b'MOVE MKE: NEW HOMESchoices involved. Selecting interior finishes, appliances, lightmorning when homeowners may be outside doing chores or fixtures and even door handles can seem to be overwhelming.errands. Introduce yourself and say you are considering buying a Fortunately, many homebuilders have made the selection processhome from the builder who built their home. Talk to several easier by offering packages that provide different looks usingowners. The more people you talk with, the more accurate an complementary colors, fixtures and hardware that can be modifiedimpression of a builder you will get.by the homeowner.Many homebuilders also offer design services with a professional who will work with you to develop a look that fits your personalityPurchasing Landand budget. If you do decide to buy a lot on your own, understand that lot prices vary considerably between communities and subdivisions. It also is important to understand the legal considerations that vary Choosing a Homebuilderbetween municipalities and counties. Legal descriptions of lots are either lot & block or mete & Whether you are buying a condo, a townhouse, or building abounds.house, you want to know that you are buying a good qualityLot & block parcels are the most frequently used legal description, home from a reputable builder. This can be done by asking friendsespecially within subdivisions. They state the actual lot dimensions and colleagues or by contacting the Metropolitan Buildersand reference a certified survey that is kept on file at the local Association, (mbabuilds.org), an organization that representscounty courthouse.approximately 800 companies in the region.Mete & bounds parcels are often used to describe isolated or Colleagues and online searches can provide you with a list ofscattered lots. If the seller uses a mete & bounds legal description, active homebuilders and the price ranges of the homes they build.you should have your property surveyed to verify its actual Visit recently built homes and subdivisions. Drive by on a Saturdayboundaries.SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONSThere are several issues you need to consider when choosing afirst-floor grade elevation will be and to determine how much lot. Due to the size of the investment you will be making and thefill you will have to buy or cart away from the site. risks involved, you should seek legal assistance and/or consult with the local building inspector before you buy. Some of the Garbage: Find out whether garbage collection is included in things you should consider are:your property taxes as a municipal service or if you will have to contract with a private company.Deed Restrictions: Ask the seller for a copy of the deed so you can review any restrictions or covenants that may affect the Sewer/Septic: If you need a septic system, make sure the lot land you are buying. Some subdivisions, for instance, limit thehas a recentand acceptablepercolation and soil test. Clay building materials you can use to build your home, specifysoil is prevalent in Wisconsin and can interfere with drainage. how your home must be placed on your lot and may require aIf you have poor soil, you may have to install a mound-type third party to approve your homes design. They may evenseptic system. If you have metro or storm sewer service, find prohibit you from leaving cars in the driveway. Once you haveout how much the lateral hookups will cost. signed the deed, you are legally obligated to adhere to its restrictions.Water: Check to see whether you will need a well or will have to hook up to a community well or municipal water utility. IfDrainage: Any purchase offer should be contingent on theyou have to drill a well, ask about unusual mineral content in parcel not being located in a floodplain and you should doublethe water. If you have a community well, ask your neighbors check with the city engineer or building inspector. In addition,how it is working. If you have municipal water, find out the you will want to know how the lot drains and whether it is aconnection costs. catch basin or run off from other lots. The county surveyors office should have topographical maps to identify drainage Impact Fees: In an effort to control development, some com-patterns.munities have implemented impact fees that are assessed to new homes when they are built. These fees can range fromElectricity/Gas: Check with the local utilities about availability$500 to more than $5,000 and are typically used to offset the and hookup costs.cost of expanding schools and the community infrastructure to accommodate new developments. Check to see whether anFill: Check with the building inspector to find out what yourimpact fee has been imposed or is being considered. 76 YOUR RELOCATION RESOURCE'