One of your most important decisions as a potential buyer is whether to go with a pre-construction property or an existing home. Pre-construction homes are properties that have been proposed by a developer, but have not yet been built. When you purchase a pre-construction home, you are putting money down before construction begins.
The main advantage to buying into a new development before construction starts is that you often get a lower price than if you buy when construction is complete. The reason for this is that developers typically need pre-construction sales of 50 percent to 90 percent of the units in a development before they can borrow funds to begin construction.
Pre-construction homes and condos can also get you in on the ground floor of an investment that will appreciate. The market value of pre-construction units generally increases during the one to three years it takes to build a development, so your unit may be worth more than you've paid for it before you set foot in the place. In addition, you can often choose from a variety of finishes and flooring options, allowing you to customize your home.
Seasoned pre-conconstruction investors have been known to more than double their money in a short period of time. Even newcomers have witnessed a 15 to 30 percent appreciation in Jacksonville with pre-construction.
As a top local area expert in Jacksonville real estate and pre-construction investments, I can put my experience to work for you and can benefit you measurably. For my complete credentials, click here.
Since I'm an independent REALTOR®, and not affiliated with any developer, I can help you navigate all your choices, and make an unbiased and well-informed decision that never compromises your objectives. The developer pays my commission, so your purchase price is the same whether you use me or not. In fact, the developer will not reduce the price of your home even if you are not represented by a REALTOR®. The developer pays the commission to REALTORS® as part of their anticipated marketing expenses as we provide valuable services and make the site agents's jobs easier by assisting the customers with community information, financing, short-term rental during the construction, home inspection, walk-through, and closing.
I have an excellent reputation and relationship with Jacksonville's developers, which can provide you a marked advantage. I can be privy to a wider selection of desirable homes and condo units before they're made available to the public, and before they sell out.
I can help you accurately assess the many variables that determine the potential of a pre-construction investment: location, type, the track record of the developer, the reputation of the architect, true re-sale or rental possibilities and the right timing for your investment home.
I can also help you understand the developer's contract. Developer contracts are very developer oriented and vary by developer. I can help explain the things you need to watch for: assignability, transfer fee, marketing your unit prior to closing, restrictions and policies, financing and payment schedule, taxes, contributions to working capital, maintenances fees, walk-throughs and punch lists, your options and responsibilities at closing, the developer's warranty, and more.
Buying a pre-construction home, townhome or condo can be a great opportunity, but there are potential risks associated with it. Because you are buying into something that does not yet exist, there could be unforeseen problems and setbacks before you move into your home. By understanding the risks and planning carefully, you can avoid complications and come out a winner.
Use my checklist to help cover the bases:
Delays can have an effect on:
The best way to mitigate these potential risks, as remote as some may be, is to work with an authority on Jacksonville real estate like me, whose specialty is pre-construction investing. I can help you carefully measure the risk-reward ratio, so you optimize your ownership.
I do not provide legal advice. Buyers should always consult with legal and investment/finance professionals before making a decision.