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Should I Use a Realtor if I’m Buying a New Construction Home?

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A new construction home job site on a cloudy day while Summer Lake gives realty tips for purchasing a new construction home

If you’re shopping for a new construction home, you may wonder if you need a realtor. The answer is yes for many good reasons.

  • A real estate agent can advocate for you, help you make the best deal, and look out for your best interests during negotiations.
  • Realtors bring specialized knowledge that can help you avoid costly mistakes in the buying process.

Buying a newly constructed house is exciting. You’re getting something that’s exclusively yours where no one else has lived, and you may even get to make all the decisions about colors, fixtures, and decorating. Because you’re in charge from start to finish, you may wonder, “Do I need a realtor to buy a house build just for me?” You can work with the developer’s team, right? Most real estate professionals advise buyers to get a real estate agent, even when buying new construction.

Do I Need a Realtor When Buying a Newly Constructed Home?

Buying new construction is different from purchasing one where someone already resides. The unique facets of the transaction may be unfamiliar to most homebuyers. Here are some ways that a realtor can help you make the best decision about your new home purchase.

  • Timing matters in every kind of real estate market. Your realtor understands your local market, which neighborhoods are selling fast, and which ones may represent a bargain. The agent also knows the slow months for developers; they’re more likely to negotiate then than in the busy months. Having that knowledge on your side when you start shopping can save you time and money.
  • Your realtor is familiar with the builders who work in your area. Agents in the area have likely worked with clients who contracted with each builder. They can draw on that knowledge and those experiences to help you choose a builder with a reputation for quality work, reliability, and efficiency.
  • Real estate professionals have an in-depth understanding of the process of building a new construction house, from contracts to upgrades to financing and construction quality issues. Because most people don’t buy new construction homes more than once or twice in their lives, consumers may be at a disadvantage with a quality realtor on their side. For example, your agent can help you with inspections and contingencies, two areas where conflict often arises. A professional and experienced agent can walk you through every step and help you avoid costly pitfalls.
  • The most common reason people don’t use realtors when conducting real estate business is that they want to save on the commissions. However, a quality agent can save you money, time, and frustration in the long term. If you don’t have an agent yourself, you work with the developer or builder’s agents. They aren’t bound to look out for your interests as the buyer. Your real estate agent for new construction can make sure that everything is fair as the process unfolds.

Where Can I Learn More About New Construction Homes?

If you’re looking to make your next move to a custom-built new construction home in the Moseley, Virginia, area, check out the beautiful Summer Lake development. It has tons of amenities for families or retirees to enjoy. Tennis courts, a pool, a playground, and the fabulous Lake Chesdin Golf Club are all readily available for your outdoor pleasure. Contact our team today to learn about all the available properties and lots.

Image Source: eyerazor / Shutterstock

Questions to Ask When Buying a New Construction Home

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New home construction can help you get the features you want in your house. However, the process requires careful research and planning. Here are some questions to ask a builder.

  • Make sure you understand what is included in your basic home build and what will cost extra.
  • Your new home construction should include a written warranty.

When it’s time for a new home, you have many options. One of them is building a brand new house for yourself. The idea of getting just what you want, choosing your paint colors, flooring materials, and countertops is very exciting; however, building a new home comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some questions to ask when building a home.

What Comes Standard With the Home and What Constitutes an Upgrade?

The home builder you choose will give you a set price to build the house. That price includes a list of standard features, such as fixtures, countertops, and flooring. If you want to consider an upgrade to any of those standard features:

  • Ask for the cost of the higher quality item.
  • If you saw a model home, keep in mind that you probably saw many upgraded items.
  • Get a clear understanding of whether the standard features include any external design elements such as landscaping as part of the building process.

What Kind of Warranty Comes With the Home?

Your newly constructed house should come with a home warranty. Be sure that you get the specifics of this warranty in writing. The document should include a clear statement of how quickly repairs will be made. Your new appliances will have assurances from the manufacturer. The roof of a new construction usually has a warranty as well. A walk-through home inspection before the move-in date can identify many things upfront so the builder can correct them before you close on the property.

