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Buying a New Construction Home

How to Buy a New Construction Home

Many prospective buyers find themselves in a challenging situation, unable to secure a property that aligns with their current needs and budget. In such circumstances, turning to the option of buying a new construction home can provide a unique opportunity. 

New construction homes offer a range of advantages, including advanced energy efficiency, exciting amenities, and customizable floorplans and layouts. Our team of experts assists customers every step of the way from financing to design, to construction and completion. We are here to guide you through buying a new construction home with our floorplan options and building process in mind! 

Step-By-Step Process of Buying a New Construction Home

The new construction home buying process can vary based on the builder used or if a realtor or Real Estate Agent is involved. Some things to consider when approaching this process are location, price range, timeline, home design, and any personal wants or must-haves with your new construction home. A general outline of this step-by-step process of buying a new construction home is as follows:

  1. 1. Custom Home Financing & Pre-Approval
  2. 2. Research Communities and Homesites 
  3. 3. Researching Prospective Custom Home Builders 
  4. 4. Choose a Custom-Built Home Floorplan
  5. 5. Sign Your New Home Agreement Process

Step 1: Custom Home Financing and Pre-Approval

There are nuances to every step in the home-buying process including financing. While our New Home Advisors are qualified to provide financial advice as it pertains to the home building process, it is helpful to be pre-qualified before scheduling an appointment with a builder. Coming prepared with what you are willing and able to spend on your home will save time throughout the new construction home-buying process. The Home Builder can connect you with a list of preferred lenders that have been used by previous customers and can sometimes lead to more savings on your home!

Custom Home Financing with Keystone

In Step 1, your Keystone New Home Advisor will review your finances & desired budget and will recommend one of our preferred lenders to help you find the perfect financing plan for your new home. Be prepared to discuss your income, debt, savings, credit score, and required deposits to help select the floorplan that’s right for your budget and needs. Our preferred lenders provide our customers with the best possible price and have extensive knowledge in financing types from conventional loans to construction loans.

Step 2: Research Neighborhoods & Communities

Location matters when buying a new construction home and there is a lot to consider such as school districts, commuting time to work, convenience to stores, proximity to recreational spaces, and entertainment options. At Keystone Custom Homes, we simplify the research process by providing essential information on school districts, commute distances, access to amenities, and more. We also understand the impact of property taxes on your budget. When building a new construction home with us, rest assured that finding the perfect location for your home is one of our top priorities!

Selecting Your New Community with Keystone

The second step in the home-buying process involves choosing your location. Explore our conveniently located communitiesor choose to have the flexibility to build on your own land with Build On Your Lot

When choosing a location for your new home, it's important to think about lifestyle factors that may appeal to your preferred routine. How the move will affect your commute and the amount of space and privacy you prefer are important lifestyle factors to take into consideration. 

These are just a few of the important aspects that our team will review with you throughout the home-buying process. 

Looking for the perfect community to call home? Saybrooke at Lake Wylie in North Carolina offers custom-built homes both on Lake Wylie's shores and inland. Residents are provided with waterfront access, a convenient commute to nearby cities, and a 2-year full amenity package with The Palisades Sports Complex. Maryland features our Kellertoncommunity, with equestrian-inspired living and tree-lined streets. Homeowners can enjoy amenities like athletic fields, a state-of-the-art clubhouse and pool, walking trails, and a dog park. In Pennsylvania, look no further than Devon Creek, best known for its luxurious lifestyle with front porch living and resort-style amenities, including a community pool and fitness center all within easy commute of Lancaster's shopping, dining, and entertainment options. 

For those seeking the convenience of buying a new construction home without the need for customization, explore our selection of move-in ready homes. Learn more about our quick move-in homes, ready to move when you are!

Step 3: Researching Prospective Custom Home Builders

When choosing a custom home builder, prioritize reputation over cost, ensuring effective communication and post-sale support for reliability. Direct conversation with potential builders provides valuable insight when buying a newly built home. By confidently selecting the right builder, you can ensure your dream home becomes a reality!

Why Buy a New Custom Home with Keystone Custom Homes?

With over 30 years of experience in home design and construction, Keystone Custom Homes' nationally recognized team will guide you through every step of buying a new construction home, ensuring it reflects your lifestyle. Additionally, Keystone incorporates energy-efficient features in homes, reducing environmental impact and cutting utility costs. With everything in the home being brand new, new homeowners can worry less about unexpected repairs and focus on settling into their new home and creating lasting memories with loved ones.  

