Buying a new house is exciting, but it can be a daunting process if you’re a first-time home buyer. At Segal & Morel, builders of fine homes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the Lehigh Valley, we recognize that a buying a new home isn’t just a financial investment – it’s an opportunity to make your house a home. If you’re a first-time buyer looking for a single-family home, these tips can help you better understand what’s involved in the process and help you make informed decisions.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

So, you’ve saved up enough for a down payment and you’re ready to buy, but before you start looking for a new home you need to know what you can afford. Having a pre-approval letter in hand also shows sellers, realtors, and builders that you’re serious about buying. Make sure to check your credit before applying for any loans, and shop around for competitive interest rates.

If you’re interested in building a new home, most builders have preferred lenders they work with who offer competitive interest rates and loan costs. Working with a lender who’s experienced in new construction can make the process easier.

Decide What Type of Home Is Right for You

There are a lot of things to consider when deciding whether you want to buy an older house vs. new home construction. New green homes are particularly in demand these days, as advances in technology and home building techniques have made them more comfortable, affordable, and environmentally friendly than ever.

Some advantages of buying a new luxury home in a planned community like Riverview Estates West include:

  • A more energy-efficient home
  • Low maintenance
  • Customizable modern floor plans
  • Designing a home to fit your needs and lifestyle
  • Protection of a home warranty
  • A community with on-site amenities

Research Communities

It’s important to consider your lifestyle and preferences when looking for a community where you’d want to live. From young couples to families to empty nesters looking to live an active adult lifestyle, we all have something to learn from each other – a planned community is a great place to forge friendships with people of all ages.

What’s important to you may not be a big deal to others, but some things to consider include school districts, commuting time, and convenience to local recreational and cultural activities. Riverview Estates also offers on-site amenities such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, beautiful views, walking and biking trails, and easy access to the Delaware River and attractions throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Choose a Builder

Whether you’re interested in building a custom home or buying a move-in-ready spec house, choosing a good builder is crucial. You want to find a home builder with plenty of years of experience, and you’ll want to be able to trust them and feel comfortable working with them. Some important things to look for include responsiveness, transparency, and willingness to answer questions with specifics. Make sure they care about using quality materials and craftsmanship. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few, ask for references from previous customers before you make a final decision.

Choose a Floor Plan

Selecting a floor plan that meets your needs and lifestyle is essential to building the home of your dreams. Many builders offer an array of floor plans that can be modified and customized to your liking. If you like a certain design but want to add modifications such as making certain rooms bigger or smaller, don’t hesitate to ask your builder what may be possible.

Choose Standard Options and Upgrades

With literally hundreds of styles, colors, and materials to choose from, selecting things like cabinets, flooring, paint colors, light fixtures, and other furnishings can be overwhelming. Working with your builder’s designers can help make it easier to bring your vision to life.

Stay Cool

The home buying process has its ups and downs. Keeping calm when you encounter pitfalls can help keep your stress level down and make the process a lot more enjoyable. Keeping lines of communication open with your builder can help you avoid misunderstandings. Before you know it, you’ll be doing your final walkthrough and settling into your new home.

Contact Us to Learn More

For more than 50 years, Segal & Morel has built exceptional homes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey on a foundation of quality materials and craftsmanship. Our green, Energy Star® certified homes offer the utmost comfort and cost savings while minimizing your carbon footprint. To learn more about our luxury homes at Riverview Estates, contact us online or call our office in Easton, PA at 610-923-8422.