Builder's Preferred Lender
Builders often offer incentives for using an affiliated or preferred lender.
Possible incentives may include closing-cost credits, rate buydowns and upgrade credits.
Incentive Does Not Automatically Mean Best Deal
Compare rate, APR, points, fees, incentive, cash to close and long-term cost.
A $15,000 incentive is less exciting if the financing costs significantly more over time.
Construction Timeline
Long build times can create rate-lock questions.
Ask when you lock, whether an extended lock is available, whether a float-down is available, and what happens if the builder delays.
Property Taxes
Be careful with tax estimates. Prior taxes may reflect undeveloped land rather than completed property.
Inspection
New does NOT mean defect-free.
Consider independent inspections appropriate to the build stage.
Why Use Lisa With a Builder?
The builder's salesperson represents the builder.
Lisa represents your interests as the buyer, subject to the agency relationship.
She can help with contract, incentives, lot selection, comparable resale, inspection strategy and closing.
Talk to Lisa before your first builder visit, not after you've already registered without representation.
