What to Look for in a New Home

When looking at new homes, the amount of storage that is available, what the space looks like and what kind of appliances are either present or possible, top the list for things people look for. At least 65% of home buyers told the National Association of Realtors that having central air conditioning was also a big priority. Younger home buyers, specifically the generation known as millennials, are most interested in buying houses in the suburbs. Nearly 66% said they wanted to live in the suburbs as opposed to the 24% who want to live in a rural setting. Only 10% say they want to live in a city. If you are starting the process of buying a new home, you may wonder about what to look for in a new home.

What to look for in a new home, tips for getting what you really want:

1. You can make a new home your dream house. When you buy a new home, one of the biggest benefits is that you can customize it and make it what you really want. You will start working with a home builder to create the house that you have always wanted. When you buy a house that has been lived in, if you want to make changes, you have to go through a renovation  that may be very painful. Maybe you are really interested in modern home design. You can make your house reflect that.
2. Check what features are standard and which are extra. When you first tour a master-planned community, you are shown a model home. You may think it is showing you what to look for in a new home but what they are really doing is showing you a house with a lot of features that may not come standard with the other houses that will be built in the community. It is important to ask what is and is not standard. Sometimes what comes standard is impacted by the inventory of that product. Make sure you are perfectly clear about what you are getting and what will cost extra.
3. Check on the warranty situation. Another great benefit of buying a new home over a used one is the warrantees. They usually cover workmanship and materials. If you find problems with the home after you move in, the home builder will have to make repairs. This only covers things the home builder has control over such as the flooring. If your hardwood floors start to buckle soon after you move in, your warranty will cover that. If you break something, like the gutters, you have to go through your insurance.
4. Do not forget the inspection. A qualified inspector can look over the home and tell you if things were installed correctly and give their insight and opinion about the quality of the work done on the home. Any mistakes made or corners cut will be found by a good inspector.

There are a lot of things to think about when buying a home. Deciding what to look for in a new home may present challenges because you do have so many options. Just make sure your home reflects your style.