Finally getting into your new construction house

That’s it! You’ve had it up to here with renting. Or living with your parents. Or your in-laws. Or your parent’s in-laws. The bottom line is, you’re bursting at the seams to make 2017 the year of the Great First Home Move. Here are some tips to help you do it.

Welcome to the neighborhood

Remember, just like when buying any other type of home, when you purchase new construction, you’re also purchasing a neighborhood. Look beyond house style and lot size. How is the crime rate? The schools? Is this area up-and-coming or headed for trouble?

Talk to my agent

Unlike other types of home purchases, when buying new construction, the builder pays your agent. So there’s really no reason not to take advantage of the opportunity and glean all the information you can from that agent. After all . . . it’s free!

The bigger picture

If you’re in a time crunch, it’s tempting to skip house tours and just look at photos the builder has available online. However, bear in mind that the pictures you’re seeing are probably of a model house – and it may not even be the same model you’re buying! The best thing you can do is tour a model home with the same layout as the one you plan to purchase.