So, you’re in the market for a new construction home. Honestly speaking? Great decision. Brownie points if you’ve already chosen a location!
New homes give you the opportunity to start fresh, moving into a space no one has lived in before. You can even customize the layout, design, and amenities of your soon-to-be home. That said, how exactly do you find a home in your desired location?
Let’s break it down one step at a time.
Set a Realistic Budget
This is a no-brainer. Property prices are continuously rising, and without a set budget, you’re very much likely to overspend. And you don’t want to be house poor (trust me).
Start by making a list of expenses that come with buying a newly built home. The direct purchase costs can include:
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Base price
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Upgrades (essential features and finishes like countertops or certain flooring)
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Appliances
Other expenses include:
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Homeowners Association (HOA) dues
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Loans fees
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Utility hookups and connection fees
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Closing costs
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Extended warranties
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Property taxes
Don’t forget to factor in those post-purchasing costs, such as:
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Landscaping
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Exterior improvements
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Window treatments
Once you’ve got a rough figure, determine how much you can realistically spend. You might need to stretch your budget here and there to afford the perfect home in your desired location.
Consider loans and other financing options. Pre-approval for a mortgage can also help you establish a clear range, saving you hassle later.
Know Your Needs
Next, create a list of all the must-haves for a newly built home. Consider the number of your family members and your lifestyle. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? How close do you want to be to work or school? Do you need any specific features like a big yard, pool, garage, or an open floor plan?
Knowing exactly what you need will help narrow down your options and save valuable time.
Research Specific Areas
Having an ideal location for a new home is not enough. Narrow down on the exact area you wish to live in. For instance, if you want to live in Arizona, you can choose a growing city like Buckeye.
The city is especially known for more affordable housing compared to other Phoenix suburbs. Find new homes in Buckeye AZ, without breaking the bank.
Don’t forget to explore neighbourhoods before making a decision. Drive or walk through the area to get a feel for the community.
Utilize Google Search
It’s time for the heavy lifting. Enter your desired location and area, and search for current or upcoming developments. Use this information as a springboard for your search and reach out to home builders that stand out. You can also find builders through builder director websites.
Make sure you focus on the right features. For instance, a reputable home builder should offer:
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Unique and modern design features
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High-quality materials
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Complete cost transparency
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Design customization
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Competitive costs
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Customer satisfaction
Assess the reputation of different builders by checking their reviews. Go with industry-leading and national builders like Dream Finders Homes.
It’s time for the heavy lifting. Enter your desired location and area, and search for current or upcoming developments. Communities like Chestnut Hills may appear during your research and provide a helpful benchmark when comparing features and neighborhood appeal. Use this information as a springboard for your search and reach out to home builders that stand out. You can also find builders through builder director websites.
