New construction can be the answer for those who want the latest in modern finishes and amenities while benefiting from cost efficient energy savings and zero maintenance. Knowing how to navigate the new construction buying process will help relieve any concerns you may have and help you decide if new construction is best for you.

Whether you are building a brand new home in a Main Street Home Community or want to build on your lot, using the Path to Ownership will show you how simple it is to follow the steps from your first visit through the first year in your beautiful new home!

At Main Street Homes we’ve been building dreams for over 20 years and have helped over 1200 families so we know the process inside and out. Read what some of these Happy Homeowners have to say about Main Street Homes and their experience building with us.

CHOOSING A BUILDER

Choosing the right builder for your new home can be a daunting task. The process to build a new home can take an estimated 190 days from start to finish so it is very important you find a builder you trust to communicate and work with during the entire process. Not all builders are made equal and you want to be sure to do your research when deciding who will build your new home.

Recommendations from family, friends and your Realtor can help you find a reputable builder. Contacting your local Home Builder Association can also give you a list of professional builders to choose from. Visiting multiple model homes can give you an idea of the quality a builder offers as well as the style of home you want.

If the model home is in a new development you may be able to catch a few home owners out in the neighborhood. Take the opportunity to ask them questions about how they like their homes and the process to build them. Make sure to be courteous of their time because you never know if you may be talking to your new neighbor!

• Contact your local Home Builder Association
• Get recommendations from your friends,family and Realtor
• Visit model homes in your spare time
• Ask current home owners about their experience using their builder

SELECTING A HOME AND SITE

Once you have your builder selected you will need to choose the style, amenities and features that best fit your needs and the homesite your newly constructed home will occupy. We would help guide you through this selection process and have different models for you to choose from.

When deciding on the details of your new home consider your needs first. Arguably the greatest benefit to building new is being able to construct a home that meets your lifestyle needs. Ask yourself if the floorplan is right for you. Does it give you the space you need? Are there accessibility concerns that have to be met? Do you entertain often and would prefer an open floor plan? Would you prefer your master bedroom be separated from the other bedrooms in the home?

The homesite you choose can be just as important as the home itself. With that said, it can be difficult selecting the right homesite. Walking the property lines is a great way to get a look at the land but knowing what to look for is crucial. According to Zillow, evaluating a homesite starts with the four “S’s”: Slope, Sun, Soil and Sewer.

Slope
The slope of a given lot can have a great effect on where the home can be placed as well as the cost of construction. If a home can be placed above or below the slope you may be able to take advantage of better views but if the home has to be built on the slope it could cost you more.

Sun
The sun will determine which way the house should sit on the homesite. More sun is typically wanted in family areas like the kitchen and living room but can also be beneficial in other areas like the master bedroom. Builders knowing this usually face those rooms towards the south where the sun is.

Soil
Soil drains and retains water and can impact how much the structural load can bear. When building in a new development the soil has been tested and inspected and this makes the selection process much easier. If building on your own land, using a professional builder like Main Street Homes can help you decide on the homesite for your property.

Sewer
A developed (one typically inside a new development) lot will most likely have the sewer and other utilities located near the front of the lot while an undeveloped lot will most likely need the sewer and other utilities installed. In some cases you may need a septic tank instead of using public utilities provided by your municipality.

THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT & MORTGAGE APPLICATION

The purchase agreement can be drawn up once you have decided on your home and homesite. This document will include the price of purchase including the floorplan selection, homesite and any upgrades you have selected. An earnest money deposit will be given by the buyer once all parties have agreed and signed. 

The mortgage application will be completed within 5 days of the purchase agreement being signed. Builders sometimes offer incentives like closing cost discounts or upgraded packages for using their preferred lenders. When filling out the mortgage application you will need the following:

• 2 years of employment in the same position or job field
• 2 years of tax returns
• 90 days of bank statements
• Pay stubs for the past 30 days
• A credit score of at least 620

THE DESIGN STUDIO

As your builder is submitting the requests for permits and verifying plans you will be picking your finishes and final options at your builders design studio. The design studio should have multiple options ranging from standard to high end finishes and your selections will include exterior lighting, garage panels, front door style, kitchen interior, counter, cabinets, flooring, carpeting and lighting fixtures.

BREAKING GROUND

After your loan application has been approved your builder will break ground and begin construction on your new home. This is a very exciting time in the new construction process as you will begin to see your vision come to life.

Once the framing is complete, you will have the opportunity to review the progress that’s been made. It is at this point the home completion date can be set. The final interior and exterior finishes will be installed and all necessary inspections will be performed.

Here at Main Street Homes we pride ourselves on giving you the best experience. To ensure your satisfaction we provide weekly progress reports until your new home has been built.

FINAL WALKTHROUGH AND SETTLEMENT

When your home has been completed a final walk through will be performed where you can make sure your new home is finished as agreed upon in the purchase agreement. A settlement date will also be scheduled within a few days of the walkthrough.

Once at settlement you will be provided with all of your closing documents including your loan information, closing disclosure and deed by your closing attorney or settlement company. After all documents have been signed you will receive the keys to your new home and can move in and begin to enjoy!