Checklist Tags

These are the checklists related to New Construction.

The following are tasks that are specific to buying a new construction home.

When you click on the task, you can also see the tags that task is filed under. You can also click on the tag to see other tasks with that tag.

  1. Save copy of "Definitions of Working Relationships" to your Dropbox folder
    Save copy of "Definitions of Working Relationships" to your Dropbox folder using the filename format of:

    "YYYY-MM-DD - YOUR NAME - Definitions of Working Relationships.pdf"

    Where YYYY = the year, MM = the two digit month, DD = the two digit day of the month and YOUR NAME is your actual name.

    For example, mine might look like this:

    "2019-04-03 - James Orr - Definitions of Working Relationships.pdf"

    Mark as complete when you've saved it to your Dropbox.

    ASAPFirst Meeting: PaperworkNew ConstructionPaperworkUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 1

  2. Save copy of "Exclusive Right-To-Buy Listing Contract" to your Dropbox folder
    Save copy of "Exclusive Right-To-Buy Listing Contract" to your Dropbox folder using the filename format of:

    "YYYY-MM-DD - YOUR NAME - Exclusive Right-To-Buy Listing Contract.pdf"

    Where YYYY = the year, MM = the two digit month, DD = the two digit day of the month and YOUR NAME is your actual name.

    For example, mine might look like this:

    "2019-04-03 - James Orr - Exclusive Right-To-Buy Listing Contract.pdf"

    Mark as complete when you've saved it to your Dropbox.

    ASAPFirst Meeting: PaperworkNew ConstructionPaperworkUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 1

  3. Receive a copy of "Brokerage Disclosure Regarding New Construction"
    Receive a copy of "Brokerage Disclosure Regarding New Construction" (also known as "Risks of New Construction").

    James usually provides this via DocuSign for you to sign electronically along with:

    • "Definitions of Working Relationships"
    • "Exclusive Right-To-Buy Listing Contract"
    • "Professional Services Provided"

    Mark this task complete once you've received it.

    ASAPFirst Meeting: PaperworkNew ConstructionPaperworkUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 1

  4. Read "Brokerage Disclosure Regarding New Construction"
  5. Discuss the "Brokerage Disclosure Regarding New Construction" with your Real Estate Broker
    Discuss the "Brokerage Disclosure Regarding New Construction" with your Real Estate Broker.

    • The contracts that builders use are typically different than the contract the we use when buying a resale home from a Seller in the MLS or a FSBO.
    • The builder contracts tend to be very pro-builder whereas the contract we use elsewhere tends to be pro-Buyer.
    • Each builder contract is unique to each builder and is written usually by their attorney. Real Estate Brokers do not get training on the builder's contract and so we rely on the builder to explain it. If you have questions you may want to hire your own attorney to review it.

    Mark this task as complete when you feel you understand the "Brokerage Disclosure Regarding New Construction".

    ASAPFirst Meeting: PaperworkNew ConstructionPaperworkUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 1

  6. Save copy of "Brokerage Disclosure Regarding New Construction" to your Dropbox folder
    Save copy of "Brokerage Disclosure Regarding New Construction" to your Dropbox folder using the filename format of:

    "YYYY-MM-DD - YOUR NAME - Brokerage Disclosure Regarding New Construction.pdf"

    Where YYYY = the year, MM = the two digit month, DD = the two digit day of the month and YOUR NAME is your actual name.

    For example, mine might look like this:

    "2019-04-03 - James Orr - Brokerage Disclosure Regarding New Construction.pdf"

    Mark as complete when you've saved it to your Dropbox.

    ASAPFirst Meeting: PaperworkNew ConstructionPaperworkUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 1

  7. Save copy of "Professional Services Provided" to your Dropbox folder
    Save copy of "Professional Services Provided" to your Dropbox folder using the filename format of:

    "YYYY-MM-DD - YOUR NAME - Professional Services Provided.pdf"

    Where YYYY = the year, MM = the two digit month, DD = the two digit day of the month and YOUR NAME is your actual name.

    For example, mine might look like this:

    "2019-04-03 - James Orr - Professional Services Provided.pdf"

    Mark as complete when you've saved it to your Dropbox.

