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Buying, selling, financing, and furnishing your new home is a fun and exciting challenge. Ilyce Glink shares her advice on new construction home building. With these helpful home construction tips, building a new home is a whole lot easier.

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Articles on New Construction

  • Contractor Submits Fake Documents To Title Company - A contractor submits fake documents to a title company and then gets paid. The home buyer asks if he has any recourse for when a contractor submits fake documents. Ilyce says it depends on the type of escrow account involved in the home purchase and that the home buyer should consult a real estate attorney to sort through whether the title company is liable for accepting fake documents from the contractor. 

  • Sell My House Decision In This Housing Market - Throughout the country, home owners may be wondering, “should I sell my house?” Ilyce discusses the current housing market, the credit crisis and whether it’s the right time to sell your house. She discusses unfinished neighborhoods and the effect of foreclosures as well as how long one may want to wait to sell a house. 

  • Preclosing Home Inspection Of Existing And New Construction - When you buy a home you may have it inspected several times by a home inspector. One of the last home inspections you have may be the preclosing home inspection. A preclosing home inspection may include a radon inspection, an asbestos inspection, a check of the appliances, a heating system inspection and an air conditioning inspection. Learn how a preclosing home inspection for new construction includes different checks. 

  • Real Estate Investment: Waiting For The Best Deal - Homeowners in some parts of the country such as Arizona, Nevada and Florida, are learning the hard way that their real estate investments may lose value. The growing number of foreclosures and short sales makes some wonder when the real estate market will hit bottom. If you're looking to purchase real estate, how do you know when will be the right time to buy? While you can’t time the real estate market, remember that you don't always have to buy real estate at the very lowest price to make money. 

  • Home Warranty Unenforceable When Builder Disappears - New construction homes generally come with warranties from builders. So long as the home warranty is in effect, the homeowner can contact the builder to resolve a problem with the property. But what can one do when the builder can't be reached? A Think Glink reader says he recently bought a home and the builder has not followed through on a home inspection or repair requests. Ilyce says it sounds like the new home buyer feels some buyer's remorse, but that he can't return the home like another product. The home buyer may hire a home inspector separately and may have to come to terms with the builder's financial situation during tough economic times.  

  • Small Houses Can Save You Money - Ilyce Glink describes architect Sarah Susanka’s small house concept from her “Not So Big House” series. Small houses may become more popular as the economy declines. What are the benefits to living in a small house? Can a small house save you money? Ilyce also discusses building an inexpensive house without a mortgage.  

  • New Home Construction Buyers Feel Satisfied - The 2008 J.D. Power and Associates survey of new home construction buyers showed an increase in home purchase satisfaction from 2007. A J.D. Power spokeswoman says buyers get more for their money because home builders include once optional features such as granite countertops as standard. Ilyce lists the top home builders according to J.D. Power in this column.  

  • Architect How Do You Find A Good One - Finding a good architect doesn’t have to be hard. You can find a good architect on the Internet or by asking around your own neighborhood. Once you find some architects you like there are a couple things to consider before you hire. Architect Sarah Susanka offers advice.  

  • Video Switcher Connects Electronics - Video switchers help you connect multiple electronic devices together. Video switchers allow you to switch between a DVD player, video game console, stereo and home theater system. Learn how video switchers work and whether you can use a video switcher in your home.  

  • Real Estate Agent for Home Buyers - What qualities do the best real estate agents have when working with home buyers? While home buyers often perceive the real estate purchase process as unpleasant, a great real estate agent can change that. The best real estate agents work with home buyers to help them figure out what they want and where to find the home that will meet their criteria. Top real estate agents also know the neighborhoods and resources intimately and share them with home buyers.  

  • Home Design Process Tips - Architect and author Sarah Susanka offers tips on home remodeling and the home design process. Susanka’s home design process tips can help you get what you want out of a remodeling project or new home design. The home design process tips involve communication with your architect.  