What Are the Plans for the Surrounding Area?

Of course, it’s essential to know the plans for the neighborhood, but do your research on the surrounding area as well. For example, you want to ensure that your beautiful lake view won’t be obstructed by a hotel right after you move in. The city or county government development office can tell you what is in the works. Your building may know some of this information, but the buyer is responsible for seeking it out from the most direct source possible.

Does Your New Neighborhood Have an HOA?

An HOA is a Homeowners Association. It is an organization that sets and enforces rules related to properties and activities in the community. Usually, the HOA takes care of maintaining common areas like streets, pools, or community centers. An effective HOA can make the neighborhood a better place to live by protecting the property values for everyone. As a potential new homeowner, make sure that you understand all the requirements and fees associated with the HOA so you can budget appropriately.

Where Can I Learn More About Buying a New Construction Home?

If you’re planning your next move into a new construction home in the Moseley, Virginia area, consider the Summer Lake development. Choose your new house from a variety of luxury plans. The community offers a pool, sports facilities, and activities for the whole family. Summer Lake is in Chesterfield County, home to some of the highest performing schools in the state. Contact us today to check out all we have to offer.

Featured Image: VCNW/Shutterstock

2021’s Hottest Home Design Trends

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2021's Hottest Home Design Trends

The interior design trends for 2021 celebrate our newfound appreciation for the comforts of home.

  • Many of the tried and true rules of decorating are out the window for 2021.
  • The newest home trends are varied, including everything from bold colors to rustic to sculptural furniture.

With so many people spending extra time at home during 2020, it’s no surprise that 2021 is the year of home redecorating. So if you’re looking for some ideas to spruce up your living space, here are some of the hottest home design trends of the year.

Go Big With Colors and Prints

No longer are homeowners bound by minimalist designs and consistent patterns. For 2021, it’s all about the bold. Mix contrasting prints and large and small shapes with a couple of primary colors that pull it together. Then, use the variety to create visually appealing layers that coordinate across the furniture, linens, and walls. Checks and stripes and circles and flowers are two possible combinations.

Primary colors make a return for 2021. A lamp in a brilliant red or sunshine yellow, for example, brightens up space when used against a more neutral background. Wood furniture and flooring gain new life when you add some cheerful primary colors to the room. A brilliant shade of yellow is trendy this year.

Rustic Is All the Rage

Rustic decor is comforting and cheerful, and for many people, it brings about fond reminiscing. If your home already has the look of a country home, such as exposed beams or hardwood floors, rustic colors, fabrics, and finishes are a perfect match. Reclaimed wood, with its rough textures and woodgrain, is a big part of this trend.

Choose Sculptural Furniture Pieces

Sculptural furniture comes in a variety of shapes that make a dramatic statement across the room. Even when the pieces are neutral colors, they draw the eye of everyone in the room. Sculptural lamps cast light in lovely patterns, and ceramic pieces on a shelf fill in the small spaces.

Transition to the Tropical

Whether it’s a beautiful green palm leaf pattern or something reminiscent of the beach, tropical brights and colors are popular in 2021. They’re soothing and relaxing after a stressful and hectic homebound year. In addition, travel-related room themes, such as sailing, remind us that it’s time to return to wandering the world.

Consider a Wall Mural

Murals take many forms. Some are painted on the walls with lively patterns and artistic scenes. Other murals are woven tapestries that span the area of the wall. This element is a versatile design element that works in large and small rooms and can take on almost any theme, from classic art pieces to fairytale scenes.

Visualize Vintage

Whether they’re genuine antiques, reclaimed or repurposed pieces, or retro items, vintage furniture and color schemes are versatile and classy. Even if you don’t go all out and replace all your furniture, you can subtly reference the look through the colors you choose and the layers you create. Intense colors centered around a single vintage piece with lots of contrast and gentle lighting are winning formulas.

Where Can I Learn More?

