Buying a New House on Long Island in the Fall

By Craig Axelrod
September 14, 2009

As the summertime ends and fall nears, many families wonder whether it's a good time to purchase a home. This may actually be the best time to buy since most purchasers wait for the spring. You can locate many opportunities on quality houses. This is especially true with new construction, such as with Emmy homes in Commack New York.

When you go to EmmyHomes.com, you will see a range of new construction homes available. Even in this season, you may be able to buy a new construction home that had not sold over the summer. Similarly, if you want to choose your home and have construction started, now is the time to speak to the builders. If they can get a foundation in the ground before the frost sets in (more of an issue in the North) your construction may continue through the winter. If you're looking for a new home to occupy at the close of this new school year, start construction now.

As you look for a new home, what questions should you ask?

First, is this a one-off construction company or is this someone who builds complete developments? You want to work with a larger scale builder because they are more likely able to see it through in the timetable that you've allotted. While we have nothing against small builders, if this is the only home that a contractor is dealing on, what will happen if he runs out of money? What if his roofer gets sick? What if his plumber walks off the job - you could be delayed for weeks or months.If you're dealing with a more substantial contractor, they havemultiple families in each trade. If they are shorthanded, they will quickly find replacement workers. In the end, you are much better off with an established reputable builder who will finish the task, as opposed to a small construction company who, unfortunately, may bring a great amount of doubt.

Second, look at houses that the construction company has already completed. Do you like them? The artist drawing may be beautiful, but the home may be something else. A construction company who is consistently delivered high great construction is worth their weight in gold. A shoddy construction company who under delivers is not worth the savings he may bring.

Finally, consider the long-term cost of the home. Not only does it carry a buy price, but it needs to be maintained. A well built home may have lower maintenance costs. Also, is it rated as energy efficient? An "energy star" home meet certain government requirements on energy efficiency. Not only is this great for the environment, but can yield substantial savings on your energy costs. An energy Star rated home is also desirable on resale. You may plan on living here for 20 years, but unexpected issues happen and you want to choose a house that, if you need to, will be very marketable for resale.

So yes, the summer of 2009 has ended. Nonetheless, there are great options to buy new construction as we go into the autumn season.