🚀 go-pugleaf

In <D2v9sw.5Fs@i2.COM> mithani@i2.COM (Rizwan Mithani) writes: 

>We are lookin at a spec. home by PULTE Builder, and I had some
>questions.
>
>1. Any one have any  good or bad experiences with PULTE esp. in the
>DFW area?

We decided NOT to purchase a Pulte Home.  We looked at MANY homes in DFW 
and eventually bought a Centex in Plano.  Pulte did not seem to have the 
same level of workmanship and quality. 

Also, another poster in this newsgroup had some bad things to say about 
Pulte after they had moved in and Pulte refused to fix some items.

>
>2. How do you negotiate the price on a spec. home. Is it similar
>to making an offer for an existing home?

New construction is a bit different.  Depending upon how long the spec 
has been around, there might be some room for negotiation on upgrades.
Also, do not use a real estate agent when buying new construction (sorry 
all you REA's out there).  Use the commish amount with the builder as a 
negotiating point.

>
>3. This home is in a new sub-division (less than one year old)
>consisting entirely of PULTE Homes. How do you go about finding
>the price on similar homes that were sold by PULTE in the sub-
>division? They would not be in an MLS?

Don't know about the MLS.  Ask the other owners.  Also, it would be a 
matter of public record, would it not?  You could look it up at the 
Collin County Admin offfices on 121.

>
>4. Is there any advantage on having a Realtor for making an offer
>or would an attorney suffice?  Will the builder accept the fact
>that we are not using a Realtor, and so he should pass on the
>commision (of 3%) by reducing our purchase price?

See above.  Usually a builder will not negotiate on the price but will 
sometimes do some things with upgrades.  Ours did.  Be prepared to 
negotiate hard, however.  Also, as with any other negotiation, always be 
prepared to walk away.

>5. As this is a newly built home, does one skip the requirements
>of termite inspections and general home inspection. Would this
>stuff be covered by the builder's warranty, anyway?

Depending upon the state of construction, this would be moot.

>
>6. Can you ask the builder to give you a Window treatment allowance?

Ask them.  Tell them you did not use an agent on this purchase and would 
like some consideration.  If they do not deal, then negotiate harder.
If they still will not deal, then either cave-in or walk.  As above, be 
prepared to walk.

>How do you estimate the cost of reasonable window treatments?
>(this is a 4 BR / 2 LA home)

Go to Home Depot or Home Club and check it out.
>
>7. Can you ask the builder to pay closing costs and/or points?

You can ask.

>
>8. How do you tactfully tell the builder that you are not interested
>in his 100& financing schemes without putting them off. I can
>get my own financing at much better rates than the builder is 
>offering. I can make a good down payment, but I do not want to
>jeopardize my negotaiting power by letting the builder know this.

Tell them.  Tell them you can get your own financing at much better 
rates that he is offering.  He will then ask you what they are.  Don't 
tell him, ask him what *his* best numbers are.

If you can make a large downpayment, you have more negotiating power.
Let him know it.  Let him know you are in a situation that will allow 
easy qualification, and are prepared to sign a deal.  He will start to 
salivate.  Try not to let him get any on you.  YOU are now in the 
drivers seat.  But always be prepared to walk away if you do not get 
what you are looking for, within reason.


>Thank you for any and all responses.
>Rizwan Mithani	(Rizwan_Mithani@i2.COM)				
>I2 Technologies, 1603 LBJ Fwy, 7th Floor, Dallas, TX 75234
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>WHY ASK WHY: "Why do we park on driveways, but drive on parkways"

Good Luck,
Duane
DJDubay@netcom.com