Profile picture for DavidG

David Gibbons

Zillow.com

Phone: (206) 470-7168

Website: This is it.

Back to Results

Tools

Partner Tools


When buying a new home, what upgrades should be done after move in?

Profile picture for 7seas
close Profile picture for 7seas

7seas

Contributions: 4

View full profile

  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

0 Yes

June 07 - Houston
RSS

Answers (8)

Profile picture for SamanthaRealty28
close Profile picture for SamanthaRealty28

Samantha Mitchell, "SamanthaRealty28"

Real Estate Agent

View my 41 listings
Contributions: 194

View full profile

When purchasing a new home, you will find that most of your cost comes in the form of "upgrades".  Builders make a lot of extra income through the buyer's purchase of upgrades.

I will take this question a step further and give my advice on things to do DURING the building process. There are some do's and don'ts I've experienced myself and with clients.  Definitely allow the builder to upgrade anything structural - third car garage, extended patio, covered patio.  Don't pay extra for the "upgraded" carpeting and padding unless you like paying top dollar and then adding mortgage interest to the cost! 

Other items to consider as a DO: gas stub for patio grill, additional landscape lighting, recessed lighting, wiring for surround sound.

Some DON'TS would include paying extra for paint, wood flooring, light or fan fixtures.  ALL OF THESE ARE GREAT UPGRADES TO DO AFTER YOU PURCHASE YOUR HOME and can make a big difference when you are ready to sell.

Contact me directly if you have any specific questions at samantharealty@comcast.net
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

0 Yes

June 11
Profile picture for IvanTheWoodlands
close Profile picture for IvanTheWoodlands

Ivan Arjona, "IvanTheWoodlands"

Real Estate Agent

View my 3 listings
Contributions: 44
Zillow All-Star

Since October 2009

View full profile

Dear Friend,
I totally understand your question. When you buy a home, AFTER MOVE-IN you first want to upgrade the home to today's standards, meaning your future buyer 5 or 7 years down the road will definitely want something like granite countertops, or wood-floors in their home. Unfortunately when we do anything to our home we must think about what the buyer of our home would like as well; this will save you money when you're getting ready to put your home up for sale because there will not be much to upgrade then, your home will sell faster, and you can move on to the next project. Even though some people may tell you that your upgrades will not add much $$ value to your home, trust me, they will. If you go to a home for sale and the features are old, the carpet is dirty, and the countertops in the kitchen are formica, and you go to the one accross the street and that one features wood floors, berber carpets, and granite countertops in the kitchen, the upgraded one will win even if it is $20K more expensive. 
Bottom line, kitchen countertops, and floors are the most important thing, including stainless steel appliances. Then door knobs, lighting fixtures, and then bathroom fixtures.

When you buy a new home, the builder will offer you upgrades before you close, so by the time you move in, your house is ready to go.

Good luck to you.
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

0 Yes

June 10
Profile picture for _ Elmer _
close Profile picture for _ Elmer _

_ Elmer _

Contributions: 510
Zillow All-Star

Since June 2009

View full profile


Hi 7seas,

I would assume that you are referring to a new house that you are planning to buy from a homeowner. I guess what you can do before closing the deal with the seller is to check for improvements that still need to be done. This way you really know what you are getting. Also indeed it will cost you relatively less doing the upgrades yourself rather than having the seller do it and apply the cost of the materials and the labor to the overall price of the property. Of course you should leave the major work to the homeowner since anyway you would assume that the house is ready for occupancy after you buy it.
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

0 Yes

June 08
Profile picture for TXHomeRebates
close Profile picture for TXHomeRebates

Jeff Kessler, "TXHomeRebates"

Real Estate Agent

View my 1 listings
Contributions: 78

View full profile

I have sold a lot of new homes and most people put in Tile or Hardwoods before they move in.  I also see them putting in new light fixtures as it is cheaper to buy them yourself vs the builder putting them in.
Just think about it. You upgrade your light and now you pay for it over the term of your mortage.
Make sure the builder puts in upgrade that are difficult to do after the home is constructed such as a covered patio.
Hope this helps let me know if you have other questions.
Jeff
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

0 Yes

June 07
Profile picture for wetdawgs
close Profile picture for wetdawgs

wetdawgs

Contributions: 4051
Zillow All-Star

Since January 2009

View full profile

Are you referring to a brand new home, or a new home to you?  

