Take 5: How To Find The Right Home Builder For You

You've begun to do your research. You know that there's never been a better time to buy a new home. The interest rates are low, builders are offering lots of great option packed homes, but where do you begin to find the right builder for you? Take a look at the following 5 areas to help you do a little research into selecting a homebuilder to suit your needs. Location - With so many builders to choose from, it's best to start looking in the area where you want to move. Begin first by checking online and see who builds in your target area. Look for easy to use websites with information, floor plans and other important features to help begin your search. Most likely, if they have an informative professional website, this will give you an indicator on how they will be in person. While you can drive through your target area and see if you can find neighborhoods that appeal to you, starting online will help you save time. Communication - Try giving the builder a call or send an email, see how well they communicate and answer questions for you. Are they friendly? Do they return your communications both via email and by phone quickly? Do they offer you reference links and information above and beyond what you've asked for? It's important that you can get the answers you need throughout the process in a timely manner. By making initial contact with a builder this will give you a great indication on how they will be throughout the process. Knowledge and Quality - Does all the information they are providing over the phone and on their website create a confident picture of a knowledgeable builder? Do they know the area? Are they competitively priced? Have they built numerous communities in the area already? Have they fully answered your questions? Have you asked them about their quality of construction? Make sure you feel comfortable with the level of knowledge they are imparting in their communications, as well as the quality of construction. Proven Track Record - Find out how long they've been in the business. If possible visit other completed communities that they've built. If you know anyone who lives in one of their homes, ask what they think of the construction and the long-term service. See if the builder will supply a list of references of other homebuyers who live in their homes, or walk through the neighborhood and talk with the residents. Check their ratings and make sure no complaints have been filed at the Better Business Bureau. View their models and talk with their onsite agents to find out more about the history of the company. Press - Do a little research and see how the builder is perceived by the local community. Do they have a good reputation? Do they contribute back to the greater area? Sometimes you can find press clippings right on their websites, and this is a great place to start, but don't stop there. Do a few Google searches and see what you turn up. By checking the block on each of these 5 research topics you will narrow the field and find the perfect builder to create your dream home. By the time you make it through this process you will be able to buy with confidence from your chosen builder. Image source: ©PhotoXpress.com