We understand that buying a home can seem to be an overwhelming process. While it is true that you are making a very big decision, you do not need to feel as though you are navigating uncharted or dangerous waters. You simply need to educate yourself as you are doing now and allow those around you to help you along the way. As a courtesy to our customers and even those who are not our customers, we have compiled the following list of questions that we believe you should ask yourself and others as you learn about buying a home. At the end of the day, we want you to be happy with your new home and comfortable in knowing that you made informed decisions along the way.

1. What type of builder am I looking for? In most cases, there could be several right answers and many more wrong ones. What is their personality and does it match mine well? How do they handle change order requests? Am I looking for a company that is professional, organized, and is known for having efficiently and well built homes in a timely manner or do I want an individual builder who will meet me onsite every day and cater to my every whim? Are you clear about how the construction process will unfold with the company you have chosen? Are you strictly a cost shopper or do you want someone who offers good customer service, an above average home in terms of quality, and who you trust will be willing and able to handle any major warranty issues should they arise.

2. Where do I want to live? While re-paints and renovations can fix many things about the house, location is not one thing that can be easily changed. Do I want to live in a subdivision, which typically has consistent and predictable property values, or do I want to live in a more isolated location? How far away from my daily destinations do I want to live?

3. Once you pick the subdivision or general location, do you care what your home backs up to or whether or not you would like to live on a cul-de-sac? Does this location provide all the utilities services I need? What are the restrictive covenants, if any, on this particular piece of property? Can a Home Owners Association levy an assessment for capital improvements?

4. What is your budget? Is your contract for a fixed price or a cost plus arrangement? What will taxes, insurance, permitting fees, and utilities cost for this new home? How much earnest money will be required? Does the builder require that upgrades or change orders be paid for up front? Do you want to purchase anything and roll the cost into your mortgage (like appliances, furniture, a lawn mower, etc)? What allowances am I afforded?

5. What type or style of house do you want? Must you have the one level living convenience of a rancher or do you want to be upstairs and near all the kids? Is size more important than amenities package? Am I willing to settle for less square footage but much nicer flooring, cabinets, fixtures, and appliances? Have you driven around and snapped pictures of color combinations you like?