Why You Should Use a Realtor for New Construction?

New construction can be a great option for buyers.  I mean who doesn’t want a brand-new home with the latest colors and style trends? If you are interested in buying a new construction home, the builder’s agent will be ready to help you with the process. But make no mistake: You need your own representation from the beginning.

What is a builder’s agent?

When you buy new construction, the home’s builder is considered the seller, and the agent representing the builder is called the builder’s agent. Even if it seems so easy to sign up with the builder’s on-site agent, you are going to want someone representing your side of the deal.

The job of the builder’s agent is to get the highest price for all of the homes the builder is selling.  The builder’s agent is not going to be as eager to negotiate down.

All that said, the builder’s agent could be a valuable resource for learning about a potential new home. They do know the benefits of the area and the amenities the builder provides.  However, it is our fiduciary duty as your buyers’ agent to help you consider all the pieces to the buying puzzle.

Why you should hire your own real estate agent?

The builder (aka the seller) is responsible for paying the commission and needs to know if you have a real estate agent representing you at your first visit to a builder community. As your real estate agent, we must accompany you on your first visit and register you with the builder through the onsite sales agent. Most builders will refuse to pay your agent a commission if you don’t register the agent up front.

Here are several areas we real estate agent will help you with:

  • Helping pick out the best floor plan and lot
  • Recommending financing
  • Negotiating extras
  • Liaison between the builder and you
  • Design Center Meetings, including picking the right upgrades & staying within budget
  • Overseeing the entire process and assist with scheduling a home inspection
  • Clearing the path for a clean closing

Andrea Miller Group will help you negotiate with any new construction builder in North Texas!

Tips for Homeowners with Dogs

Watch the stairs. As dogs age and arthritis makes getting around more difficult, a ramp is a great solution for mobility ease. Dog ramps come in various styles and heights, and if you’re a DIYer, you can custom-build one to your exact specifications.

Decorate with leashes. Exercise is a key ingredient to your dog’s physical and mental well-being. A wall-mounted pet organizer that holds your dog’s collar, leash, doggie bags, treats and other items will keep necessities tidy and within arm’s reach, and can offer a nice decoration in your home.

Tips for home construction. If you’re planning your home with your pets in mind, go with flooring material that’ll clean easily, withstand scratches, and provide decent traction. Carpets are more challenging to keep clean, especially light-colored rugs since they trap pet hair, dander, allergens and dirt.

Kennel run or exercise pen. Inevitably, there are times when your dog needs to be safely contained – during an open house, for example. Having a safe containment area that your dog enjoys and is familiar with is an invaluable feature in your dog’s home.

All about the fence. A fenced-in yard is essential for dog owners. Your fence should be sturdy, at least 6 feet tall and escape-proof. Fence styles and budgets may vary, but it’s widely recommended to have a solid fence. Solid fences can reduce barrier frustration, alarm barking, and will keep outside animals from coming into your yard.

Remove all hazards. Inspect your home and yard for potential dangers to your dog that could result in choking, strangulation, electrocution, suffocation or poisoning. These can be even more common during home renovations, so always double-check the home and yard during and after repairs and remodels.

Other things to tend to year-round include shortening window cords, covering wires, securing loose boards, hammering down nail heads, and restricting access to areas that harbor poisonous items, such as the garage, cupboards and under the sink.

Landscaping for your pet. Identify which indoor and outdoor plants are toxic to dogs. Fertilizers and insecticides are hazards and commonly factor into toxic reactions in dogs. There are many resources available online which list the most frequently encountered poisonous plants and products.

5 DIY Improvements for Your Home

Updating your home to be more chic – without looking cheap – is completely doable on a budget.

If you’re looking to add more class to your home, taking on a DIY project can give your house that extra sense of style while saving you money. No need to cringe at those three little words: “do it yourself.” There really are fast, easy and affordable projects you can do on your own. Here are 5 DIY Improvements to Make Your Home Classier.

1. Replace Your Light Fixtures
Switching out an old or basic light fixture for a more elegant one is an easy way to shift the ambiance of a room. By adding a sophisticated light fixture, you can control the intensity of the light and character of your room. And you don’t need to pay a pretty penny for expensive new fixtures – you can buy used fixtures online.

2. Add Floating Shelves
Installing floating shelves in your home combines the functionality of extra storage space with a bit of style and personal flair. Floating shelves can be mounted on walls in many different patterns, and they come in various materials to give your rooms a unique touch. For a small room choose shallow shelves to display framed photos; for a larger room you can afford to use deeper shelves to hold vases, books and unique trinkets.

3. Paint an Accent Wall
Painting an accent wall can add a pop of color and showcase your personality. Usually a low-risk project, a homeowner of any skill level can tackle this project in a day. You just need some painter’s tape, a brush and the color that suits you! Just make sure the color you choose is complementary with the other colors in the room. Stay consistent between warm and cool tones.

4. Install Decorative Molding
Adding decorative molding around your home can add an extra touch of elegance. Install molding to the ceiling by capping walls, columns and cabinets, or add chair molding lower to the ground. With detailed molding you can add character to your rooms while also making them feel taller and more finished.

5. Build a Stone Fire Pit

Take your sophisticated style outside by building a stone fire pit in your backyard. Completed in only a few hours, take uniquely shaped rocks or large stones and put them together to create a functional and stylish fire pit. Before starting the project, be sure to check your local fire codes or homeowners association to ensure you are safe and allowed to start building.

Adding a touch of class to your home doesn’t have to break the bank! Just be sure to start with one project at a time, allowing yourself to complete one before starting the next. Otherwise, you’ll fall victim to chronic project incompleteness syndrome – not a good look!

Now that you know about these 5 DIY Improvements projects, which will you try?

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How Owning a Home Benefits You

You probably know that owning your own home can benefit you financially, but home ownership comes with a surprising number of health, wealth and social perks too. Check out these five ways home ownership could be making your life even better:

1. Homeowners report better psychological and physical health than non-owners.

2. Homeowners are far less likely to become crime victims than non-owners.

3. Homeowners are more likely to live in neighborhoods with more opportunities for school involvement or participation in neighborhood activities.

4. The average homeowner’s net worth is 35 times that of the average renter.

5. Homeowners bring stability to neighborhoods. They move far less frequently than non-owners, and hence are embedded into the neighborhood and community for a longer period.

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

Andrea Miller Group
214-263-5616
Keller Williams Dallas Preston Road
18333 Preston Road, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75252
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