Crafting Your Dream Home

Let's open doors and connect your dreams by building your home. Working with a custom home builder can be a great way to bring your dream home to life. With careful planning, collaboration, and communication, you can achieve a beautiful and functional home that meets all your needs and preferences.

As a former interior designer, Desiree has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share when it comes to homebuilding. She is able to give insights on the process and share any tips or best practices to build your dream home.

Ready to get started? Let us guide you through the home-building process and the different builders that are available to work with.

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The Difference - Using A Real Estate Agent

If you’re planning to build a new home, you may be wondering whether you need a real estate agent. The answer is yes, you can benefit from working with a real estate agent when building a new home. Here are some of the ways a real estate agent can help:

Find the right builder: A real estate agent can help you find a reputable builder with a good track record. They can also help you navigate the process of choosing a builder, negotiating a contract, and making sure you get the best possible deal.

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Help you find the right lot: If you’re building a new home, you’ll need a lot to build on. A real estate agent can help you find the right lot in the right location, taking into account your budget and your needs.

Negotiate on your behalf: A real estate agent can help you negotiate with the builder on price, upgrades, and other details. They can also help you navigate the construction process, ensuring that everything is done according to plan.

Provide expert advice: A real estate agent has expert knowledge of the local market, so they can provide valuable advice on what features and finishes are most desirable in your area. They can also help you make informed decisions about your new home, based on your budget and your lifestyle.

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What to Know About Custom Home Costs and Timeframes

Start by researching builders in your area: 

1. Look for custom home builders in your area and research their portfolio, customer reviews, and ratings to determine their level of expertise and reputation.

2. Evaluate their experience and expertise: Choose a builder who has experience building homes that are similar in style, size, and quality to what you want to achieve. Consider their level of expertise in areas such as architecture, construction, and design.

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3. Check their credentials: Make sure the builder is licensed, insured, and bonded to protect yourself in case of accidents, delays, or disputes.

4. Review the contract carefully with your Real Estate : Make sure the contract includes all the details of your project, including the timeline, budget, payment schedule, change orders, and warranties.

5. Communicate clearly: It's important to communicate your expectations, preferences, and concerns with your builder throughout the process to ensure your vision is being fulfilled and to address any issues that may arise.

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Overall, working with a custom home builder can be a rewarding experience if you take the time to find the right partner and communicate clearly throughout the process. The timeline for a custom home project can vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project, as well as factors such as permit approvals, weather conditions, and availability of materials and labor. In general, the design and planning phase can take several months, followed by a construction phase that can last between 6 and 12+ months, depending on the size and complexity of the home.

While building a custom home can be more expensive upfront than buying an existing one, you have more control over the cost by making informed choices about the design, materials, and finishes. By working closely with your builder and Real Estate Agent, to set a realistic budget, you can create a home that fits your needs and preferences while staying within your financial means. Additionally, a custom home can offer long-term benefits in terms of energy efficiency, maintenance, and resale value.

Additional Expenses

Purchase Price: Based on Qualifications and Selection

5% - 10%

Deposit

$700 - $2500

Inspection(s): 3 separate options

Survey

Builder provides

2% - 3%

Closing Costs (Incl. Taxes, Title & Loan Origination Fee)

$395

Administrative Fee

  • ONE Closing vs 2 (save $)
  • Need building plans
  • Close on the lot - followed by multiple draws
  • Start with interest only
  • After the last draw converts to fixed conventional (P&I)
  • Competitive Rates

We offer a list of lenders with competitive rates.

It's important to have a clear understanding of your budget, timeline, and design preferences before beginning the process. This will help you to make informed decisions throughout the project and avoid any unexpected expenses or delays.

When choosing a builder, it's important to do your research and select a reputable and experienced professional who has a track record of successfully completing similar projects. You should also ask for references and check online reviews to get a sense of the builder's reputation and level of customer satisfaction.

Securing a contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and costs is also crucial for ensuring that the project stays on track and within budget. Be sure to review the contract carefully and ask any questions or raise any concerns before signing.

