Hints For A Successful New Home Search

Looking for your new home can be a wonderful and exciting experience as you explore the combination of location, price, style, features and more that will add up to the right home for you. New home builders offer a number of suggestions to make your search as productive and effective as possible. 
Know the price range you should be considering. Early in your search, sit down with your lender to determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend. Visit sales offices and show homes and talk with builders or salespeople to get a sense of prices, what builders typically include in the base price of a home and what might cost extra. You can then focus your search on homes within your price range.

Get pre-approval for your mortgage. Knowing in advance how much you can borrow, and securing your lender's approval for that amount, makes it easier to explore your options with confidence. It also makes it easier to say "Yes" when you find the right builder and the right home.

Decide on your basic requirements. What type of community appeals to you? Do you need to be close to transportation, shopping and other amenities? Do you want a bungalow or a two-story house? How many bedrooms do you need? Will you be working out of your home? The more realistic and detailed picture you can create in your mind, the easier it will be to find the right home.

Be open to discussions with the builder or salesperson. Today's builders are committed to customer satisfaction. They and their salespeople are there to listen, to work with you and to offer the assistance that you need to make informed decisions.

Keep track of the homes you have visited. Most home buyers visit a number of builders, sales offices and model homes before making a final decision. Keep a list of the advantages, disadvantages and general impressions of each company and home you visit.

Make a list of questions. Asking the same questions of everyone lets you compare builders, their homes and their services accurately and fairly. 

Price-What is the base price versus the price of the model home? What is included in the standard house and what's not?

Upgrades-What is the extra cost for each upgrade?

Changes-What is possible and what is not?

Start and completion dates-When?

After-sales service-What can I expect?

Set aside enough money to cover all costs of buying and moving. To avoid last-minute surprises, make sure you include all related costs in your calculations. Again, talk to your lender and your builder; they can advise you on the costs associated with buying a home-from fees for lawyers and mortgage insurance to land transfer taxes.

And finally, don't be afraid to say "Yes". No doubt, taking the final plunge can be a little scary, but if you have taken all the appropriate steps, you will know when you have found the right builder and the right home. Before you sign, ask your lawyer to review the contract. Then you are ready to celebrate the achievement of an important goal-your new home!
 

CONTENTS:

Today's new homes are better than ever
Put yourself in the picture: buy new, buy now!
The advantage of buying a new home
Some straight talk about home buying
Hints for a successful new home search

Tips on buying a new home
Market conditions are great