5 Things to Know Before Buying New Construction in the Portland Metro
New construction is a different process than buying resale. A few things worth understanding before you tour your first model home.
1. New construction is a different process than resale
Buying new is not simply buying a newer house. The contract, the timeline, the inspections, and even the financing can work differently than a resale purchase. With a builder, you may be signing a purchase agreement before the home is finished, choosing finishes along the way, and coordinating around a construction schedule. Knowing that going in keeps the surprises to a minimum.
2. Builder warranties are real, but read them
One of the genuine advantages of new construction is warranty coverage. Most builders provide a workmanship warranty for the first year, coverage on major systems for a few years, and structural coverage for up to ten. The specifics vary by builder, so it is worth understanding exactly what is included before you sign. Our builder partners stand behind their homes, and we are happy to walk you through the details.
3. Incentives can be worth real money
Builders sometimes offer incentives such as rate buydowns, closing-cost credits, or finish upgrades, especially on completed homes they are ready to close. These can be valuable, but the terms matter. An incentive tied to using the builder’s preferred lender, for example, is only a deal if the overall numbers beat what you can get elsewhere. We help you compare apples to apples so an incentive is actually an incentive.
4. Yes, you still want an inspection
A common misconception is that a brand-new home does not need an inspection. It does. An independent third-party inspector at key stages (pre-drywall and final, for build-to-order homes) protects you and catches small issues before they become post-closing headaches. Good builders welcome the extra set of eyes.
5. Buyer representation costs you nothing
When you walk into a model home, the friendly agent there represents the builder, not you. Having your own broker costs you nothing and means someone is looking out for your interests through contract, financing, construction, and closing. That is exactly what Northwest New Homes does, across Sandy, Estacada, Gresham, La Center, and the surrounding areas.
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