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Hidden Costs of Buying a New Home - What You Need to Know About New Homes vs. Existing with Andrea Ruiz
10/29/2025
Hidden Costs of Buying a New Home - What You Need to Know About New Homes vs. Existing with Andrea Ruiz
Let’s demystify building a new home vs. purchasing resale (without the surprises, costly upgrades, or “wish we’d known” regrets) with today’s guest and Houston new construction expert, Andrea Ruiz. If you’re deciding between building from dirt or moving into something that’s already finished, this episode walks you through everything from timelines, inspections, warranties, financing incentives, taxes, HOAs, and the subtle red flags most first-time buyers miss. You’ll leave knowing exactly how to compare builders, when a “deal” isn’t a deal, and how to protect your budget (and your equity) from day one. In This Episode, You Will Learn A step-by-step look at the new-build timeline (from lot pick to closing). The three phase inspections you shouldn’t skip, plus the fourth party you need to hire. Red flags with sales reps, contracts, and why you still need your own agent. When new construction is more cost effective and when resale wins. How to read area growth signals so your equity has room to run. The smart 9-12 month game plan to research builders, neighborhoods, and budgets. The real “hidden costs”: HOAs, maintenance, utilities, and design-center traps. How to negotiate now (while competition is lower) for price, rate buydowns, and repairs. Resources + Links Get Your FREE Follow Stacie: Website: Andrea: 💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!
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