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RESOURCES FOR NEW HOMEBUYERS

The process of having a new home built for you can be a bit intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. To help you on your journey, Empire has pulled together a collection of great resources.

WHY HAVE A NEW HOME BUILT FOR YOU?

New home versus resale: which is better? Which costs more? Which appreciates faster? Which comes with a warranty? We dare to compare.

Getting a little lost in the new homebuying lingo? This glossary defines some of the terms you might come across.

FINDING A FANTASTIC COMMUNITY

Jump right in and check out all of Empire’s communities.

GETTING YOUR FINANCES READY

Empire’s homebuyer guide to finances spells out what you need to know, from getting pre-approved to special programs available for new homebuyers.

What can you afford? Get some estimates with Empire’s mortgage calculator and monthly budgeting tools.

PURCHASING YOUR NEW HOME

Do you need an agent to buy? What about a lawyer? Empire walks you through the entire purchasing process in a helpful infographic.

DESIGNING YOUR NEW HOME

We've partnered with the best in the design industry to make the process of personalizing your new home enjoyable. Find out more about our decor process and local design partners below.

CLOSING YOUR NEW HOME

Empire’s homebuyer closing guide makes sure you have all your bases covered so that your closing day is as smooth and efficient as possible.

PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT

As a new Homebuyer with Empire we want to make sure you are protected by the most comprehensive coverage available. For San Antonio residents, your home is warranted by Empire Communities’ “1” “Two” “10” Homeowner Warranty Protection Plan.

For a period of one year from the closing date, Empire Communities will administer the warranty of the home against defects in original material and workmanship.

For a period of two years from the date the home first closed, Empire Communities warrants the structural components of the home and warrants only the electrical wiring, plumbing inside the walls and various components in the HVAC system.

From the beginning of the third year through to the tenth year, Empire Communities Warranty covers damage to the home caused only by major structural defects. To learn more about your warranty, click the button below.

Empire prides itself on being one of the most recognized green builders in the industry. Homes in the Texas market will be certified under the Home Energy Rating ® program, the only national turn-key program designed to assist builders in constructing energy-efficient homes using the principles of building science.

Your investment requires seasonal maintenance to ensure it continues to run smoothly. View our checklists and other home maintenance resources to make sure you have all of your bases covered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Still have questions? Check out our frequently-asked-questions section to find an answer.

Q:WHAT IS A HOMEOWNER ORIENTATION?

A:

A Homeowner Orientation consists of a walk-through and visual inspection of the home. It provides you with an opportunity to view your new home prior to taking occupancy and to document any damages or missing items. While inspecting your new home for any scratches, chips or dents to your finishes, you should also verify that all upgrades and specific selections that you made during your color selection are accurately installed.

Q:CAN I ADD OR DELETE AN ITEM AFTER I COMPLETE MY FINAL APPOINTMENT WITH MY DESIGN CONSULTANT?

A:

Your Design Consultant will find out whether the production schedule allows for the change. You will meet with your sales consultant after your last design center appointment to finalize all upgrades.

Q:WHY DO SOME UPGRADES COST MORE THAN AT THE LOCAL HOME RENOVATION STORE?

A:

Upgrades provided by Empire Communities will be fully installed when you move in, which eliminates potential scheduling changes or the inconvenience that may result from making an independent purchase after closing. What’s more, the upgrade pricing you’re given at your Design appointment is guaranteed until closing, and you can finance the cost of the upgrades into your loan, which reduces out of pocket expenses.

Q:WHY DON’T WE NEGOTIATE PRICING AT THE DESIGN CENTER?

A:

We like to think that we’re giving you the best home for the best price with the best builder upgrade prices. We also believe in treating every single purchaser in a fair and consistent manner. The best way to treat every one equally is for us to charge everyone the same price.

Q:WHY CAN’T I PERFORM ANY WORK ON MY OWN PRIOR TO CLOSING DAY?

A:

For your own safety and for quality assurance reasons, we cannot allow you to do any work in your home prior to closing day. Should you wish to perform any work on your own you must wait until after closing day. Any independent work will be removed immediately as it can interrupt the production schedule, impede the certification process and void your warranty with Empire Communities.

Q:WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SETTING UP THE UTILITIES FOR MY CLOSING DAY?

A:

You should contact the utility companies to transfer your services. This should be done prior to your closing day.

Q:HOW DO I GET MY KEYS ON MY CLOSE DATE?

A:

The sales consultant will give you keys after you have closed at the title company and the loan is considered fundable. If you closed with an Empire approved mortgage company and title company, your keys will be available the same day as closing.

Q:HOW DO I SUBMIT MY WARRANTY FORMS?

A:

If you live in San Antonio, please submit your warranty service requests using this page. Once we receive your warranty request, our Warranty Manager will reach out to you to schedule an appointment to review the noted items.

Q:WHERE CAN I GET THE WORKING DRAWINGS FOR MY HOME?

A:

Empire Communities does not release the working drawings as they are the property of our company.

Q:WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO ENSURE A TIMELY START OF CONSTRUCTION ON MY NEW HOME?

A:

If you live in San Antonio, there are a few steps that you can take over the next few weeks to help us obtain all the information needed to start the construction of your home, including:
a) complete a loan application with one of our preferred lenders and provide evidence of your loan application to your Sales Counselor within 7 days of your contract date,
b) schedule and complete your Design Center selections within 21 days of your contract date,
c) obtain a Conditional Loan Approval letter from the lender and provide it to your Sales Counselor within 30 days of your contract date,
d) review all selections, options, and any notes with your Sales Counselor before signing off on the Options & Upgrades Agreement, and
e) provide your Sales Counselor a deposit for the full amount of your options.

Q:CAN I ADD OR DELETE AN ITEM AFTER I COMPLETE MY FINAL APPOINTMENT WITH MY DESIGN CONSULTANT?

A:

If you live in San Antonio, your Sales Counselor will find out whether the production schedule allows for the change. Changes and/or cancellations made after the finalization of the Options Agreement will be charged a fee of $250 per item, plus a 10% restocking fee. The full amount must be paid at the time of reselect.

Q:I LIKE DECORATED MODEL “A.” WILL MY HOUSE BE FINISHED LIKE THAT?

A:

One of the main purposes of our model homes is to show you the many different ways in which you can personalize and decorate your home. That is why the models are decorated with a wide variety of upgrades. We are very proud of the large selection of upgrades available for our homes. At your Empire Design appointment, your Design Consultant will be happy to show you all the features included in your home as well as the upgrades.

Q:HOW DO I GET MY KEYS ON MY CLOSE DATE?

A:

Our Sales Counselor will give you the keys to your new home after closing, when your loan has funded.

Q:I HAD A VERBAL AGREEMENT WITH SOMEONE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION. WILL YOU FULFILL THAT AGREEMENT?

A:

We are committed to fulfilling our obligations as noted in your Earnest Money Contract and we are confident you will be as proud of your Empire home as we are. That said, we are unable to fulfill any verbal agreements. We recommend you get all commitments pertaining to your home in writing. Included features are noted in your Standard Specifications sheet, which is part of your Contract Package.

Questions?

New Home Specialist

210-794-8577

Jennifer

New Home Specialist

210-794-8577

Hi! I am your New Home Specialist. For fast answers, ask me about move-in ready homes, designer model tours, and the latest San Antonio community information.

T: 210-794-8577

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