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, think about the different aspects of a home, rank their importance and decide which are wants and which are needs. 

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. No single home is going to check every box, but sometimes you can walk into a house and just FEEL like it's the perfect home. 

Here are some key considerations when looking to buy:

• Budget - The first step is to understand what budget you will qualify for from a lender. Ideal has preferred mortgage lenders who can help you determine how much you can afford to spend. 
• Maintenance - If spending your monthly income on the maintenance of your home isn't at the top of your wish list, a new home is a great option. Ideal homes come with several peace-of-mind warranties and guarantees that other new homes don't so that your maintenance costs are minimal.
• Neighborhood – Spend some time checking out the neighborhood to get a feel for what it’s like to live in the area. Is there safe outdoor space to walk the dog or open green space to roam? Take a look at the home designs in the community. Does it feel like every home looks the same or is there variety amongst the homes?
• Schools – Ask your new home 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? Square footage is not necessarily the best comparison between homes as the floor plan and layout of a home can make larger homes feel small and smaller homes feel large. 
• IDEAL yards – Are you an acreage person or more interested in small lots and low maintenance? Make sure that your new home includes a fence (on homesites smaller than an acre) to keep pets and children safe and keep the community looking pristine.
• Quality - Roof, foundation and major systems are the big three in this category. It's always a good idea to understand what's behind the walls and how the home was built. What is the success rate of the foundation? Is there a foundation warranty? Are major systems (plumbing, electric, HVAC) warrantied?
• Energy efficiency - Utility bills will impact your monthly budget. What kind of energy performance does your potential new home offer? Ideal homes come with a 3-year heating and cooling cost guarantee to ensure you don't pay more than you need to.