The new construction home buying process differs significantly from the buying process for an existing home. However, one thing that remains the same in each case is that no two homes are exactly alike.
While it’s common for newer developments to have “cookie cutter” homes with similar layouts, many builders have options for customization.
Here is a basic explanation of the major types of new construction home options you’re likely to encounter:
Tract homes are built as part of a large development on a single piece – or tract – of land. Tract homes are mass-produced and usually built quickly, making them an excellent choice for prospective homeowners who don’t want as long a process as a fully custom home would entail.
However, these homes can be almost identical in floor plan and features. While very affordable and convenient, they do lack built-in customization options.
A spec home is a brand-new, move-in-ready home. These homes are sold strictly as-is, so any desired changes and upgrades are your responsibility. The “spec” in spec homes comes from “speculative,” meaning the builder has created a unique design for a particular market.
Therefore, spec homes can vary greatly in style and features, making them a great option for buyers who want something beyond the cookie-cutter of a tract home development.
As the name suggests, a semi-custom home is only partially customized by the prospective buyer. These homes come with many of the structures and features set by default, and others you can customize.
Some builders provide catalogs of options for things like materials, finishes and layouts. Spec homes will generally have the same exterior style, but the interiors depend on the choices of each buyer.
A fully custom home is built to the buyer’s every choice. Working closely with an architect and real estate agent, buyers determine every single detail of the home, from architectural style to light switch location.
While the design and building process mean countless decisions, if you have a vision for the perfect home and a larger budget, a custom new construction house might be the best choice for you.
Every home purchase is different, and even once you decide between new construction and existing homes, you have important choices to make. Keep these new construction options in mind to make the best decision for your future home.
Rebuilding the Economy One Home Sale at a Time
Gary has been in the Real Estate Business since 2005 and can be considered a seasoned Realtor. He has seen the down periods in the economy and the upward trends that we are experiencing recently. Through it all there has always been one unchanging need in our society: families want to purchase homes. And when they are ready to buy they need assistance to search through today's over-saturation of information released by our industry. In order to find that perfect home it can become a journey that requires perseverance and patience. And a seasoned Realtor can be the guide to assure a successful transaction from start to finish.