If you’re looking for a place to create your own 2021 showplace in the Chesterfield, Virginia, area, check out the lots and new homes of Summer Lake. Every house is custom-built. At Summer Lake, we’re all about families with proximity to excellent schools, parks, and many activities for adults and children to do together. Contact us today to learn more!

 

Image Credit: tartanparty/shutterstock

4 Tips for Choosing the Right Community for Your New Home

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4 Tips for Choosing the Right Community for Your New Home

Buying a new home is more than just buying a building. Find out how to select the right community for you and your family with these four tips. Whether you’re looking to move across the country or across town, browse community homes in Summer Lake for your new home. Use these tips to compare homes and communities to find the best option for your family’s forever home.

1. Look at the Location

It’s all about the community. It’s essential to research schools, hospitals, shopping, and other resources near your new neighborhood. Look for a neighborhood of like-minded families that has access to highly rated schools, medical providers, and job opportunities.

Summer Lake in Moseley, Virginia, is situated in Chesterfield County. Schools in this area are routinely ranked in the top percentile of Virginia schools in terms of SAT scores. Local amenities include a variety of shopping options, convenient grocery stores, and friendly neighbors with families just like you.

2. Consider Your Dream Home Size

Keep your family size and dream house considerations in mind when you search for the right community. Look for homes for sale in a community that have a lot size, yard design, and square footage you want. Consider communal spaces that you can use as well. Jogging trails, community pools, and golf courses all give you opportunities to enjoy activities outside of your home but still in your community.

Large homes are great, but they need a custom builder touch to make the best use of all that space. Plan a layout that fits your family and presents an iconic exterior that you will be proud to call your own. Custom homes at Summer Lake artfully blend in with your community without sacrificing personal style.

3. Set a Budget

Your dream house doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Set a budget and look for homes in your price range. Remember that communities with monthly or yearly fees also come with additional conveniences that may be worth more than the fee for you and your household. You can’t put a price on a dream home in a dream community, but make sure the one you choose is within your ideal budget.

You may be surprised at the affordable rates of homes in Summer Lake. Whether you purchase a custom home that’s already built or work with a local custom build team to craft your own, the rates are highly competitive for a state-of-the-art home in a welcoming community.

4. Explore Extra Features

Amazing amenities are the icing on the cake for your custom home. Explore community features to see what you get when you choose a home in a particular community. Ask about local parks, clubhouse use, walking trails, or other amenities.

Choose a community with features that you and your family will enjoy for a lifetime. A playground for young children may be a great benefit now, but your family may want swimming pools, basketball courts, and a gym facility in the future. Amenities for every age help create a dream home for every member of your family.

Find Your New Community in Virginia

Explore homes in Virginia for sale at Summer Lake. Contact us today to schedule a walk-through or to learn more about your new community. Find out how you can plan an affordable, custom home in an ideal community with space and features you love for years to come

 

Image Credit: Arina P Habich/Shutterstock

5 Best Places to Live in Virginia

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5 Best Places to Live in Virginia

There’s something special about living in Virginia. They say Virginia is for lovers, but these cities in Virginia show that Virginia is also for families who want all the amenities of resort-style living without the expense. Compare the top five places to live in the Old Dominion and discover where you can plan your forever home in this wonderfully diverse and scenic state.

1. Centreville

With a population of over 73,000, Centreville is a mid-sized city that has plenty of diversity. For families new to the area, you’ll find surprisingly affordable homes and a welcoming community of young families. While this city size may be too large for families looking to get away from it all, two forested parks have reasonable recreation opportunities.

2. Richmond

The capital of Virginia offers big-city living and a thriving economy to move up in your profession. The bustling city of 213,000 has eight Fortune 500 companies, state government, and other professional opportunities. The average home value is relatively low for a city of its size, and a convenient public transport system keeps you connected to all parts of the city.

If you’re looking for a calm neighborhood in a laid-back community, Richmond is not for you. Families looking for a slower pace of life for their forever home may need to look elsewhere. If you have a remote job or other reason to avoid the hustle and bustle of the professional world of Richmond, you may want to look for a smaller city.

