I just built my house too and word of advice don’t regret anything. Once you move into your beautiful new house you’ll feel so proud and happy that it’s yours! There will always be something you wish you had after a few years because it’s your first house and you start to grow into and out of it and that’s normal but don’t regret anything...we can’t do all the upgrades or we would have a house way more expensive. A new home is a new slate that you get to start decorating and adding things to. So don’t feel bad you didn’t do it all from construction point.

All great tips. Another weird issue we experienced was attempting to upgrade from their builder grade carpet to the design center’s wood laminate. We got an estimate from a flooring company, that was much cheaper than the builder, however the sale couldn’t close without flooring so we ended up having the tract builder install their cheaper carpet and tile then before we moved in had the flooring dealer take it all out and install the wood. It was painful to watch the carpet get torn out. But we saved about $4,000. And beware $1,000 in light fixtures is not a lot of money.

I'm a realtor in Denver, CO who specializes in new construction. I see staged homes all the time, but my favorite is getting to walk the journey with the homeowner to see how they change a house into a home. Great tips. You made a good point about "everything included". You will definitely end up spending thousands of dollars at the design center if you are not intentional about your wants vs needs. One thing I love about new construction is the peace of mind that comes with having a home warranty. Your thoughts are a testament to why it's important to have a realtor with you to help be your bulldog in the fight.

Thank you so much for making this video! We are just starting our framing this week so we're still early in the stages of building still and this video was really helpful. Hearing #1 especially, made me so glad we picked a custom homebuilder. We loved them right off the bat, and they are always supportive of me changing my mind and calling them a week later saying I changed my mind about this, or that. I am not a person that can make decisions when rushed, so I really appreciate that my builder tells me to take my time deciding. We almost went with a high-production builder just for a floorplan we really loved, but looking back I'm so glad we didn't ❤

Great advice! Working with an experienced real estate agent can also help you tremendously. I knew the builder as soon as you said everything included! A great agent will the ins and outs of different builders. I hope you love your new home!

Agree 1000% with everything! We moved into our new build home in September 2020 and the process was exactly like yall explained it. Great video with very good info!

This is so extremely helpful! I really don’t like how the sales department makes people feel rushed! Definitely stand your ground!

Just came across your video…We experienced the same thing when we built 2 years ago. All of your tips are spot on. I wish I would’ve had these before we went through the process but overall pleased with the outcome.

I'm glad I watched this before we went to the design studio. Our builder only let us pick certain finishes and no structural upgrades, but we had a 3 hour appointment and used every bit of that time to make sure we were happy with what we chose.

First off, GREAT VIDEO... You guys made some awesome points but the best advice I ever got from a millionaire real estate agent was no home is a forever home. As long as the house is structurally sound and is in a great neighborhood you can always sell later. 1 owner homes sell so fast in well desired neighborhoods but I love how y’all broke it down to people who have no clue what’s going on. We are in Texas and went with historymaker homes(they are AWESOME) and did it with no realtor but we spent over a year researching videos and going to homes. We even took tape measures and levelers to our walk through lol. You do spend a lot of money but always look at it as an investment and never get too attached to where you feel like you made too many mistakes building. As long as you make smart decisions while you are in the home(as far as upgrades etc) you guys will be fine... great vid! PS, glad you guys chose a open concept because it looks like that will be the real estate market for at least the next 15 years

Thanks for this! I am going through the process and I have to force myself to not rush.

Thank you for this video, just started going through this process and we can totally relate!

We're in the process of our new build and I can relate with the feeling rushed. Great advice!

Thank you so much for this advice. We hope to begin the process this year.

Yeah i feel the same, we just bought our first home. I feel rushed i can think of soo many things i would change and add but I didn’t really know what we were doing. We will definitely take our time when we do our final wall through 😊.

Ok thank you I just bought the lot and am having the house built in like a month or two. I needed this video

Grateful for this video guy’s! Thank you ! 💕

This was full of great info, thank YOU guys.

I loved this video! Thank you so much for your knowledge! I can’t thank you guys enough! Outstanding!

Well done! I picked the lot, now the fun begins.

