Buying a new construction home gives a buyer plenty of options to choose from; including the neighborhood, homesite and home plan, but how do you decide what will be best for you? We know your next home purchase is a big decision so we’ll break down all you need to know about choosing your neighborhood, homesite and home plan.

Picking Your Neighborhood

According to the National Association of Realtors, homebuyers typically stay in their homes an average of 13 years. If you are going to be in a home for that much time it's important to make sure you will have access to the amenities you need. That’s why choosing the neighborhood your newly constructed home will be in is so important. The three main points to consider when deciding on a neighborhood are location, schools and amenities.

Location

The bedrock of all things real estate should definitely be considered when choosing your neighborhood. Things like highway access, proximity to grocery stores and commute times will have a direct impact on your lifestyle.

Schools

The decision on where your children will be educated is essential to their future success. If you have children or are planning to have children in the future you should inquire about the schools servicing each neighborhood under consideration.

Amenities

Another important aspect of choosing your neighborhood is the amenities offered in and surrounding it. Having access to outdoor spaces like walking trails for exercise, a community center for neighborhood gatherings, local restaurants and family friendly activities will make life in your new home comfortable and convenient.

Choosing Your Homesite

When most homebuyers think of buying new construction the focus is usually on selecting the right finishes for inside the home. However, before you get to the finishes you must select the site your home will sit on. Factors such as yard size, the view and location all have to be thought through.

Yard Size

How much yard to have depends on your lifestyle. Some people prefer low maintenance landscapes and don’t need a large yard while others may have children they want to be able to play outside or love entertaining outdoors. Consider what you will be using your yard for when selecting a homesite.

Home Direction

Natural lighting in a home can have huge benefits from potentially lower electricity bills to better moods. The direction your home faces will determine how much natural sunlight you have and when. East facing homes are known for their morning sunlight while a West facing home will get the most sun in the afternoon.

Location

Once again, location has a great impact on your homesite. When a home is located closer to the entrance you have less commuting time taken out of your day but you also have more neighborhood traffic. While being further back in a neighborhood can give you the opposite effect. Also, think about whether you would prefer to be in a cul-de-sac or if you are interested in a larger yard a corner lot usually can provide that.

Deciding on a Home Plan

The home plan a buyer decides on will drive their lifestyle for years to come. It's very important to make sure when deciding on a home plan that you have a good mix of practical and must have features. So first think of the features you need and want in your new home and try to be as specific as possible. Ask yourself, what style home do you like the most? Do you prefer an open floor plan? Do you need ample closet space? How about a mudroom or drop spots for the family? It is also necessary to consider just how much space you need. Are you a growing family? Are you downsizing? Do you prefer a basement? Here is a quick checklist to help you in choosing your home plan.

• Make a list of your needs and wants for your new home
• Determine what you want your home to look and feel like
• Consider your budget
• Compare your lists to all possible home plans to see which give you the best combination of your needs, wants and style

Selecting the right neighborhood, homesite and home plan that will fit your lifestyle for years to come is a big task but not impossible. Knowing your wants and needs and taking the time to consider the options in each step of the process will deliver the perfect dream home for you and your family.