Homebuying Tips

Shopping for your Dream Home

You need a builder you can trust. Be sure to ask the builders you interview a lot of questions. Some things to consider:

• How long have they been in business?
• How is the company financed?
• How many homes have they built?
• How do they measure customer service?
• Are their homes built on time without long delays?
• Will they introduce you to a random sample of their customers?
• What personalized selections will you be able to make to suit your individual tastes?
• And most important . . . ask for a tour of newly completed homes and homes under construction.

When you visit new home communities, chances are your sales representative will take you through model homes that represent the available styles, layouts and elevations. Before you go, you can know how much you have to spend by taking a look at one of our mortgage calculators, and you'll have the figures you need to make sound decisions.

Here's what to look for:

Quality of construction. Are the doors, tiles, windows and other building materials of good quality? Adequate attention to detail? Are appliances and fixtures name-brand products that you know and trust? Do they offer an inspection process that lets you see your home's progress every step of the way?

Customer service. As you tour the models, do you get the impression that the sales representatives are working with you? Find out if the builder keeps in touch with buyers after move-in to ensure a smooth transition. Ask about the warranty, customer service commitments and policies.

Design and layout. Does the floorplan flow nicely? Is there plenty of countertop workspace in the kitchen? Closet space? Does the home look good from the street? Walk yourself through an average day. Will you be comfortable moving about in this space?

Personalization. How many choices will you have in personalizing your own home? Do you feel as though your builder is "dictating" what goes into your home? Do they have a full-service showroom staffed with knowledgeable people? Does the builder make selections and include them in the price of a home? Or do you want a low base price, selecting only those design options you want to pay for?

Financing. Does the builder have a preferred lender for your convenience, with lots of financing options to make it easy to find the right one for you?

You may find it helpful to make a list of your family's needs and wants in a new home before meeting with a builder. Then put on your thinking cap and some comfortable shoes, and start exploring!