Becky McNeer

You've done it! You've found the land, so now it's time to start building.  You need to make sure you meet the builder and pick what is right for you.  How do you know what is right for you? Ask some questions and make sure your REALTOR® is present.

It's critical to meet with your builder and make sure you are clear with all of your needs.  Your builder is on your side.  They want to construct the home exactly how you want it.  They want you to be happy.  If you don't ask the right questions, you might miss something.  Your REALTOR® is there to be certain you don't forget anything.

Here are some sample questions that you might consider:

The right REALTOR® will support you and can communicate with the builder in case you can't.  Find a REALTOR® who has experience in new construction.  They know the whole process of building a home because they've been there before.  When you are interviewing a REALTOR®, always ask if they have this kind of knowledge, especially when you plan to build. 

• How many years have you been working in new construction?
• What types of problems have you faced and how have you resolved them?

If you stick with these suggestions, your homebuilding process will be a breeze.

There are plenty of folks out there who are strongly opposed to living near a highway.  Their arguments include the noise factor and heavy traffic.  I like to look at the issue at the opposite side of the spectrum.  You should think about the benefits of living near a highway.

#1. You are closer to your destinations- You will be able to cut the time it takes to get places by living next to a highway.

#2. Traffic sounds more like "white" noise than automobiles.  Speak to neighbors who live near the highway and they'll tell you the sound is quite soothing.  In the city you'd hear the constant sounds of emergency vehicles. 

#3. Landscaping used as sound buffers adds curb appeal to your home.

#4. You have a reason to install that water fountain you've always wanted.

#5. Your family and friends will know exactly how to get to your house.

#6. The barking dog in the neighborhood isn't an issue and neither is the teenager who throws wild parties every weekend.

#7. You can't hear a peep when you are inside.

It's hard to imagine your home when it's never been built, but that's the joy of it too.  The possibilities are endless.  You can purchase land and know that the value will always go up.  When you decide to put a home on top of it, the price will be even higher.

It's pretty incredible what people can do with land these days.  It really doesn't matter whether it's flat or steep.  There are architects out there who can create a home that will work almost anywhere. 

How often do you see land anymore?  Richmond is growing rapidly East and West, North and South.  Here's your opportunity to grab it and make it yours.  The market will come back and when it does, this land won't be as easy to purchase as it is now.

Other factors to consider:

Charter Colony is a well-established neighborhood close to shops, schools, hospitals, parks and recreation.  You can be in Carytown in 10 minutes if you use the Powhite Parkway.  You are only 15 minutes away from downtown Short Pump when you take 288.

This lot is on a cul-de-sac.  Your neighbors have already moved in.

You can build the home of your choice with the options you want.

Look around: phone, electric, water and sewer connections are available. 

Current owner will build to suit.  Contact me with any questions.