What to Look for in a New Construction Home in Orlando
Orlando has so much to offer that it’s not hard to see why so many people relocate here or simply never leave.
This incredible city is famously home to major tourist attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and Epcot among many others, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Orlando also has some of the best weather in the country and offers countless ways to enjoy it.
If you’re thinking about buying a house here, you’ll also love that Orlando still has plenty of open lots available. So, instead of buying someone else’s home, you can actually look for a new construction home in Orlando or build your own.
5 Things to Look for When Buying a New Construction Home in Orlando
Of course, deciding to buy a new construction home in Orlando is a big decision.
Even if this isn’t your first house, building a brand-new one can still be a challenge. So, be sure you look for the following before getting started.
1. A Builder with a Great Reputation in Orlando
Nothing will give you better insight into what to expect from your Orlando builder than what past clients have to say about working with them.
Fortunately, you don’t need to go knocking door-to-door.
First, you can check online to see if there are any reviews from the builder from past clients. In addition, the kind of builder you want for your new home will have no problem providing you with plenty of references. They should happily put you in touch with past clients and will be excited about the prospect of you two talking. Feel free to ask these references any questions you want about their experiences.
Be sure to ask potential builders lots of questions, too. For example:
- How long have you been in business?
- How and when will I be able to access my home while it’s being built?
- How do you customize your work?
Visiting some of their completed homes will also be helpful. Someone may convince you that a prospective builder is great over the phone, but you might think otherwise once you see their actual work in person. Likewise, ask if builders have any open houses at the moment, so you can walk through one and take your time examining the craftsmanship to see if it meets your standards.
2. An Orlando Neighborhood That's a Good Fit
Hiring a qualified builder is a great first step, but you probably won’t be completely satisfied with the results if you don’t like the neighborhood or surrounding area.
That’s why it’s just as important that you take the time to assess potential neighborhoods in Orlando for your new house. Consider how far you’ll be from locations you’ll frequent (e.g. schools, work, grocery stores, etc.). Look into any new developments that could increase your house’s value in the near future.
Even if they seem fine during the day, take a drive through potential neighborhoods at night to make sure you won’t have noisy neighbors. Check neighborhood crime statistics, too.
3. Enough Space
While your builder will help you understand how much space your house should have to meet your specific needs, take your time considering how much square footage you want for your new house.
Whatever you do, don’t reduce the space in your new home to free up room in your budget. You can always add hardwood floors later or redo the countertops. Adding extra space will be far more complicated and expensive.
4. Warranties for Workmanship and Materials
It should go without saying that a reputable builder in Orlando will offer warranties on materials and workmanship.
However, these warranties can sometimes differ. With new construction homes, there are express and implied warranties. The former spells out exactly what remedies will be used to address specific problems if they arise while the latter is less explicit. It’s not that one is necessarily better than the other, but you should still have a real estate agent or lawyer review the type your builder offers to make sure you’re protected.
5. Any Extra Costs
Before you sign the contract to begin construction on your new home, review it to make sure it’s not missing anything you thought it included. Otherwise, you might have a great home, but you might lack, say, a landscaped yard around it.
Worse, you might not be aware that your homeowner’s association wants new yards installed within a certain amount of time. Miss it and you could be out thousands of dollars more.
Think through every aspect of your dream home in Orlando to make sure you’ve budgeted for it. Do you want a fence? A pool? A shed? If your builder isn’t including it in their quote, you’ll have to take care of it on your own.
How to Save Money on a New Construction Home in Orlando
Finally, buying a new construction home in Orlando isn’t nearly as expensive as many people think, especially if you heed the above advice and are willing to negotiate a bit.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that this isn’t possible when you buy a home. You can negotiate the price, loan fees, lot lines, and just about anything else.
You may also find that your builder is much more accommodating to your budget if you go with their preferred lender. Often times, builders will help with closing costs if you pick the lender they recommend. While it’s still smart to shop around, it’s usually hard to beat that kind of incentive.
Speaking of which, the SimpleShowing Buyer Refund Program can also help you with those closing costs or provide extra cash to furnish your new place. On average, buyers who work with a SimpleShowing agent to buy a new home get $5,000 back when they close. Plus, you'll get representation from a real estate agent who is looking out for you instead of the builder.
Use an Orlando Real Estate Agent to Buy a New Construction Home
Even though you’re buying a new construction home in Orlando, that doesn’t mean you should be without a real estate agent. Their experience can help with everything from understanding the contracts to finding open lots that are hidden gems.
Work with a SimpleShowing agent and you’ll qualify for our Buyer Refund Program, which could help you save thousands.
Contact us today to connect with our Orlando real estate agents who know Orlando and the new neighborhoods popping up all over the city.
Conclusion
As you search for your dream home in Orlando, FL, you'll find an impressive array of new construction homes that seamlessly marry metric and imperial units, ensuring everyone's comfort and understanding. From the upscale neighborhoods in downtown Orlando to the charming enclaves in Lake County, you'll be spoilt for choice. Considered the heart of Central Florida, Orlando is a bustling hub of activity boasting renowned landmarks such as the Phillips Center for the performing arts and a plethora of other attractions that bring the magic of this vibrant city to life.
Finding your desired community might seem like a daunting task, but the sales team at Simple Showing is dedicated to helping home buyers like you navigate the varied single-family homes options available. Whether your heart is set on a modern townhouse within walking distance of winter garden or a cozy cottage with views of Lake Apopka, we're here to guide you.
The Orlando area offers more than just an excellent selection of homes; it's a lifestyle. From the bustling theme parks like Universal Studios to the natural beauty of Orange County, there's a wealth of experiences waiting just outside your doorstep. So, whether you're drawn to the performing arts or the allure of a world-class city, buying a new construction home in Orlando allows you to embrace an unrivaled living experience.