Is New Construction in Brandon, FL Right for You?

Brenda Wade

10/29/21


One of the most exciting aspects of real estate is when buyers have the opportunity to get into a brand new house, known in the industry as new construction.

New construction comes in a few different options. It could be buying a single-family home or condo that has just been built in a new development, buying a semi-custom home in a development in which you can choose from among various floor plans and amenities, or going for the gusto and having your dream house custom built to your exact specifications and desires, which is the ultimate in homeownership.

Whichever option you choose for new homes for sale Brandon FL, you should plan every step carefully, from setting a budget, hiring an experienced real estate agent, and writing a list of amenities and other features that you absolutely have to have. This is your chance to get everything you want in a home, and the more extensively you plan, the happier you will be.

Why Brandon?

Brandon is a pleasant suburb just a few miles east of downtown Tampa Bay with a population of around 103,000. It has numerous attractive neighborhoods interspersed with small lakes and open areas. Everything residents need for a pleasant Sunshine State lifestyle is right there, including shopping, restaurants, golf courses, and stunningly beautiful weather.

It’s just a short drive to the many attractions in Tampa and St. Petersburg, including water activities on Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, professional sports, and everything else in the metropolitan area.

Among the great neighborhoods to choose from are Providence Lakes, Sterling Ranch, South Ridge of Tampa, Ashley Oaks, Heather Lakes at Brandon, and Arbor Oaks.

Costs of New Construction

According to real estate experts, buying new construction can cost you as much as 20% more than existing homes. However, those costs can be countered by savings in utility costs if your new home is loaded with eco-friendly amenities such as EnergyStar appliances, a smart thermostat, double-paned windows, and even solar panels on the roof. Additionally, when you move into a new house, it should be with the expectation that you won’t need expensive maintenance, upgrades, or renovations for many years.

Due to its popularity, Brandon is considered a seller’s market, which means there are more buyers than there are homes for sale. Factors that will continue to drive any seller’s market are low mortgage interest rates, which allow people to afford bigger houses and a tight inventory that has numerous buyers competing for properties.

You might find that building your dream home is well-worth the investment during this low-inventory market when prices are high and competition is steep. 


Line up a Real Estate Agent

It’s a smart move to hire an experienced real estate agent, even if you plan to buy new homes for sale in Brandon, FL. The developer or construction company you are buying a home from will have representatives looking out for their interests, so you absolutely need someone looking out for yours as well.

You should take an agent with you even when you are looking at model homes in new construction developments, especially if you are at the point where you are negotiating with a sales representative. A real estate agent who knows how to navigate through these kinds of deals will be invaluable, especially if you have never bought new construction before. This will probably be the biggest purchase of your life, so any misstep without the help of an agent can be costly and lock you into an unfavorable deal.

Established Brandon, FL, real estate agent Brenda Wade is always happy to help you through the process of buying new construction homes. 

Research Builders

Finding the right contractors or builders is crucial for a successful build. Luckily, Brenda Wade is well-versed with local vendors and can help you navigate this decision. For more information, you can check with the local Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau to see how long a building company has been in business and how neighbors enjoyed working with them. 

Pros and Cons

Among the pros of new construction is being able to get the amenities you’ve always wanted, including smart technology in every system and appliance in the house. There should be no surprises, like there can be when you move into a previously owned home and find that something is wrong or not in as good of shape as you thought. New construction comes with various warranties.

In contrast, the cons of new construction include upgrades that can quickly eat into your budget and the fact that your home might not appreciate in value for the first several years you own it, as compared to an older home in which you’d have the chance to make upgrades and renovations. You need to be particularly mindful of cost overruns with custom-built homes, particularly in light of recent problems with the availability of building materials and labor.

Arrange Financing

Just like with any other real estate purchase, set a budget and visit a handful of bankers to get preapproved for a home loan. That will allow you to shop with confidence and with a price range in mind. Many builders and developers offer their own financing, but terms might not be as competitive as with traditional lenders.

If you are interested in purchasing new homes for sale in Brandon, FL, contact Brenda Wade for guidance during this exciting new journey. Her expertise will guide you through the process every step of the way.


 
Brenda Wade

Brenda Wade

President/CEO

About the Author

Brenda Wade was born to be a realtor! Her father was a contractor in Pensacola, Florida, and she grew up watching homes be built. She remembers almost every night, family conversations centering around something her dad was working on. A natural gift for sales, and her early life, helped to launch her Real Estate career in 1984. She was the Top Rookie, Top Producer from the very beginning month she entered the business. Along the way, she opened/owned a successful Re/Max office before relocating from Houston to Atlanta and finally Tampa, where she has lived for over 20 years. Her first passion is her family; married to her high school sweetheart, Ronney, son Austin and his bride Brittany, her daughter Alison and son-in-law, D’Marco, and her three grandchildren.

  • Over $2 Billion in Closed Sales
  • Over 4k Homes Sold
  • 2009-2022 Top Producing Realtor in Hillsborough County
  • Florida Native

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