Kelli,
If you are interested in new construction make abso-what PenguinTrax said
- lutely that you check out the builder. Don't just go on the size or rep of the subdivision. As you may know, builders in GA don't have to have ANY specific qualifications to get a builder's permit. In other words, some one like me, who can barely tell a screwdriver from a hammer can put out a shingel as a builder. They still of course, have to go through inspections, but I'm sure you have seen the local reports on people with new homes who find out they have all kinds of structural problems.
Visit your proposed subdivision all hours of the day and night. That way you can see traffic patterns, habits of the neighborhood, etc.
Even if it is a new home, an independant inspector is a MUST.
The best advice I think we got before we bought our house is "Don't fall in love with a house". Be prepared, at any time, to walk away from the deal if you feel you are not being treated right. Unfortunately we were hard headed and should have walked away from the closing table because the builder started tripping. That should have told us something 'cause the so-in-so sold his last house in our very large subdivision 3 mounths after we bought ours and then disappeared. Several things that he was supposed to do he did not.
On the same none, make sure that all promises are kept before you sign on the dotted line. Assume that you will never see the builder again, because you might not. Of course if he is still building in your subdivision you have a better chance of stuff getting done.
Visit the site, at minimum, on a weekly basis. That way, you can see if they are burying construction debris (a big no-no and the cause of sinkholes), using improper material, or just generally doing shoddy work and can correct it right then and there. I have a friend that would take a level when he went to visit his house and as a result, most of his walls are actually pumb!!
Start taking those little classes at Home Depot now (how to fix a hole in your sheetrock, how to repair linolium (sp?), how to install a ceiling fan, etc. They will come in handy!!
If you can, put down enough so you don't have to get PMI.
Get the title insurance. The peace of mind is worth it.
That's it! Homeownership can be wonderful!!