Why a New Home Specialist?

Although 2025 is my 21st year as a Realtor, I just completed the New Home Specialist Program (NHS) sponsored by the Builder Realty Council (BRC). It was an in-depth, one-week class and “dusty boot” tour of new homesites. We discussed current and emerging building trends, warranties, appraisals, blueprints, financing, green building practices, solar energy systems, and strategies for working with new home builders. Although I have been selling new build homes since 2005, I’ve recently noticed that many of my current clients and friends are considering downsizing to a new build for greater peace of mind and fewer day-to-day worries with upkeep and maintenance. That made it the perfect time to revisit the current challenges of building a new home!

So why am I excited about my New Home Specialist designation? The NHS designation helps you and me achieve happy clients! My expanded understanding of current and future new-build trends and opportunities will help you acquire a better-quality product and safer home standards. And if I can help you find a new home with the features you want, in a location that suits both your current and future needs, I will be happy! BONUS! I especially like the fact that the potential of your new home increasing in value before it’s built is a nice PERK. I have many clients who may have purchased a new home, and they are now enjoying substantially increased values. Increased home equity means increased financial flexibility for you! Financial flexibility may give you real estate choices!

According to the BRC the benefits of new-build homes include:

1) New construction homes offer more freedom and are easier to maintain for less money.

2) New construction saves money since they are energy efficient, which means lower utility costs. The systems that builders install reflect the current high-level building standards.

3) Current technological trends are often connected to future technology demands. It is interesting that many builders are not installing gas appliances and gas utilities as the primary utility foundation.

4) New homes are built more environmentally sustainable. According to the BRC, a new home uses less energy, reduces water usage, and preserves natural resources.

5) One of the key perks for a new home vs a resale home is the community focus that builders are developing. As I attend the annual conferences and builder meetings, I keep hearing that builders are working hard to offer the amenities and features buyers demand—such as a variety of floor plans and locations for 55 active communities, multi-car garages, and RV storage. Today’s buyers are requesting suburban-style settings in urban areas that include walking trails, parks, and outdoor sports facilities.

I’m committed to visiting new-build communities to better understand their differences and identify a few key areas that might be a great fit for you and your family. Look for a collection of photos and brief videos on Facebook and Instagram as I introduce myself to the community sales centers. And I ask that you reference me as your realtor if you do happen to visit a new home community. In the next issues of the newsletter, I will detail a few of the scenarios and reasons to work with me—your advocate. I may share a few interesting stories too!