency, but it may not cover all the costs i.e. a corner lot requires additional windows.

- do you trust the area manager? do you believe they have your interest at stake? Some sales people genuinely care about their clients, others not so much. A trusting relationship can help you in setting and meeting your expectations

- who is the builder and how are they rated. Every single home built, regardless of the builder, will have issues. There is virtually nothing else in the world that is built from scratch, by hand, like a house is. Things will go wrong - where will your builder be when they do.

- Realtors can be a great asset for helping you understand your decision. However, a builder MAY have more room to negotiate price if you do not bring a realtor in. A realtors commission is most likely factored into the builders costs, but they may back this out if you do not bring a realtor with you.

- Land cost is 99.99% non-negotiable

- Have you considered a spec home? You are getting a fully warrantied home, brand new, without the wait time and stress of a new build. Builders are generally more willing to negotiate on spec because they have hundred of thousand of dollars tied-up in that house. Having homes sit completed and unsold will motivate the builder to negotiate.

09-30-2015, 04:37 PM	#4
core_upt Backup Goalie Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Calgary Exp:	Some advice I can share: - get a very clear understanding of what is included and what is not. Items not included may be upgrades, which require YOUR discipline to manage, or there could be items such as architectural requirements which you need to know about up front (some builders only build in a rough contingency, but it may not cover all the costs i.e. a corner lot requires additional windows. - do you trust the area manager? do you believe they have your interest at stake? Some sales people genuinely care about their clients, others not so much. A trusting relationship can help you in setting and meeting your expectations - who is the builder and how are they rated. Every single home built, regardless of the builder, will have issues. There is virtually nothing else in the world that is built from scratch, by hand, like a house is. Things will go wrong - where will your builder be when they do. - Realtors can be a great asset for helping you understand your decision. However, a builder MAY have more room to negotiate price if you do not bring a realtor in. A realtors commission is most likely factored into the builders costs, but they may back this out if you do not bring a realtor with you. - Land cost is 99.99% non-negotiable - Have you considered a spec home? You are getting a fully warrantied home, brand new, without the wait time and stress of a new build. Builders are generally more willing to negotiate on spec because they have hundred of thousand of dollars tied-up in that house. Having homes sit completed and unsold will motivate the builder to negotiate. Last edited by core_upt; 09-30-2015 at 04:41 PM.