Long M. Nguyen, New Home Co-Broke Designated Realtor

Many home builder offer homeowners a comprehensive Homeowner’s Guide, and a one, two, and ten-year warranty that is transferable with the sale of the home.  This Warranty covers one year for Workmanship and Materials, two years for the delivery portion of utilities (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC), and 10 years for major structural components of the home, providing peace of mind so you can simply relax and enjoy living in your new home.

Everything is all bright, shiny, and new. When you buy a brand  new home, it's built for you and hasn't been lived in by anyone but you.

Love the idea of selecting the flooring, the cabinets, the kitchen countertops, the finishes, and the myriad other choices that need to be made when building a new home? Then purchasing a brand new home is way to go!

Working with an agent who is savvy in new construction will help get you the home you want and any available extras. Keep in mind that many new - home communities today offer real estate agents a commission for bringing in a buyer, but they insist that the real estate agent register their buyer on the first visit. So don't show up alone to tour the community for the first time! You could cost your agent money and then have to navigate the purchase on your own.

If you're already working with a lender, you obviously don't want to be disloyal. But, there may be financial benefits to working with the builder/developer's in - house lender. Many times, they offer a lower rate overall, will buy down your rate, or will offer you a "teaser" rate that keeps your payments lower for the first year or first few years.

If builders have pre - built homes that are waiting to be sold, this is the one place you may have wiggle room room on price. Another advantage of already built new home is there is no construction wait, and these homes are often nicely amenitized with upgrades at a price higher than base price.

New homes are typically released in phases, and it might be that the lot you have your eye on gets snapped up by someone who was prequalified before you, or higher up on a waiting list if it's a really popular community. Or, perhaps you want a homesite that isn't set for release until later when you're ready to purchase now. 

If a community's amenities are a draw for you, be sure to ask about when they will be built. It could be that the pool and community park you're so excited about are years out from being realized.

A structural warranty provides a written agreement between the home builder and the homeowner. It clearly defines the builder’s work-product obligations related to construction quality, as well as their continuing obligations. Under the agreement, the builder is the insured and the homeowner is the beneficiary.  

What do structural warranties cover?  

Structural warranties cover load-bearing components in the home. All of these features work together to create a solid foundation for the structure. They include:  

• Floor framing, including joists and bridging 
• Columns Beams and girders 
• Footings 
• Foundation systems of all varieties 
• Load-bearing walls and partitions 
• Roof framing systems  

If one of these components fails and needs to be repaired or replaced (and the issue isn’t due to maintenance neglect), the warranty coverage will kick in and pay for the damages.  

Why do homeowners need structural warranties?  

Unfortunately, one in four homes in the U.S. will have some form of structural distress to contend with. These repairs cost an average of $42,500. Further, more than 80% of structural defects are caused by movements of soil under the foundation (something your clients aren’t likely to know or notice on their own).

TIGHT CONSTRUCTION

Special framing techniques and improved insulation systems help reduce internal leaks and drafts.  

FRESH AIR VENTILATION

Efficient delivery and filtration systems reduce dust, odors and indoor contaminants.  

IMPROVED INSULATION SYSTEMS

Enhanced insulation and framing techniques help minimize voids and gaps while the use of low-e glass and higher thermal properties add value to increased energy efficiency.  

“RIGHT-SIZED” HVAC EQUIPMENT

High SEER-rated equipment, multiple air ducts and return air grilles help stimulate fresh air ventilation, decrease humidity and reduce energy usage.  

PRESSURE BALANCING

Return air ducts, transfer grilles, or jumper ducts help balance pressure throughout the home, enabling air to circulate more easily.  

INTERIOR MOISTURE MANAGEMENT

Using right sized HVAC systems, multiple air ducts and return air grilles helps dry the moisture that naturally passes through the home.  

COMBUSTION SAFETY

Combustion appliances are sealed or power vented to help avoid the build up of carbon monoxide.