The Complete Guide to Buying a New Home
If you're exploring the option of buying a new construction home, chances are you’ve got some questions about how it all works. While the process does require a few more steps than buying a used home, it’s all worth it in the end. Not only do you get to select a floor plan and homesite that exactly fit your needs, you get to choose the finishes and features that you’ve always dreamed of in a home.
Your New Home Specialist is likely the first person you will meet when you walk into a model home or community sales center. He or she will work with you to select your floor plan, asking questions about how you like to live, what you want to change about your current living situation, etc. At Dream Finders Homes, we offer a variety of plans with different lifestyle opportunities, and even can personalize those plans to meet your requirements. As you go through the floor plan selection process, there are a few questions you should ask yourself early on:
Once your sales agreement is finalized, it's time for some fun! A builder typically allows homebuyers to make some or all finish selections, so that their home is a true reflection of their style. You'll work with a professional interior designer to select cabinets, flooring, light fixtures, paint colors, exterior elevations, landscaping, and more.
A useful tip is to keep a record of your favorite interior looks — that could be magazine clippings or Instagram photos saved to a folder. It's best to go into your design appointment having an idea of what you like; that way, your designer can present a few options that really hit the mark. By working with a professional designer, you'll have the benefit and peace of mind knowing that everything you selected will work together cohesively in your home.
Your home builder may have a design center where they’ve assembled all the products that are available for you to choose from. Alternatively, the builder's designer may accompany you to a handful of locations where you can choose your finishes. Either way, you’ll have professional design guidance every step of the way. At Dream Finders Homes, we have Design Studios, and full-time professional designers on staff to help walk you through the entire process.
6) Construction Process
By the time construction starts, all your selections have been finalized, pricing has been set, and agreements have been signed. Pouring the foundation of your dream home is one of life's most exciting moments! Throughout the process, your Project Manager will keep you in the loop with updates and developments, often through emails or phone calls. You’ll also participate in a series of walk-throughs to make sure you are satisfied with the progress. Construction times vary depending on the level of customization, but the wait is always worth it. (See our complete construction process in the Path to Ownership.)
7) Closing on Your New Home
Construction is complete and you're almost to the finish line! All you have to do is attend your New Home Orientation to learn how your home and all its systems work. Once your builder has your final sign-off, you’ll close on your new home, receive the keys, and move into the dream home you’ve worked so hard for. HOME SWEET HOME.
There's a lot that goes into buying a new home, but working with a great builder makes the process smooth, exciting, and enjoyable! For more information on building a new Dream Finders home in your preferred city, please contact us. We can’t wait to start building with you!
The Process of Buying a New Home
1) Financing When you're building a new home, you have a few financing options available to you. If you are building within a community, the builder typically assumes the construction loan, which means the building company owns the homesite until construction is complete. You would pay a deposit (similar to earnest money in the case of a used home) in order for construction to begin. Once the home is complete, you would take out a regular mortgage based on the terms agreed upon with your lender, and at closing, ownership of the land and home transfers from the builder to you. For more information on financing, please contact us to speak with a preferred lender in your local market. 2) >Floor Plan Selection
Your New Home Specialist is likely the first person you will meet when you walk into a model home or community sales center. He or she will work with you to select your floor plan, asking questions about how you like to live, what you want to change about your current living situation, etc. At Dream Finders Homes, we offer a variety of plans with different lifestyle opportunities, and even can personalize those plans to meet your requirements. As you go through the floor plan selection process, there are a few questions you should ask yourself early on:
- Do you plan to start or expand your family?
- Within the next 5-10 years will you want the flexibility of stairs, or will you need most of your living to be on the first floor?
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need to comfortably accommodate your family and guests?
- Where should the bedrooms be located in the home?
- Do you ever work from home?
- Do you enjoy entertaining?
- Do you need a flat, grassy yard for your kids to run?
- Do you prefer mature trees for privacy or shade?
- What would be your ideal view from a particular room in the house?
- Would you prefer a smaller lot so you have less yard maintenance?
- Do you prefer the privacy of a corner or cul-de-sac lot?
Once your sales agreement is finalized, it's time for some fun! A builder typically allows homebuyers to make some or all finish selections, so that their home is a true reflection of their style. You'll work with a professional interior designer to select cabinets, flooring, light fixtures, paint colors, exterior elevations, landscaping, and more.
A useful tip is to keep a record of your favorite interior looks — that could be magazine clippings or Instagram photos saved to a folder. It's best to go into your design appointment having an idea of what you like; that way, your designer can present a few options that really hit the mark. By working with a professional designer, you'll have the benefit and peace of mind knowing that everything you selected will work together cohesively in your home.
Your home builder may have a design center where they’ve assembled all the products that are available for you to choose from. Alternatively, the builder's designer may accompany you to a handful of locations where you can choose your finishes. Either way, you’ll have professional design guidance every step of the way. At Dream Finders Homes, we have Design Studios, and full-time professional designers on staff to help walk you through the entire process.
6) Construction Process
By the time construction starts, all your selections have been finalized, pricing has been set, and agreements have been signed. Pouring the foundation of your dream home is one of life's most exciting moments! Throughout the process, your Project Manager will keep you in the loop with updates and developments, often through emails or phone calls. You’ll also participate in a series of walk-throughs to make sure you are satisfied with the progress. Construction times vary depending on the level of customization, but the wait is always worth it. (See our complete construction process in the Path to Ownership.)
7) Closing on Your New Home
Construction is complete and you're almost to the finish line! All you have to do is attend your New Home Orientation to learn how your home and all its systems work. Once your builder has your final sign-off, you’ll close on your new home, receive the keys, and move into the dream home you’ve worked so hard for. HOME SWEET HOME.
There's a lot that goes into buying a new home, but working with a great builder makes the process smooth, exciting, and enjoyable! For more information on building a new Dream Finders home in your preferred city, please contact us. We can’t wait to start building with you!
Categories: Blog, Buying New