Buying a home is the all-American dream and is the largest investment most of us will ever make. Before you take the first step towards purchasing your first custom or pre-built home, read over our checklist to help you avoid some common mistakes and make your home buying journey as easy and painless as possible.
Plan Your Down Payment
Although conventional loans require a minimum of only five percent for a down payment, more is better, helping to lower your monthly payments and potentially reduce the length of your mortgage.
Calculate How Much House You Can Afford
Lenders may be willing to loan you the maximum amount your debt load will allow, but a more conservative approach can prevent you from being house poor—a situation that leaves you unable to meet your other financial obligations or commit money to your savings.
Pick Your Location
Lot selection is a vital component in the home buying process which requires a number of considerations, including:
- Location – In addition to choosing a lot within a reasonable proximity to schools, shopping, amenities, or work, the neighborhood itself should be safe. The beauty of the community should be enhanced by the nature that surrounds it.
- Suitability – Before you purchase your lot, ensure it can accommodate the type and size of home you desire, in accordance with local building restrictions and regulations.
- Land Testing – A professional evaluation of the land can help determine whether or not it is suitable for building. As part of Olympia Home’s service, we’ll help determine if your preferred lot is well-suited for your custom-built home and whether or not it’s a good financial investment.
- Community Lots – Choose from available lots in a new or established home community which have been carefully placed by the builder for their beautiful surroundings and nearby attractions.
Select Your Floor Plan
Whether you opt for a custom build or pre-built home, it’s important to partner with a builder who has a solid reputation, exceptionally high standards, and an eye for detail. Choose from a number of thoughtfully designed custom floor plans, add the custom design options you desire, or work with your builder to create a truly unique design plan.
Choose Your Features
Custom design options help turn your house into a home, increasing its beauty, value, and functionality. Consider adding the following features:
- Custom flooring
- Lighting design & layout
- Kitchen & bath design
- Interior trim selections
- Exterior façade colors and textures
- Fireplaces
- Tiles
- Shower enclosures
- Built in closet options
- Energy saving mechanical systems
- And more
The Fine Print
Once you have chosen your pre-built or custom built home, all that’s left to do is secure your financing. Based on the price of the home or the estimate for your custom build, your loan officer will evaluate your qualifications for a mortgage based on a set of criteria and present you with the official terms of your mortgage. Once your loan is finalized, you can break ground on your new custom home, putting you one step closer to making your dream a reality.