The Value of an Agent When Buying Your New Construction Home

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience. From being the very first owner, to customizing your home’s features, there are a lot of benefits. But navigating the complexities of buying a home that’s under construction can also be a bit overwhelming. This is where a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference.

An article from The Mortgage Reports sums it up like this:

“Your Realtor or real estate agent will be key to helping you navigate this process. . . . they can guide you through construction and help anticipate and solve for any possible snags along the way.”

Here’s how your agent is an invaluable resource in your search to find and buy your new home.

Agents Know the Local Area and Market

Your agent is well-versed in the emerging communities and upcoming developments that could influence your decision. For example, you'll want to be aware if there were any plans to construct a highway through the woods behind your prospective backyard. It’s important to consider how the neighborhood and the surrounding area might evolve before making your home purchase. Your agent can help you find a community that perfectly aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and future needs. 

Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation

An agent also has the expertise to evaluate the construction quality and reputation of different builders. Their knowledge and experiences with local builders allow them to offer insights into each one’s track record, customer satisfaction, and construction practices. This information can help you avoid any potential risks and help you confidently select a builder known for delivering quality homes.

Assistance with Customization and Upgrades

The most obvious benefit of opting for new home construction is the opportunity to customize your home to suit your preferences. Your agent will guide you through that process and share advice on the upgrades that are most likely to add long-term value to your home. Their expertise ensures you focus your budget on areas that will give you the greatest return on your investment later on.

Understanding Builder Contracts and Negotiations

Builder contracts can be complex and differ from traditional home purchase agreements. Your agent can help you navigate these contracts to make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions. They’re also skilled negotiators who can advocate on your behalf, potentially securing better deals, upgrades, or incentives for you throughout the process.

Bottom Line

The guidance and expertise of a local real estate agent can make all the difference in turning your vision of the perfect home into a reality. Let’s connect so you can feel confident about purchasing your new construction home.

Al Fresco Soirées: Make the Most of Your Outdoor Entertaining

Courtesy of The Scout Guide

If backyard barbecues, dinner under twinkling lights, or cocktail hour spent on the terrace are your favorite way to entertain, these tips from four Scouted experts are sure to take your next outdoor gathering to the next level.

Decor should be natural.

 Kathleen Varner, owner of Kathleen Varner Petals & Props in Birmingham, Alabama, shares her number one tip for outdoor decorations: keep it simple. “I don’t like to be too fussy with arrangements outside, decorations should be natural and approachable,” she says. Her go-to decor options for outdoor occasions include potted plants scattered about, bowls of citrus on tabletops, or a few stems cut from your very own yard.

Keep it casual. 

If there’s ever a time to make things less formal, it’s when entertaining al fresco. One great way to accomplish that, according to Zach and Riley McDonald, owners of Ramblewood Events in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is to give guests the opportunity to serve themselves. “This makes guests feel more at home and can help assuage any awkwardness that may come with wanting seconds,” they share. If you don’t want to totally give up control, offering a self-serve drink or dessert bar is a good option.

Think seasonally. 

It’s no secret that fresh ingredients taste better when enjoyed in season, so when it comes to menu planning, head to your local famer’s market, says Carey Semprevivo and chef Pablo Toxqui, co-founders of Haute Feast in Long Branch, New Jersey. “We love to offer a crudité of colorful veggies, including items that are more non-traditional for a fun twist,” Semprevivo says. She recommends serving things like scallions, crisp romaine leaves, or colorful pole beans, alongside your favorite dip. “Garnish with some fresh herbs and edible flowers and your guests won’t be able to resist,” Toxqui adds.

It’s all about the prep. 

Whether you’re entertaining indoors or out, Zach and Riley McDonald share the secret to looking like you could host a party in your sleep is to plan ahead. For cocktail hour, a pitcher of batch drinks allows for plenty of time to greet guests and socialize prior to the meal. Sufficient meal prep, setting the table in advance, and easy hors d’oeuvres mean you can enjoy your party. “Guests came to be with you and socialize, not watch you work and be in the kitchen cooking,” the duo confirms.

