Ask Questions of Your Home Builder

By Dave Stormont, President
North Carolina Home Builders Association

Lots of people like to go through model homes.  Some go to "dream of the day when", others go to look for interior decorating ideas and to see what's new, and the rest are there to buy a new home. 

You might think that the sales person is there just to sell you one of their new homes.  But the sales representative of the North Carolina real estate should be considered as resource of information on the home, development and the area.  Besides the question of "how much does it cost?," and "when can we move in?," here are some other home buying questions to note the answers to:

Home Buying Question #1:

• Will the builder give you references of recent buyers/occupants?

Home Buying Question #2:

• Does the builder have a financing plan established?

Home Buying Question #3:

• Are there options in the floor plan -- can a basement or deck be added?, etc.

Home Buying Question #4:

• Can a room such as the basement be left unfinished?

Home Buying Question #5:

• How much "customizing" can be done versus standard features?

Home Buying Question #6:

• Can appliances be up- or down-graded?

Home Buying Question #7:

• Are there any additional fees relating to the home or development?

Home Buying Question #8:

• Does the builder offer a warranty program?

Home Buying Question #9:

• Does the price include landscaping?  and what if the plants die within a year?

Home Buying Question #10:

• Are there any restrictive covenants?

Home Buying Question #11:

• What are the estimated taxes on the property?

Home Buying Question #12:

• How is the school system rated?

Home Buying Question #13:

• Are day care and grocery stores convenient and satisfactory?

Home Buying Question #14:

• What about emergency facilities--police, fire department and hospitals?

Home Buying Question #15:

• Are there any major development plans for the area in the next 5 years?

You have a right to and need to ask every question that you think is important.  A little research with the neighbors is also a good idea. 

Remember, a professional builder and sales representative of the North Carolina real estate will want you to be a happy and satisfied homeowner.  Their next sale could depend on your reference.

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