You’ve got your eye on an Atlanta community that is PERFECT for your family. In this seller’s market with low inventory, new construction homes can be a great option. Your only hangup? The homes are still being built. No problem! Turn that hangup into a “Heck ya!” with a few questions to ask before buying new construction…

1. Is the price of the lot included? If it is, ask which lots come with the highest price tag so you can choose the one that’s right for your budget. If it isn’t included, you’ll need to add that expense to the overall cost of your home.⁣

2. Does the home come with a warranty? What is covered, and how long does it last? A reputable builder should stand behind their work and cover your home for at least the first few years.⁣

3. How long will construction take? While there are no guarantees, and the process is prone to delays, you should be able to get a general timeline. The average time in the U.S. is seven to eight months.⁣ Some new communities in Atlanta are taking up to a year to complete homes.

4. What comes standard, and what is an upgrade? This is where I see most buyers get into trouble. What they assume is standard...isn't. Ask what finishes and appliances are included in the home’s base price and take detailed notes. If possible, tour the model home and have the sales rep point out standard vs. upgraded finishes.⁣ Don’t forget: the model homes have ALOT of upgrades :)

5. Is landscaping included? Some Atlanta builders include landscaping, while others leave the yard totally up to you. Considering it can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 for "from scratch" landscaping, you will definitely want to leave a little space in your budget.⁣

⁣While that new home feel is intoxicating, buying new construction can be tricky without some initial know-how. So you can experience all the pros and none of the pitfalls, here are three mistakes to avoid when purchasing a new construction home in the Atlanta area.

1. Failing to research the area ahead of time. It’s easy to fall in love with a neighborhood and floor plan before doing your due diligence about the surrounding community. Ask around to assess what’s happening (or not happening!) in the area that may impact your home’s value down the road. As an Atlanta native, I can help with this. - feel free to reach out anytime.

2. Not thoroughly vetting your builder/developer. A builder can make or break your experience buying new construction, so make sure you do your research. And don’t just take his word for it - ask for referrals, read online reviews, and talk to your agent about what they know. This is KEY.

3. Waiving the home inspection. Heads up! Newer homes can have just as many problems as older homes, so don't waive the home inspection by a third party inspector. It can alert you to things your builder overlooked or didn't properly complete.

Whether you buy an existing home or new construction, it’s always a good idea to have a realtor on your team asking any questions you may overlook. Know someone looking to buy or thinking of it yourself? I’d love to help.