If you are contemplating moving to the Austin area, it doesn't hurt to preview the new home builders. New home builders can provide great financing as well as special inventory deals.
One thing to keep in mind: A lot of people are under the impression they don't need a realtor to purchase a new home. The problem with this is there is no one to represent you when something goes wrong. Who do you turn to for advice? Realtors are paid from the advertising budget set forth, NOT from the sales price. You don't get a better deal not using a realtor. Our services are FREE to you, paid by the builder. See one of my past client's testimonials on testimonials page.
If you do visit a new home builder's sales office, PLEASE tell them you are working with a REALTOR and give them my name and contact information. It costs you nothing, and you then have representation when something goes wrong.
Example?: I had one client purchase a new home and two days prior to closing a pipe burst and flooded the carpet. The builder told the buyers they would suck the water out of the carpet and it would be o.k. I said, "absolutely not"! The buyers assumed they would have to live with the builders decision. I told them, "no way that is not acceptable". They got all new carpeting.
Example?: Another woman I know bought a home from a builder, using no realtor, and closed it. When she went to sell, the buyer's inspected her septic system and it failed. She never had it inspected prior to closing, and it wasn't installed properly. It cost her $5000 to repair it to pass inspection.
