When to Consider Building

With so many factors at play and such emotional buy-in when looking for a home, when does it make sense to consider building your own?

Countless hopeful buyers hear, “nope, we didn’t get this one” week in and week out. The process of buying in today’s seller’s market can feel futile, frustrating, and full of sacrifice. So, when does it make sense to turn away from existing homes and look to build your own new home? Real estate expert Andy Griesinger sheds light on the decision. 

What are some signs for you as a realtor that it might be time for your clients to look into custom building?

It’s common for people to want newer construction because they want updated appliances and more modern layouts, and those priorities make it clear that a new build is best. 

I talk to clients often who express to me that flexibility is also a priority, and that they don’t want to live in a neighborhood where every house looks like one of four options. Those are strong signs that building custom will meet their needs better than a new development with fewer design options.

It’s common for buyers to feel a bit stuck before they know about the options for custom building, because lots of people hold the assumption that the only viable option for new construction is to build in a development where things look a bit cookie-cutter. They don’t consider custom since traditionally, building custom meant a lot of work for the buyer to coordinate everything—essentially a second job. But now that I’ve been working with Atmos and referred clients, I know there’s another way possible and that’s doable for more people. 

What do people who end up building custom generally have in common?

They’re picky, in a really good way. They know exactly what they want in a home and they don’t want to settle for something that doesn’t meet those specifications. It’s less important that they buy a home, but that they buy the righthome.

A lot of them have owned homes before and know what it’s like to compromise, and owning that house or condo beforehand has helped them hone in on what they really want and what they’re willing to pass up. 

People building custom really come from all backgrounds and situations, though. Families, young professionals, retirees, you name it. It doesn’t have to be a crazy high budget because you get to prioritize the things that matter the most to you and it appeals to people at all walks of life. 

Does the current market play a large role in how often you refer clients to custom building?

It’s definitely part of it. The difficulty people are having with buying an existing home right now means more are turning to building. Even builders are slowing down because costs are on the rise, so it’s not as simple as sending clients to a new development or to enter a construction lottery. It’s a game changer to have Atmos, where someone with homebuilding experience is there to walk the buyer through every step and cost to help them find a lot and design that fits their needs and budget. 

What are some of your favorite features you’ve seen in custom homes?

Our domestic lifestyles have changed a lot in the past few years so the features that stick out the most are the ones that make our lives easier now. One of the coolest I’ve seen is a large walk-in closet that’s spacious enough for an island, and their washer and dryer! It adds so much ease and convenience for them to have everything there in one place, and that’s not something I’ve seen with any existing homes. 

Another detail I’ve seen is the careful incorporation of the indoor and outdoor lifestyle. For example, we’ve had buyers choose accordion doors to go all around their living space, so it easily opens up to an outside space!

Beyond the unique features, there’s also the peace of mind of knowing that everything is brand new and exactly to your liking. For example, with existing homes, I always work with my clients on looking at systems like HVAC, water heater, and other major expenses that they’ll need to replace down the line—which because of the crazy market many people are choosing to overlook because they just want to buy a home. But with a new home, you know everything is brand new and that you’re not going to be needing a new huge appliance in the near future. There are fewer surprises and expenses. 

Ready to say goodbye to the competitive market and build your own custom home? Get started on your Atmos home today!