  • Real Estate Commission Negotiate A Lower One - Learn how to negotiate a lower real estate commission when using a real estate agent. A recent survey from Consumer Reports indicates that real estate agents are open to negotiating lower real estate commissions. In some cases, the buyer's agent and the seller's agent split the real estate commission.  

  • Purpose of Title Insurance - Learn the purpose of title insurance. Title insurance's purpose is to protect your home purchase. Title insurance is not required but buyers have it at 99 percent of closings. In one case rotten neighbors sold a home without permission and the buyers would have been protected if they knew the purpose of title insurance. 

  • Is A Bigger House A Better House - Architect Sarah Susanka talks about whether a bigger house is a better house. Susanka says bigger is not always better - that size does not necessarily lead to more satisfaction when it comes to a home. Find out if a bigger house is a better house for you. 

  • Sarah Susanka Sustainable Architecture - Architect Sarah Susanka describes sustainable architecture. To achieve sustainable architecture people should live their values including following their passions and choosing sustainability. 

  • Lien Waiver - A woman writing on behalf of her sister asks what release form states a supplier or builder has completed his work, received payments and releases any interest in the property. The form she wants is a lien waiver. If her sister was working with a builder, it’s the builder’s job to obtain the lien waivers. Make sure to get lien waivers signed before making payments.  

  • Foundation Cracks - A homeowner asks about foundation cracks and who should pay to fix them. Can the seller be liable because he did not reveal the foundation cracks upon selling the house? Should the builder pay to fix the foundation cracks? Or will the homeowner have to pay to repair the foundation cracks? 

  • Community Design Trends - Learn about community design trends from master plan developers. What are the trends in community design that will affect the future? Community design trends come from what residents want and how they use their community’s amenities. What are some community design trends for recreation and proximity to work? 

  • Save Money With A Home Inspection - Inspector Jamie Dunsing tells you how a home inspection can save you money. Learn how to save money with a home inspection. 

  • Home Inspection for Radon - Inspector Jamie Dunsing describes how to find radon gas during a home inspection. With radon testing you can find radon in your home and install a radon mitigation system. 

  • Community - How does a master planned community get designed? How do developers know what to include in a master planned community? Creating a sense of community means including amenities to foster community. Developers try to allow for community as populations age.  

  • Home Automation Via Your TV - You can control your home automation system using your TV too. Z-Wave's Mark Walters shows Ilyce Glink how to control the home automation radio frequency technology when you're watching TV. You can turn up the heat without getting up using your TV and home automation system. 

  • Home Automation Hype - Why has home automation not lived up to its hype? Z-Wave's Mark Walters talks to Ilyce Glink about how past home automation technology was unreliable and expensive. He also demonstrates Z-Wave's home automation technology. Is home automation still just hype? 

  • Hurricane Shutters and Shades - You can use Z-Wave home automation technology to control hurricane shutters and shades. Using your cell phone you can command the hurricane shutters or shades to come down to protect your home. If you need hurricane shutters and shades look at this system. 

  • Home Automation System from Z-Wave - Z-Wave's home automation system works with more than 170 manufacturers so you have flexibility. You can start small and use Z-Wave's home automation system to control your garage and light switches. Z-Wave's home automation system lets you control your home remotely. 

  • Home Automation Via Cell Phone - Learn about home automation using your cell phone. Home automation allows you to control your home's heating and energy use remotely. Z-Wave's home automation system lets you adjust the air conditioning and shades using your cell phone. Home automation via cell phone is one way to automate your home. 

  • Whirlpool Energy Star Refrigerator - Whirlpool's Central Park refrigerator received an Energy Star rating. The Whirlpool Energy Star refrigerator lets you charge your iPod, watch digital pictures and more with attachments. Watch our video on this Whirlpool Energy Star refrigerator. A Whirlpool Energy Star refrigerator uses less energy than other refrigerators. 

  • How Do Energy Star Ratings Work - Energy Star's Katharine Kaplan talks about how Energy Star ratings work. Government and industry come together to set Energy Star ratings. These Energy Star ratings may slow global warming by making appliances more energy efficient. Learn how Energy Star ratings work.

