Upgrade Options - An option in itself

According to the National Association of Realtors:

Granite or Corian? Stainless or black? Rug or hardwood? The possibilities can be endless. When purchasing new construction, homebuyers may be given an extensive menu of options to sift through. Often builders will prequalify new homebuyers for approximately 10% or more over the purchase price of a house, in anticipation of all the amenities that will be added. However, another program among builders is to automatically include all the high-end upgrades in the price. All the bells and whistles are standard, so there are no choices to make or decisions to agonize over for hours. So now, home buyers have the option to decide if they want options.

When we visited this year’s local Parade of Homes we noticed that quite a number of them homes were advertised as “upgrades are standard”. I understand the desire for the upgrades. Not only do they make the home ‘nicer’ they also personalize the home so it is not just like the other 40+ homes built from the same plan.