Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Is now the time to consider a new home?


Our current market is experiencing an uptick in home values which is great news.  The bad news is that this market value increase is being caused by low inventory which means more buyers are looking for homes than homes are available to them.  This is causing most homes on the market to receive multiple offers and most of those may be over the asking price.  Most homes are receiving 10-20 offers each with some offers coming in $50,000 or more over the asking price.  I heard the other day that one home in the $250,000 range received 52 offers!!!  Another trend we are experiencing is sellers realizing that they are in the driver’s seat and asking buyers to completely remove any appraisal contingency, even if the buyer is using financing to purchase the home.

Because of this fierce competition, many home buyers are considering purchasing a brand new home if they can qualify for the increased prices that come along with new construction.  There are more homes available and less competition in the new home communities, but you can expect the prices to be 25-30% more for a comparable resale home in many cases.

Many buyers don’t know that a real estate agent can assist them with a new home purchase (if the builder has a co-op agreement).  All buyers must take their agent with them on their first visit to the community.  It is highly recommended that buyers have their own representation if allowed.  The builders sales agent’s primary focus is the seller/builder.  Having a Realtor on your side allows you to ask questions and have someone working only for you to make the process as smooth and understandable as possible.
New home under construction

Did you know that home builders have their own contract which is different than the standard CAR contract used in a resale purchase?  If you have been writing offers on resale homes in California, be prepared for a completely different offer and verbiage when buying a new construction home.

Builder confidence is at its highest in years and many new home communities are in the works.  Seeno is releasing new homes March 2nd in Fairfield and KB Homes has a new community in Vacaville.  Other communities are currently open as well.  Call me to take a new home tour or talk more about new homes vs. resale homes.  Make the Wright move today!

(707) 410-6634

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