What to look for when buying a new home

Choosing a home is personal … very personal … and a BIG decision. To help you make sense of it all, it’s a good idea to think about the different aspects of a home, rank their importance and decide which are negotiable and which are deal breakers. If you’re considering building a new Ideal home, your sales consultant will help you find the community and floor plan that are right for you, and your design team will walk you through all the considerations and options.

Every new home you look at will have pros and cons, even if you choose to custom build. You have to decide which aspects you can’t live without, which ones you can’t live with and which ones you’re willing to compromise on. The goal is to find a house that satisfies most of your wants and need because no single home is going to check every box. 

Here are some key considerations when looking to buy:

• The budget -- should be your first step when you start shopping for a new home. Ideal has preferred mortgage lenders who can help you determine how much you can afford to spend.
  
  
• The neighborhood – Spend some time in your desired neighborhoods to get a feel for what it’s like to live in the area. How long is the commute time?
  
  
• Local public schools – Ask your sales consultant for information about the schools that serve the neighborhood. Good schools add to property value and are important even if your family does not include children.
  
  
• House size – How many bedrooms and bathrooms will you need? What about closet space, natural vs. artificial light, views from the windows, general privacy and whether there’s a bathroom attached to the primary bedroom.
  
  
• The ideal yard – Are you an acreage person or more interested in small lots and low maintenance?
  
  
• The home’s exterior -- Roof, foundation and siding are the big three in this category. It’s always a good idea to inspect any home for cracks in the walls (interior and exterior) and doors and windows that stick or jam. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you flush the toilets, test the faucets and turn on the showers. Nobody wants to deal with move-in surprises like low water pressure or plumbing problems, especially in a new house.
  
  
• Energy efficiency -- Utility bills will impact your monthly budget. What kind of energy performance does your potential new home offer? Are appliances, windows and other structures energy efficient?
  
  
• Garage -- How many cars does your family have to park? Do you need additional room for a workshop area? Are garage door openers and controllers included with the house?

Sources:

Quicken Loans

Forbes Advisor