Thinking of building? What you should know about new construction!

One of the first things you will notice when you visit the Boise area is all the new construction. Everywhere you look there is a community with gorgeous, brand-new homes in the ground. Who doesn’t love a new home?! Many people are enamored by the latest floor plans, the trendy finishes, the oversized storage areas and the thought of not having to remodel. However, building is a lot different than buying resale. So what do you need to know? 

At The TreVa Group we represent several builders throughout the Treasure Valley and we’re about to let you in on the 10 facts you should know before you break ground!

1) Just because a home has the same square footage & builder doesn’t mean its the same price. Each floor plan is unique and so are the costs to build it. 

2) Love a floor plan, but can’t afford the price? Ask the builder if there is a less expensive lot you can build it on. You know what they say…location, location, location! The top location is going to come with the highest price tag, but typically there will be another area that you will find appealing. 

3) Sure, you may think you are going to live in the home forever. Maybe you are, but what if you don’t? Just because a floor plan works for you, ask a trusted real estate agent their thoughts. They may be able to give you great insight as to small changes that will get you more money in the long run. Perhaps you should call The TreVa Group. 

4) Every builder is different. Some will nickel and dime you for every change, others will work with you to make the changes without a hefty price increase. Have a list of questions ready & get the answers before you sign the contract.  

5)  That leads us to interviewing. Don’t be afraid to interview more than one builder.  Buying and/or building a new home is one of, if not, the biggest purchase you will make in your lifetime. So don’t you think it’s important that you know and understand the builder’s character and values?  It will also help you get over any unforeseen bumps in the road, if you’re confidant and comfortable with who the builder is as a person.

6) Want new, but don’t want to go through the build process? Many builders have model homes or spec inventory that you can buy.  Just ask! 

7) Construction may take longer than expected. Mother Nature can be a drag and delay the process, especially during the winter months. Changes made during construction will also slow down the process. 

8) Prepare to pay more than what your original contract says. No, the builder is not going to charge you more as the build process goes along,  but you are going to visit the showroom to pick out your finishes. Oh, the finishes! The basic light you had in your last house was perfectly suitable, right? Well, that’s until you see the options… the chandeliers, the modern candle lights, the mosaic glass…oh my! It’s easy to increase the bottom line during this part of the build process. 

9) Speaking of the design showroom…. Don’t feel like you have to have the mind’s eye to put together a color scheme or amenity package. Most (if not all) builders have a trained and skilled design coordinator that will walk you through the design process.  Many can even design an entire home around just a few throw pillows or a picture out of a magazine.

10) Lastly, it’s fun…really! There are plenty of horror stories out there, but if you’re working with a great builder and agent, it can be easy process, resulting in your dream home! 

We hope you found these tricks of the trade helpful. If you are interested in building or have more questions, ask away! You can reach us anytime at Kerri@trevagroup.com or Richard@trevagroup.com.  Happy building!

Boise area schools 

As a mom, I know the first thing many parents wonder about when moving to a new area is, “How are the schools?” Statistics don’t paint the best picture for Idaho. The state is ranked near the bottom of the list when it comes to K-12 education, however if you’re moving to the Boise metro area, those numbers are inaccurate. 

In recent years, all four of the Boise school district’s high schools have ranked on the Washington Post’s list of best high schools in America for preparing their students for college. 

For statistics and more information about all of the schools in Boise and the surrounding cities of Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Kuna and Star, go to www.greatschools.org and see how each school is ranked. 

Does Boise have seasons?

At the TreVa Group, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients who have relocated to the Boise area. The process is typically the same, they come to town, we show them potential homes, they fall in love and head home to start packing. You might think I’m kidding, but that scenario happens over and over again. Boise is an easy place to be enamored with, especially in the fall. YES, we have four seasons! Fall in the Treasure Valley is, in my opinion, as close to perfect as you can get. The hot days of summer are replaced by crisp mornings that turn into warm afternoons that fade into cool nights. The valley is alive with festivals, college football (i.e. the Boise State broncos & their blue turf) and farmers markets. Its the perfect time to take a stroll along the Boise River or go biking in the foothills. If you are thinking about visiting to see what Boise has to offer, fall is a great time to do so! If you have questions about real estate in the Boise area, feel free to contact us at www.trevagroup.com. Happy fall! 

Packing up and moving to.... Boise! 

Like many people living in the Boise area, I’m not from here. I’m a native New Englander, turned Idahoan. That alone should be a oxymoron. New Englanders are hearty people, set in their ways and prideful of where they come from. I can’t say I’m any different except for the fact, a small city in southwest Idaho stole my heart many years ago. Boise is a quaint little place, set in the foothills of the the Rocky Mountains where the people are friendly, the sun is typically shining and the cost of living allows for an easier lifestyle when compared to most cities in the United States. 

The City of Trees, as its called, was recently named the “Best City to Move to in 2014” by Simple Moving Labor. The rankings were based on median income, home value growth and home affordability. As a real estate agent, I post my listings or sold homes on my company, the TreVa Group’s, Facebook page. Friends from back east and California are consistently telling me about how lucky I am to live in a place where it doesn’t cost $500,000 to buy a 1300 square foot home.  I couldn’t agree more. 

If you are thinking about moving to the Boise area, check out our website www.trevagroup.com and see what you can find! We’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to email me at kerri@trevagroup.com. I’d love to answer any questions you may have!