New Home Subdivision

New homes in a subdivision are very crammed because of the smaller lots. Is it better to get a corner lot for the privacy or would something in a cul-de-sac be more suitable?

Corner lots are bigger and people pay a premium for them because of the size - but that is just less privacy in my book and more traffic. I like a cul-de-sac for the privacy, but I heard someone say they did not want to live on a "dead end". Pick the best sun/shade exposure for your climate. The quietest location and least traffic.

2008-01-17 18:02:49 by saqx2

Hammock Ridge Subdvision, Seneca, SC Custom Built Homes, Special Financing Opportunities

I am thinking of selling my home which is located in a relatively new subdivision.I've only owned it for one year. Can any one tell me if its going to be hard to sell since the community is still building homes brand new? I bought during phase 1 and they are in phase 3 now.

use all of the above. all of the advice mentioned is great...Good Luck!!!!!

2007-01-21 18:18:32 by mzmo

Price: $9.95 $9.95

It's a suburban subdivision, there's a developer, there are display homes... After I pick all my options and I'm ready to sign the papers, can I negotiate price like you can do if you're buying a pre-existing home?

Absolutely you can negotiate price. How much you can negotiate depends on your market, how much demand there is for houses in this price range and how well this subdivision is selling. It is the old law of supply and demand. If there are brisk sales in the subdivision, you might not get much off the house. But if sales are sluggish, you have room to move. Many subdivisions are offering trips, power tools, plasma TV's, gym memberships, ATV's, all kinds of incentives to get you to sign. Be prepared to accept those, or tell the agent to keep that stuff, you want money off the price.

2007-07-18 13:45:26 by Jimbo

Price: $5.95 $5.95

I grew up on the West Coast and never saw an unfenced yard in a regular subdivision. Moved to the Midwest and have been curious why builders here don't build fences. Many homeowners do install them; we will this spring so we can have some privacy in the backyard. Unless your home is situated well, hanging out in the backyard without a fence or privacy hedges is like being in a fishbowl - the neighbors can see you and you can see Mr. Neighbor sunbathing in his yard.

Whether or not a subdivision has fences at each residence is dependent upon the subdivision regulations that are set when the land is divided into parcels per the local planning and/or economic development offices. In locals like California and Northern Virginia, fences will most probably be a regulation in a subdivision but many subdivision regulations in the Midwest do not require fences. Builders would probably prefer this to not be a regulation as fences are expensive. Good fences do make good neighbors.

2006-03-31 04:47:53 by swissgirlca

FHA or E-loans online
#2 The salesman at the model home said they don't negotiate price, Is that normal?
#3 Should I get someone to represent me to negotiate price?
#4 Should I get a mortgage broker?

1. I would go FHA or another program with your credit union or other local lender.

2. It all depends on your market. During the past few years when the craziness was happening it was a seller's market where buyers had few options because there weren't that many homes available. In my market now there are lots and lots of homes for sale and not that many buyers, so even builders (who in the past got full asking price for their homes) are now negotiating.

3. I would definitely get a buyer agent to represent you in the transaction. You don't mention if the builder has listed his homes with a real estate agent. If he is selling directly to the public, you still need an experienced and knowledgeable agent who can guide you through the transaction and represent your interests in negotiating not only the price but other terms of the purchase. The builder may not like it, but I firmly believe in professional representation for the purchase of a home, one of the largest investments that most of us ever make.

In addition, it's important that you get everything in writing including all of the choices you are making for what will be in your home (i.e. countertops, colors of paint, flooring, etc.). A buyer agent can help you with this, as well as to insert some protections for you in the contract (i.e. if the builder doesn't perform as agreed).

Builders who sell directly to the public often have contracts that they use with buyers, which are very favorable to them, but which don't protect the buyer very well if something goes wrong.

Another thing your buyer agent can do is to do a market analysis for the subdivision where you intend to purchase your home to determine how much similar homes have been selling for in the past 6 months. This is what an appraiser will look at when determining the value of the home. Mostly builders will want full price, but depending on the terms of the contract, they may take less. It varies according to the builder and the particular situation.

4. Your buyer agent can also help you find a reputable local lender for your FHA loan. Your credit union may also be able to do this type of loan for you, and may give you the best rates. However, it doesn't hurt to shop around. Your credit union may also have programs and mortgage products that are more favorable to you than FHA.

Generally mortgage brokers charge more fees than banks or credit unions so your closing costs may be higher.

Hope this helps.

2008-03-01 16:46:08 by A man called Horse