NEW HOMES IN MARYLAND READY TO MOVE IN
Although almost all new homes in Maryland are "to-be-built", occasionally, a home will come back on the market because of a buyer transfer or other reasons. That's good news for home buyers who are not able to wait the six to twelve month that it usually takes to build a home in Maryland. Our agents are in contact with builders regularly to keep track of newly available home sites in various states of construction.

ARE HOMES ALWAYS AVAILABLE??
If there are no homes in inventory, the alternative is to start from scratch. Since Maryland has a very busy, fast moving new homes market, some builders may have waiting lists to buy. Many builders buy lots and hold them in inventory until they are ready to build. Other builders hold options on lots and cannot begin construction until they hold title. Builders can sell lots that they own, but if the infrastructure (water, sewer, electrical services) are not installed by the county, there may be a wait of up to a year in new developments.

THE MARYLAND NEW HOME BUYING PROCESS

STEP 1.
TOURING BUILDERS MODELS. The first step in buying a new home is touring all Maryland new home builders in your area of choice and price range. That way, you can compare builders, lots, commuting alternatives, floor plans, model homes if available.

STEP 2.
SELECTING THE LOT. Select your lot. If the builder you select to build your home have several lots available, consider the pluses and minuses of each lot. The features most new home buyers seek are: wooded, cul-de-sac, room in back for gym set, low traffic, and often buyers look for a particular exposure, north or south, for example.

STEP 3.
SELECTING THE FLOOR PLAN. Select your floor plan and we'll help make sure that the floor plan you love can be built on the lot you selected. Many builders are smart and modify their floor plans based on consumer surveys. Large builders have architects on staff to design, modify and improve design features regularly. Small builders, on the other hand may be more flexible when requests to customize features are made to accommodate a buyers special needs.

STEP 4.
HOLD THAT LOT!! Many home buyers are reluctant to have a builder hold a lot for them for a day or two. Sometimes this can make the difference in whether or not you get the lot you want. Keep in mind that when sales are good, builders will be reluctant to take lots off market with a lot hold. But, if we suggest that procedure and the builder is willing, it may reserve that special lot for you for a day or two. The builder will require a check in the amount of $100 to $1,000 to hold a lot. However, THE CHECK WILL NOT BE DEPOSITED. Builders cannot deposit a check without a contract. You risk nothing with a lot hold.

STEP 4.
WRITE A CONTRACT. Our experienced Homefinders.com agent will be with you when you sit down with the builder to write the contract to build your new home. We'll be able to explain any details about the contract that you might not understand. New home builders in Maryland are required to have a registration number on record with the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.

STEP 5.
GETTING FINANCING APPROVED. Once your contract is signed by the builder, the builder will require that you contact the lender as quickly as possible to pre-qualify you for financing. Once the lender has approved your credit and income to debt ratios, the builder will be notified.

STEP 6.
SELECTION OPTIONS AND UPGRADES. Once your contract is signed by the builder, financing is approved, it's time to select your preferred colors and other options. Some builders have these options right on site in the builder's model. Others have a central location where options can be selected. Major builders have "design centers" where you will be able to select flooring, counter tops, colors, etc. with the help of a design consultant.

STEP 7.
BUILDING PERMITS. The builder will apply to the county in which your home will be constructed for a building permit. At that time, they'll also apply for permits for well, septic systems, etc. if your newly constructed home isn't served by public water and sewage disposal. These permits take approximately 1 to 3 months depending on the county in which your new home will be built.

STEP 8.
CONSTRUCTION. Once the building permit is received by the builder, they'll begin construction of your home. The construction process takes from 4 to 8 months for the average sized home in Maryland. That would be a home of 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Expect a build out time of 6-12 months for homes in the 2,500 to 3,500 square feet. Of course, the estate homes in the over 3,500 square feet size will take longer, generally up to 18 months.

STEP 9.
INSPECTIONS. There will be county inspections of the house throughout the construction process. The builder will want you to attend the "pre-construction meeting" to go over the floor plan, electrical and plumbing locations, floor plan and exterior plans. This is the meeting with the construction manager to make sure they know what to build for you. If there are any options or customized features included in your plan, that will be verified.

PRE-DRYWALL INSPECTION. You should have a pre-drywall inspection to verify the location of all electrical features, outlets, telephone, kitchen, lighting, etc. You'll also verify the plumbing, heating and cooling features. Windows, doors, wall location, everything that can be seen before the drywall is installed will be verified at this stage in the construction.

PRE-SETTLEMENT WALK THROUGH AND DEMONSTRATION. This is the final opportunity to view the home before taking title. The builder will walk you through the house and demonstrate how all of the appliances, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling operate. This is also your opportunity to discover any defects. Defects will be covered by your builder's warranty. The builder will make every attempt to correct any defects prior to settlement but they may have to return after settlement to complete some repairs.

SETTLEMENT. Once your new home is completed, you'll be scheduled to meet with the builder and the title company that will collect your money and transfer title from the builder to you. This is when you get the keys to your new home.

CONTRATULATIONS ! ! ! YOU JUST BOUGHT A NEW HOME IN MARYLAND.