There’s nothing quite like helping first-time home buyers cross the finish line and get the keys to their dream home. But let me tell you, when it came to this deal, the road to “Sold!” felt a little less like a smooth Sunday drive and a little more like a theme park rollercoaster.
This particular adventure starred my clients, KB Home, and a lot of patience.
The Setup: A Half-Finished House with Potential
My buyers and I originally walked into a home that was halfway built. The first buyers had backed out due to financing, which meant the property was now up for grabs. On paper, it was a great opportunity—budget-friendly, no waitlist, and we could see exactly what we were getting. My clients liked the layout, and we decided it was the right fit.
What we didn’t realize at first was just how bare-bones “budget builder” can get. We’re talking no garage door opener… yes, you read that right. Even the most basic conveniences weren’t included. (So I had one installed for them when they moved in)
The Process: Delays, Excuses, and a Side of Attitude
If you’ve ever dealt with large builders, you know the process can be bumpy. KB is known for moving fast and offering affordable floorplans, but quality control and timelines? That’s where things started to wobble.
Here’s how it played out:
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Inspection Drama: When we pointed out things that needed fixing, the project manager decided to serve us attitude instead of solutions. Spoiler alert: that never goes over well.
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Delay #1: Closing was pushed back an entire month before we even got to inspections.
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Delay #2: Just when we thought we were finally closing in, the builder hit us with another curveball. First, they pushed closing back a week, claiming we were “waiting on the Certificate of Occupancy.” Then, on the actual day of closing, my buyers signed all the paperwork, ready to celebrate… only for us to sit around all day while the builder kept insisting the CO was “almost ready.” Spoiler: it wasn’t. Closing never happened. Instead, we were told everything had to be re-signed once the builder actually secured the CO—another week later. It was a waste of everyone’s time and just another unnecessary frustration for my buyers.
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The Excuse Train: The builder tried blaming the county for being “slow” with the Certificate of Occupancy. But when the driveway wasn’t even painted by the final walkthrough, the truth was clear—the delays weren’t on the county, they were on KB.
The Finish Line: Keys in Hand (Finally)
After weeks of delays, rescheduling movers, and juggling life logistics, my clients finally got their keys. It wasn’t simple, it wasn’t smooth, but we made it happen.
And here’s the silver lining: now they’re in their brand-new home, and despite the bumps, they have something truly theirs. The smiles on their faces at closing made every frustrating phone call and delay worth it.
Takeaway for Buyers
If you’re considering new construction, here’s the reality check:
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Budget builders like KB can save you money upfront, but don’t expect many bells and whistles.
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Timelines can be fluid (translation: delays are common).
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You need an advocate—someone who’s not afraid to push back, point out the issues, and keep the process moving forward.
That’s exactly what I do for my clients. Buying new construction can be a wild ride, but with the right guidance, you’ll still cross that finish line with keys in hand.
