What’s In The Box?
“What’s in the box?”
“Well, open it and see!”
Conversations like that will play out soon in thousands of homes and apartments across America as we approach the Christmas holiday. Children may be thinking, ”I hope it’s a puppy and not a sweater or socks!” There’s no way to know because based on the size of the box, it could hold either one. As adults, we can all relate to the excitement and anticipation of finding out what’s inside that wrapped present.
It’s the same in other situations too. Think about the critical decision of an engagement ring. There are so many ring options, and while the box that holds the ring will be the same size regardless of the contents, what’s inside can vary significantly in quality and overall value impacting the happiness of the person receiving it.
What I have found eye-opening after years of helping people customize new homes, is that this same scenario plays out every day for consumers in the residential construction industry. Many builders have adopted a “follow the herd” mentality. They produce slight variations of the same square footage with very little difference in quality, architectural style, and color schemes, making it difficult for consumers to know what makes that builder different from anyone else. Those types of houses are often referred to as “box builder” homes and customers are often frustrated and disappointed when they try to find out, “what’s in the box” from those builders.
An example of a cookie-cutter box builder style neighborhood
If consumers are going to spend upwards of $275,000 in our area for a new home, they should get one that offers great quality, exceptional value based on longevity, and a variety of choices and options to suit their style. They shouldn’t have to feel like they settled for something, especially when it’s generally one of the largest and most significant purchases they will ever make. You wouldn’t settle for new shoes that weren’t your size or a new car in a color you hated simply because they were “in stock.” The same should be true for your new home.
I’m in a sales related profession, but I don’t view myself as a salesperson. I don’t believe anybody wants to feel like they were “sold” something. Anytime my wife and I have felt we were “sold” anything in the past, we regretted the purchase. What I love about what I do at Homes by AnnDavid is having the opportunity to educate consumers on how different the home building and home buying process can be. Asking the right questions of a builder allows consumers to make apples-to-apples comparisons before signing a contract. Treating people with respect and transparency, arming them with the important information to gather, and educating them on the area and what sets us apart as builders allows customers to “sell” themselves on what is best for THEM.
I love working for a company where the consumer’s long-term value is more important than being the lowest priced builder. It’s rewarding to teach consumers, fellow Realtors®, and their clients about features and amenities that make Homes by AnnDavid significantly different. For example, the majority of our homes have roughly a 2-foot roof overhang on the exterior that many builders don’t offer. That feature does more than provide aesthetic benefits. It diverts rainwater away from the home, allows more airflow to the roof/trusses forcing hot air out, and helps provide additional shade in the home. Potential buyers quickly realized that a roof like this should cost more based on the additional lumber, roof decking, shingles, etc., but with our company it’s a standard feature and they appreciate the extras we believe should be part of every home.
Often times people’s motivation to purchase is based solely on lowest price. Unfortunately, this usually leads to a quick decision based on availability and many times, long term regret. Knowing what to ask is important for a customer’s decision-making process and long-term happiness. Questions like:
What are the most important things they want in the new desired area (state, county, city)?
Do they want to live in a rural area or a community?
What are the most important things they’re looking for in a community? (Homeowner’s Association or no HOA, limited vs. strong deed restrictions, lots of amenities such as pool, clubhouse, golf course, etc. or limited)?
What are the fees for the community?
How close are the schools and how do to find out how well are they rated? School district is important for resale value even if a buyer doesn’t have children.
What are the crime statistics in the desired area? Contact the local police department’s website or their non-emergency phone number to ask questions.
Once someone has decided on a few geographic areas of interest, helpful questions to ask a builder are:
How long have they been building in the area? This can be helpful in determining the builder’s local reputation, complaints at the building department, etc.
What is their warranty? What is covered?
Do they allow changes and customizations or is it a “box” type builder that is cookie cutter in nature with pre-selected or only neutral/bland color selections available?
Are their allowances for site work (clearing of trees, debris, leveling/pad prep) adequate?
Are their allowances for fill dirt needed adequate? If the home is to be built, will that amount cover the build on the property the customer owns or wants?
How long and wide is the driveway and will it cover the setback from the road?
What is the allowance to connect to the water supply or for a well? Will this cover the average well depth in that area? How much extra per foot will it be if the well ends up needing to be deeper than expected? What are the septic costs?
Is a fireplace allowed? What does the allowance cover (amount of stone or brick surround, mantle, etc.)?
What are the costs and is it possible for a floor outlet in the great room, a pool or hot tub pre-wire, stub out for a future summer kitchen, etc.?
These are just some of the questions we like to cover when meeting with those considering a new build. My hope is that customers will get questions like these answered by other builders prior to signing their contract so they don’t wind up surprised and angered with lots of change orders for thousands of dollars they will be responsible to pay. With Citrus Springs having been discovered for it’s wonderful Florida Nature Coast lifestyle, higher ground and proximity to Gainesville, Ocala, Orlando and Tampa there are many builders offering new home alternatives. It’s critical people find the quality and transparency they’re looking for in a builder not just here, but wherever they are considering building.
Just like the person being proposed to hopes to receive a beautiful quality diamond engagement ring in that box instead of cheap alternative with an imitation stone, don’t just settle for any home until you interview your builder and are certain what’s inside the box. Make sure you get the home you really want. What I love about the old adage, “you get what you pay for”, is that here at Homes by AnnDavid, it truly applies.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!
