Building a new home is an exciting time! When you build new, you have the opportunity to design and build a home tailored to your family. From selecting the community and floor plan to choosing the colors, features, and finishes, your home is completely unique to you. Once the home is completed, you have a space that was made specifically for your lifestyle.
Because this time is so exciting, it can be easy to get wrapped up in the excitement and rush to a sales office to talk to a sales manager. While we’re thrilled to meet you and help you build you dream home, there are questions you should consider first that will make the process run more smoothly.
1) What are you looking for in a new home? This goes beyond size and bedroom count. Think about how you live in the home today and how that may change in the years to come. Will your family grow? Do you have older children who may leave for college and move away from home? These questions can help you determine which features and options are most important to include in your new home. If you’re building with a partner, discuss your top three non-negotiable items when it comes to home design so you’re on the same page before you begin your new home search. Once you come up with your list of new home must-haves, share these with your sales manager and design consultant! They can use that information to make suggestions for floor plans and options that best suit your lifestyle.
2) When do you want to move in? When you’d like to move into your new home will determine what kind of new home you buy. Our build time is typically 8-10 months, so if you have the time to experience the entire build cycle, that may be the right choice for you. Those months will fly by as you watch your dream home come to life! If you need to move faster – perhaps you’re relocating, or experiencing life changes, or your home sells faster than you expected – then a quick close home may be a better option.
3) What’s your budget? One of the most important things to do before you buy a new home is agree on a budget, and commit to sticking to it. Your budget may even be less than what you’re approved for, depending on your long-term financial goals, and that’s okay! Before you walk into a sales office, make sure you recognize and understand what you’re willing to spend on a down payment and monthly mortgage. If you’re moving to a community within another city, be sure to factor in property taxes and HOA fees.
4) What financing options are available? Once you have a budget in place, meet with a mortgage loan officer to discuss what financing options may be available. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a conventional loan or FHA loan. VA loans are available for homebuyers who are part of the military. Homesite Mortgage, our preferred lender, offers a variety of programs that help buyers in a multitude of situations finance their new home.
Looking for a new home? View our available communities in Michigan and Missouri.