Throughout the construction process, it's important to stay in communication with your realtor who will ensure the builder is performing and can help monitor progress regularly to ensure that the project is proceeding as planned. Making decisions about every feature and element of the new structure can be overwhelming, but working closely with your builder, realtor, and design professionals, can help to ensure that you create a home that meets your needs and preferences.

Additionally, it's important to check that the builder is licensed and insured. Ask to see their license and insurance documents and verify their authenticity with the relevant licensing board or insurance company. You should also check their reputation with local authorities and professional organizations, such as the National Association of Home Builders.

When talking to one of the builder’s former clients, ask these questions:

  • When did you work with the builder?
  • Did they stay within budget?
  • Did the final result meet your expectations?
  • Did they complete work on schedule?
  • Do you have any advice for someone who’s considering signing a contract with this builder?

It's also a good idea to ask about the builder’s experience with the specific type of home you want to build or remodel. Some builders specialize in certain styles or sizes of homes, so you'll want to make sure that your builder has experience with your particular vision.

Finally, make sure you feel comfortable communicating with the builder and that they are responsive to your questions and concerns. Building a custom home is a collaborative process, so you want to make sure you can trust and effectively communicate with your builder throughout the entire project.

Tips for preventing delays and unexpected costs when building a home. Here are some suggestions:

1. Plan for contingencies: Even with the best-laid plans, unexpected issues can arise during the building process. It's a good idea to budget for contingencies to cover unforeseen expenses, such as weather delays, material shortages, or design changes.

2. Choose a reputable builder: Before hiring a builder, do your research. Look for someone with a solid reputation, positive reviews, and experience building homes similar to yours. Ask for references and speak with previous clients to gauge their satisfaction with the builder's work.

3. Keep communication open: Communication is key to a successful building project. Make sure you have clear lines of communication with your builder, and don't be afraid to ask questions or voice concerns. Regular check-ins can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project is progressing as planned.

4. Consider energy efficiency: Building an energy-efficient home can save you money in the long run on utility bills. Talk to your builder about incorporating energy-efficient features, such as insulation, windows, and appliances, into your home design.

5. Don't skimp on quality: Cutting corners on materials or workmanship may seem like a cost-saving measure, but it can end up costing you more in the long run. Choose high-quality materials and reputable subcontractors to ensure that your home is built to last.

Building a home can be a stressful and time-consuming process, but there are steps you can take to mitigate your risk and set clear expectations. Here are a few tips:

Work with a reputable builder: Do your research and choose a builder with a proven track record of success. Check their references and ask to see examples of their work or view one of their model homes to see their quality of work.

Get everything in writing: Before construction begins, make sure you have a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, budget, and any contingencies or potential issues that could arise. A good contract is key to mitigating risk when building a new home. An experienced real estate agent can help you review and negotiate the contract to ensure that it includes clear timelines, costs, and contingencies for unexpected issues. By including these details in the contract, you can hold the builder accountable for meeting the agreed-upon terms, and limit your financial exposure if something does go wrong. Additionally, having a real estate agent on your side can help you navigate the complex process of building a home, and provide you with valuable guidance and support throughout the entire process.

Stay in communication with your builder: Keep the lines of communication open with your builder throughout the construction process. Regular check-ins and updates can help you stay informed and prevent any misunderstandings.

Be realistic about timelines: Understand that building a home takes time, and delays can happen due to weather, permits, design changes, and other factors beyond your builder's control. Be realistic about your expectations and understand that there may be some delays.

Keep an eye on the budget: Be mindful of the budget throughout the construction process, and don't be afraid to ask questions if you see costs escalating beyond what you expected. A good builder should be transparent about costs and keep you informed of any changes or unexpected expenses.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your home-building process goes as smoothly as possible and that you end up with the home of your dreams.

Work With Desiree

Desiree appreciates the buyer’s need to learn an area and understand options in a very short visit, sometimes sight unseen. She’s built a reputation for working with clients from dawn to well after dusk to make sure they have seen it all and are happy with their choice.