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10 · NEW HOMES, March 12, 2004 Make signing a contract part of your hom e plan O n c e y o u h a v e fo u n d th e rig h t b u ild er an d d ecid ed on th e h o m e y o u w ant, y o u are read y to w o rk o u t the co n tractu al arrangem ents. This can be done at the builder's sales office, where you and the builder (or sales person) can work through the items that go into the contract. This is the most common approach with large or tract builders. Alternatively, the builder may write up the contract on their own and present it to you for consideration. Or you may choose to have your lawyer prepare the contract. Commonly referred to as the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, the contract is a legal ly binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of your purchase. There is no mandatory standard form; many professional new home builders use forms adapted from model contracts developed by their provin cial Home Builders' Association or new home warranty program. Often, the Agreement starts with your offer to purchase the home from the builder under certain terms and conditions. Once you sign it, the offer is binding on you. If your builder accepts the offer and signs the Agreement, it becomes binding on both par ties. Similarly, if your builder presents you with a contract, it is an "offer to sell" that becomes legally binding on both parties once you accept. A sales representative may not be able to "close the deal" without a review by the builder. Approval or counter-offer is usually quick. However, under some circumstances, you may consider adding an irrevocable date to your offer - a deadline for the builder's Continued on page 16 D e m a n d q u a l i t y a n d s e rv ic e f r o m y o u r h o m e b u ild e r Today, ev erybody talks ab o u t cu sto m er service an d satisfaction. W h a t does it m ean to so m eo n e w ho is b u y in g a new h o m e? W h a t does a h o m e building co m p an y really m ean w h en it says, "w e are service o rien ted ?" In a nutshell, it means that the builder puts you, the cus tomer, first. The company is building your home and work ing to satisfy your needs. The builder strives to make each step in the buying and building process easy and worry-free for you and your family. And you are still treated as a valued customer long after you take possession of your new home. Size of company has little to do with service. Large or small, today's building companies work hard to provide per sonalized service to each and every customer. Here are some thoughts from professional builders on what you can and should expect when it comes to service. Expect the builder and/or sales and site staff to be: · Open and upfront --good service begins with honesty, trust and good communication. · Knowledgeable --good service depends on in-depth prod uct and process knowledge. · Prompt and efficient --good service sets and respects real istic timelines. · "On your team" - customer-oriented builders and staff work for you and with you. When you first visit the sales office or model home, expect the builder or staff to: · Be interested in knowing your needs and wants right away, and what's important to you: style, size, features, amenities, price range, location and your schedule. That way they can show you the most suitable homes and options. · Take you on a tour of the display home(s), if available, or give you detailed descriptions of homes based on scale mod els, maps, drawings and blueprints. · Explain the company's flexibility in design and finishing, and your opportunities to customize. · Tell you about the development and the area in detail - who has bought to date, long-term plans, amenities and features, schools, transportation, shopping and so on. · Provide you with helpful information to take home. Once you are ready to buy, expect the builder or staff to: · Give you an accurate and detailed price - no unknowns or surprises later. · Respect your wish to "think about it" and not pressure you to sign a contract. · Give you a clear explanation of the entire buying and con struction process - who is responsible for what; construction and payment milestones; what's needed on closing. · Give you an idea of closing costs --what's involved, and general cost ranges. · Appoint a contact (e.g., the builder, the sales manager or the salesperson) who will always return your messages prompt ly and never be too busy to deal with you. · Make arrangements for your site visits during construction. · Give you regular progress updates. · And of course, deliver what they promised, when they promised to. Once your home is completed, expect them to: · Explain what is covered by warranties, for how long, and how to request after-sales service. · Explain what you can expect the first year, and a schedule of contact and check-ups by the company. · Ask you what you think about your new home, their com pany and your buying experience. Professional new home builders know that the quality of their service is as important to you as the quality of the home. Contact your local Home Builders' Association, or check www.chba.ca on the Internet for a list of builders in your area and more information about home buying. 1 0 , 0 0 0 I N F R E E U P G R A D E S N O W A V A IL A B L E Extra Large Lots Discover the world o f Maple Crest Homes ||ptf %" n. A , Hccwn/ Homes from : TO MODEL HOMES: From Hwy. 403 W. - exit onto Lincoln Alexander Prkwy., exit right onto Golf Links Rd., turn left onto Kitty Murray Lane, turn right onto Stonehenge Dr. MODEL HOME HOURS: Mon. - Thurs. 3-7 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 1-5 p.m. or view by appt. Call 905-304-0003 www.maplecrestbyserrani.com Experience the Difference 6 Consecutive Years of Excellent Ratings CiiHfiflii V m i t Providing personalized on-site mortgage financing