  • How To Save Money With Energy Star - How can you save money with Energy Star certified appliances? Energy Star's Katharine Kaplan talks about global warming and creating a more energy efficient home that can save you money.  

  • Electrical Panel or Circuit Breaker Home Inspection - Make sure your electical panel or circuit breaker is included in your home inspection. What should you look for when inspecting an electrical panel or circuit breaker? Learn what catches a home inspector's eye when he's inspecting an electrical panel or circuit breaker in your home. You shouldn't do an electrical panel or circuit breaker inspection on your own.  

  • Minimalist Home Design - What is minimalist home design? Author Sarah Susanka describes minimalist home design concepts she learned from Frank Lloyd Wright. The minimalist home design trend will continue to grow says Susanka. 

  • Home Design - How can you design the home of your dreams? Learn about home design from Sarah Susanka, author of the Not So Big House series of books. Good home design may vary depending on where you live and who you are. 

  • Earnest Money - A builder asks about receiving earnest money for a home he’s selling. The buyer is depositing earnest money on the home as a gift for his brother. What should the builder watch out for when accepting this earnest money? 

  • Cemetery - A home buyer wonders about buying a foreclosed property near a cemetery. Could buying a home with a perceived defect lead to a lower price? Ilyce discusses pros and cons of buying a home in a less desirable location like near a cemetery or with a problem that you may be able to fix.  

  • Plot Plan - Buyers complain that the plot plan for a neighboring lot has changed. They want to know if they have recourse since the new plot plan has the next door house set differently.  

  • Synthetic Stucco - A reader asks about using synthetic stucco with concrete blocks. Synthetic stucco may trap moisture between exterior and plywood leading to mold and rot. Ilyce advises researching synthetic stucco before using it. 

  • Home Problems - A buyer says his home has problems like a leaky roof. He says the builder will not fix the home problems. Who can he contact to help with these home problems? 

  • Breach of Construction Contract - A buyer says he’s having trouble getting earnest money back from his builder after deciding not to buy a home. The buyer can sue the builder for breaching the construction contract.  

  • Green Consumer Demographics - Green consumer demographics fall into three categories. Green consumer demographics include being thoughtful of the environment, dilettante green consumers and green consumers who want a return on their investment.  

  • Earnest Money - A condo buyer complains that the master bedroom is too small and wants his earnest money back. The buyer asks whether the bank could keep the earnest money if the deal fell through rather than suing him.  

  • Home Owner Liability - A home owner asks who has liability for an ancient tree being torn down on a next door lot. The home owner wonders if it’s a neighbor, who is having a house built, has liability or if it’s the builder, who tore down the tree.

  • Tear Down House with Mortgage - A couple asks if they should tear down their ranch house while they still have a mortgage. They say many of their neighbors tear down their houses so their street has many new brick homes.

  • Breach of Contract - Breach of contract during a real estate deal often results in the loss of earnest money. Ilyce suggests this ThinkGlink reader read his contract carefully.

  • Low Water Pressure - Low water pressure was a problem in this ThinkGlink reader's new construction home. After getting a water pressure booster pump installed, he is trying to get the builder to reseed his lawn which is dead due to the lack of watering.

  • Custom Home Builders - Custom home builders all use different contracts which govern the terms of the deal. This ThinkGlink reader needs to read his contract and then decide if he owes the builder additional money.

  • New Home Construction - New Construction presents different issues for a home buyer. Negotiating a new construction contract should not be taken lightly and Ilyce suggests hiring a good real estate attorney and doing your own research before signing.

  • First Time Home Buyer - A ThinkGlink reader is a first time home buyer and put earnest money down on a new construction home. After being denied financing, the first time home buyer is unable to get their earnest money returned. Ilyce provides tips for every first time home buyer.

  • How To Terminate Contract On New Construction Condo - A ThinkGlink reader signed a contract to buy a condominium two years ago. After several delays with the builder, he would like to get out of the deal. Sam and Ilyce explain his options to terminate the contract.

