Metro Detroit

VIDEO: THE SELECTION PROCESS

August 31, 2018

ou dropped a solo performance!  Check out his in-depth analysis of the selection process, while running late for an actual selection appointment with Lombardo Homes…

Choosing the selections for your new house is an opportunity to add your own personal unique touch to your new home; but let’s be honest, it can get a little stressful.  Depending whether you work with a production builder or a custom builder will determine just how many decisions you’ll need to make; production builders (Pulte, Lombardo, Toll Brothers, etc), will be more limited, while custom builders (those typically building 25-50 homes per year or less), will be fairly extensive.  Either way, you’ll be selecting items that will be fixtures in your new home for the foreseeable future.  So how do you navigate the process, to ensure you make the right selections?

Jeff just let’s his wife choose everything, so if she’s unhappy, it’s her fault.  Genius, sure, but she still finds a way to blame him.

Truthfully, there is no fail-safe approach, but if you do the research in advance and prepare yourself accordingly, the process is considerably easier and… dare we say… fun!

With most production builders, you’ll have a chance to preview the builders selection center, where all the different samples are on display; cabinets, countertops, flooring, etc.  Take advantage of the preview – and any other opportunities to visit – prior to sitting down to do the selections.  Even better, take us with you!  By figuring out what you like in advance, your actual selection appointment is essentially just filling in the blanks.  As far as your budget goes, people generally add an additional 10% – 15% to the overall purchase price with a production builder; we can help you determine which items truly are “must haves” and which ones might be better completed on your own, post closing.

With custom builders, you really get to personalize your home, but the process will involve visiting each distributor separately – a lengthier process for sure, but it gives you more time to choose what you want (removing some of the stress), and of course, provides more selections to choose from (adding back the stress that you just removed).  This route will call for slightly more organization on your part – since you’ll be running the show more than the builder will be – but we can help you in that regard as well.  Budgeting with a custom builder is difficult, because often the sky is the limit for what you can do, but we will work with you to ensure your money is spent wisely.

Check out our quick video about the selection process above for more info; whichever route you choose, let us guide you though the process.  And remember: don’t visit the builders model without us on your first visit!

Lou Bitove & Jeff Bortnick, owners of The New Home Experts®, have more than 30 years combined experience in real estate, much of that with builders like Pulte & Toll Brothers.  They also provide market research for area builders, developers and national firms.  If you’re considering a new home, remember: the builders rep represents the builder, not you.  Work with the only local agents in Metro Detroit to specialize in new homes, and save money in the process – ask us how!