Frequently Asked Questions

Buying a new home can be a very scary experience, but with DSLD Homes, we try to make it as effortless as possible on behalf of the buyer. Please see the list below of the most frequently asked questions. For any other questions, please use the “Contact DSLD Homes” button, or contact the sales agent in the subdivision in which you are interested.

Mortgages

What are mortgage rates?
Mortgage rates vary based upon loan program, down payment, credit score and credit history. Contact our preferred lender, Andromedia Mortgage, at 225-664-0306 or 985-327-6223 to get a full picture of which programs and rates your qualify for!
Can a buyer use their own mortgage company?
Yes, a buyer can use their own mortgage company. However, if our preferred lender is used, there is an additional $2,000.00 towards closing the seller will pay. See your sales agent for more details!
Why use DSLD Homes recommended mortgage company?
DSLD Homes recommended mortgage company traditionally charges less origination and brokerage fees than your standard mortgage companies. This reduces closing costs. In addition, you will receive $2,000 towards closing for using our preferred lender. See your sales agent for more details!

Prices

How is DSLD Homes able to price their homes lower than the competition?
The reason our homes are priced considerably less than most new construction homes is because we offer a specific product, not a custom built home. If we were to allow many changes or upgrades, this would cause the home prices to increase and that increase would be passed along to you the buyer.

Closing Costs

How much are closing costs?
Closing costs will vary, however DSLD Homes offers $5000 towards closing cost when the purchaser uses the builder's choice of title and mortgage companies.
What are the terms and conditions to take advantage of the $5000 in closing costs?
To take advantage of that offer, DSLD Homes ask that the purchaser use the builder's preferred title and mortgage companies.

Warranty

What type of warranty does DSLD Homes provide?
The warranty is mandated by the State of Louisiana. It covers 1 year for workmanship, 2 years on systems, and 5 years on structure. For more information, please visit: http://www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/publiceducation.htm#New Home Warranty Act
What does DSLD Homes cover on their warranty?
Please see the Customer Care link on the top toolbar. This will direct you to the most current copy of our warranty.
When do I need to set up warranty visits from DSLD Homes?
A DSLD Homes staff member will contact the new homeowner 30 days after move in, 4 months after move in, 8 months after move in, and a final inspection at 1 year after move in to schedule warranty service visits for non-emergency items.
Who do I contact for an emergency warranty issue?
Please call 225-791-6860 Monday-Friday from 8-5. For emergency warranty issues after normal business hours contact 225-791-6855.
What qualifies as an emergency item?
As defined by the limited warranty, emergency includes situations such as: Total loss of heat or air. Total loss of electricity. (Check with the utility company before reporting this circumstance to DSLD, LLC or electrician.) Total loss of water. (Check with the water department to be certain the problem is not a general outage in the area.) Plumbing leak that requires the entire water supply to be shut off. Gas leak. (Contact your utility company or plumber if the leak is at the furnace or water heater supply lines.)

Construction Process

Will DSLD Homes build on a lot that a buyer already owns?
DSLD Homes offers a turnkey home which includes the lot and the home. We are not able to build on your personal lot.
Can lots be purchased individually and then built on at a later date?
Again, DSLD Homes sells completed homes on lots and delivers a complete product to our buyers. It's one of many ways we keep our pricing down to our buyers.
Can the buyer install the flooring, cabinets, counter tops, appliances, etc. on their own?
No, our homes are only sold 100% complete and in turn key condition. All work is done by DSLD Homes subcontractors.
Can the buyer install additional items in the home before the Act of Sale?
No, the home is property of the builder until the Act of Sale. No other material other than our own will be installed in the home prior to the Act of Sale. This includes, but is not limited to surround sound, extra concrete for a patio/driveway, additional culverts,attic decking, pendant lighting, wood fireplaces, fencing, etc.
What kind of appliances are in the home and can we upgrade to a different brand of appliances?
Frigidaire appliances are installed. There is not an option to change brands.
What if a buyer wants to make structural changes to the plan prior to having the home built?
DSLD Homes does not make structural changes to plans such as moving walls, removing walls, etc. We offer several different floor plans to choose from and a variety of choices to customize your home.
Are the homes pre-wired for an alarm system?
Yes, however you will have to contact an alarm company after closing for installation and equipment.
How are upgrades paid for?
All upgrades are due in full at the time they are selected. This is a non-refundable amount and all selection choices are final.
How soon after the contract is written does a buyer have to pick our selections and upgrades?
Within 10 days after the purchase agreement is accepted, the selections and upgrades are to be picked out.
Can flooring be upgraded?
Yes, we offer a selection of upgraded carpet, wood flooring, and ceramic tile in 12\" and 16\". At this time, stained concrete is not an option we offer.
If a floorplan comes with a fireplace, can it be removed if a buyer doesn't want it?
No.
What comes on the kitchen countertops? Is there an option for granite?
The standard package includes ceramic tile. It will be the same color as the flooring in the kitchen area. Granite Slab countertops are an option that can be installed on the kitchen countertops. Each plan we offer has separate pricing, see your sales agent for specific pricing.

Realtors

What and how much are realtors paid?
Realtors are paid 2.5% of the purchase price at closing. This is paid by the seller and is not a cost to the buyer.
What happens if I, as a buyer, show up to view a home without my agent?
If a buyer visits us to view a home, we simply ask if they have an agent and the name of the agent. That information will be recorded to ensure that all parties are compensated.

Taxes

How are property taxes handled?
The new buyer is given a credit at closing for the time that they did not own the property. For example, if the home is purchased on June 1, at closing, a credit will be given for January 1 through May 31.