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This story is sponsored by Century Communities. Learn more about Century Communities.
A home is more than just a possession you own; it’s where you live and raise your family and is probably one of your larger financial investments. If this wasn’t enough of a big deal, homes also typically create a large mortgage payment each month, so you want to make sure that your money is well spent.
Luckily, there are ways to ensure the buying process goes smoothly and you’re happy with your final decision. Century Communities wants you to find the perfect fit, so here are some points to consider to help you shop smart:
1. Decide on your price range and budget
After all, you won’t go far in the home buying process without knowing what you can spend. This probably depends on how much you make and what your savings look like. In order for you to obtain reliable financing, you need to have a certain level of income and show that your assets and earning potential can support a mortgage. Once you decide how much you’re able to spend on the house payment each month, you can begin the home search.
While some might say that new homes are way too costly, this isn’t necessarily the case when you factor in repairs and upkeep of an older home. Modern construction means fewer headaches for homeowners, as it requires less work overall and less worry about replacing appliances or fixing up the house.
Buying a new home will also keep money in your pocket through reduced utility bills, as newly built homes are energy efficient with modern construction designs and techniques. All of this offers low-cost home ownership. Newer homes also have higher resale value and are likely to appreciate more. Imagine all of the things you could do with extra money in your pocket and more time in your life!
2. Make a list of must haves
“Must haves” mean different things to different people. But if you want to get a home that suits your lifestyle and pocketbook, don’t get too focused on little things that don’t matter or are easily remedied. For example, any home you build or buy must have:
- Structural integrity (i.e. a sound roof, walls, foundation and flooring)
- Flying colors on health and safety matters (no hazardous materials)
- Enough space to live in (rooms number at least what your family needs)
- Be located in a neighborhood that offers convenience and closeness to schools, shopping, parks and easy access to destinations.
Ugly paint, old carpet and a lack of landscaping might not seem like a big deal now, but these problems can end up costing you more headache and time than they’re worth. Don’t get stuck in a money pit and look at newer homes to save money in the future.
3. Consider design and construction quality
As most homeowners will tell you, there are 1 to 10 or more things that they’d change about their house. Buying a new home is a way to avoid this dissatisfied mentality. A brand new home will allow you to personalize your home to fit your tastes and needs perfectly. From cabinetry to the layout of your home, it is possible to find exactly what you’re looking for with coordinated finishing touches.
Buying a brand new home not only allows you to personalize your private space; they also offer modern design with open floor plans to enhance more public gatherings. You can select your favorite colors and design styles in key products such as appliances, cabinets, countertops, plumbing, lighting fixtures and flooring to achieve your unique personal style.
New homes also feature up to three times the closet space and twice the bathroom space compared to an older home. And don’t forget that new homes offer on-trend design techniques, including outdoor living spaces, modern kitchens and eco-friendly designs.
New homes are built to offer you a variety of important conveniences, including new roofs to reduce energy costs; new construction materials to reduce moisture and mold; and energy efficient windows to save you money. They are also constructed with new, safer and more sustainable materials, helping keep you and your family protected. Technological advances and a builder warranty provide homeowners peace of mind for years to come.
4. Test travel time
You’ve heard “location, location, location” before when it comes to real estate investments, and it’s a cliché for a reason. Your home is where you have to commute from, which makes a bigger difference than you might think for jobs, appointments and even grocery shopping.
Make sure that you factor in how much time it will take to get to daily destinations. Commutes, travel time and bad traffic all vary from place to place, so don’t go in blind to the potential pitfalls.
For new homes in Utah and elsewhere, consult Century Communities to find the home you’ve always dreamed of.