Buying A New Home

Thinking of buying a new home? Don’t know where to start? We’ve got information to help get you started! Buying a new home is one of the biggest decisions we make in our life. There is a lot to consider and When thinking about buying a home, there are many things to consider. One of the first is whether you purchase an existing home or a brand new home. There are a number of differences between buying a new home and an existing home.

There are advantages to buying a brand new home, here is our perspective on what a new home can offer:

Choice – you choose the location, builder, and lot. When you buy a brand new home all of these are your choice!
Community – there are so many new, well-designed developments in and around the Edmonton Region. New developments foster great communities and neighbourhoods, with carefully thought out private and public areas.
Confidence – buying a brand new home, with a third-party home warranty program, you don’t have to worry about maintenance and repair costs for many years because everything is brand new and under warranty.
Personalization – you can choose from a number of floorplans, features, and finishes. Working with your builder, your new home will have everything made just for you.
Comfort – new homes meet more stringent bylaws and building codes providing both quality construction and higher energy standards than in the past. New technologies are built into every home, from heating systems, to building materials, to the latest gadgets. Design – when building a new home you are able to combine function and style that fits your lifestyle.

Planning For What You Need

Whether you are buying a new home or an existing home, you want to make sure the home meets your needs! Remember – your stage in life and your lifestyle have a lot to do with home functionality and what you need now and what you will need in the future. Here are some things to consider:

Size

How many bedrooms do you need? And how big should they be?
Do you need a home office space?

Special Features

Fireplace or Swimming pool?
Are you looking for a Net Zero Home?
Do you have storage requirements or need space for your hobbies or interests?

Life Stages

Are you close to retirement?
Are you thinking of starting a family?
Do you have children? Or teenagers getting ready to move out?

Location

Do you want to live in Edmonton, smaller surrounding city or town?
What is your commute to work going to be?
Do you want a school or recreation facility near-by?

What To Expect From A Home Builder

A new home purchase is an exciting step in life, whether it is your first house, an upgraded house, or something you are downsizing to.

Customer Service and satisfaction are very important throughout the home building experience and after you move into your new home. Your builder should make each step of the home building process as easy and worry-free as possible for you.

From beginning to end, the home builder you decide to work with should be knowledgeable, open and honest about the stages of the build, and efficient with realistic timelines. Here are some of the things you can expect:

Your builder should give you a clear explanation of the entire process, including who is responsible for each stage
You should have a detailed written sales contract
What should be in your contract? It should cover all the information you need about the lot, floor plan, your upgrades, and price and financing. You should also be given explanations about your responsibilities as a home owner with your municipality and your subdivision.
A dedicated staff member who can answer your questions, arrange for site visits, and give your regular updates as the process continues
A detailed tour once your home is complete – so you can inspect and so you know how everything works!
An explanation of the warranties – how long, what is covered, how to request the service
Did you know - Third-Party Warranties are mandatory in Alberta
AND finally, they should ask you about your experience. Your satisfaction with the process and with your new home – this helps them know what they are doing right and what they could improve on – be honest!