Buying a new home is an exciting experience – but it can be incredibly stressful too. It’s one of the most significant purchases of your life, so you will probably have a few questions and concerns before sealing the deal. Am I buying in the right neighborhood? Do I want a new construction home or a “charming” fixer-upper? How many repairs and renovations will I have to make?
Choosing a move-in-ready home from the right homebuilder or agent can definitely take some of the pressure off. Let’s look at why.
What Is a Move-In Ready Home?
The jury is still out on what exactly qualifies as a move-in-ready home – so you will find a variety of descriptions and explanations online. A move-in-ready home can be a brand new construction or a home that’s been around for decades – it depends on the market.
Some homes are advertised as “move-in-ready” with no guarantee that they are modern or renovated. They might still need a fresh coat of paint, a few major appliances, exterior changes, and landscaping – it just depends on who you buy it from. That said, they should be a structurally sound house. If a home is listed as move-in-ready, it generally means it meets all local municipal codes (plumbing, energy standards, electrical codes, for example) and shouldn’t need a significant overhaul to be safe enough for you to move in.
The biggest advantage of a move-in-ready home is that you can buy it and take occupancy immediately. You won’t have to worry about time constraints, rising interest rates, or deal with a temporary living situation while your home is under construction.
Lowder New Homes’ move-in-ready homes are all new construction houses that are completed or near-completed. They have never been owned or lived in, so they are pristine and ready for their new owners.
What to Look for In a Move-In-Ready Home
Here’s a list of things you should consider when viewing a move-in-ready property.
Working Plumbing and Pipes
It’s frustrating to buy and move into a home only to discover leaks or blockages you are now responsible for repairing. So don’t feel shy to test the kitchen and bathroom plumbing when you view a move-in-ready house.
Working plumbing is one of the essential features of any home or building. Running water, working faucets, and clean pipes and drains are necessary for a move-in-ready home. If a toilet doesn’t flush properly or a shower’s water pressure is too low, the house would not be acceptable as move-in-ready according to state plumbing code standards.
You’ll be happy to know that Lowder’s detached, single-family homes boast brand-new plumbing throughout. Our bathrooms and kitchens are kitted out with stylish Delta® Plumbing Fixtures and have been thoughtfully designed to reduce water consumption while still being a pleasure to use.
Updated Electrical Outlets and Equipment
All homes in the United States have to follow a national electrical code, which governs the correct wiring methods, requirements for weatherproofing switches and circuit breakers, and more. Homes not built to applicable regulations may pose health and safety risks to occupants and even lead to a fire.
You’ll also want to look for any built-in energy efficiencies that could help you conserve energy and save on utility bills. Lowder New Homes, for example, ensures that all our homes utilize green initiatives and energy efficiencies. We are the area’s only certified Green Energy Key® and Green Professional builder and are also an Energy Star® Building Partner.
Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems
In a move-in-ready home, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems should have updated filters, clean vents, and undamaged fan belts. There should be no signs of pest infestation, and the refrigerant levels must be adequate.
Remember that modern heating and cooling systems are designed to use less energy – so the newer the home’s HVAC systems, the better. According to current building codes, HVAC systems must be backed by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 13 or more.
Lowder’s move-in-ready homes utilize dependable Energy Star® qualified HVAC systems with a SEER rating of 15. They use less energy, are quieter, and help reduce indoor humidity to improve the overall comfort of your home.
Our exterior wall and attic insulation systems are also energy-conserving, with R-values that exceed standard building codes. Strong R-values produce even temperatures throughout the house, lower utility bills, and create a quieter home environment.
Lowder’s Move-in Ready Homes in Central Alabama
Lowder New Homes is one of the River Region’s most trusted home builders, with regular listings of newly constructed, move-in-ready homes for sale in Central Alabama. Our detached, single-family homes are built in established, family-friendly neighborhoods and include modern insulation systems, state-of-the-art appliances, and HVAC and plumbing systems in mint condition.
This spacious, 3316 Sq Ft,move-in-ready family home just needs your finishing touches! The wide foyer features a welcoming table nook and opens to the ample, formal dining room—with a raised panel wall as an accent. The open-plan kitchen boasts a farmhouse sink, enhanced Bianco Viena quartz, soft-close drawers and cabinets, and a walk-in pantry.
A wide island/bar separates the kitchen from the Great Room, where extra recessed lighting, a lovely brick fireplace, and plenty of windows provide an abundance of natural light!
The downstairs area features wooden flooring throughout. A gorgeous primary bedroom is equipped with a bath with deco tile to the ceiling, a massive closet, a frameless shower, and a 6′ jetted tub. The U-shaped stairway takes you up to 3 bedrooms and a large Bonus Room!
All bedrooms feature large walk-in closets, with two more linen or storage closets for the Bonus room.
The 2-car garage has built-in storage, a workbench, and a “mud room” with a Boot Bench, so you can easily grab and go! The large laundry has a utility sink, upper cabinets, and a folding counter.
You’ll love the outdoor area, boasting front and back covered porches and a grilling patio!
This quick, move-in-ready home has everything you need, including four bedrooms and a study with gorgeous French doors. The Cherry Bark floor plan has loads of personality, allows for ample natural light, and offers a fresh, clean, and modern aesthetic.
The kitchen is a host’s dream with its stunning countertops, stainless steel appliances, and huge serving area. The living area has a fireplace with a lovely surround that will make for the coziest winters.
The premium tile in the primary bedroom puts the cherry on the cake and takes this already gorgeous house to the next level. You have to see it to believe it when it comes to the amount of space and amenities this property has to offer. It also has a 2-car garage and an easy commute to Jeter/Morris elementary and middle school.
Move-in-ready homes are not only extremely convenient but also a smart investment as they lower financial risks and the uncertainty of project delays. Are you ready for your new home? Because our move-in-ready homes are ready for you!
Contact us to view our 222 Merlin Street or 8318 Young Crossing homes today!
