Do I need a realtor to buy a new home?
Our new home specialists are here to guide you each step of the way and ensure you get the new construction home you want. We are happy to work with your realtor if you have one; agents must register onsite with you at your first appointment.
Do I need a special kind of loan to build a house?
When you build a home with us, you do not need a special new construction loan. We accept all major loan products, including VA Loans, FHA Loans, USDA Loans (in qualifying areas), conventional mortgages, and cash buys. Our partnership with RMC Home mortgage ensures that you have the right loan for your home. You can read more about the different types of loans on the Focus Homes blog, Loan Options For First Time Homebuyers.
Do I need an appointment to tour the model home?
In most communities, an appointment is needed to tour the model home. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, our online sales staff will happily schedule one.
What could cause a delay in my home’s building progress?
Many variables can dictate the build time of your new construction home, like building material, staffing, weather, permitting, and option selections or change orders, which could cause construction delays. We will do everything in our power to ensure our build time stays on schedule, and you can stay up to date with what’s happening throughout the process in your Myfocushome portal. Read about construction delays in our blog article, How Long Does it Take to Build a New Construction Home?
What kind of loan do I need for a new construction home?
We accept all major loan products, including VA Loans, FHA Loans, USDA Loans (in qualifying areas), conventional mortgages, and cash buys. Our partnership with RMC home mortgage ensures that you have the right loan for your home.
Read more about the benefits of using our preferred lender in our blog article, The Benefits of Using Our Preferred Lender, RMC Home Mortgage.
Do the prices of homes on the website include the lot?
New construction home prices listed online in our planned subdivisions include the cost of a standard lot for that subdivision. Some lots in a planned subdivision may have an additional premium or cost.
Lots in our scattered lot sites are sometimes included, and a range of those additional costs will be labeled on those respective communities. If you’d like to learn more, please schedule an in-person or virtual appointment, and our sales staff will be happy to review that with you.
How long does the permitting process take?
Permitting for new construction homes can vary based on local municipalities’ processes, and varies state to state.
For more info about permitting, check out our blog article, Building Permits Explained.
How long does the process take to build a new construction home from start to finish?
New construction build times range from 6 to 18 months, depending on the location. Learn more about our building process in our blog article, How The New Construction Process Works.
Why are specific home designs only available on certain lots?
Each home design we offer is built to fit specific-sized lots. If a community or lot can accommodate the footprint and foundation of the home design, as well as any HOA or building code requirements, it will be listed as an available plan for new construction within that community. You can learn more by reading our blog article, Homesites vs. Home Designs.
What does the permit process look like?
A building permit grants legal permission to start construction by a city or county. When building with Focus Homes, acquiring a building permit is required for all our communities, and we handle the permitting process to ensure an effortless experience for all our customers.
What should I expect from my new construction lawn?
Focus Homes offers lot stabilization kits depending on the area. That process would include hydroseed, straw, seed, or sod.
What should I expect from my pre-settlement walkthrough prior to taking ownership?
This final checklist ensures your new construction home is ready for closing. You will walk through your home with your project super or project manager and identify items that need touching up. This is where we ensure the house fits your needs and meets Focus Homes’ standards.
What are closing costs and how much will they be?
All new construction home closing cost amounts will be discussed by our onsite specialist and will vary.
What will happen during my six-month inspection?
The purpose of the six-month inspection is to reacquaint you with some of the maintenance requirements and warranty information about your new construction home. Additionally, we would like to perform a short home inspection of your property to verify that your home is performing up to the standards outlined in Focus Homes’ Warranty Program.
What’s covered under our new home warranty?
All of our new construction homes offer the following warranty:
- 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY on all Workmanship & Materials
- 2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY covering all Internal Systems Protection
- 10-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY covering all Footer, Foundations & More
What is the MyFocushome Portal?
As a Focus Homes customer, you have access to the status of your new construction home anytime you want through your Myfocus account. You can log in to check on the status of your home, file a warranty request, or get in touch with your New Home Specialist.
What is an HOA?
An HOA, or Home Owners Association, is an organization that creates and enforces property and resident rules and guidelines for a subdivision, planned community, or condominium. You can read more about an HOA in our blog article, Understanding an HOA.
What is a CDD?
Community Development District is an entity that plans, finances, and operates community infrastructure and amenities for its residents.
Can I build with Focus Homes on my own lot?
Focus Homes owns numerous lots around multiple areas for you to build on. Unlike traditional new construction communities where builders create multiple streets, these homesites are in various locations and on differing streets. If we don’t have a homesite you love, provide your own for us to build on! Some communities at Focus offer on-your-own lot options. Reach out to an online concierge to see if we can build on your land.
What should I expect with a new home appraisal?
Our lending partner, RMC Mortgage, will handle your new home appraisal for you, taking the stress out of managing the appraisal process.
What happens if I need to cancel my new home contract?
Your Focus Homes New Home Specialist can go over your options if you decide a Focus Home is not for you.
What types of issues should I bring to my Project Manager’s attention during my new home walk through?
The purpose of your pre-settlement inspection is to acquaint you with the maintenance requirements and warranty information about your new home. During this time, we will familiarize you with the operation of all equipment, review owner maintenance responsibilities, and inspect your new home per our checklist. Please follow your Project Manager carefully through each aspect of this orientation.
How much down payment do I need to start the contract process?
Your new construction home down payment depends on the price of your new home and which financing option you choose. Begin your pre-qualification process with our associated lender to determine which loan is right for you.
Why would someone use your preferred lender vs using their own?
It’s not required, but individuals use our preferred lender because they offer competitive rates and incentives for the buyer. Incentives vary. The best option would be to schedule an appointment with one of our community managers to get the current incentive specials.
When do I start paying my mortgage?
You will start paying your mortgage after closing on your new construction home.
How do I submit a service or warranty request?
If you have a service, warranty, or other request, you may fill out the service request form on our website.
What is the earnest money deposit?
Earnest money is funds that show the seller that you are serious about purchasing a home. These funds will be returned to you to be used at closing.
How can I secure a home?
To secure a new construction home, you will need a pre-qualification letter from your lender, and you will need to make an earnest money deposit.
What is your realtor policy?
We love our realtor partners. Our realtor policy requires clients and agents to have a unique email address and that the agent personally accompanies the clients on their first visit to a Focus Homes community. Our New Home Specialists will complete the registration process on-site, and you and your team can ask any questions about our communities, processes, or homes.