Buying a new construction home in Georgia is exciting. You’ve probably spent months thinking about floor plans, finishes and move-in day. By the time the house is almost ready, you’re more than ready to get the keys.

But there are a few things about the closing that can catch buyers off guard.

For starters, the contract may be different from what you’ve seen before. Builders often use their own purchase agreements and addenda, which may include specific terms about deposits, upgrades, construction timelines, warranties and closing. So even if you’ve bought a home before, this is one time when it pays not to skim.

Then there’s the closing date.

With a resale, you’re buying a house that already exists. With new construction, there are still inspections, permits, construction schedules and plenty of other moving parts. A delay somewhere along the way can affect when you close.

As the house gets closer to completion, keep your lender, agent and closing attorney updated if you hear about a change in timing.

Why a New Construction Home in Georgia Still Needs Title Work

This is one of the things buyers sometimes don’t think about.

The house may be new, but the land underneath it isn’t.

The property has a history, and matters involving ownership, liens, easements or the legal description can still affect it. Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers may also have been involved in the construction.

That’s why title work remains part of the process even when no one has ever lived in the home.

Your final walkthrough is another area that can cause some confusion. The walkthrough is your chance to look at the house itself and address construction or finish concerns with the appropriate parties.

Closing is different. In Georgia, a licensed Georgia attorney oversees the real estate closing. That’s where the documents are signed and the legal and financial pieces of transferring the property come together.

And if you’re getting a mortgage, remember that your lender has its own checklist to finish. A house that looks ready for move-in isn’t necessarily ready to close from the lender’s perspective.

One Last Tip: Ask Early

The week before closing gets busy fast.

You’re scheduling movers, setting up utilities, doing the walkthrough and figuring out where all those boxes are going to go. If you have questions about your closing documents, funds, signing or what you need to bring, don’t wait until you’re sitting at the closing table to ask.

At Miller & Associates, we work with buyers, builders, lenders and real estate professionals throughout the closing process. We want you to understand what’s happening along the way so that when closing day finally arrives, you can focus on the best part:

Getting the keys to your new home.

Contact us at attorneys@millertitlelaw.com today if you have any questions about your new construction closing.