Buying a home is still considered to be an all-American rite of passage. But for most people, this process comes with a lot of pressure and uncertainty. With so many unknowns to deal with, how can you possibly know what to look for in a new home or how to adequately prepare? This list of essential dos and don’ts can act as a great place to start.
When You Buy a New Home, Do…
- Perform Thorough Research: It’s easy to get carried away in the excitement of viewing a property. But you won’t get the most out of an open house or a meeting with a contractor if you go in blind. You’ll want to feel confident about how much you know about a given property and the area in which it’s located. If you know for certain that a property is located too far from work or isn’t in the right school district for your family, it’ll be a lot easier to cross possibilities off the list.
- Know Your Priorities: When you buy a new home, you’ll need to make sure it ticks at least most of your boxes. Typically, some compromise will be necessary. But you’ll need to feel comfortable that your top priorities are being addressed. Otherwise, you might realize too late in the process that your new house won’t be suitable for your family’s needs. Make a list of your “must-haves” and stick to it, whether you’re looking at new construction homes or older builds. Those priorities might include an open-concept floor plan, a certain number of bedrooms, specific building materials, a big backyard, or a property that’s move-in ready. Be prepared to walk away from a home if it can’t offer what you need most.
When Looking at New Houses for Sale, Don’t…
- Judge on Photos Alone: Approximately 92% of people now utilize the internet in their home search. However, there’s really no substitute for seeing the property in person. We’re used to buying products based on descriptions and photos, but a home is a much bigger investment. Although seeing photos of a property can pique your interest, you shouldn’t discount a home (or get too excited about a house) based solely off these images. When you set out to buy a new home, reserve final judgment until you see a property in real life to ensure you keep your expectations in check and that you don’t miss out on a real gem.
- Get Emotionally Attached: It’s easy to understand why homeowners might become emotionally attached to the first property they see or to a home that fits their aesthetic but that may not serve their needs. This process is inherently high-stakes, meaning that a lot is riding on your decision. We often feel like when we see “The One,” we’ll know it deep in our bones. But this attitude can result in major disappointment. When you’re house hunting, any number of things can go wrong. A property might be out of your price range or you may later discover that a house has major structural issues that could derail the entire agreement. It may be easier said than done, but you should make a concerted effort to not get emotionally attached to any house. Keep your options open and don’t get your heart set on anything until the contract is final. Of course, when you opt for a new build, you can put your heart and soul into the property from the very start.
If you believe you’re ready to buy a new home, these dos and don’ts can be an excellent place to begin. So can our website, which will give you a feel for our designs and where we build. To learn more about our luxury homes in South Tampa, please contact us today.
