Following are some initial tips on items you may want to consider as you begin your new home building experience.

Choosing a location

The location of your future home is very important. In order to ensure that you will be completely satisfied over time, you will want a location that is right for you. Evaluate the community you are considering. Is it centrally located in a convenient area near work, quality schools, the airport, shopping, restaurants and recreation? If you build a house in that area, will it retain its resale
value?

Choosing a builder

It’s a good idea to select a builder with a positive reputation and excellent customer references. You'll want to check with friends and neighbors about the contractors they use. Were they happy with the builder? Was the builder personable, and willing to meet their needs? Once you have referrals, start speaking with the builders you are considering. You want to feel comfortable working with your builder and their staff. Will your builder keep you informed throughout the process? Customer service should be a key characteristic of your builder. This is a good indication of a quality builder, one who is committed to their customer and to their satisfaction.

Considering your price range
and priorities

Deciding what you want in your new home is a key step in the process. How many square feet? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want a home office, media room, den or billiard room? One story or two? The better you can communicate with the builder on what you want in your home, the better the builder can help you with making your decision.

You'll need to have an idea of what your financing will allow for a new home and how you will obtain the funds. It is a good idea to get pre-qualified for financing before you begin your search.

Deciding if you want a "Move-In" home

If you are in a situation that requires moving into a new home right away, you may want to purchase a "Move-In" home. Buying this type of home allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. "Move in" time is immediate because the home is nearly or completely finished and offers all the amenities of living in a newly constructed home.

Selecting a homesite and floor plan

After you choose the community you want to call home, you'll be able to choose the location of your lot. The community may have clubhouses, pools, golf courses, sports activity centers and other amenities, so you'll want to be sure to get information on the entire community, as well as the proximity of the available lots to these amenities. Typically, lots located close to such attractions as golf courses, clubhouses or lakes maintain a higher re-sale value.

Choosing options to personalize
your home

You will be able to personalize your home by choosing colors, flooring, carpet and much more based on your budget and individual requirements. The options can be endless. Part of the enjoyment in building your home is determining how you want to make it your own. While you will want to have ideas on decorating your home, you also want to make decisions on what options will increase the value of your home in the future. Investments in the structure of your home and each room’s features will be rewarding in your everyday use as well as the worth of your home. Working with your builder to select the upgrades throughout your home will allow you to enjoy quality fixtures and features that fit your way of life.

Homes by Towne® will be there to walk you through the entire process - from the first visit to the actual construction and final details within your home. We are committed to communicating with you on a regular basis so your home building experience will be pleasurable.