661 645-5556

Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Clarita - New Homes

Q. I am already working with an agent because I have been looking at resale homes with her.  Can I go to look at new homes and still have her represent my interests?
Q. What should I do if I visit the Sales Office by myself and am approached by the representative there?
Q. How does my agent get paid?  Do I have to pay her?
Q. So it doesn't cost me anything to have my agent represent me?
Q. Does signing in ahead of someone else put me ahead of that person?
Q. When should I look for financing?
Q. I already have found a competent lender with good rates. Do I have to use the builder recommended lender?
Q. Will I need to sell my current home before I can buy?
Q. What is a lot premium?
Q. Will my new home come with everything that I see in the model?
Q. How do I choose upgrades?
Q. How do I find pictures and floor plans of the homes?
Q. What is a Homeowners Association?
Q. How much are the property taxes yearly in Santa Clarita?
Q. What schools are in the area of the new tracts?
Q. I am relocating from another city or state. What does Santa Clarita have to offer?

Return to Top Q1. I am already working with an agent because I have been looking at resale homes with her.  Can I go to look at new homes and still have her represent my interests?
A. Absolutely!  In fact it is in your very best interests to BE represented since the salesperson at the Model Home Sales Office represents the seller.  Make sure however, that you go with your agent and sign in at the Sales Office with her. Click here to read about Buyer Representation.

Return to Top Q2. What should I do if I visit the Sales Office by myself and am approached by the representative there?
A. The salespeople represent the seller. They are always polite and very informative. Feel free to ask your questions and look around at the models on your own.  However if you want to have representation in your purchase, you must visit the model homes office with your agent on the first visit.

Return to Top Q3. How does my agent get paid?  Do I have to pay her?
A. Your agent will be compensated through the escrow. The amount has already been agreed to by the builder and will NOT affect the price of the home. No you will not have to pay her.

Return to Top Q4. So it doesn't cost me anything to have my agent represent me?
A. No. In fact it may save you thousands of dollars.  You will receive professional representation with your agent acting as your fiduciary and acting in your best interests. You will have maximum legal protection and service at no cost to you.

Return to Top Q5. Does signing in ahead of someone else put me ahead of that person?
A. All things being equal, the answer is yes. However, there are many ways to get moved up the list of expectant home buyers if you are originally a contingent buyer, remove your contingencies, and be ready buy if another contingent buyer defers. Ask me how by calling 661.645.5556 or MailTo:Pia@PiaSoper.com to request information.

Return to Top Q6. When should I look for financing?
A. Get pre-qualified before you go and fall in love with a particular home. Know what you can afford not only in the basic home but remember that there are always options, upgrades, and custom features you may want to add, which are not included in the price. Also remember that rear yards are rarely included.

Return to Top Q7. I already have found a competent lender with good rates. Do I have to use the builder recommended lender?
A. You may use any lender you feel comfortable with. Most sales offices require that you go through a pre qualification process with their recommended lender to be sure that you can buy. You can go with whomever you like after you have done this. You may even get a better rate.

Return to Top Q8. Will I need to sell my current home before I can buy?
A. This depends largely upon the current dynamics of the housing market. Logically, if there are many people in line for a new home, the less encumbered you are the more chance you have. If you want to buy a new home, it would be wise within the dynamics of the current market to have your home on the market for sale. To get a market evaluation of your home please call me at 661.645.5556.

Return to Top Q9. What is a lot premium?
A. Many builders will charge a higher price for certain lots within the new subdivision. These lots may have such attributes as a view, or be in a premium location for the tract. Many times these lots are also bigger in size. This will add to the cost of your home.

Return to Top Q10. Will my new home come with everything that I see in the model?
A. Not necessarily. However, there are some builders who do in fact show their models only with the features that will come with your new home.  "Everything included'. Call me at 661.645.5556 to find out which ones show their models this way. Other builders usually point out added upgrades and options such as fireplaces and custom features.

Return to Top Q11. How do I choose upgrades?
A. This will all be processed by the builder's design center. Upgrades need to be done prior to the home getting a Certificate of Occupancy. Many custom features need not be done by the design center and can be completed by you after you have taken possession of the home.  It may save you lots of money.

Return to Top Q12. How do I find pictures and floor plans of the homes?
A. This web site has a comprehensive list of new homes for sale. The "model detail pages" will enable you to view pictures, floor plans, and general details about that model. You will also be able to save your favorite selections and come back and view them at any time. Just go back to the "New Homes" page by clicking here and follow the directions.

Return to Top Q13. What is a Homeowners Association?
A. Firstly not all new home tracts have Homeowner's Associations (HOA) or the related fees. Secondly a HOA governs the common interests in the subdivision in which your home is located. There may be a monthly fee involved which also has to be taken into account when speaking with your lender. The fees cover such things as general slope and common area maintenance, pool areas, and with condominiums and town-homes, the exteriors and roofs of the complexes. You will be given a complete set of rules and regulations to review which will also explain the restrictions that may be placed upon you as a homeowner.

Return to Top Q14. How much are the property taxes yearly in Santa Clarita?
A. The current property taxes are calculated on the basis of 1.25% of the sales price of the home.  Additional assessments may include school bonds, and Mello Roos. You need to be aware of these prior to purchase.

Return to Top Q15. What schools are in the area of the new tracts?
A. Each new tract has schools specified. Ask the sales office representative.

Return to Top Q16. I am relocating from another city or state. What does Santa Clarita have to offer?
A. Please click here for city and community information. Santa Clarita has much to offer - particularly since it is known currently as the fourth safest city in California.  There are many recreation areas within easy driving distance and the area offers much from those with young families to those who have retired. Click here for information on Valencia.  Click here for more rural communities such as Agua Dulce.

If you have other questions I can answer for you please call me at 661.645.5556 or email me at MailTo:Pia@PiaSoper.com.