Buying a home is generally acknowledged as being the single largest personal investment most of us will ever make. It’s a big deal. But it’s really a big deal if you’ve never done it before.
There are a lot of parts to the process and there are questions you might not think to ask if you haven’t been around this particular block before. That’s not unusual. So if you’re a first-time homebuyer, here’s what you need to know.
Having your finances in order before you begin the whole process is extremely helpful. Start the loan approval process early. Give yourself time to get a couple of different loan options so you know you’re getting the best deal you can. There are several benefits to doing this. You won’t delay the start of your home construction waiting for the loan to be approved, so having your finances (loan) in order keeps you on schedule. Knowing what you can afford also helps you narrow your search (you don’t waste your time looking at homes out of your range)
Just because you have your financing, you still need to think about your budget. Too many first-time buyers feel like they need to allocate the whole loan to building the home itself. Don’t budget so tightly that you don’t have any “wiggle room.” Set aside some funds for upgrades and changes you might want to make. It will never be cheaper to make those upgrades and changes than now. And don’t forget to budget for things such as decorating and landscaping. Those are important elements that help your house feel like a home. Here’s a post that explores how to determine your new home budget.
Some of the important things to consider when building your new home have nothing to do with the house itself. Here are some key elements to think about:
It’s hard to admit, but sometimes your heart can lie to you. It’s important to keep your emotions in check when considering the right home. You should love your new home, but take time to think things through to make sure your choices make sense. Don’t let yourself feel rushed.
Buying a new home isn’t like purchasing a new car. Understanding the building process helps you deal with the schedule. A good homebuilder won’t be in a rush and you shouldn’t be either. Talk with your homebuilder about what has to happen and how long things will take.
You’ll also want to be prepared for the fact that building a custom home means you’ll be involved in the process. You’ll have decisions to make along the way. You have to be prepared to make those decisions promptly so that you don’t delay the process.
Those are a few of the things you need to know before you jump into the homebuilding process. It's a fun and exciting experience, but it's much more enjoyable if you're prepared.
If you’re looking for an overview to help you get started, I’d encourage you to download our free 2018 Connecticut Home Design Guide. It’s packed with information about designing your home. It covers key topics such as: