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Jul 5, 2007 Building FAQs
Asking questions helps you to understand the buying process and eliminate any uncertainty you may have about it. Here are several of the common questions that home buyers ask of Sullivan Rowell Homes.
1) How long will it take to build my home?
Usually it takes five months from the time you sign a purchase and sale agreement with Sullivan Rowel Homes. The first month is used to prepare permit paperwork, submit for permits and receive approvals from the governing entities. The next four months are used to do the actural construction and finishing of your home. Look under the section "Quality Construction" for the steps of building your new home.
2) Do I need to get a construction loan?
No. Sullivan Rowell Homes will obtain the construction financing. You will need to secure a loan to pay Sullivan Rowell the agreed sales price at the time the home is completed.
3) Does Sullivan Rowell have a written warranty?
Yes. Sullivan Rowell Homes provides each new home owner with a One Year Limited Warranty and a ten year structural warranty for further protection.
4) Can I make changes in the design?
Yes, this is a possibility. Depending upon the change, Sullivan Rowell will determine whether or not the change is feasible and how much it will cost. Approved structural changes will need to have plans redrawn by a professional designer. There will be an additional charge for the designer's expense.
5) Can I do upgrades in my home?
Of course, just let Sullivan Rowell know what you desire and they will price out the upgrade for you. Upgrades can either be paid in cash or, with builder approval, can be added to the mortgage.
6) Are there any additional costs to buying a new home?
There are some accompanying costs that you should be aware of. These costs can vary but typically include loan fee, appraisal, credit report, fire insurance, tax proration, etc. Ask your sales associate or lender for a list of items and estimated costs. These costs often range from 2.5% to 3% of the sales price. There are several loan products that will allow some or all of these costs to be added to the mortgage.
7) Can I visit the construction site to watch the progress of my home?
Seeing your home take shape is an exciting aspect of buying a new home. As the home progresses, Sullivan Rowell encourages you to take photos for your memory book. We ask that you make your visits during the evening hours or weekends. Please do not interrupt the work on the home by engaging the subcontractors with questions. If you have a question or concern, please call your sales associate. For safety reasons, great care must be taken around construction sites. Your home will be locked up after the interior is painted. You will need to schedule an appointment with your sales associate in order to have the door unlocked.
8) When can I move into my new home?
Several things have to happen before you receive the keys to your new home and can move in. We have to receive a Certificate of Occupancy, you have to sign the closing documents and deposit your funds with escrow, your lender has to provide funds for the loan, ownership has to be transferred at the county and a check prepared for the builder prior to occupancy.
Sullivan Rowell Homes welcomes your questions. We know that a well-informed customer is most often a satisfied customer. The greater your confidence is in us, the more satisfying the process is for both you and ourselves.
Apr 26, 2007 New vs. Pre-Owned
What is it about a brand new home that's so exciting? Maybe it's being the first to cook in the gourmet kitchen or soak in the luxurious garden tub. It could be the pleasure of running your toes over plush, new carpeting or choosing all of the colors and finishes yourself. Or maybe it's not having to fix someone else's problems. Or maybe it's that wonderful new home smell. But, most of all, it's about having a home that's 100 percent YOU.
With a new Sullivan Rowell home, you get the latest in architectural design, homebuilding technology and materials. Because new homes are built with the latest materials and techniques, they also provide enhanced energy efficiency. This can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills.
With a new Sullivan Rowell home, you have the added assurance of a one year limited warranty and a 10 year structural warranty. Plus, we provide you with helpful tips on the maintenance and care of your home. If you ever have any questions, our customer service team is just a phone call away.
Apr 25, 2007 New Home Buying Tips
Following are some initial tips on items you may want to consider as you begin your new home building experience.
Choosing a location:
The location of your future home is very important. In order to ensure that you will be completely satisfied over time, you will want a location that is right for you. Evaluate the community you are considering. Is it centrally located in a convenient area near work, quality schools, the airport, shopping, restaurants and recreation? If you build a house in that area, will it retain its resale value?
Considering your price range and priorities:
Deciding what you want in your new home is a key step in the process. How many square feet? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want a home office, media room, den, or rec room. One story or two?
You'll need to have an idea of what your financing will allow for a new home and how you will obtain the funds. It is a good idea to get pre-qualified for financing before you begin your search. Click on the Financing section of our site to get pre-qualified.
Choosing options to personalize your home:
You will be able to personalize your home by choosing colors, flooring, carpet and much more based on your budget and individual requirements. The options can be endless. Part of the enjoyment in building your home is determining how you want to make it your own. While you will want to have ideas on decorating your home, you also want to make decisions of what options will increase the value of your home in the future.
Sullivan Rowell will be there to walk you through the entire process. We are committed to communicating with you on a regular basis so your home building experience will be pleasurable.
Deciding if you want a "Move-In" home:
If you are in a situation that requires moving into a new home right away, you may want to purchase one of Sullivan Rowell's homes that are being built on a spec basis. Buying this type of home allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Move-in time is immediate because the home is nearly or completely finished and offers all the amenities of a newly constructed home. See the "Featured Homes" section of this web site for homes that are under construction.
Apr 24, 2007 Moving Checklist
One Month Prior to Closing:
Send change of address information to -
Family
Friends
Financial Institutions
Doctors, Dentists
Credit Card Companies
Newspaper and Magazine providers
Previous Employers - For W-2 Forms
Preparing what to move -
Decide on what home furnishings you will be moving
Consider what to sell, donate or throw away
Using professional movers -
Get written estimates from several competitors
Ask if they pack everything and if there are items which they will not move
Consider getting appraisals for any high valued items
Doing it yourself moves -
You will need to reserve a rental truck
Assemble packing supplies
Start packing those items you won't be using every day
Mark boxes with the contents
Moving from a different town or state -
Obtain records from doctors, dentists, schools, attorneys and veterinarians
Close out or transfer current bank accounts and safe deposit boses
One Week Prior to Closing:
Utilities-
Make arrangements to disconnect you current utilities
Make arrangements to connect you new services
Miscellaneous -
Arrange to have your current home cleaned
Contact your insurance agent
Contact the newspaper delivery
Return books to the library
Consider having a sitter to watch your children during the move
Dispose of flammable items: gas, old paint cans, etc.
Confirm with Sullivan Rowell Homes your final walk-through date and time
Confirm with the closing agent the day and time of signing documents
Arrange for a cashier's check for your closing funds
Welcome Home!