The questions to ask split into two very different scenarios, depending on how you’re buying the lot. If you’re buying a lot from a builder — especially a large tract builder — most of the groundwork is already done. Utilities are typically stubbed, perk tests are already done, and it’s ready to build. Your main…
What happens next depends entirely on whether you’re on a dirt start or buying an inventory home — they’re two different paths. On a dirt start, you pick the lot, put down a deposit, then schedule your design center appointment and choose all your finishes. Any structural or design changes get signed off as change…
It depends on the buyer, but in Micah’s opinion, an inventory or spec home will almost always be the better deal. If you’re very concerned about look, finishes, fixtures, and picking your own lot, a dirt start could matter to you specifically. But builders almost never offer incentives or rate buydowns on dirt starts. Their…
Most buyers skip the inspection on a brand new Utah home, and Micah understands why. Inspections run around $400, and the home already comes with a builder warranty, so it’s fair to ask why you’d pay for something the warranty already covers. Most of the time, that logic holds up. In 25 years, Micah has…
Many high-volume production builders in Utah — DR Horton, Edge Homes, Flagship Homes, Salisbury Homes, and others building at scale — often undersize the AC relative to what a homeowner actually needs during a real Utah summer. It likely meets code on flow and unit size, but in practice, once Utah gets over 100 degrees,…
A lot premium is the extra amount a builder charges for a specific homesite because it offers something more valuable than a standard lot — usually size, location, or view. In Utah, lot premiums show up almost exclusively on larger, more customized homes. Builders like Toll Brothers, Symphony Homes, David Weekley Homes, and Alpine Homes…
Most production builders in Utah County take about the same amount of time once footings go in — roughly 4 months. A few builders that allow more customization, like Toll Brothers, Symphony Homes, David Weekley Homes, and Alpine Homes, tend to run longer, simply because more choices means more time. Standard spec builders — Arive,…
Sometimes, particularly on standing inventory or a home the builder wants cleared. One client asked on a former Parade of Homes property listed at $1,650,000 and the builder accepted $1,500,000. You will not know unless someone asks. Full breakdown: Can the Builder’s Sales Rep Represent You in Utah? · New Construction Homes in Utah
Realistically, no. Utah builders do not change their contracts. The value of representation is in comparing builders and communities, knowing which incentives are actually available, and advising on lot selection, not in redlining contract language. Full breakdown: Can the Builder’s Sales Rep Represent You in Utah? · New Construction Homes in Utah
Usually on your first visit to the community. Many builders require the agent to be present or registered at that first visit. If you tour alone and sign in, you may lose the ability to bring in representation for that community. Full breakdown: Can the Builder’s Sales Rep Represent You in Utah? · New Construction…
You are not required to have one, but without one nobody is asking for concessions on your behalf or comparing communities across builders. On new construction the builder typically covers buyer agent compensation, so for most buyers there is no added cost. Full breakdown: Can the Builder’s Sales Rep Represent You in Utah? · New…
No. The sales rep represents the builder. They can answer questions and guide you through the process, but they are not advocating for your interests in the negotiation, and they will not compare their community against a competitor’s. Full breakdown: Can the Builder’s Sales Rep Represent You in Utah? · New Construction Homes in Utah