30 July . 2018
5 Must-Dos When Home Shopping
It’s not just a house. It’s a hub for a family reunion, a quiet nook for a romantic dinner, a backyard for a kids’ play date. It’s your long-awaited dream home.
So when researching the ins and outs of your next home, consider these five tips to guide the process.
1. Experience the Location
The old adage touts “location, location, location” as the primary factor in the home-buying process. And it is! Naturally, families often consider factors like a work commute, proximity to family and the school system. In fact, we highly encourage you to tour the local schools, meet the staff and ask questions about your child’s future experience.
However, also spend a day exploring the community and its amenities. Walk the streets, play on the sport courts, stroll the trails or splash in the resort-style pool. Chat with residents to get a taste of the atmosphere, vibe and neighborhood opportunities. You’ll learn much more about the character of your community through experience than through details on paper alone. In fact, Briar Chapel offers a free Resident for a Day program, complete with a goodie bag and a day of fun activities.
2. Secure Your Support System
There’s no need to tackle the home-buying journey alone. Build your “personal advisory board” of experts to guide you through the process. Located in each model home, Briar Chapel’s on-site builders’ agents offer a wealth of helpful knowledge. Not only can they advise on lot options, home features and the construction process, they can recommend other experts and resources to complete your “board.” Agents also hold a trove of information about the local area, from schools to cultural activities.
3. One Size Fits ... You
Options abound during home construction, from floor plans to front yard features. When designing your new house, streamline the experience by prioritizing your “top two.” Consider your lifestyle and choose the two most important elements that would perfect your dream home.
For example, a large family with active children may opt for a spacious central living area or a roomy backyard. Love to entertain? Then concentrate on a well-appointed kitchen with ample seating. Prefer to travel? Consider a smaller lot with less yard work. With those two “must-haves” in the forefront, you have a solid basis to direct the rest of your design decisions.
4. Features and Upgrades
While considering home design priorities, always verify features that are included in your current plan as well as those that come as an upgrade. For example, if the stove is included, what model does the home offer? Not only will this provide clarity, it will also help you to budget for those must-have, wish-list elements to complete your abode.
5. Community Perks
Swing by the office to meet the staff that run your local HOA. Ask for a full list of amenities, clubs, activities and groups that will enrich your daily lives. Inquire about HOA fees, due schedules and meetings, if you’re interested in getting involved. Briar Chapel hosts a variety of events, such as an outdoor concert series, bike races and the Annual Pepper Festival. The residents enjoy book clubs gardening groups, card tournaments, pickleball teams, mommy meet-ups and so many more opportunities through our Resident Intranet.
Interested in seeing for yourself what life is like? Sign up for our complimentary Resident for a Day program!