See what our satisfied customers have to say about their experiences with Keystone Custom Homes: 

• "We are very pleased with our Keystone Custom Home! Everything went very well from beginning to end. The final product is everything we hoped it would be. I would recommend this builder to anyone." - Erika W.

• "What an amazing stress-free building experience with Keystone Custom Homes! We are loving every moment in our new home and can't thank Keystone enough for making our dream home come to life!" - Amna K.

• "This is the third home we have had built. By far, this experience has been superior to the others. Communications were clear and timely. Work proceeded very quickly once they started and the updates all along the way were thorough, professional, and fun. We thank you for this lovely home, and yes, WE LOVE IT." - Ronald R.

Explore Keystone's available homes for sale today and start building the future you envision.

  

Step 4: Choose a Custom-Built Home Floorplan

When purchasing a new build home, it's essential to consider your needs and lifestyle. With various model homes and floorplans available, you can select the square footage, levels, and configurations that best fit your preferences! In pre-construction meetings, you'll discuss options and upgrades, focusing on specific elements for your home design. Touring model homes will provide you with insight on premium upgrades and standard features, helping you envision your dream home!

Choosing a Custom-Built Home Floorplan with Keystone

In Step 4 of the new home building process, you'll secure your homesite and choose the floorplan that is best suited for your lifestyle & budget! 

Make sure you drive through the community and walk your homesite! Your New Home Advisor can meet you on-site to review the unique details that will impact your home. 

Visiting the community will also help you determine its distance from your work, school, and other important destinations (such as daycares, grocers, or hospitals). 

Popular Keystone Custom Home Styles:

Devonshire Manor

Rated our top floorplan of 2023, The Devonshire offers a spacious 4+ bed, 2.5+ bath layout with customizable options including unique layouts, multiple staircases, and the possibility of a fifth Bedroom or study, providing flexibility for families. 

Covington Farmhouse

One of our most popular floorplans, the Covington showcases an open layout with ample rooms, a specially designed kitchen, a spacious Owner's Suite with dual walk-in closets, and an abundance of storage throughout. 

Hawthorne Traditional

The Hawthorne boasts a variety of features including a 2-story Family Room, a walk-in pantry, and a private Study, making it an ideal choice for families seeking functionality and style. 

Nottingham Manor

Featuring 4-5 beds and 2.5-4.5 baths, this versatile floorplan includes a 2-story Family Room, a first-floor Owner's Suite, and a Bonus Room, perfect for family gatherings. 

Sebastian Farmhouse

The Sebastian offers an open layout with 4 bedrooms, an open kitchen with an eat-in island, and a private en suite bathroom. This floorplan is versatile in that it fits a variety of homesite sizes!

Buying a new home includes selecting the layout and floorplan that works best for you. Explore the 2023 customer floorplan favorites in our Top 5 Floorplans of 2023 blog!

Step 5: Sign Your New Home Agreement Process

When it comes to signing your new home agreement, your Realtor or Sales Representative will assist you from reviewing the agreement to ensuring that all specifications are met. You will discuss construction costs, timelines, and any potential impacts on the budget or schedule. It is important to understand factors such as zoning regulations and future land development plans, which your Representative will guide you through when buying a new build home!

Signing Your New Home Agreement with Keystone

In step 5, you'll review and sign the purchase agreement for your new home with your New Home Advisor, who will guide you through every detail to ensure that your home meets all your desires! Before financing begins, your Keystone New Home Advisor will review construction costs and timeline, assess how square footage affects construction time and budget, and address key considerations about the local area.

Buying a New Construction Home FAQs

Discover answers to commonly asked questions about the Keystone Custom Home's building process.

Where Does Keystone Custom Homes Build?

Keystone Custom Homes builds in the states of Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Check out our comprehensive list of where we build.

Where Can I Go to See a Model Home?

A variety of Keystone Custom Homes’ communities have a Model Home to tour and explore. Contact our Online Advisor Team so we can recommend where you can see a model home near you or visit a community page to view model home hours and directions!

How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home?

Schedule a visit to your desired community to find out how long it would take to build your dream home or check out our blog post: How Long Does It Take to Build a House in PA & MD?

Is it Better to Buy a New Home or a Used Home?

Buying a new construction home with Keystone Custom Homes may offer distinct advantages compared to purchasing a used home, including unique customization options, modern amenities, and potential savings on energy and maintenance costs!

Is it Smart to Buy Land and Build Later?

Buying land and building later offers the advantage of securing a preferred location and full control over the building process, potentially enabling extensive bank loans for construction. 

Consider buying a new construction home through Keystone's On Your Lot program to discover how you can build your dream home on your own land!