I prefer to buy an existing home in an older subdivision since I find it more well established. For a brand new house, everything smells fresh and new but every time I visit a new built subdivision, there's not very many trees most of the time while in an older subdivision, the trees are already full grown. Another reason why I prefer an existing home in an older neighborhood is because I'm more about the location rather than just the house by itself. I'm not really interested in adding stuff to the house or choosing a specific design since I'm not a very materialistic person. Other than location, as long as the house doesn't have too many major issues then I'm fine with an existing home. Major issues for example, damage foundation or structure.

@JeremyAKnight

4 жыл бұрын

D Man great points.

Don't forget about the Mediterranean style architecture and design homes. I totally love that style. It's more than just how it looks. It's the feeling and the vibe. The thing about the Mediterranean style architecture is that it feels like you're on a vacation paradise. That style is very classic and it's so unique. I wonder why we can't have that style architecture all over Austin. There's hardly any Mediterranean style homes in Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto but it California, they have that style architecture everywhere and some parts of Austin does have the Mediterranean style architecture homes.

Thank god for our Realter Vicky Pflugerville when we bought a new build I Pflugerville in 2006. She fought for us when the builder wanted to change things on us. And even made sure our trees were the right diameter. She was a godsend. We are still in that home even though it’s too big for just the 2 of us now.

@JeremyAKnight

3 жыл бұрын

Great feedback! It does pay to have a solid realtor on your side!

@laurelldockall2399

3 жыл бұрын

It sure does. We had just moved from Hawaii and I was set on the traditional features I found in the home. I am married to an anthropologist and history is our jam. I had a fit when we bought the new build foe a 20.000 discount if we kept the ore decided features. I did but had a fit when they wanted to switch out the 5 panel doors to some ugly ones. The 5 panel have a historical background. Being the top is an open bible. Vickey helped me to put my foot down as I was willing to walk away on this alone. I know. I’m extra. We are a block from the pool and the lake. But at our age we do not use them. Some day I want a smaller place as we have 4 bed 3 baths for the two of us. But we just don’t have the energy to look into it. When we do you are my guy. 😄

Great info! Thanks for these tips.

@JeremyAKnight

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! Thank you!

I see some of the title and escrow fees that normally are paid by seller being pushed to buyers side of the settlement. Lennar’s title company CalAtlantic Title even charges a notary fee even though the buyers drive to their office to sign for closing. So basically, they are too busy to have their escrow officer to give you service so you pay to have someone who knows nothing about the transaction do their work for them. Surprise fees.

@JeremyAKnight

4 жыл бұрын

Amy Hayslett Realtor 100% agree. I wish I put that in the video.

Nice!

Well planned informative video! Tons of great advice and things to look for.

@JeremyAKnight

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark.

Good job!!

We didn’t use a realtor but we both have taken the classes and we want to become agents so we are very cautious and go through all details/numbers. We are just the type of people to do things on our own but I would suggest a realtor if you can’t handle the stress lol. We negotiated a new construction ourselves and we do Daily checks because we represent ourselves lol.

@DD-ee2nv

3 жыл бұрын

You don't need a realtor. That's why you have an attorney.

One thing you forgot to mention especially here in Austin is that most new-build neighborhoods have waiting lists for lots. Getting an inventory home is a good way to get around that. The only thing you are sacrificing is the ability to customize your home if you purchase before construction is complete. Fantastic information! I wish I found this before we started looking. We just put earnest money down on an inventory home (with pre-approval from a 3rd party lender) which makes me happy that it looks like we are on the right track.

@JeremyAKnight

3 жыл бұрын

Not very many builders have inventory right now. That's the biggest issue we are facing. They are raising prices because of it.

I bought new construction from Meritage. Did minimal upgrades like extra sconce in the front, ceiling fan and pendant light electrical. Upgraded the cabinets as it was that orange cabinets as the base. I left the floors and counter tops as is. Counter tops are very expensive I don’t plan on changing it, but I did go to Lowe’s and changed out my floors from carpet and orange tile. Base price of my home was 243k after everything went to 256k, it’s very doable to stay in your price range just have to decline a lot of upgrades. Wish I knew about applying for another lender to maybe a price reduced the prices for the lender was quite high to me.

