Open The Door to Your Home Search

If you are interested in purchasing a home but aren't sure where to start or what to look for, we can help! Buying a home is often the largest purchase decision in a person's life, and there are typically a lot of moving parts at play, but don't let that hinder you from finding and purchasing your dream home! No matter how far out your home purchase decision is, here are some tips to help you get started with your search!

Get a pre-approval for a mortgage

Browsing all of the homes available in your area is exciting, but without an idea on a budget, it can be misleading and disappointing. By getting a pre-approval, you can determine what kind of financing you qualify for and what type of house you can afford.

A Pre-approval is a good indicator of what the bank is willing to loan you, but it is not necessarily how much you should spend on your home. Make sure you determine what kind of down payment and monthly payment you are comfortable with to help decide how much you should spend on your new home!

Create your must-haves list

As you browse, make a note of the things you aren't willing to compromise on to help you navigate the home buying process. Anything from square footage, the number of bedrooms, architectural style, and yard size can help narrow down your search and separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves.

Determine your timeline for move-in as well. Do you have time to build a home from the ground up, allowing you to customize it throughout the process? Or are you on a time crunch and are looking for a move-in ready inventory home that has pre-selected finishes? There are pros and cons to both options, but it is critical to determine which type of home is right for you early on in your search.

It is incredibly helpful to have an idea of what your dream home includes while you shop around, so you aren't overwhelmed with options and don't have to compromise on a house when you are ready to purchase.

Narrow down the area

Choosing a home is only half of the decision. You will simultaneously be deciding how long your commute to work is, the schools your kids will attend, and the community you will be a part of. It is also important to decide what kind of lot you are looking for to help you choose the area to move to.

Are you interested in having an oversized lot on acreage, or are you more comfortable being close to neighbors? Is it essential for you and your family to have access to an amenity center and pool, or do you plan to build one in your backyard?

There are many things to consider when finding the perfect community to call home; prioritizing your list can help narrow down your list and find out what you are willing to compromise on when it comes to location and amenities for the ideal house.

Meet with a new home consultant

Searching for the perfect home can seem like a daunting process, but it doesn't have to be. Visiting a sales office or scheduling a virtual appointment is a great way to ask an industry expert about all of the questions that arise throughout the process.

They are trained professionals who can walk you through the entire process from searching for a home to move-in and are a great resource to utilize. They not only know how to navigate the buying process, but they are area experts on things nearby and can help you decide if that community is a good fit for you and your family.

No matter where you are in your search for the dream home, planning ahead and doing your research can alleviate some of the stress associated with buying a new home. You also are never in it alone; find a trained professional to walk you through the process and ask questions! Stay consistent in your search, and it will be easier to identify your dream home when you see it!

See available inventory homes and floor plans on our website or call 817-670-9699 for more information.