Very great tips.....my husband and I are going through the same process and definitely agree with very thing mentioned....especially looking over all the floor plans before selecting your model and the cost associated with the upgrades....all the best

the best best advice is to be one of the first phases/groups of buyers. They give more incentives. If you are buying in their last phase, expect fewer incentives.

You guys have given so much insight. Much appreciated. Congratulations for your new house. Hope your home be bless with lots of happiness.

Really good tips! I'd say all builders have pros and cons especially when it comes to the "upgrades" we went to every builder in our town, looked at tons of models, every floor plan on every website and still had a tough time getting everything right. Its not something you do everyday either so these videos are great. Thanks!

I'm currently buying new construction home and I can relate every single words you said about how they rushed you throughout the process...I have my final walkthrough coming next month and I am gonna make it memorable for sure..

My husband and I are building our first home and this will be our very first house - this was so helpful, thank you!

12:04 facts!! I’ll have to remember this and work on it when I started to build my house

We’re in our new build for a year and half now, and wished we would’ve seen a video like this. One thing that was eye opening after our first walk through is that there are going to be imperfections, mostly cosmetic. As we’re living in the home, I’m finding more of those imperfections. My thought is: you’ve putting so much money into the home and for the upgrades, and it’s a brand new home, it would be perfect...NOT! Unfortunately, it took me a bit of time to accept it.

Thank you I’m a first timer going through the process on a new home in texas

Oh my goodness!! Yes this is a first time home buyer experience,I just moved into my newly built track home a month ago too and everything you have mentioned is what I went through and I have so much regret especially with the floor plan, u have both bathrooms sharing walls with bedrooms,the noise is a nightmare and we all have insomnia now. Whenever anyone wakes to use the bathroom and flushes everyone looses sleep. I am so ready to get out of this house and know what not to do next time round. I so hate it with a passion now.

Some wonderful feedback here and I know homeowners greatly appreciate hearing your lessons learned!

Great video and tips. My wife I built a home about 10 years ago (actually a partial spec home that we got great incentives on and tweaked a couple things), unfortunately had to move a few months later and sold. Right now we're building a new home again, this time choosing everything. A couple tips purely from my perspective. 1) There is no right choice. Everyone is different and your wants and desires aren't wrong. There's a million ways to do things and you'll hear people say do X, don't do Y, spent money on this, but not on that etc. Some of it is generally good advice, in particular about getting value, but beyond that it's just personal preference. Figure out what --you-- want before doing this, look at homes, watch home improvement shows, tour a bunch of models. Get a strong idea in what you like, allow yourself to adapt and change, settle on what's best for you and then go for that. 2) Figure out if you want to put money into the base price vs upgrades. Referring to #1, neither is right or wrong. If you think you won't be happy unless you get a lot of specific upgrades, then that's fine, if you think you're fine with simple upgrades so want to put money into the square footage, location, etc, that's fine too. Though when doing upgrades often you'll hit a point where it just makes more sense to either go all in, or hold them way back. Like that shower you illustrated. Either you stay stock and spend the money later, or you go all in and get all the upgrades so you don't have to re-spend money re-doing half of it later that might require you to re-do other work. Your base price will be usually the square footage, the lot, and the location... if you know you'll want a lot of upgrades and that's more important than one or more of those then come in at a much lower base price and give yourself the room to upgrade a lot. If that's what you want that will be a MUCH more fun experience than if you come in at the very top of your budget before upgrades but wanted a lot of upgrades and have to constantly not get what you really want. Everything is a trade off, set yourself to get more of what you actually want. My wife and I went minimal upgrades and maximum square footage 10 years ago. This time we went smaller square footage (bigger than then, but smaller than what we could get in our current situation) and are maximizing upgrades (but only upgrades that compare favorably with the cost to do it later if we wanted, passing on the ones that aren't a good value). The upgrade process was so much fun since we now have a much stronger idea of what we want out of a house and we got to choose it all! We could have gone larger square footage but quality can be better than quantity depending on the situation. No right answer just what you want. 3) Probably the MOST IMPORTANT advice I could possible give... If you care about value and especially about getting upgrades, COMPARE upgrades between builders. Having done this before when my wife and I were new to buying/building a home, though we looked at quite a bit we were still pretty clueless. Now knowing more, especially what we wanted... we literally looked online at 100+ different models from pretty much every builder. Then we contacted at least 5+ builders. You can get an internal style upgrade sheet from most of them. This gives you the vast majority of upgrades (including appliances usually) and their costs. It's not the easiest thing to read if you aren't used to spreadsheet style things, but it's ABSOLUTELY worth getting and taking the time to understand (they include internal option codes etc, so mostly for internal use to translate what you ask for to the final sheet you confirm with your spec'd options). Then compare the costs for the same or similar things between builders. Along side this ABSOLUTELY compare the standard included features. This usually is a combination of some sort of included features list along side the option sheet that have $0 cost or standard/included labeled options. You will be absolutely surprised to find how much more value certain builders and even specific communities (sometimes community A has much better standards than B, sometimes with a higher cost for the same model but lower than adding those same upgrades elsewhere) offer compared to others. Even things like appliances can be a pretty big cost different, in one case the same 48" refrigerator we looked at was about $6,700 a tone builder and about $11,000 in another. Likewise in one community/model we spec'd cabinet upgrades of $12,000, the same features and upgrades in the other, over $30,000. Even things like bathroom fixtures were roughly $500 in one and over $2,000 in another for comparable choices. So look at standards, get the upgrade sheets and compare those too. Also compare lot premiums. In one community at 14,000 square foot lot was $30,000 and another $4,000. Also as it turned out after working with various builders, the one with the great included standards and very well priced upgrades happened to be the absolute easiest to work with and the least pressuring.