Consider your tableware.

When hosting an outdoor soiree going casual is not only expected, it’s encouraged, especially when it comes to tableware. In place of less eco-friendly options like paper plates, Varner encourages stocking up on a set or two of melamine plates. “Just about indestructible, and perfect for outdoor entertaining, melamine has come a long way,” she says. “I have a set of marbled ones from Hammett, but have also been eyeing ALKMY and a’mano for their great selection of chic options.” 

Stay hydrated. 

“In the summer we drink a lot of agua fresca,” Toxqui says. “This non-alcoholic beverage is made from fresh fruit, water, citrus, and a sweetener, and is a very easy beverage to make for outdoor gatherings thanks to its ability to batch in large quantities, and it feels fancy compared to just having a plain water pitcher.” For an adult spin on this fruit-forward hydrator, He recommends serving aqua fresca alongside your favorite spirits for easy cocktails. Give it a spin with Toxqui’s recipe below. 

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 16 ounces fresh watermelon juice (either made with a juice extractor, or in a blender)

• 2 ounces filtered water

• 1 ounce fresh lemon or lime juice

• 1 ounce agave syrup

• 1 pinch of large flake sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix all ingredients together and chill until ready to serve. When ready to serve, shake or stir well and pour in a glass over ice. Garnish with a citrus wheel or an edible flower.

Put it on ice. 

During warmer months, having cool drinks on hand is key. As part of party prep, Nicole Kaney, founder and owner of NK Productions of Sarasota, Florida, ices down all of the drinks and coolers the night before to ensure that they’re properly chilled by party time, adding more ice as needed. She notes that you can never have too much ice, so she keeps an extra cooler nearby, for drinks and coolers. 

The Essentials to Consider Before Building a Pool

Pool by Hedstrom Landscape Architecture. Photography by Beall and Thomas.

Courtesy of The Source Guide

If you’re feeling the heat this summer and longing to cool off in your very own backyard oasis, you’re not alone. We consulted four Scouted experts in the areas of pool design, build, and landscape architecture for their tips on what to consider before taking the plunge and bringing in the excavators. Guided by this advice, your 2024 summer is sure to make a big splash. 

Pool by Jason Osterberger Designs. Photography by Jimi Smith Photography.

Contemplate the size and shape. 

Begin your pool-building journey by envisioning what would work best in your yard. If space permits, Jason Osterberger, owner and principal designer at Jason Osterberger Designs in Coppell, Texas, recommends building a pool that is at minimum 14′ x 38′. This allows for an area for play, a tanning ledge, and a possible built-in spa. When it comes to shape, a rectangle is timeless option that commands attention, however, in the right setting with the right backdrop, a more organic shape can absolutely make sense. If you’re tight on space, and desperate for a way to cool off, Sara Hedstrom Pinnell, founding principal of Hedstrom Landscape Architecture in Knoxville, Tennessee, notes that smaller plunge pools are trending. A choice she’s also seeing when families don’t want to give up valuable, recreational yard space.

Pool by Jason Osterberger Designs. Photography by Nathan Schroder.

Consider a tanning ledge. 

Trends will come and go, but right now tanning ledges, otherwise known as a wet deck or Baja shelf, are not only practical, but essential, according to Pinnell. This shallow shelf is popular for lounging, but it’s also the perfect spot for smaller children to play. She likes to embed a shade umbrella directly into the shelf, so you can enjoy shade and the cool water.

Pool by Sutphin Architecture. Photography courtesy of Sutphin Architecture.

Hire certified professionals. 

Know that not all contractors are alike. Mitch Knapp, president and owner of Scenic Landscaping in Haskell, New Jersey, notes the importance of hiring master certified pool builders when possible, who have the proper schooling and education, as well as solid experience and a good reputation. It can also save money in the long run if you go with a firm such as Scenic Landscaping, that has an in-house design and build team. “These types of firms help to streamline the process from day one through completion, covering everything from the permit process to the design, construction through maintenance,” he says. And if you’re interested in adding an outdoor kitchen, pergola, fire pit, and more, they can help with that, too. 

