So… you’re starting to think about what it might be like to own a new home along the Wasatch Front or Wasatch Back. Imagine a fresh, modern space that’s all yours, built with the latest, high-performance materials and systems, and an opportunity to personalize your home so that it’s a reflection of you. Sounds pretty spectacular, right? There are few things that make someone feel more accomplished than owning a brand new home. 

If you’re considering making this wonderful move anytime soon (or even sometime in the future), there are a few things to do to be prepared. The more organized you are today, the faster you’ll be able to act when you find that perfect home. Here are six tips to help you get started on your new home journey:

1) Get Pre-Qualified

If you know what you’d like your monthly payments to be, but need an idea of what your total investment might be, take the very first step and speak with a preferred lender. He or she will give you a breakdown of home prices within your budget, down payment and loan options, and monthly costs. A good idea is to go one step further and get pre-qualified. Your lender will gather important financial documents and produce a letter stating the loan amount that you qualify for. This will be helpful if you need to make an offer on your dream home quickly and show the seller you are a serious buyer.

2) Follow On Social Media

Most builders are quite active on social media and post news and updates regularly (be sure to follow Regal Homes on all our social platforms!). Following your favorites will keep you excited and looking forward to owning your new home one day soon. It’s also a great way to learn about a community’s neighborhood, amenities, and events so that you get a feel for what it’s like to actually live there.

3) Start a Design Look Book

It’s never too early to start thinking about what you want your new home to look like! When you come across a design detail or a picture that inspires you, save it to a folder on your computer or phone for easy reference later on. The more you can imagine your new home, the easier and faster the design process will be later. Check out our Pinterest page for inspiration! This is also a great place to begin an online design book of your own. Get design ideas for your kitchen, bathroom, living spaces, and more! 

4) Narrow Down the Location

Make a list of all the locations where you’d consider living and do some internet research to find new home builders in those areas. Take a look at area maps and plats on websites so you can understand exactly where the homes or homesites are located in relation to work, school, extended family, or favorite recreation spots. Make notes of when communities are releasing new homes so you can be the first to act. (Be sure to join our VIP list!)

5) Join Interest Lists

Since you’ve found a few favorite communities, go ahead and sign up on interest lists to receive news and updates. The housing market is in a bit of flux right now because of extremely tight supply due to scarce building materials. As new homesites and move-in ready homes become available, you can be the first to know and take action (which is when that pre-qualification letter will come in handy).

6) Choose Your Favorite Floor Plans

One you’ve found a builder you like and you’ve decided on a community in your preferred area, have a look at the builder’s floor plans and choose a few favorites within your price range. Start thinking about how you would live in the home, and whether or not any customization would be necessary. When you’re ready to buy or build, the process will go much faster because you’ve already thought through the details.

Even if you plan to buy a new home in a few months or a year, it’s best to start planning and preparing now. If you are considering a new home along the Wasatch Front or Wasatch Back, we’d love to help you kickstart that planning process! To learn more about Regal Homes’ communities or quick move-in homes coming soon, give us a call at 385.297.8216 or email us. We can’t wait to show you the Regal Homes Difference!