Where do you want to live? Select the location that is suitable for your household’s lifestyle. Today, lifestyles are the key determinant to making an informed home buying decision.

You should determine what is a reasonable commute to work and what the means of transportation will be…via interstate or mass transit. Check out the schools. If seeking a pre-retirement or retirement home, determine the proximity of family, friends, and existing home.

At Premier Realty Group, our home builder brokers and vacant land real estate agents serve clients in the following areas:

Bannockburn, IL • Barrington, IL • Buffalo Grove, IL • Glenview, IL • Grayslake, IL • Gurnee, IL •  Hawthorn Woods, IL • Kildeer, IL • Lake Bluff, IL • Lake County, IL • Lake Forest, IL • Lake Zurich, IL • Libertyville, IL • Lincolnshire, IL • Long Grove, IL • Vernon Hills, IL • Riverwoods, IL

Affordability is a key factor in any home buying decision. Knowing if this is a move-up in home value, or a lateral or downward move, will move the decision making process right along. Once these lifestyle issues can be resolved, the search can be narrowed to several qualifying locations.

Once you have seen several new home sites in the location of your choice, the next step is to research the builders. A reputable homebuilder will belong to a local homebuilders’ association. Also, it is advisable to check with the local building inspector for an opinion on quality. Choosing a builder is just as important as choosing the style of the home. The builder not only has the responsibility for the largest investment you may ever make, but his or her skill and preferences can have a direct impact on future comfort and happiness. These are the questions we will ask:

Are you a member of any professional builders associations?

As a general rule, builders who are involved with a builder’s organization keep abreast of consumer trends and preferences. They know about relevant legislation and regulations. They are more comfortable with new technology and get innovative ideas from their builder colleagues.

Can you provide references?

Any reputable builder has previous clients to offer as references. The buyer can call them and ask how they liked their new home purchase experience. Ask if they would recommend the builder to a friend.

What else have you built?

Go to other communities the builder has built. If the buyer sees a resident of the community, ask if they like their house.

May I see a house under construction?

Take a look at the job site. A professional builder will have a well-organized operation, with tools and materials stored neatly, rubbish picked up regularly, and people working efficiently.

Do you offer a Homeowner’s Warranty?

Builders are required to provide a Homeowner’s Warranty on all newly constructed houses. The warranty protects a buyer from defects in workmanship and unexpected repairs to their new house.

During the inspection, look for scratches in the counter tops and flooring. Walls should not have gouges and the moldings and trim should be square. Take pictures before the title is taken, particularly if a problem is discovered.

The builder will prefer, under all circumstances, to conduct any and all repairs prior to you moving in because it is easier for them to work on repairs in an empty house.

There are over 30,000 parts in a new home. Therefore, the propensity to find a small imperfection is great. However, many builders conduct their own thorough inspection before the buyer sees it. Most builders employ a cleaning service to make sure the home is clean prior to the closing.

After the Closing

One year later, it’s not uncommon to find settlement cracks in the drywall or nail pops. These are easily remedied and are the responsibility of the builder. A call to the builder is recommended prior to the termination of the one-year warranty.