So many times people find themselves in a tough financial situation and they don’t know where to turn.  Believe it or not, three out of four people who are in foreclosure don’t even try to talk to their lender or realtor to ask questions-many times they go through it alone. This is nothing that anyone should go through alone!!!!  I am here to help!! One of my best assets is in being confindential with my clients-even my friends will tell you if they tell me something, I don’t let it go further. That’s a great quality to have in a realtor-one that’s well versed in all aspects of the home selling/buying/investing, and most importantly today, in foreclosures and short sales as well.

Don’t Do This Alone!!  I am here to help!! I know the marketplace and I’m not afraid to talk about it. You or someone you know needs my help!! I promise that anything we discuss is confidential and will get a process moving in the right direction.

The other distressed property category is a bank foreclosure. The homeowner misses several mortgage payments, and the bank takes ownership of the home. In many cases, the bank gives the listing of that home to an agent that has no idea of  how to properly market the home,  facilitate the  potential offers on the home. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL. I have a designation called Certified Distressed Property Expert. It means that I know how to facilitate a purchase or sale of a home in short sale, or foreclosure status, and make the transaction as smooth as possible, because I’m well versed on the forms, communication, bank “lingo” to get through the lengthy process.  You or someone you know needs my help. I’m here ready to help. It’s an emotional process like no other. My strengths are the following: I’m knowledgeable, kind, I don’t judge, and keep things moving forward, as quickly as possible. It’s a tough process, but I can assure you, it becomes a lot tougher when you work with someone that doesn’t know what they’re doing. They may be a Realtor, but not a Certified Distressed Property Expert. There is a difference-and I’m here to help! Use a Professional-there is a difference!

So, you’re thinking about buying a brand new Barrington home. Ask anyone who has built a home before and they will tell you they had a very positive experience or they had a dreadful experience. There are no “luke warm” new home construction stories to be told. Why not get your Barrington home buying and building experience off on the right foot. The best approach is by setting proper expectations upfront with yourself and your builder. Do that and you’ll be more comfortable with your Barrington custom new home builder and the outcome of their efforts.

Helping you Achieve your Home Building Goals

To help you achieve that very goal, here are some basic questions to ask any Barrington home builder. Here is a great idea, print this list of questions and sit down with your builder prospects and see how they respond.

Have a Game Plan When Selecting Your Barrington Home Builder Partner

In the Barrington real estate market, we have many fine new home builders. Use these interview questions to see if you and your perspective Barrington home builder fit comfortably with each other.

• What’s the right size builder company that fits your needs? Some Barrington new home buyers depend on the resources of a large national tract builder like Toll Brothers while other buyers prefer the intimate relationship of a smaller builder. You might find smaller companies offer the personal touch you desire.
• Ask if the builder consistently builds homes in your price range and square footage?
• Share your “vision” for your new Barrington home and ask if the builder has the same vision for your new Barrington home?
• Ask the builder who will the liaison between you and the company? Determine if the builder is willing to allow individuals you designate to be active participants in the planning and construction process of your new Barrington home?
• Ask the builder to share their corporate philosophy. Does it “fit” what you want in your Barrington builder partner?
• Are “green” building concepts important to you? If so, ask if the builder includes “green building” techniques and products in their new homes? Items to be considered include the use of low-flow toilets, recycled products, and building materials that reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

Reputation & Resources – Your Barrington Home Builder Should Be Stellar!

• Ask if your Barrington home builder is a member of any local, regional and national home builder associations?
• How long has the builder been in business in the Barrington area?
• Determine if the builder has received any complaints. Check with your local Better Business Bureau for any complaints.
• Inquire about the experience level of the job site superintendent as well any others who will be managing your Barrington new home construction process?
• Ask for permission to walk through a completed home. Also ask permission to speak with their past clients.
• Are past clients satisfied with the quality and craftsmanship of their Barrington home?
• Ask the homeowners if their new home was completed on time and on budget?
• Seek permission from the builder to walk through homes in various stages of construction. Be sure you speak with subcontractors on the construction site too. Try to determine if the “subs” (subcontractors) are competent, knowledgeable and skilled craftsmen.
• Ask the subs to identify the quality elements of the home they are building.
• Inspect the home site and determine if the builder shows respect for the land by protecting trees and other precious natural resources?

By asking these interview questions you should come away with a better sense of who will make the best builder for you and your new Barrington home.

Barrington New Homeowners – What’s Your Feedback!

Are you a Barrington home builder? What comments do you have about these questions? What other questions would you recommend for a buyer to ask? Barrington new home owners, if you have built a new Barrington home recently, what other questions would you add to this list?

To your home building success,

Kathy Pinkus
Your Barrington real estate agent