Deceitful Advertising or Just Misleading

Just got an email the other day from an out-of-town client regarding new construction homes that he
hd seen on the internet. Scenario goes like this. He looked at a very popular website…Trulia.com. He
saw some new construction homes in Waukesha priced in the $180’s. This also happens to be what he
is preapproved for. When I looked at the square footages of these homes, I found this too good to be
true. The builder had about 5 homes listed with pictures and price per square foot (approximately $100
per sq ft) which seemed to be in line with what we are familiar with. The problem was that these prices
are just for the home. Well, what are you going to build it on? I called the builder just to make sure that
I was correct. Yes indeed. These prices were just for the home. Lots ran about $80,000 - $90,000 with
lot improvements adding another $48,000 (this was a lot where a septic system was needed).

Not really deceitful because the builder is just pricing the house, however nowhere in this ad did I see
any mention that the lot was not included. I proceeded to explain this to my buyer and he has now
totally given up on the idea of building something new.

Please be aware of hidden costs when you are building. Along with the cost of the lot and lot
improvements, different communities charge impact fees. When you actually get to the fun part
about picking out your colors and upgrading items such as countertops etc, you can actually see where
this $180,000 price tag that you saw on the internet now has an increased price tag of approximately
$310,000 plus money for whatever upgrades that you would like.

So in essence, the advertising is just misleading and you as a consumer should not be mislead but be
guided by someone who is familiar in all areas of the real estate market! We can help. All you need to
do is ask. If we don’t have the answers, we will find them!

The Dale Marciniak Team