    ASAPFirst Meeting: Professional Services ProvidedNew ConstructionPaperworkUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 1

  8. Discuss lot selection criteria with Real Estate Broker
    Before making an offer on a new construction property it might be a good idea to discuss your lot selection with your Real Estate Broker.

    Does the lot face north making it more likely to have ice on your driveway and walkways?
    Is it a corner lot? Some people prefer corner lots; some people don't. You also need to shovel more sidewalk in the winter with a corner lot.
    Is the lot near something positive like open space or a park?
    Is the lot near something negative like the dump or oil drilling?

    New ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  9. Discuss upgrades with Real Estate Broker
    Before making an offer on a new construction property it might be a good idea to discuss which upgrades you plan to get with your Real Estate Broker. What is included varies from builder to builder so it is important to ask and discuss this.

    Often, builders charge a change order fee if you decide you want to add or remove upgrades once you're under contract. And, at some point, the builder will tell you that it is too late to change things since the upgrades have already been ordered, purchased and/or installed.

    Things to consider with new construction for upgrades include:

    • AC
    • Garage door opener
    • Backyard landscaping
    • Refrigerator and microwave
    • Blinds

    New ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  10. Discuss change order fee with Real Estate Broker
    Often, builders charge a change order fee if you decide you want to add or remove upgrades once you're under contract. And, at some point, the builder will tell you that it is too late to change things since the upgrades have already been ordered, purchased and/or installed.

    Before making your offer it helps to know what the change order fee is (the amount) and when you can make changes and when you can no longer make changes.

    New ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  11. Discuss radon policy with Real Estate Broker
    Most builders are installing passive radon systems in homes when they build them in Northern Colorado.

    However, the policy on testing for radon and making the systems active varies.

    Some builders will allow you to test for radon and if it comes in above 4.0 picoCuries per Liter, they will pay to have the passive system upgraded to an active system to get it below the threshold.

    Other builders, will allow you to test but they do not do anything if it comes in above the threshold. It would be up to you, after Closing to install an active system.

    New ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  12. Discuss builder warranty with Real Estate Broker
    If you're buying new construction, discuss the builder's warranty with your Real Estate Broker and the builder so that you understand what is covered, how it is covered and for what period of time.

    New ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  13. IF NEW CONSTRUCTION: Consider the following extras
    If you're buying new construction consider that not all properties come with the same upgrades. Ask the following questions and if it is not included, considering adding it when you write your contract. Changes later to the contract often will cost you a change order fee from the builder so it is important to do it at the time of writing your offer.

    • Does it include Air Conditioning?
    • Does it include window blinds for the entire property? Some builder don't include any. Some include just a few windows.
    • Does it include backyard landscaping?
    • Does it include a fence?
    • Does it include all appliances? Refrigerator? Dishwasher? Stove? Microwave? Clothes washer? Clothes dryer?
    • Does it include garage door opener?

    ASAPNew ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 12Week 4Writing Offer: Info Required

  14. IF NEW CONSTRUCTION: Consider the following for lot selection
    If you're buying new construction consider the following factors when selecting a lot to build on:

    • Does it face north? North facing lots often have icy front steps.
    • Does it get sunlight in the rooms you desire at the times of day you desire? This varies by person, so consider it for yourself.
    • Do you want a corner lot? Some people prefer not having another neighbor. Some people prefer not having to shovel two long sidewalks and having people walking on the side of their homes.
    • Is there a lot by open space or other desirable feature?
    • Is the lot by a busy street?
    • Is the lot on a street that most people will need to drive by to access the neighborhood?

    ASAPNew ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 12Week 4Writing Offer: Info Required

  15. Consider adding a fence to attract tenants with pets
    Tenants with pets represent an exceptionally large percentage of tenants.

    So, accepting pets and having a property with a fenced in yard can help attract a larger pool of tenants which may help you to get higher rent.

    Plus, you may also be able to collect additional pet rent on your properties.

    For more information on fence laws in Colorado (and possibly getting your neighbors to contribute to the cost of adding a fence), check out this special report.

    New ConstructionPrepare Property for RentUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 56

  16. IF NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR NEXT PURCHASE: Research build time from builder
    If you're planning to buy new construction for your next purchase, research the build time from the builder you're considering. Some can take 6 months or more.

    So, it might be better to research this and maybe even go under contract very early to make sure you hit your ideal timeline for your next purchase.

    New ConstructionNext PropertyUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 26