Wow. This is all really great to know. Thank you so much for making this.

Great advice. I hope to not regret on things during our process.

I’m waiting on my build to finish now and you two are on point with the information. I fortunately avoided a lot of these pitfalls but this would’ve definitely helped had I have watched it prior to beginning the process. The biggest thing that I would add is to get a realtor before you walk into any models. My realtor actually agreed to give me a percentage of what she gets from the builder so I will get a check from her around 10k to use at my discretion right after I close which will be helpful for things that I may need.

This is a great video. We just finished building and I agree with everything you said. Everything is rushed and super high pressure. We bought several states away, sight unseen, over the phone and our salesperson didn’t even go over all the options. I was pissed later! I have regrets as well from feeling rushed but we are overall happy. I hope you are as well!

We are in the building process now and this was all great advice!! Some of it I am passed in the process but some I will for sure implement. I hope to see that follow up video about closing.

Yes, please more video's on your new home build! Glad I came across this video! We're in the process of building also & you are so right on these tips! Thanks for sharing & best of luck Jenna :-0

OMG I feel u, we got rushed too :'( u touched every point on our regret list

Great video and great advice before I start this process!!

OMG thanks, this video was needed!!! my husband and I are thinking about getting a house built. Great info.

I hear some similar things from others but this is why having an agent should help. Looking forward to seeing the end result.

Very good video! Thanks for sharing. Please do more videos during the building process. Want to see house updates.

Tips are so useful! Thanks so much. And you guys looks so cute together in the camera.

Great tips!! I could definitely see myself making all of those mistakes.

This was definitely insightful guys, great job!

Great advice! Thank you both!

I was so lucky to have found a builder that actually has everything included. Unlike the first ones I looked at, you had to pay for disposal, garage opener, even the freaking hose bib outside would be an upgrade. 😅 With this one we went with, even the deck is included in the price. 😁

My regrets: 1) not picking the elevation I wanted. (Hard finding contractors for small projects) and you have two weeks of deciding from when you go under contract. Didn’t know 2) not getting electrical outlets where I needed them. Hard getting an electrician to cut the dry wall and run the wire. Real pain. 3) seeing the color home on a 3D model. The color they showed in the catalog was a lot different than what I expected. 4) tub in the bathroom. I don’t like baths but people I sell to May.

