Are you currently shopping around for a home? If so, it may make sense to expand your horizons and take a look at some new construction properties. Many buyers never bother to look at new homes because they assume they simply aren’t within their budget. While this may be true in some cases, many new construction properties are surprisingly affordable. Here’s a quick guide to finding a brand new home for your family, even if you weren’t considering new builds previously.

New Construction 101: How To Find and Buy A New Home

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Depending on where a new construction home is located, there may be some serious competition among interested buyers. In order to put yourself in a better position as a qualified buyer, it’s a good idea to have a pre-approval letter in hand from the bank before you start shopping. This can help increase the likelihood that you will be first in line for buying the home of your dreams.

Start Your Research on the Web

If you want to learn more about new construction homes in your area, the web is a good place to start. A simple online keyword search can reveal whether there are brand new developments in your preferred neighborhood. Consider inputting your city or town name and “new construction” to see what pops up in the search results. Once you’ve determined what’s available nearby, talk to your realtor about your options or reach out to the property developer to learn more.

Talk to the Developer About Floorplans

Have you always dreamed of having a two-car garage and an open concept kitchen? This could be your chance. Many new construction developments offer several different floorplan options for buyers to consider. If you are interested in learning more about a particular development, contact the building company to find out if they offer multiple floorplans for homes located in this neighborhood. Many times, you’ll be able to work with a developer in order to get the exact home layout your family is looking for, and customize features and fixtures in order to meet your needs. This could be your chance to create your custom dream home!

Schedule a Visit

Before you jump to make an offer on a new construction property, take the time to schedule a walkthrough. As you’re driving to your appointment with your realtor, take note of surrounding neighborhoods and features. Is the new development located in a safe area? Is there easy access to nearby freeways? What are some of the biggest positives and drawbacks nearby? Your walkthrough is a good opportunity to learn more about the surrounding neighborhood as well as the home itself. It’s an important step that you shouldn’t skip if you are considering new construction properties.

There are a number of reasons to learn more new construction properties if you are in the market for a home. From the added peace of mind that comes along with buying new to the comfort of knowing you’re in a safe neighborhood, new homes are worth a look!