Want a brand-new home in Lakewood Ranch without waiting a year for it to be built? Quick move-in homes are one of the best-kept secrets in new construction, and right now they’re where a lot of the best opportunities are. Watch the quick version below, then read on for the details.
What is a quick move-in home?
A quick move-in home (sometimes called a “spec” or “inventory” home) is a new home the builder has already started or finished. Instead of choosing a lot and floor plan and waiting the better part of a year for construction, you can often close in a few weeks or a few months.
You still get everything that comes with new construction: brand-new systems, modern floor plans and a builder warranty. The difference is that the builder’s design team has usually already picked the finishes, from flooring and cabinets to countertops and fixtures.
Quick move-in vs. building from scratch
| Quick move-in | Build from scratch | |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | Weeks to a few months | Often 9 to 12 months or more |
| Finishes | Mostly chosen by the builder | You choose everything |
| Price | Known up front | Can rise as you add options |
| Builder incentives | Often the strongest | Vary by builder |
| Seeing the home | You can walk the actual house | You choose from models and plans |
Why builders often offer their best incentives on quick move-ins
Here’s the part most buyers miss: builders want finished homes sold. A completed home that’s sitting empty costs the builder money every month, so quick move-ins are often where you’ll find their best incentives, like help with closing costs or a lower interest rate through the builder’s lender.
Incentives change constantly, though, and they’re different from one builder to the next. A home with a slightly higher price and a strong rate incentive can end up with a lower monthly payment than a cheaper home without one, so it pays to compare the full picture.
What to check before you buy a quick move-in
- The finishes and options. Make sure you like what’s already been chosen, because changes after construction can be costly.
- The homesite. Quick move-ins are already placed, so look at the view, the direction the home faces and what’s planned around it.
- HOA and CDD fees. Many Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods have a Community Development District (CDD) fee on the property tax bill in addition to HOA dues. Ask for both so you know the true monthly cost.
- An independent inspection. Even brand-new homes benefit from a second set of eyes before closing.
- Your agent at the first visit. Many builders require your agent to be with you, or registered, on your very first visit to the sales center.
Buying a quick move-in from out of state
Because quick move-ins are already built or close to it, they’re a great fit for buyers relocating to Lakewood Ranch. You can see the actual home on a live video tour, compare it with similar homes across other builders, and plan your closing around your move. On most new construction, the builder pays the agent’s commission, so working with an agent typically costs you nothing.
See what’s available now
The best quick move-ins go fast, and every builder’s list changes week to week. Tell us your budget, timing and must-haves, and we’ll send you the Lakewood Ranch quick move-ins that fit.
Pricing, availability and incentives are set by each builder and change often. Please confirm current details before making decisions. The video features an AI avatar of Tana Showalter, Broker/Owner of Rogue Realty.