Thanks for sharing this with us. It is very helpful!!! Please make more videos about your new house :)

Thanks for this video. Appreciate sharing your insights. Will definitely will take our time. 😉

We came in on the last lot to, which was a huge long lot $18000, one the most expensive out there but got it for 10000. We didn't go with any upgrades. I'll do my own flooring later because the hardwoods weren't the right colors and spray my cabinets later to. Lol things are going speedy fast still. Nothing has changed. Great vid. We close on our current home which is a 1950 old home next week and the day after we go sign for our new ready to build home which is the last house of that phase. I will be videoing because of you're advice and we are taking a friend who is a construction worker so he can let me know if my upgrades I want him to do are doable🤗.

Good video. We are on our 3 new build in 5 1/2 years. First one, rookie mistakes, but we didn't over do for the neighborhood. 2nd one was the jackpot. We got 15 thousand in upgrades, huge lot, 8k toward closing cost and made a ton of money selling it. Our current build only thing that was important was to have the extended structured patio. My advice to anyone is if you can upgrade little by little you will save a ton of money even if after market is same price because you won't be paying interest on money you could have paid cash for. Now, if you are going to wait and then use a credit card or finance, then you might as well do during the build since interest rates are so low.

Really appreciated this vid. Especially the final tip! I almost feel for the “wanting to be nice” client. Screw that from now on!

Thanks for the tips! Just secured a new build myself this past week, so in the process of getting as much info in the meantime :)

Fantastic video! Our build process has been slower than normal because of COVID! However that feeling of being pressured is so true! Thankfully I am not afraid to speak up (to the dismay of my very nice boyfriend Lol) and I think it paid off. There were definitely a few times they were rushing me to make decisions on design options but I took as much time as I could. In regards to the floor plan I would encourage everyone to learn how to read them like you said and consider all of them, not just the models. We ended up changing our floor plan after signing the papers and I had so much anxiety because I was not sure they would let us do it. We are just getting to the foundation being laid and we are going to take your advice and video every little thing. Thank you for making this!!!!!!

We're building our 3rd home in 38+ years of marriage. We did everything that you talked about. We learn as we go in life. Enjoy your home regardless!! When it comes down to what's really important, it's who you're with & not the home in general. Enjoy!!! 🥰👍

Very helpful and honest suggestions. Thanks guys

This was super helpful! Thank you for sharing!

I agree with a lot of this. We are building our first home (but not first time buyers) and I've learned in life you need to be assertive. You can be assertive but nice at the same time. It's OK to tell the builder you need to think about something, or please give me a few mins to pick out the color, eetc. When we went to the design studio a few weeks ago they thought we would have all our flooring picked out in advance. We were so undecided. It took us 20 mins and even though the lady was a bit impatient but nice about it, I told her I just needed some time to look in the studio at the samples. They aren't going to give up commission over you needing an extra 10 mins, and if they do then it's not a good builder. I would also recommend yoi hire a realtor, they will stick up for you and look over all your paperwork to make sure you are protected.

Going through the process now. thanks for the video.

Im super happy we got our lot for free! Its a smaller lot just under 10k sqft but it had a walkout and thats what i wanted❤❤

I love you guys and I just subscribed!! We’re closing in 3 months and this is all such good information!!!

So informative. Thank you so much!

This was great wish I had taken time to review a few weeks ago.

Great Advice, thank you.

This was a great and needed video. Thanks you guys. Congrads

We're on our second build, but wish I've seen this video years ago when we built our first home! So informative and accurate. It's the little details, a dream may turn into a nightmare real quick lol.

GREAT TIPS! thank you so very much!

I listened to my gut and got my best choice. The best advice : wait and be patient

Would love to see your layout and what Custom group did you go with ? "Loved the video" from Oregon Ohio😊

One thing that you missed - buying a new build can put your relationship to a real test, and in some cases, folks might be depressed due to financial mistakes. That's something worth mentioning as well.

