Buying Unfinished Homes

As you search for your new home, you probably have visited a number of planned communities where only models are available for viewing. As you drive around quays and closes to see rows of concrete pads stabbed through with PVC piping, you're only granted an imaginary view of what your new home could look like. Prepared models may give you an idea of space and placement, but at the end of the day you may believe buying an unfinished home is like getting a pig in a poke. Does it present an opportunity or a risk?

Let's take a look at some of the advantages and challenges in purchasing an unfinished home, regardless of the stage of construction.

Advantages:

1) Depending on how swift lot sales are going in the community, you may be able to negotiate a good price on your new home. One reason why you might see a planned community with empty spaces is because the land and the house has not yet sold and the money is needed to continue with construction. If the economy is slow, you may be able to get a good deal.

2) If the house is in an early stage of being built, you may have the opportunity to control design. In planned communities, homes often come with similar fixtures and colors because they can be purchased in bulk. Get in on a home early, and you may get your pick on some nice counter tops and wallpaper.

3) If you have an idea of your expected move-in date, you'll have plenty of time to prepare and sell your old home. You won't feel rushed into moving.

Disadvantages:

1) Time can work against you too with an unfinished home. Unexpected delays, problems with finances, and other issues may prevent your home from being finished on time. If you sell your house in the interim, you could be stuck looking for temporary digs until your home is built.

2) While waiting for your home, your personal and financial situation could change. Someone could lose a job, you could become divorced, or get transferred to another city. These situations can arise when buying a functional home, too, but with an unfinished place there could be more questions to answer.

3) If other lots around you don't sell for a while, you could be stuck having concrete pads as neighbors. While it may seem peaceful, it may not exactly help your home value.

Think carefully about whether or not you want to invest in a home that is not yet finished. If you trust the builder and realty company, you may have an advantage overall.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk real estate and Virginia Beach homes.

The Benefits of a New Heating and Air Conditioning System

First thing any homeowner should know: regular knocking and pinging within your walls is definitely not a sign of good tidings. If you're freezing at home during the winter and broiling in the summer, this is more than enough evidence that a new HVAC system is in your future. Even if you feel your current heating and cooling set-up has not aged to the point of replacement, you'll find that the benefits of a new installation outweigh your current deal.

What are the benefits of a new heating and air conditioning system for your home? Aside from many days of comfort regardless of the weather, your home and your bank account will gain considerably.

1) Depending on when you make the purchase, and what kind of model you buy, you may set yourself up for a nice tax rebate on your next return. Making greener improvements to your home through the installation of energy efficient appliances and fixtures may qualify you for these benefits. You may wish to speak to a provider for the details.

2) Consequently, eco-friendly products are known to help lower energy bills. If you're interested in paying out less per month in heating and cooling, this is something you should consider.

3) Improvements to your home help increase your property's overall value. If ever you decide to sell, your home may be appraised accordingly because you took the time to upgrade your HVAC system.

4) Newer systems may be simpler to use than the model you have right now. You can upgrade to a digital thermostat where applicable, and manage which rooms in your house get more heat and air so you're not wasting energy.

5) Lastly, a newer system can help rejuvenate you and your family. Even though you may change filters on a regular basis, there is something about a new HVAC system that brings peace of mind to your home. You may breathe in cleaner air and feel more active, and it's a good way to prepare for especially extreme weather seasons.

Consult with your local HVAC installation service to determine what is involved for you as far as getting a new system bought and placed in your home. The sooner you have the updated model in place, the sooner you can breathe easy knowing you are saving money, keeping your home clean, and improving the way you work and live. A new HVAC system works for you.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC services and Yorktown HVAC services.