When you want a sparkling new home without waiting for the building permits, buying the land separately and watching the foundation get poured, buying a home that’s already under construction may be the perfect option.

SPEC HOMES
At any one time, there are dozens of “spec” homes on the market in Pagosa Springs.  (A “spec” home is one built by a contractor who is “speculating” that it will sell before or shortly after completion.)  This is a great way to go when you want to see the building process and be assured that materials and labor are of the highest standards.  By buying such a “spec” home, you avoid the lengthy delays and frustrations that come with the beginning of the building process and skip straight to the fun stuff – watching sticks and beams become a home. 

BUILDER REPUTATIONS
First and foremost, take a close look at the builder.  Any reputable builder will be able to provide you with recommendations and referrals – not only from happy previous customers, but from local professionals in the community.  His Realtor is a good place to start.  Any Jim Smith Realty Preferred Builder has the backing of a professional agent who is willing to answer any questions you may have about the builder and the buying process.  The builders who are advertising in this magazine also have the backing of the Jim Smith Realty team.

WARRANTIES
How many Pagosa homes has the builder constructed?  Drive by and take a look at some of the contractor’s previous work.  If the builder has satisfied customers, they may be willing to allow you to take a tour of their new home.  Ask the homeowners lots of questions about not only the quality of the construction, but also the timeliness of completion and the builder’s warranties.  The State of Colorado requires warranties of one year for workmanship and two years from everything behind the drywall.  Be sure the builder is reputable enough to be around in two years to fix any problems!

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
Of course, quantity doesn’t always mean quality – be sure to ask any references if they would use the same builder a second time, and what advice they would have when doing business with the contractor.

BUILDING PERMITS
Check with the County’s Building Department for a list of building permits – this will tell you how many homes the builder has constructed and when the permit applications were requested.

BUILDER BLUES
Jim Smith Realty Agents have immersed themselves the in the Real Estate world, and have carefully examined the reputations and quality of any builder they recommend.  Call today to avoid the stressful process of purchasing an under-construction home without all the necessary information and avoid the “builder blues”!