If a brand new home, you should ensure that all systems are waxed/sealed etc.   You may need window "treatments" and will need to pay attention to landscaping/irrigation etc.    Start saving for the routine things that come around such as furnace, roof, water heater etc . Establish a maintenance schedule for all these systems.

If it is "new to you", then paint, and know all systems so you can start saving for the routine repairs of appliances, drainage, etc.
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

0 Yes

June 07
Profile picture for MikeEmery
close Profile picture for MikeEmery

Michael Emery, "MikeEmery"

Real Estate Agent
Contributions: 2465
Zillow All-Star

Since December 2008

View full profile

Paint the walls, clean the carpets, wax the floors. Save some money for when you need a new roof, need a new furnace, need a new water heater.
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

1 Yes

June 07
Profile picture for BMFPitt
close Profile picture for BMFPitt

BMFPitt

Contributions: 1130
Zillow All-Star

Since April 2009

View full profile

I agree.  For the first 6 months or so, I'd say only things you can't live without, or things that are fairly cheap.  Although if you have a few weeks where you have 2 places, do the painting before you move in to save yourself a lot of trouble later.
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

1 Yes

June 07
Profile picture for SoCal BubbleBrain
close Profile picture for SoCal BubbleBrain

SoCal BubbleBrain

Contributions: 5292

View full profile

None. First .gGet used to your new monthly mortgage payments plus property taxes and the usual expenses of owning a home. 
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

2 Yes

June 07
 

Have a question? Ask it here.

What's this?
Close

By starting a discussion, you can expect more of an interactive, back-and-forth experience where the conversation can go in many different directions.

Or start a discussion

 
Most Active Houston Real Estate Agents
Subscribe via RSS
  1. Profile picture for Toktam Toke Ettehadieh
    40 listings
    Local Expert
  2. Profile picture for realestate36850980 Penny Paegel
    18 listings
    Local Expert
  3. Profile picture for Gunn Sandra Gunn
    6 listings
    Local Expert
  4. Profile picture for realtyking Patrick King
    64 listings
    Local Expert
  5. Profile picture for thebezteam Betty Bezemer
    49 listings
    Local Expert

See more Houston real estate agents

Related Questions
Profile picture for Maria Morton
Question what r our options? hubby credit below 620 ,mine over 620. My income not enough to to buy the house
  • Latest answer by Maria Morton
  • October 05
Profile picture for Samantha Mitchell
Question Why are houses in Memorial consistently listed for substantially more than their Zestimates?
  • Latest answer by Samantha Mitchell
  • September 20
Profile picture for Mike Hart _Inspector
Question if a foundation has been fixed doed this lower property value
  • Latest answer by Mike Hart _Inspector
  • August 28
Profile picture for Samantha Mitchell
Question I?m looking for agents who have experience, know the area, and are good at negotiating.
  • Latest answer by Samantha Mitchell
  • June 21
Profile picture for Samantha Mitchell
Question When buying a new home, what upgrades should be done after move in?
  • Latest answer by Samantha Mitchell
  • June 11
Related Articles about Buying Process
Guide Real Estate Buyer's Closing Costs
Guide List of Closing Costs and Fees
Guide You've Opened Escrow
Guide Home Buying One Step at a Time
Guide A Buyer's Guide to Making the Right Choice
Current Last Week
Need a Mortgage?

Zillow Mortgage Marketplace

  • Competitive rates
  • Accurate, custom quotes
  • Thousands of lenders

... and, it's free and anonymous

Get instant mortgage quotes
Estimated purchase price Current mortgage balance Desired loan amount
98104

Learn about Zillow Mortgage Marketplace

Zillow Poll:
Suggested by scecy
Would you prefer a fixer or a house in move-in condition?
Next poll
Suggest a poll
Be A Good Neighbor

Zillow® Advice depends on each member to keep it a safe, fun, and positive place. If you see abuse, flag it. More on our Good Neighbor Policy

© 2006-2008 Zillow.com, All Rights Reserved

pageName