
So you want to move, but there’s nothing that excites you. You’ve seen everything on the market and it’s just not your thing. So, you think “maybe we should build what we want”. But then you start to think of questions:
- How much will this cost?
- Will this be a full-time job?
- How will I know what the final home will look like?
- How do I find a lot?
- How do I get a loan to build a home?
- Where do I start?
- When will it be done?
- Can I trust the builder?
We have been through this process many, many times. And we have worked with close to 18 builders in the Madison area. We are also members of the Madison Area Builders Association and currently under study for the marketing credentials with the National Association of Home Builders.
So, we can answer all your questions. Even the ones you haven’t thought of yet. And we can help you decipher builder jargon (construction draws, elevations, dig date, completion dates). If you want some non-sugar coated advice, call us for an appointment and we can talk about if building is right for you.
How can we help?
1- Identify and interview 1-3 builders that might be a good match for you. When you hire a builder to create and build your home, it will be a very personal and involved relationship so it’s important to find the “right” builder.
2 – Review floor plan to make sure it’s a marketable property if you need to sell the house in the future. Builders aren’t concerned about your future resale value, but as your agents, we will be concerned!
3- Advise on which upgrades are worth the extra money. You might have questions like, “what if I do a less expensive flooring in my lower level, and spend more money on crown molding”? We can help with those types of questions.
4- Help keep you within your allowance budget so you don’t have alot of out of pocket expenses. It’s so easy to walk into a beautiful showroom and want all the bling. We will be there to help you make sense of what’s worth it and not worth it.
5- Recommend a lender that specializes in construction loans. Many banks will tell you they “do” construction loans, but it’s important to find a lender that knows construction timelines so they can help you lock in a rate and process your construction draws. This is critical for moving in on time!
6- Find a lot to build your home. This is usually the hardest part of the process. Finding a coveted lot to build your dream. Whether it’s a lot in the country or a school district that you’ve been wanting to find, we will do our best to find you the best lot. Even lots that are not listed on the MLS. See neighborhoods.
7- Show you where to get ideas for your building projects. Maybe you don’t know if you want a ranch or a 2-story. Or maybe you don’t know what layout you prefer. We can show you existing homes and floor plans so you can get a sense of what you like and don’t like. And, if necessary, we will engage a designer to help with the process.
8- Sell your current home, if necessary. We apply the same level of care and detail to our resale listings, too! So let us know if you have a home to sell. Check out GuernseyPrime.com for examples of how we market our listings!
9- Help you manage timelines so you’re not homeless while you’re waiting for your new home to be built. We have helped many clients manage timelines, and each situation is unique. We know how to get creative!
10- Help you identify smart home concepts so you can decide what’s best for you and your future!