RESOURCES FOR NEW HOMEBUYERS
Whether you’re buying a house or townhome, the process of having a new home built for you can be a bit intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. To help you on your journey, Empire has pulled together a collection of great resources.
FINDING A FANTASTIC COMMUNITY
GETTING YOUR FINANCES READY
Empire’s homebuyer guide to finances spells out what you need to know, from getting pre-approved to special programs available for new homebuyers.
What can you afford? Get some estimates with Empire’s mortgage calculator and monthly budgeting tools.
PURCHASING YOUR NEW HOME
Do you need an agent to buy? What about a lawyer? Empire walks you through the entire purchasing process in a helpful infographic.
CLOSING YOUR NEW HOME
Help make your big day efficient. Empire’s homebuyer’s closing guide makes sure you have all your bases covered. Read the article and download our handy closing checklist.
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
As a new Homebuyer with Empire we want to make sure you are protected by the most comprehensive coverage available.
For Houston residents, Empire Communities warrants a home free of defects in materials and workmanship for two years from the closing date. Once the two-year warranty expires, the three to ten-year coverage comes into effect, which warrants against major structural defects. To learn more about your warranty, click the button below.
Your investment requires seasonal maintenance to ensure it continues to run smoothly. View our checklists and other home maintenance resources to make sure you have all of your bases covered.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Still have questions? Check out our frequently-asked-questions section to find an answer.
Q:WHAT IS A HOMEOWNER ORIENTATION?
A Homeowner Orientation consists of a walk-through and visual inspection of the home. It provides you with an opportunity to view your new home prior to taking occupancy and to document any damages or missing items. While inspecting your new home for any scratches, chips or dents to your finishes, you should also verify that all upgrades and specific selections that you made during your color selection are accurately installed.
Q:WHY DON’T WE NEGOTIATE PRICING AT THE DESIGN CENTER?
We like to think that we’re giving you the best home for the best price with the best builder upgrade prices. We also believe in treating every single purchaser in a fair and consistent manner. The best way to treat every one equally is for us to charge everyone the same price.
Q:WHY CAN’T I PERFORM ANY WORK ON MY OWN PRIOR TO CLOSING DAY?
For your own safety and for quality assurance reasons, we cannot allow you to do any work in your home prior to closing day. Should you wish to perform any work on your own you must wait until after closing day. Any independent work will be removed immediately as it can interrupt the production schedule, impede the certification process and void your warranty with Empire Communities.
Q:WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SETTING UP THE UTILITIES FOR MY CLOSING DAY?
You should contact the utility companies to transfer your services. This should be done prior to your closing day.
Q:HOW DO I GET MY KEYS ON MY CLOSE DATE?
The sales consultant will give you keys after you have closed at the title company and the loan is considered fundable. If you closed with an Empire approved mortgage company and title company, your keys will be available the same day as closing.
Q:HOW DO I SUBMIT MY WARRANTY FORMS?
To submit a warranty request, please click this link Warranty Service Request Form – Houston | Empire Communities. Once the request is received we will open a call and the construction team will be in touch with you to schedule an appointment.
Q:WHERE CAN I GET THE WORKING DRAWINGS FOR MY HOME?
Empire Communities does not release the working drawings as they are the property of our company.
Q:WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO ENSURE A TIMELY START OF CONSTRUCTION ON MY NEW HOME?
If you live in Houston, there are a few steps that you can take over the next few weeks to help us obtain all the information needed to start the construction of your home, including:
a) complete a loan application with one of our preferred lenders and provide evidence of your loan application to your Sales Counselor within 7 days of your contract date,
b) schedule and complete your Design Center selections within 21 days of your contract date,
c) obtain a Conditional Loan Approval letter from the lender and provide it to your Sales Counselor within 30 days of your contract date,
d) review all selections, options, and any notes with your Sales Counselor before signing off on the Options & Upgrades Agreement, and
e) provide your Sales Counselor a deposit for the full amount of your options.
Q:I HAD A VERBAL AGREEMENT WITH SOMEONE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION. WILL YOU FULFILL THAT AGREEMENT?
We are committed to fulfilling our obligations as noted in your Earnest Money Contract and we are confident you will be as proud of your Empire home as we are. That said, we are unable to fulfill any verbal agreements. We recommend you get all commitments pertaining to your home in writing. Included features are noted in your Standard Specifications sheet, which is part of your Contract Package.
Questions?
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