  • Including Home Inspection Contingency In New Construction Contract - A ThinkGlink reader is considering buying a newly constructed home. She is wondering if she can include a home inspection contingency. Ilyce explains that she should negotiate the inclusion of four inspections and an inspection contingency into the new construction contract.

  • Developer Rents Out Vacant Homes - A ThinkGlink reader purchased property from a developer with the expectation of a nice neighborhood with a homeowner's association. The developer, unable to sell all the properties, has begun renting out homes. The homeowner wonders if he has any recourse against this developer.

  • Buying New Construction With Hopes of Big Payoff - A ThinkGlink reader is considering stretching his pocket book and buying a new construction home. Ilyce explains why now may not be the best time to buy expensive real estate.

  • Condominium Floor Not Level - A ThinkGlink reader bought a newly constructed condominium in a high-rise. After moving in, he realized that the floors are not level. Ilyce explains why it important to hire a home inspector when buying a condo.

  • Developer Fails On Landscaping - A ThinkGlink reader bought a home that was newly developed. The lawn is a mess and it will cost considerable money to have it repaired. Ilyce explains why this reader should have never closed on the property until it was satisfactory.

  • New Home Development Not What Was Promised - A ThinkGlink reader bought a home in a new development. He, and many of his neighbors, feel the developer delivered a vastly different neighborhood than what was promised. Ilyce and Sam explain if these home owners have any recourse against the builder.

  • Price Home Competitively To Sell - A ThinkGlink reader is in the process of building a new home but is having trouble selling her current home. Ilyce explains how to sell a home in a down market.

  • Water In Basement Of New Home - A ThinkGlink reader purchased a newly built home 4 years ago and now has water in her basement. Ilyce explains the various issues the homeowner needs to consider before suing the developer.

  • Variations May Be Necessary In New Construction - A ThinkGlink reader put money down for the purchase of a new condominium. The builder made changes to the original plan and will not refund the deposit. Ilyce explains what steps this reader can take to get his money back.

  • Planned Unit Development (PUD) Rider - A ThinkGlink reader purchased a home in a planned subdivision that did not have a homeowners' association (HOA) but she signed a planned unit development rider on her mortgage. Now an HOA has been formed and they sent a letter saying she is behind in her dues. Ilyce explains that if there is an association, she needs to pay the dues and should receive some benefits.

  • Buying Most Expensive Home On Block - Everyone knows they shouldn't buy the most expensive home on the block but what if it is new construction? This ThinkGlink reader weighs the pros and cons of purchasing a new home in Nevada.

  • Buy Tear Down Or New Home? - A ThinkGlink reader is buying a home in a town that is experiencing a common transition - many of the older homes are being torn down and new larger homes are being built. Ilyce explains what factors to take into consideration when deciding what type of home to buy.

  • New Home Air Conditioning Does Not Meet Manufacturer's Requirements - A ThinkGlink reader is purchasing a newly constructed home and has found that the air conditioning does not meet the manufacturer's requirements. Now she is negotiating with the developer and sub-contractor to get some assurances that the unit will work. Ilyce gives this reader tips to making sure this deal is closed with no loop holes.

  • Lender Change Fee - A ThinkGlink reader put a deposit on a lot in order to build a new home. Now the developer would like an additional deposit and is including a lender change fee in the contract. Ilyce and Sam explain why developers charge you for changing lenders and give tips to the reader for completing the deal.

  • Problem With New Home Construction - Here is a real problem with new home construction. A ThinkGlink reader had his new home built on the wrong lot. The owner hired an agent, title company, builder and lender and now he has a mess. Ilyce explains why it might be time to hire a new real estate lawyer.

  • Construction Loans and End Loans - A ThinkGlink reader currently has a construction loan and is planning on needing an end loan to finance the completed building. Ilyce and Sam explain how construction and end loans work and provide this reader with advice on how to minimize the amount of interest he will pay.