Ya we where able to get our home 75k under asking price this time last year. This was a inventory house and we used our Leander due to there interest rate bing .5 less then builder rates and our closing cost was lest as well.

I’d love to design everything in a new house! Would be so much fun! 🤩 dreaming big about getting a brand new home!

@JeremyAKnight

4 жыл бұрын

We can make that happen 🦁

Hi Jeremy, thank you for the awesome video. I learned a lot from it! I have a quick question regarding property taxes: If the seller of an older home was paying $5000/year of property taxes, and after the home is sold to the new owner, would the new owner's property taxes be based on the same amount that the seller was paying prior to the sale of the home? In other words, will the new owner's property tax be based on the original appraised home value before the home was sold?

I would LOVE. To see a reaction video from you on these same topics 7 months later. Kind of like how tech reviewers do on products. I feel like a lot of advice has changed. Am I crazy?!?

@JeremyAKnight

3 жыл бұрын

My 2 weeks from now video is a builder update.

Lots of helpful information here Jeremy! Thank you so much, I've been looking for a home for almost two years now but I'm really wanting to get a good grasp of the market and what are the best strategies in either buying a new or existing home.

@JeremyAKnight

3 жыл бұрын

If you can find a new build community still building. Right now they have slowed down their output due to the virus. Yet, I’d lean towards building.

Keep in mind that a lot of new builds are being built outside the city limits. Outside of city limits mean expensive utilities. If you’re in a master planned community, chances are you will be paying a high property tax rate.

could you make a music even more louder?

@JeremyAKnight

2 жыл бұрын

Would love to.

Stay away from new builders except few and you really seen each and every step of their process. Or your known person had bought with them and in that same community recently. Everything is money and cheating at lot of levels. We had a bad experience in buying a new house, went through a stressful process in making sure we get what we needed. All things are multi level outsourced contracts and the end product no one does a quality check. If things look visibly ok and not falling off, builders sell it to you. Cover up at various levels. Best bet would be to buy something 5-10 years old and replace whatever needed, even if it is costing 10-30k. In and around Austin these days lot premiums are another day robbery.

@JeremyAKnight

3 жыл бұрын

Not all builders are the same.

I see 1 dislike on this video, looks like you have 1 follower who is a builder :-D

@JeremyAKnight

3 жыл бұрын

Haha. I have a couple realtors that are haters 🤪

@nvasudeva

3 жыл бұрын

@@JeremyAKnight lol

Hi, what is best way to reach you. Coming to Austin tomorrow for few days to look for new construction home and looking for a realtor

@JeremyAKnight

3 жыл бұрын

Jeremy@austinknighthomes.com

Jeremy let me know what you think. Since Austin area price skyrocketed in recent years, a house that’s selling for 500k 2 years ago probably selling for 700k today. When I look at Redfin tax assessment, the house still assessed at 550k. Since Texas is non disclosure state, even if I buy at 700k today, I’m still paying property tax at 550k assessed value, right? Vs if I buy a brand new property at 700k, it will more likely be assessed starting at 700k?

@JeremyAKnight

2 жыл бұрын

Yes. The new construction will most likely be assessed closer to the purchase price.

@gonywidjaja5781

2 жыл бұрын

@@JeremyAKnight given last couple years meteoric rise, buying older homes with pre-meteoric assessed value would save prospective buyer a bundle then?

Any thought on Pacesetter?

@JeremyAKnight

3 жыл бұрын

If it’s the only builder in your price point, or in the community you want... then you’ll just have to bite the bullet. They are not my favorite builder. I feel like they cut corners. Yet, they are production builder in a price point most builders aren’t in.

@CAsaidit

3 жыл бұрын

@@JeremyAKnight Thank you got your input. Greatly appreciate it.

Your property taxes in Austin are as high as Illinois. Ridiculous!

Rule of thumb. Do not buy a KB home.

@carpetlite22

3 жыл бұрын

We almost did. It was the absolute worst experience. We backed out day of closing. KB Homes is a disgusting company.

@CAsaidit

3 жыл бұрын

@@carpetlite22 What did you end up choosing and did it work out for you?

@carpetlite22

3 жыл бұрын

@@CAsaidit anglia homes. Yeah

You bought a calAtlantic home? 🤦🏼‍♂️

@JeremyAKnight

3 жыл бұрын

Only option in the community unfortunately.