For those interested in Anchorage Homes, this weekend is a must. It is the Spring Preview of Homes in Anchorage and there are 29 different entries offered by six different builders. The price ranges for the homes start at $300,000 and go up to $808,000. This event is different from the Parade of Homes that is offered during the fall because the entries do not have to be finished. This provides visitors with a chance to see anything from bare studs to furnished models during the event.
The weekend event provides a great opportunity to inspect how a home is constructed underneath the sheetrock. Several of the homes that are entered should show exposed electrical, plumbing, and insulation. While some of the home plans are going to seem familiar, there are others that are brand new. For most new shoppers the most interesting displays will be the latest in cabinet colors, the widths of the baseboards, taupe or gray walls, as well as how big the master bedroom is.
According to Ryan Tollefsen of the Unity Home Group, “The idea for the spring preview event is to help generate buyers for new home construction projects.” When it comes to new homes in Anchorage it is important to note that the building permits are at record lows of less than 300 units and have remained this way for the last 3 years. Since the number of inventory homes in the area is so low, which are homes that are built with no buyer there is very little choice available. This forces most buyers to purchase their home before it even exists.
Going to the spring preview is a great first step to try to determine the subdivision, plan, and builder that you want to work with for your home building project. Each of the six builders who will be at the show are bonded, licensed, and insured. They have a general contractor’s license as well as a residential endorsement. It is important to note that each of the buyers will have their own procedures regarding work with buyers for the business presale. This is a home that is under contract for a buyer before the home is built.
Some of the builders at the event are land developers as well and will prefer to build in a community where they also have an ownership interest for the land and are familiar with the soil of the area. There are other builders that will buy a lot as it is needed. One of the more significant costs of any home is the excavation cost. This can increase the price of a home by anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 and no value is added to the home’s appraisal.
Some of the builders will develop the floor plans as well while other builders may sub out the design work for the homes. If you choose a plan from a builder that they have built before it will allow the builder to provide you with a more accurate price for the home that you want built.
When it comes to the price of a home the details are where it is at. This includes all of the allowances and finishes that are used. There are some builders that will provide a list of finishes for each home. These standard finishes could vary based on the subdivision or floor plan that is chosen. You should not assume that if you see quartz countertops in one of the homes that this is the standard finish, often this is an upgrade that was paid for by the buyer.
Before making a commitment to a builder make sure to get a copy of the plot plan, the floor plan, and a list of standard features. There should also be an allowance written for appliances, cabinets, flooring, lighting, tile, etc.
Spending time with the builder is important so that the final costs can be outlined and the specific finishes for the home determined. All of the agreements that are made should be done in writing. This includes any change orders that are made.