  • Problems With Newly Constructed Townhouse - A home buyer has a new townhouse with many water problems. Ilyce explains why an attorney will be key to getting these problems resolved.

  • Second Mortgage For Tear Down - A homeowner is thinking of getting a second mortgage to finance the tearing down and rebuilding of her home. This will put her initial mortgage at risk of being called due. Ilyce and Sam suggest talking with several local mortgage companies to determine what options this homeowner may exercise.

  • Problem With Developer Pipeline Installation - Ilyce gets help from a reader regarding a previous question about a developer wanting access to a reader's property for putting in sewer lines. A ThinkGlink reader suggests researching directional/horizontal boring for pipeline installations.

  • Protecting Your Property From Developers - A reader owns a large wooded lot next to a property that will soon have 95 homes built on it. The new developer needs to put sewer lines through the reader's lot which will kill many of her trees. Ilyce explains how to try to get compensated for the loss of the trees.

  • Where to Build A New Garage - A reader is preparing to build a new garage/workshop on his land. He is considering where on his multiple lots to place the building. Ilyce suggests talking to the local zoning official in his local building department and a knowledgeable real estate agent.

  • Problems with New Home Builder - A ThinkGlink reader has made a large down payment for a new construction home. One year later, the builder still doesn't have any permits. Ilyce and Sam help the reader to unwind this deal with the builder and the construction loan.

  • Foundation Problems Stall Home Sale - A reader's family home is on the market and can not be sold because of problems found by an inspector. Unfortunately, they have no recourse with the builder or city inspector. Ilyce suggests getting estimates on fixing all the major problems.

  • Giving Land To Family Member - A reader would like to build a home on his mother-in-law's land. The mortgage lender said he cannot build on land owned by somebody else. Ilyce explains several options for this family to consider.

  • Developer Did Not Meet Specifications - A reader purchased a home from a developer and discovered that the insulation was never installed. Ilyce and Sam explain how to go about suing the developer.

  • Building New Home With Boyfriend - A reader has inherited some property and plans on building a home with her boyfriend on the lot. Ilyce helps the couple think through all the issues and assure that both people are protected from future problems.

  • Readers Write Back - Purchasing Vintage Homes - Ilyce revisits her past column on renovating vintage homes. A reader passes on his thoughts on the column regarding whether all old homes are worth saving.

  • Renovate or Tear Down: When Shouldn’t a House be Saved? - In neighborhoods all across America we are seeing old homes being torn down and replaced by new construction. Ilyce interviews Lane Epstein, an architect and vice president of Baker Construction Group, about how to decide if an older home is appropriate for renovation or tear down.

  • Mold Problem In New Home - A reader purchased a newly constructed home that has mold and construction problems. Sam and Ilyce explain the tax implications of selling the home at a loss.

  • Increased Price in Newly Constructed Home - A reader is helping out her sister who had a home purchase fall through. The newly built home's price went up significantly after the home was completed. Ilyce and Sam explain that the contract should have helped the buyers understand their obligations.

  • Buying New Ranch Condo - A reader is thinking of buying a ranch condo. These are free standing homes that abide by condominium rules and have the benefit of some exterior maintenance handled by the association. Ilyce discusses the benefits and drawbacks in buying into these new developments.

  • Financing New Construction - A reader is living in a home worth a considerable amount but would like to build a new home due to a job relocation. Ilyce helps this reader sort through some different financing options.

  • Tips for Condo Owners Starting An Association - A reader lives in a condominium that the developer is turning over to a condo association. Ilyce and Sam suggest getting a copy of the condominium statute from the state and warns the owner to be cautious when hiring a management company.

  • Hire Home Inspector For Newly Built Home - A reader is about to close on their newly built home. A few things are bothering her including squeaky floors and a bathroom that is different from the model. Ilyce explains that hiring a building inspector is key to clearing up this issue.

  • Zoning Changes Made Without Owner's Knowledge - A reader is preparing to sell her home and side lot. A potential buyer has discovered that the zoning has changed and that the side lot would now need a variance to be built on. Ilyce explains that this is a prefect example of why you should stay involved in community affairs.

