How to Buy a Home in a New Community
Your home can say a lot about you. The neighborhood your home is located in can say just as much. From trendy, up-and-coming new home communities to family-friendly suburbs, cities like Orlando, Kissimmee and Tampa are home to a broad range of neighborhoods, each with its own set of unique pluses for all types of modern lifestyles.
According to Zillow, nearly half (48%) of buyers look for homes that have never been lived in so if you’re looking for the perfect area to buy a new home and settle down, it’s important to take some time to reflect on your wants and needs when it comes to choosing a community or area. Before you start your new home search, follow these three tips to ensure you pick a community that’s perfect for your lifestyle, family and future.
Take a realistic look at your lifestyle
Your new home’s location should be in-sync with other aspects of your life today, as well as what you would want your life to look like tomorrow. Do you need a shorter commute to work? Want to stay close to your favorite fitness studios or restaurants? If you have children or are planning on having kids, what are your school options? Taking a look at these and other parts of your lifestyle can help you find the right community for you and your family. While you’re diving deep into your wants and needs, try to keep a realistic perspective, as it’s easy to get swept up in the idea of a particularly popular neighborhood that may not necessarily be a great choice for your needs.
Keep tradeoffs in mind
Spacious versus cozy, previously-built versus new home construction, centrally located versus more affordable — these are the tradeoffs you will typically encounter on the hunt for a new home. If you’re looking to move into a trendy, central neighborhood but also need an extra room for when Mom comes to visit, you might have some decisions to make. Are you willing to trade the location for extra space? Is price the most important decision factor for you? As you explore your options, take some time to figure out what’s most important to you, and what you are willing to be flexible on. This can help you make tough decisions and ensure you still get exactly what you want from your new home.
Do your homework
Purchasing a home is a big decision and investment in your future, so doing your due diligence is a must. Once you’ve got a neighborhood or community in mind, why not pay local businesses and your potential neighbors a visit and get their take on the area? Be sure to also schedule your visits at different times of the day, from Sunday brunch to late nights and even early mornings to get a feel of what you’ll find there at any hour of the day. It’s also smart to check public records for excessive foreclosures and crime information.
Whether you’re looking for neighborhood inspiration or you’ve found your ideal location, we can help you pinpoint an Stanley Martin Homes Central Florida and Tampa community that’s just right for you and find your next home.
