Choosing the right builder

Let me start by saying I LOVE NEW CONSTRUCTION! I think it can be a fantastic value. However, it's important to understand what you're actually getting before you make a purchase.

In Central Florida, there is a tremendous amount of new construction. With so many builders, communities and floor plans to choose from, it can be overwhelming.

You may be driving around, see a sign for a new community and want to stop in and take a look. And that's perfectly fine. Just make sure you tell the builder's sales representative right away that you're working with a Realtor and have a Buyer Broker Agreement in place. You can absolutely tour the models and take a look around, but I recommend keeping any conversations about pricing, contracts or purchasing the home between the builder's sales representative and your Realtor.

I have established relationships with many of the on-site sales representatives throughout Central Florida, and I understand how the builder side of the transaction works. I've worked for a builder and have worked with almost every major builder in the area.

One thing you'll quickly learn is that all builders operate differently. What's included in the base price can vary from builder to builder, and even from community to community with the same builder. A feature that's included in one community may be an additional cost in another, so comparing builders based solely on the advertised base price can be misleading.

And then there's the model home. They're beautiful and designed to make you fall in love with the possibilities, but they typically include numerous upgrades that may not be included in the base price of the home you're considering. It's important to understand the difference.

That's where I come in. I'll help you compare your options, ask the questions you may not think to ask and help you understand what you're really getting before you make the commitment.