Yes and No
Remember the “Model Home” is going to be the Cadillac, and they may very well try to sell you a ‘strpped down’ Chevy.
You must take time to ask for a “complete” set of specs and prints on the “Model House” and then compare that to what they are about to sell you. Especially as to the “physical layout” on the Model lot as compared to what yours will be built on. A nice rolling back yard can do just that “roll up hill or down hill”
If there is anything that you feel “uncomfortable” with take the contract to a lawyer and have him add addendums to satisfy your needs. If you have any refusal on this matter Move On. Contracts are basic in nature and addendums are added before the price is established. After the contract is established it must be changed through a Amendment and this will cost big $$$$$.
Remember that YOU are in control. Its your $$$ and there are plenty of reputable builders in the country.
Any contractor\sales rep will work with YOU the buyer because there reputation is built on Word of Mouth.
Posted by Robert Stanley on February 22, 2006 at 22:16:11:
My Question:
We are a seinor couple in our 70s about to enter into contract for a new home whereby the construction has not begun as yet. ie; no sites are available to be physically seen. Only plans are provided to select from. A $5000 deposit is requested prior to us being able to even see the designated site location, (we are in another state)
I’ve been advised that there is a cooling off period for 48 hours after signing ,whereby the buyer can cancel out of contract, AND RECOVER THE $5000.00 DEPOSIT if not satisfied with appeararce of general area, model, etc. which we have not as yet seen. Is This TRUE??? Contractor is Del Webb @ Sun City Hilton Head SC.
Would your same answer hold true in Ocala Florida? Thank you so much.
Keep your money.
My background is consturtion and PM and the key selling point of any project is a visual inspection of a “like” project.
For $5000.00 I will show you plans all day for everything from an ‘outhouse’ to a house in “outerspace”
Good Investingg
Posted by dealmaker on February 23, 2006 at 07:58:34:
As far as I know there is NO COOLING OFF PERIOD. Is there anything in the contract about this? The only cooling off period I’ve ever heard of is a FEDERAL law having to do ONLY with salesmen that come to YOUR HOUSE, such as vacuum cleaner, aluminum siding etc.
Personally I’d tell anyone who wanted a deposit before even showing me WHAT AND WHERE I’m buying to “take a hike”. This is a real estate deal, right? A basic component of real estate is THE LAND.
Del Webb enjoys a pretty good reputation, although I’m not sure why, having checked out a couple of their locations a couple of years ago. This may just be an overanxious salesman. Talk to a supervisor, and DO NOT give them any money before YOU’RE satisfied.
Posted by R.Stanley on February 26, 2006 at 14:00:20:
Thanks for your comments. “the key selling point of any project is a visual inspection of a “like” project” is a quote I’ll remember in dealing with the sales reps. in the future. However, can’t they get away by saying that the “Model Home” is just that, even though we still are not able to even see the designated SITE location? Since my original inquiry I have found that there is ONLY a 48 hour cooling off law in SC regarding time shares & condos, not whole owned properties.I guess if it isn’t written its not part of the contract, period. Not sure about Florida.