Pros and Cons of Buying a Quick Move-In Home

A quick move-in home is a new construction home that is finished or nearly finished and can close in a short window, typically 30 to 60 days. Builders used to sell most homes through interest lists and phased releases. When the market slowed, more homes reached completion unsold, and builders began offering these nearly finished homes to buyers who could close quickly. You get a brand-new home without waiting six to eight months for it to be built.

This guide is from Living In Northern California, a Realty of America team led by Rose and Steven Gonzales. New construction is our specialty, and quick move-in homes are often where we find our clients' best deals. See our new construction page for how we help.

Limited customization

Most finishes are already chosen, so you generally cannot change counters, cabinets or flooring the way you could when ordering from the design center. If choosing every finish matters most, building from scratch may suit you better.

A fast timeline

A 30- to 60-day close can be a plus or a problem. If you need to sell your current home first or want more time, a build with a longer timeline may fit better.

Sometimes a home is sitting for a reason

A quick move-in might be priced down because of its lot, a small backyard, or its position next to a busy road, parking lot or future development. Always look at the site and what is planned nearby.

Stronger incentives

Builders frequently offer their strongest incentives on finished homes, because carrying them costs money every month. Instead of a modest lender credit, you may see a meaningful rate buydown or a fixed 30-year rate locked at signing, which removes the risk of rates rising while you wait for construction.

Upgrades at a discount

When a quick move-in already has premium flooring, cabinets or finishes, builders may discount the price to move it, so you can get upgrades for less than ordering them yourself.

Included extras

Owned solar, closing-cost help and, on model homes, sometimes furnishings can come with the deal. Read our guide to builder incentives for how they stack.

It comes down to three things:

• Timeline risk: a quick move-in closes in weeks; a new build takes months.
• Upgrade cost: a quick move-in may include upgrades at a discount; building lets you choose but pay full price.
• Interest-rate risk: a quick move-in can lock today's incentive rate; a new build may close at whatever rates are when it is finished, unless the builder offers a long lock.

• Bring your agent on your first visit. Most builders require it for your agent to represent you, and representation can mean better incentives and contract terms.
• Ask why a home is still available, and factor its lot and surroundings into your offer.
• Compare the builder lender's offer with an outside lender's quote.
• Be ready to move quickly with a pre-approval in hand.

Quick move-in deals show up most where communities are still growing, including Roseville, Rancho Cordova, Lincoln and Folsom. Contact us and we will tell you which communities have the best quick move-in options this month.