  • Cost of Condo Raised at Closing - A new condo buyer learns the hard way about working with a builder when buying her first home. At the time of closing, a new $4,000 marble floor appears to have become part of the deal. Ilyce suggests that it will be difficult to recover any of this cost. More importantly, Ilyce gives advice on how to be an informed home buyer.

  • Closing Cancelled At Last Moment - A young couple was on the way to owning their first condo. On the morning of the closing, the lender calls to say they will not be able to make the loan because the building is a condominium conversion. Ilyce and Sam give the reader advice on how to recover their many expenses and how to avoid this homebuyer nightmare.

  • Negotiating New Construction Purchase - A reader is purchasing a new condo in another state. The developer has only given them 10 days to sign and return the contract. Ilyce suggests hiring a real estate attorney that has extensive experience with new construction purchases.

  • Charging Developer For Easement -  

  • Building Up Grade For New Home -  A reader is concerned about the grade leading up to their new home. The builder is now stating the contract contains only an estimate in the height of the grade and they may incur additional costs. Ilyce explains how the new owners will foot the bill for any unforeseen circumstances.

  • Tips for Buying a Newly Built Home - A reader is thinking of buying a newly built home. They were told by their agent that the price is not negotiable. They are also concerned about the lack of track record in their neighborhood with the builder. Ilyce gives tips for working with a builder and negotiating a fair price.

  • Seller Experiences Trouble With Builder - The reader is purchasing a new property from a seller who bought it from the builder for an investment. Now there is a problem with the builder. Ilyce and Sam explain that the buyer has no recourse with the builder and that they must deal only with the seller.

  • Finding Errant Builder - The reader has purchased and closed on a new condominium. Not only did the builder not finish the landscaping, the town is now demanding a correction in the grade of the lawn. Ilyce and Sam discuss how to track down the builder and determine if they have any recourse.

  • Building a New House - Building a new home? Here's some great real estate advice from Ilyce Glink. When you’re buying new construction, figuring out how to make the most of each room requires a tremendous amount of thought. Make sure you think things through before you sign the contract for your new home

  • Builder Problems - When a builder won't make repairs, is it OK to hold back the last payment? Will the builder then be able to put a lien on the homeowner's new house? It all depends on the contract.

  • New Home Problem - What can you do if you buy a new construction home and are disappointed with the results? In this article, Ilyce and Sam advise a new homeowner who is having driveway problems in his new home. Getting out of his garage is a pain, and he thinks the developer should have taken steps to avoid the problem

  • Contractor For New Construction Pulls Out Of Area - A reader has been working with a contractor to build a new home. After the plans are set, the contractor decides to pull out of the area. The reader is stuck finding a new contractor at considerable cost. Sam and Ilyce explain their legal recourse and what would be the best strategy to get their house built.

  • New Construction Deposit In Jeopardy - A reader has put a deposit down on a home in a new subdivision. After two years, they learn that the developer has not gotten final approval for the development. Sam and Ilyce give advice on how to get the deposit money back and suggest hiring a good attorney.

  • Housing Boom - The latest housing boom is pushing housing developments into new territory. New home buyers are flocking to buy new homes in areas where a relatively small investment can still buy you a lot of house.

  • A Construction-To-Permanent Loan Ends With Higher Rate - A reader has a construction-to-permanent loan and the home construction will soon be finished. Now the lender is quoting a higher rate than other lenders. Ilyce suggest going with the original loan to avoid fees and then refinancing as quickly as possible.

  • Real Estate Books are Blooming - Ilyce reviews two real estate books: Every Landlord’s Tax Deduction Guide and The House That Jill Built: A Woman’s Guide to Home Building.

  • Developer Misleads Buyers - A developer misleads a buyer regarding the empty lot next to their new home. Now they are faced with buying the lot to avoid a new home being built. Ilyce suggests always getting agreements with developers in writing.

