Did you know that the Dallas area is the top new home market in the country, with 33,234 homes started in 2017? 4th quarter construction starts were up 16.9% over 2016, and builders report stronger than expected sales at the end of 2017, indicating 2018 could be a banner year for new home construction as well.
And it’s not just new homes that are hot. The numbers of new listings, pending sales, and closings over the last few years. DFW continues to have one of the top 20 hottest housing markets in the nation.
This isn’t surprising, given the fact that Texas keeps welcoming new businesses, like Toyota, Liberty Mutual, and State Farm, which bring new residents! Quality of life, cost of living, good schools, and tax incentives make DFW a great place to live right now.
But there’s a downside to this good news…
Faster sales lead to fewer homes on the market, and competition can be fierce. Short option periods are compelling people to rush to judgment as they contemplate making one of the most significant investments they’ll make in their lives. Often, they decide to live with certain home defects, fearing that if they don’t buy this home, they won’t find another they like as well.
This doesn’t have to be your fate! Whether you’re buying an existing home or building a new one, the most important thing you can do as part of the process is find a qualified, trustworthy Dallas home inspector to arm you with information before you sign on the dotted line.
If you’re considering buying an existing home, a thorough home inspection will give you a detailed understanding of a home’s condition, so you can negotiate a fair price with confidence. It will also give you peace of mind once you’ve made the decision to buy a home or let it go. If you’re about ready to move into that newly-built home of your dreams, a thorough home inspection gives you the information you need to make sure it is built as designed and that all systems are working properly. You should also make a note to have it re-inspected before the builder’s one-year warranty expires. A one-year builder warranty inspection can save you money by identifying defects you may not be able to see. It will help you hold your builder accountable for the quality of your new home.
Here are a few additional posts to guide you on your home buying journey:
- Selecting a Home Inspector? Ask These 13 Questions.
- The Pros and Cons of Buying an Older Home
- 5 Steps to Optimize your Home Buyer’s Option Period
- Why You Shouldn’t Skip a Home Inspection, Even on a New Home
Short option periods are compelling people to rush to judgment as they contemplate making one of the most significant investments they’ll make in their lives. Often, they decide to live with certain home defects, fearing that if they don’t buy this home, they won’t find another they like as well.
And if you think you don’t need to worry about this downside because you’ve decided to have a home custom built, think again. Many others are taking advantage of today’s low mortgage rates to do the same thing. Builders are busier than ever, and quality can be compromised as they rush to finish homes quickly, so they can move on to the next project.
The most important thing you can do if you’re looking to buy a home in North Texas? Find a qualified, trustworthy Dallas home inspector to arm you with information before you sign on the dotted line. If you’re considering buying an existing home, a thorough home inspection will give you a detailed understanding of a home’s condition, so you can negotiate a fair price with confidence. It will also give you peace of mind once you’ve made the decision to buy a home or let it go.
If you’re about ready to move into that newly-built home of your dreams, a thorough home inspection gives you the information you need to make sure it is built as designed and that all systems are working properly. You should also make a note to have it re-inspected before the builder’s one-year warranty expires. A one-year builder warranty inspection can save you money by identifying defects you may not be able to see. It will help you hold your builder accountable for the quality of your new home.
Here are a few additional posts with guidance to help you take advantage of these low mortgage rates without regret:
- Selecting a Home Inspector? Ask These 13 Questions.
- The Pros and Cons of Buying an Older Home
- 5 Steps to Optimize your Home Buyer’s Option Period
Image Credit: Chris Potter via Flickr
About Our Licensed Dallas Home Inspections
Since 2007, Keith Boggs of Stonebriar Property Inspections has been helping his loyal clients buy and sell homes with confidence. With more than 25 years working in the construction industry, Keith offers thorough, accurate, home inspection services of the highest quality in the greater DFW area, with both a Dallas Home Inspection office and a Frisco Home Inspection office.