3. Williamsburg

Take a stroll through Colonial Williamsburg for daily history lessons for your young ones. This former capital of the colony boasts 15,000 residents, 301 acres of a historic district, and shopping opportunities for visitors and residents alike. It’s also a great way to rub shoulders with Hampton Roads and Tidewater areas while still finding an affordable home.

Of course, you may not want to have a major tourist attraction in your hometown. A forever home next to a historic district that hosts four million visitors every year may be exhausting for growing families.

4. Bon Air

Find an affordable home in this Victorian-style town. Highly rated schools and low-cost homes combine to make Bon Air a popular place for growing families. With just 17,000 residents, it’s a much more comfortable size than Richmond or other major cities in Virginia.

While affordable, many homes in Bon Air may feel more like starter homes than forever homes. These homes are great for families just starting out, but if you’re looking for unique amenities and comfortable walking areas, Bon Air may not be the right fit.

5. Moseley

Take a stroll through Summer Lake in Moseley, Virginia, to instantly fall in love. Create your custom home tucked away in a community full of family-friendly amenities. View homes for sale or purchase an empty lot to create your dream home on a blank canvas.

Young families may be surprised to find out how affordable these homes are. Beautiful craftsman homes, a comfortable community and playgrounds, tennis courts, and a large swimming pool create a neighborhood truly personalized for growing families.

Explore Family-Friendly Home Designs in Summer Lake

Contact Summer Lake today to schedule a visit to our Model Court. Taking a walk through a community may be the best place to live in Virginia for your family. Explore Moseley, view available properties, and work with a custom designer to build a home to match your family needs.

How to Maximize Your Budget When Building a House

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How to Maximize Your Budget When building a House

Few journeys in life are as exciting as building your dream home. As you work with professionals at Summer Lake to build your custom home, find out how to maximize your budget. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to build the home you’ve always dreamed of. Find out how you can afford to build a house in an excellent neighborhood near you.

Create a List of Essential Features

You’ve probably already owned your starter home. That first home will always bring back memories, but there are many things you wish you could change. Remodeling every room of a home is a costly and impractical plan, so use your resources to build a custom home to include all your must-have features. Here are some example features you may or may not wish to add to your list:

Not every building site and custom home design can offer these features. Consider which ones are essential to your dream and which ones are flexible. Remaining flexible with your features is key to keeping down costs. Discuss how each item will fit in your budget to where you can maximize your investment.

Looking for inspiration? An architect or home design team can help you feel inspired and provide you with the resources you need to craft your custom home. Take a home tour in your ideal neighborhood to see some examples of great designs that may fit your family.

Build for Your Future Family

You may have been fine with only two bedrooms in your starter home, but your forever home may need more space to accommodate your growing family. Be sure to include enough rooms for your children, pets, and guests to stay in your new home comfortably.

Adding a third or fourth bedroom in the initial plan is far more affordable than a new addition. Don’t wait until your home is already complete to add a guest suite or room for your children to have their own space, but include it in your plan to meet your budget.

Select an Open Layout

Removing interior walls makes your home feel larger than it is. Don’t settle for a floor plan that’s too small for your family, but consider ways to make your home feel spacious. Lofted ceilings, open lofts, and combined living areas are all great ideas to maximize your budget. These low-cost additions are often more affordable than increasing the size of your home’s footprint.

A popular main floor design includes your living room, kitchen, and dining room in one large area. This living space makes it easy to talk to your guests or family as you prepare meals or wash dishes.

Work With a Quality Builder

After an architect translates your dream into a design, you need a custom home builder to make it a reality. Work with local building professionals in Virginia to enjoy a unique home that’s built to last. State-of-the-art materials, designs, and timeless construction techniques ensure you have a property that you can pass on for generations.

Choose the Right Building Site

Even the perfect design may not fit your dream if it’s in a less-than-desirable location. Look for available lots in Moseley, VA, to explore popular options. At Summer Lake, we offer open lots in a welcoming, family-friendly community. Browse our lots or contact us to prepare for building a home that maximizes your budget.

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