Moving into our first home just two years ago, I can sympathize with you both. Add in a real estate agent from hell and welcome to our world. One thing I didn’t understand about something you said was that the lots were priced differently which was not the case at all with us and that’s shocking. To add more aggravation we were buying a home 900 miles away. One hint to check on if you already haven’t is the crappy. builder grade flat paint they use! Horrible. New to your channel and wish you the best,

Awesome points! Thanks for this video

Wow I don't know how things work where you live, but I am in the process of building my 2nd home and I have every extra quoted in detail and then I decide if I want it. I don't have to commit to anything before I know the full price of it!!

I’m under contract for a new build and I would say have a realtor! It’s not necessary of course, but my realtor definitely stood up for us and made the process palpable. I agree with feeling rushed and my home is not even custom. Here in ATL homes are going fast fast. New builds and resale. 🥴😂 Great tips guys!

Hey Jenna and Michael! Congrats on your new home and thank you for sharing your journey!! You both gave excellent information and I saved this video to reflect back on! I'm at the very beginning stages of my home purchase! YAYY! QQ for you! I've been kicking this around and would like another perspective. Did your builder include the fridge and washer/dryer as an incentive in your package? Did you take them up on the offer or simply go to Lowe's and purchase after closing on the loan. To be honest, I wanted to make this whole house purchase as easy as possible but then I realized I would be paying for these large ticket items for 30 years (technically) instead of maybe just a few years if I purchase on my own. The builders I'm considering are also offering blinds, landscaping, sod, irrigation systems just to name a few! I'm in Austin and looking at counties outside of Austin to get more bang for my buck! Maybe others in your community have experienced this so all feedback would be appreciated. Thanks and again CONGRATULATIONS!!!!🎉🎊

Thank you! So helpful!!

This was super helpful, thanks.

I bought a new construction house in Bonney Lake, Washington. 100% the same experience as you. I was fortunate enough to be in the earlier phase (price up $20k & my lot is still just a sold stick on the ground), but it was 20 people & me fighting over the 2 lots they release every month. On top of the later phase price increases, I also received a $15,000 incentive that I used for the corner lot, fireplace, & window upgrades. You guys need to learn to do some things later, tile it yourself for $200 instead of $3,000. Tiling is easy but tedious and labor makes tiling expensive not the actual material/difficulty itself.

A lot should be picked and surveyed to see if home is proper for elevation and design ie pool, gardens, and lake variances. Lots and home plans don’t always work together.

Very helpful! Thank you!

Great advice!!

SO HELPFUL!!!

Great video! Currently in the processing of looking for a new build. We are completely new to this. Just today we went to a builder and barely found out that most people add about 60 to 80k in upgrades. That's ridiculous! So thank you for this video! Definitely going to do plenty of research and subscribing to your channel lol. Omw to watch your final walk-through right now haha

Thanks for sharing I really appreciate this video

Really nice tips! Going to note this lol

I'm in a new build with Stanley Martin homes. My design center is Mar 1. We have the whole day slotted so they don't rush you. They do have less design options than other builders but they also charge less from what I've seen. Pros and cons of both.

Great great tips! Thanks for sharing! What upgrades do you think are worth having the builder do vs doing yourself later?

I know what kind of builder you are going through! These “community” builders are all this way! We walked through, and realized after asking questions, that nothing we wanted in our home would have been included without upgrades. Also, the resale value on these houses are horrible(in my area...hopefully not the case in yours). Went with a different builder, who didn’t disclose everything until we had contract on hand...even after 3 meetings...ready to sign, and realized things we talked about weren’t on the contract, and said we needed to pay money to start the build (fine if it would have been discussed before)! We walked away and found another contractor who is giving us sooo much more than the other builder was going to, and for less...on the same street. For anyone reading this, please research and take your time; as they have mentioned. Never be too emotionally invested before you sign on the line!

Thamk you so much, guys.

Adding a custom walk-in shower with two shower heads: $8000. Sharing showers with Jenna for many, many years: priceless!

Thanks for sharing 💕

All of the problems you’ve run into could’ve been prevented or at least minimized with representation by a good realtor! Love you guys!

I think the very first step is to find a good builder! A good builder will never make you feel rushed.

Fantastic advice

Very interesting and informative video.

Great vid.

Wow, this was very interesting. I thank you for the wisdom. I want to be happy about my new home, this was very good video.

Thank you for sharing.