Pool by Sutphin Architecture. Photography by Sutphin Architecture.

Location. Location. Location. 

This is quite possibly one of the most important factors to consider when putting in a pool. Adams Sutphin, owner of Sutphin Architecture in Charlottesville, Virginia, notes that where you place your pool, especially if you have more than one possible site, should be carefully evaluated. “The further you are from the main house, the more amenities you may need. It’s important to consider bathroom access, refrigeration, even access to towels and laundry,” he says. “A ‘destination’ pool can be a wonderful getaway, but plan on building a pool house to give you easy access to everything you may need.”

Pool by Jason Osterberger Designs. Photography by Jimi Smith Photography.

Establish a proper budget. 

When planning to add a pool, it’s important to think of all of the ancillary costs involved. “Many homeowners don’t always consider the adjunct expenses,” Knapp says. The pool construction process will include fencing, permit and engineering, and the involvement of an electrician and plumber. Additionally, going forward you will need to budget for water and maintenance.

Pool by Hedstrom Landscape Architecture. Photography by Patrice Argant.

Determine how you want to use your pool. 

This is the element that will inform all other decisions, so it’s wise to lead your process with this. Osterberger asks all clients, “Do you want to play in the pool or dive in the pool?” He explains that a play pool is more on trend nowadays and will last for many different seasons of life. “A family with young children will be able to have a shallower area to stand and play, young kids can still jump in on the deeper side, and teenagers and adults have the opportunity to play sports and float around,” Osterberger explains. “A dive pool will shorten your shallow end, leaving you with a largely deep pool that you cannot stand in.”

Pool by Sutphin Architecture. Photography courtesy of Sutphin Architecture.

Work with a landscape architect. 

For the most cohesive—and beautiful—pool plan, Sutphin recommends working in collaboration with a landscape architect. As you design and plan, they can play a pivotal role in the overall surroundings, from materials to ambiance, and not to be forgotten, maintenance! Sutphin notes that there are definitely some types of trees you want nowhere near a pool, and only a professional will be able to offer you the best guidance in this area.  

Pool by Scenic Landscaping. Photography by Heather Knapp.

Think about seating. 

Of course, the pool matters, but much of the time spent at your pool will be enjoyed poolside, instead of in the actual water. That’s why Pinnell considers the experience for those on the pool deck. She ensures that the location of the seating area not only capitalizes on possible views, but that it also allows for sun if there’s a lounging area. Finally, she designs the deck size to accommodate circulation, furniture, and the addition of decorative pots. “It’s really important for the deck to be designed with furniture in mind,” Pinnell shares. “We always do a furniture layout so that the pool deck area can fit everything needed for a sunny, poolside summer.”

Pool by Scenic Landscaping. Photography by Heather Knapp.

Take a holistic approach. 

It’s important to note that when putting in a pool, there’s more to consider than just the pool. Knapp encourages homeowners to think about decking and hardscaping—and all the details therein— that will complement the pool. “Make sure the stone you choose is cool on your feet—my first choice would always be to use lighter colors and sand-blasted marbles,” he says. Pinnell likes to mix pool deck materials. “In a free-form pool, we mix a rock salt concrete finish with wood decking to give the appearance of a dock on a lake, with the added bonus of breaking up the mass of the large pool,” she shares. “On another project, we mixed natural stone with synthetic turf. It’s a great look for a reasonable cost with zero maintenance.”

Pool by Scenic Landscaping. Photography by Heather Knapp.

Heat things up. 

Hot tubs, otherwise known as spas, fell out of fashion for a while, but they’re back, and according to Osterberger, they can act as a water feature for your pool. One of the most recent trends he’s seeing is a raised spa that offers a lovely waterfall effect into the main pool. Additionally, the spa can offer a design element with the installation of beautiful tile.