Congratulations – you have made the decision to build your new home! Don't let this excitement fade by feeling lost and overwhelmed. Keep calm and follow these steps to navigate the home building process.

Home Building: Next Steps and What to Think About

1. Start Brainstorming

Write down everything you would want in your new home. Think about what you dislike about your current home and figure out how you would change that in your new home. Think about all the features that you love in other homes.

Here are a few questions to get you started:
•   Are you satisfied with the amount of counter, cabinet, or pantry space in your kitchen?
•   Do you wish you had more closet space?
•   Do you have enough space for when you entertain guests?

By writing everything down, it will give you a clear picture of what your ideal home/floorplan will entail.

2. Start a Collection

Visit open houses and make notes on the flyers about the things you like and don't like.  Look through magazines and search the Internet – put the photos in your binder and make notes about what you liked.  A picture tells a thousand words.  When you sit down with the builder, they will know exactly what you are wanting.

Here are a few things you might want to add to your collection:
•   Kitchen backsplash
•   Kitchen countertops
•   Interior and exterior paint colors
•   Garage door styles
•   Indoor and outdoor light fixtures
•  Types of flooring

3. Start Thinking About the General Area You Want to Live

Do you want to live inside the city limits or in a suburb? Do you want a specific school district? Do you want to live near a water feature such as on a lake? Drive through the neighborhoods you're interested in and take note of any vacant lots. Ask your Realtor® about the neighborhood covenants and price restrictions.

4. Start Thinking Through Financing Options

What is your comfort level? Talk with a bank. What can you get approved for?

5. Think About Selling Your Current Home

Do you have a home to sell? Will this affect the amount of loan you will qualify for?  Will you need to sell your current home first? Talk with your Realtor® and find out the value of your home in today's market.

6. Decide on a Timeline

When do you want to be moving into the new house?  The actual building process will vary from builder to builder, and the time of year may also have an effect on your start and completion date.

7. Decide on a Subdivision / Neighborhood You Would Like 

Once you have selected the subdivision, your Realtor® can begin searching for available vacant lots.  Once the lot is chosen, options can be decided on for floor plan layout.  Another decision here is deciding whether you will purchase the lot first or have the builder purchase it and tie the cost into the home-building package. Some builders may not give you an option.

8. Attend Budget Meeting

Once you have an idea of your lot, budget, floor plan and finishes—we will sit down with the builder and price out your home.

9. Start the Building Process

At this point, your Realtor® can give you a building timeline so that you can see the process and a breakdown of the time involved each step of the way.

Most importantly, if you have any questions – talk with your Realtor®. Haven't hired one yet? Reach out to Cassidee today! She has several years of new construction experience. Even though Cassidee represents custom home builder, Empire Homes & Remodeling, she can work with ANY builder. Cassidee will also help you get top dollar for your existing home. With firsthand experience building a home, she understands how stressful and time consuming the process can be. So, Cassidee is committed to making your experience as smooth as possible!