  • Negotiating A Temporary Easement With A Developer - A homeowner would like a guarantee that ranch-style homes would be built adjoining his property in exchange for granting a temporary easement to the developer. Sam gives advice about how to negotiate an easement and other issues to work out with the developer.

  • How To Budget For Landscaping - An owner of a new construction home wants help determining the budget for new landscaping. Ilyce has heard 10 percent of the purchase price should be allotted to landscaping a newly-constructed house. She suggests you should find a landscape contractor who is willing to develop a plan that you can implement in stages.

  • Building a New Home? You May Need a Home Building Coach - Building a home? If you want to build a new home, you may want to consider working with a home-building coach.

  • How To Find A Good Builder - Want to find a good builder? Selecting a good builder is the first step in a new successful new construction project. If you do your homework ahead of time, you should be able to choose a builder who is perfect for your project.

  • Building a Home - Building your own home is something you can always look back on as a major life accomplishment. However, before you build your house, it's good to understand the legal issues associated with building a home. In this article, Ilyce Glink and Samuel Tamkin offer real estate advice to a reader who built his own home.

  • Home Improvements in a Transitional Neighborhood - Is your neighborhood changing rapidly? Are your neighbors rehabbing, upgrading or rebuilding? Ilyce helps owners decide how much to invest in their property.

  • Buy New Home or Existing Home - Is it a better deal to buy a newly-built home or an existing home? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer.

  • Baby Boomer Trends - With more than 70 million baby boomers heading into retirement over the next 30 years, the challenge for real estate developers is to figure out what kind of home they’ll choose.

  • New Construction Lender - Often new construction companies and builders partner with a lender. The only way to figure out if they are offering the best deal is to shop around to other lenders.

  • New Fence Violates Building Code - Honest differences of opinion can exist between a buyer and a builder as to the quality of construction and what constitutes a defect in construction. If you are unreasonable in your demands, and make outrageous claims that are without merit, the builder could sue you. A newly-built home is surrounded by a fence that is against the building code. The new owners wonder what recourse they have against the builder.

  • Warranty Expires on New Home With Problems - An owner of a new home is experiencing many problems. The builder made a list of his concerns, but now the one year warranty has expired. Ilyce and Sam discuss home warranties and home inspections.

  • New Driveway May Be On Neighbors Lot - After building a new home, an owner discovers the driveway may be on the neighbors lot. Ilyce and Sam discuss surveys, easements and builders contract.

  • Buyer's Agent Needed For New Home Community - A prospective home buyer looks at several new home developments without an agent and then wonders if they will have trouble using an agent when they buy property. Ilyce provides some helpful real estate advice.

  • New Construction Needs Independent Inspector - An owner of a newly constructed home is wondering if they need an independent inspector. Ilyce's answer is yes, you should have your new home inspected at various points during the construction. You should make the builder aware that you are going to do this, and, if you haven't finalized your contract yet, put it as a rider that both you and the builder will sign.

  • Housing Trends 2004 - Thanks to continuing low interest rates, the Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBA) has newly revised its forecast for how much money home buyers and homeowners will borrow this year: A whopping $2.5 trillion. Only 40 percent of that total, or about $1.1 trillion, will be homeowners refinancing their mortgage. The rest will be spent on by home buyers looking for a place to live. About 17 percent of home buyers will purchase a newly-constructed home this year.

  • Pitfalls of Building New Home - Do you want to build your dream house? Ilyce helps protect you from poor workmanship

  • New Home Has Water Damage - After repeated fixes, a homeowner still has water problems in his basement. Sam talks about the builder's responsibilities and the various construction litigation options.

  • Home Inspectors - Everyone who buys a newly-constructed home should have a professional home inspector tour the home at least once before closing, and preferably at the following points during construction: after the foundation is poured; after the house is framed; after the house is wired and plumbed but before the wallboard is put on, and before closing for any final issues.

  • Picking a Real Estate Agent - Picking a real estate agent is an important part of the home buying process. Ilyce Glink gives a few tips on how to select an agent to a prospective homebuyer.

