Communication is Key

I know I've said this before in my post about choosing a builder, but I've got to say it again.... Communication is KEY!

We have been incredibly lucky so far (well, since we fired that one bank lady) to be surrounded by people that have truly worked for us in this situation.

Our builder is available to us by phone, email, and even text all day, every day. He is honest with us and finds answers to our crazy questions when he does not have the answers immediately. He responds to emails in a timely manner. He reaches out to us to give us updates and ask us questions when we are able to be a resource to him. We are able to openly talk about budget, where money is going, scheduling, etc. I really feel comfortable with him.

The bank was available to us by phone and email every step of the way, all the way through closing and the first draw on the mortgage for the builder. The banker has sat with us a few times to explain what he is doing for us and why. He never let us get up from that table without making sure we really understood what was happening with our mortgage. His assistant is phenomenal and responds to emails and phone calls within minutes. Their partnership is noticeably successful and honorable.

The insurance company was in constant communication with us via email until we paid and signed for our builder's risk insurance and flood insurance policy. Yes, these are two things that were also out of pocket expenses.

The real estate lawyer and his assistant took the time to make sure everyone was on-time and all documents were set for the closing date we asked for. They were both easily accessible via email or phone and we had constant communication with them over the past month to prepare for closing.

All of these people met their deadlines and completed the paperwork needed in time for our closing. They not only communicated each and every detail to us, but they also communicated with each other to make this happen as smooth as possible for all.

I couldn't have asked for better businesses and people to deal with. I'm happy.

My advice to those that are building or thinking of building... You have more power than you think you do. When someone doesn't feel like a good fit - say so and find someone that does! You should never feel like you're asking too many questions. You should never feel bad for asking for justification as to why you write each and every check from your own money.

And on that note... let's see how many days I can go without writing another check! :-) I'm hoping the mortgage kicks in now and our out of pocket spending is over. Pleasssseee! Pretty please? With sugar on top?