Roadmap to Building Your Best Home
1. Tour the Parade of Homes
Start your search by heading out to tour. With hundreds of new homes open, you can easily visit floor plans at different price points and in different neighborhoods. Keep track of the builders and home styles that feel right for you.
2. Get Your Finances in Order
Know what you can afford. Connect with a mortgage banker about loan options and rates as well as how much you’ll need for your down payment.
3. Go Back for Round Two
Once you’ve solidified your budget, go out for round two of touring! You can narrow your search to homes in your price range and hone in on what your must-have features are for your home.
4. Narrow In on Neighborhoods
Location continues to be the most important criteria for most homebuyers. Now that you’ve toured, you’ll have a better handle on what type of community and neighborhood you prefer.
5. Connect With Builders
Make appointments with your top builder choices and get a rundown of timelines and procedures. Ask for references and reach out to them before signing a contract. You may want to put a lot on hold, generally with a small fee.
6. Select Your Home Plan
If you’re building a custom home, you’ll likely spend time with a designer or architect planning a layout that will fit your lifestyle best. Other builders may have a portfolio of floor plans that you can select from or adjust to your liking. Either way, consider how you live in your current house and what you’re looking for in your new home.
7. Sign a Contract
You’re ready to commit! Your final contract will have all the specifics about your particular home. Review it carefully. In some cases, you’ll be able to see the final cost right on the contract, in others there may still be some leeway in products and finishing choices, so your contract will have allowances that will be adjusted after you’ve made your selections.
8. Make Your Selections
Depending on the type of new home you’re building, you’ll land somewhere between selecting from a few options and colors to choosing virtually every element of your new home. And if selecting finishes isn’t your forte, you’ll get plenty of professional help from your builder and showrooms to personalize your space. Keep in mind changes down the road can cost extra, so making your decisions on upgrades early in the process can save you in the long run.
9. Construction
With all your selections in hand, it’s time for construction to begin! Most new homes take 90 to 180 days or longer to complete. Stay in communication with your builder to receive progress updates, and check in before showing up. There can be safety and liability issues on an active construction site, and your builder wants you to stay safe.
10. Closing Time
With construction completed, it’s time to close on your new home! You and your mortgage banker will meet with the builder’s representatives to finalize all the paperwork. Be prepared to make sure you have all the documents you need and can cover any closing costs.