  • Choosing Lender For New Condominium - A home buyer is wondering if they should consider the lender the developer is using for her new condominium. Ilyce explains that the mortgage business is competitive, so you should shop around to at least three lenders.

  • Construction Surprises and How To Handle Them - Construction Surprises and How To Handle Them

  • Work Out of Your Home - Work From Home - Home Office - Work Out of Your Home - Work From Home - Home Office

  • Trends In Kitchen And Home Office Design - Trends In Kitchen And Home Office Design

  • 100 Years Of Housing - 100 Years Of Housing

  • House In A Day - House In A Day

  • New Construction - New Construction

  • Turning Dirt Into Landscape - Turning Dirt Into Landscape

  • Building Out Your Closet On A Budget (Part 2) - Building Out Your Closet On A Budget

  • Building Out Your Closet On A Budget - Building Out Your Closet On A Budget

  • Making Smart Choices On Your Home Renovations - Making Smart Choices On Your Home Renovations

  • What Consumers Are Buying In New Construction - What Consumers Are Buying In New Construction

  • Updating Stories: Myfico.com, New Construction Pricing - Updating Stories: Myfico.com, Anew Construction Pricing

  • Choosing The Right Option Makes All The Difference For New Construction - Choosing The Right Option Makes All The Difference For New Construction

  • Bring Inspector To Walk Through - A new construction builder offers a pre-dry wall inspection. Ilyce suggests bringing along an inspector.

  • New Home Has Many Problems - After buying a newly built home, a couple discovers many problems and has a missing builder. Ilyce agrees that the local county commissioner will be a big help in getting the builder to make the repairs.

  • Steps To Building Your Own Home - Building a new home

  • Some Tips On Buying Off The Plans - Some Tips On Buying Off The Plans

  • A Few Simple Things You Can Do To Improve Your Construction Or Remodeling Project - A Few Simple Things You Can Do To Improve Your Construction Or Remodeling Project

  • The Latest And Greatest From The National Hardware Show - National hardware show

  • Construction Costs: Things Consumers Should Think About Before You Buy A New Home - Construction Costs: Things Consumers Should Think About Before You Buy A New Home

  • The Greening Of Real Estate: Environmentally Friendly Developments And Where You Can Find Them - The Greening Of Real Estate: Environmentally Friendly Developments And Where You Can Find Them

  • The Truth Is In The Concrete: What You Are Up Against With Some New Construction Developers - The Truth Is In The Concrete: What You Are Up Against With Some New Construction Developers

  • Making A Successful New Construction Purchase - Making A Successful New Construction Purchase

  • Notes Form The Home Builders Convention: Home Building Trends (Part 2) - Notes Form The Home Builders Convention: Home Building Trends

  • Notes From The Home Builders Convention: Home Building Trends - Building a home? The National Home Builders Convention is the place to be if you are interested in home building and the real estate industry. It’s where you’ll find more home builders and more building supplies vendors – literally - than anywhere else in the world.

  • Class Action Lawsuits - Masonite Siding - Synthetic Stucco (EIFS) - Tobacco Settlements - Class action lawsuits, and information on masonite siding, synthetic stucco (EIFS), and tobacco settlements.

  • Mistakes Home Buyers and Home Sellers Make  - Mistakes home buyers and sellers make.

  • Real Estate Mortgage - Commercial Real Estate Sites - Places to Go For Financial and Legal Help - Websites that can help you buy and sell real estate.

  • News about International Real Estate - Prices in Foreign Cities, Including Tokyo, Paris, London - News about international real estate. Home prices in foreign cities.

  • Links to Homeowner Association Websites - Homeowner's Association website links.

  • First-Time Buyer Programs Around The Country - Downpayment Assistance - Low-Cost Mortgages - First-time home buyer programs around the country that offer low-cost mortgages and down payment matching funds.

  • Real Estate Resources and Special Deals for First-Time Buyers - Real estate resources and special deals for first-time buyers.