Home ownership is a significant milestone, but there are different considerations you need to know when buying a new construction home in the DC area. You need the right experts who will show you how to evaluate new builds, explain the process, and ensure your interests are protected in negotiations. Keep reading to learn 5 things you need to know about buying your new construction home.
1. Find A Realtor With The Right Experience
Buying a new construction home is both a significant financial investment, and personal commitment. It’s a venture you want to undertake with a trusted professional who you can trust to work alongside, and guide your experience. Interview multiple agents before choosing who you want to partner with. Consider an agent who:
- Demonstrates expertise in the local real estate market
- Has a proven track record of representing new construction homes
- Understands the lifestyle in the neighborhood where you want to live
- Has a reputable network of industry professionals, like builders, realtors, contractors, lawyers, brokers, etc.
Choosing the right agent is one of the most important decisions of your real estate journey. Your agent will not only educate you about the local DC real estate market, but they’ll guide your entire experience and represent your best interests from start to finish.
Ali Alasgar Farhadov, Realtor®
Ali leads our New Construction division, having brought more than 20 custom luxury builds to market. He works directly with boutique builders in the DC area and has the expertise to offer clients insider access to impeccable real estate, thoughtfully designed floor plans, and upcoming projects. His extensive knowledge of architectural details, premium finishes, and customization options gives clients a tailored experience, allowing them to find homes that fit their lifestyles.
2. Assessing Your New Construction Home
It starts with the builder. Your agent will help you choose a new construction project with a reputable company. This means they will have vetted the builder by verifying licensing and insurance, looking into past projects to rule out any red flags, and even researching previous client reviews. Often, an established agent will already have trusted builders in their network.
Evaluating design choices. This goes beyond aesthetics (but it includes that too). From helping you choose thoughtful, functional layouts and innovative architectural choices, to landscaping, quality materials, and modern systems, your agent will help you evaluate and select the right design choices for your new construction homes that aligns with your personal vision.
Your agent will also consider the potential resale value of your home when guiding you through the process—ensuring your purchase is a smart investment now, and in the future.
3. New Construction Home Features & Amenities To Consider
The benefit of buying a new construction home is having the freedom to build it exactly how you want. You can design your home to reflect your lifestyle and values, from unique aesthetics and design that complements year-round living, to sustainable materials and eco-friendly systems.
Home systems: house automation, audio and video systems, HVAC and utility systems, smart home tech integration, entertainment systems,
Energy efficiency: low-E windows, efficient insulation, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances
Sustainable materials: recycled content, low-VOC paints, and sustainably sourced wood
Outdoor spaces: think patios, balconies, or rooftop terraces that enhance lifestyle potential and add value, integrated landscaping for indoor-outdoor living
Custom elements: high ceilings, gourmet kitchen, multigenerational living spaces, home office, personal gym
Your agent can help you consider options and help you make informed decisions with long term benefits.
4. Choosing A Location
The benefit of building a custom home in the DC area is that you can create the home of your dreams in the neighborhood of your choice. When considering where you want to live, think about:
- Reputable school districts
- Access to transit or motorways, e.g. the Beltway
- Walkability
- Urban vs suburban lifestyle
- Proximity to daily amenities
- Community character
The Sherif & Ali Group has extensive expertise in the DC area, and its surrounding communities, namely McLean, Arlington, Vienna, and Great Falls. We help new construction buyers find the right home, with over 20 years of experience in this market.
5. Consider The Timeline
Many factors affect the timeline of building a new construction home in DC. This includes things like:
- Weather
- Customizations
- Material and labor availability
- Permits
If everything runs smoothly, the timeline usually runs about six to 12 months. Here’s what you can expect:
- Pre-construction phase: designing and planning, permits, financing
- Construction phase: site preparation and foundation, framing, roofing, installing systems, interior finishing, exterior
- Inspections
Your agent will be your liaison in every phase; with the architects, engineers, and designers during design and planning, with getting permits, and they can connect you with financial experts in their network. They will also act as your conduit between the builders, contractors, landscapers, and inspector.
Buying a new construction home is an exciting milestone. Working with the right DC area agent is the key to a successful process. They’ll be able to foresee potential problems that even some builders may overlook, so you’re never in jeopardy of making the wrong investment.
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