How to Find a New Home Near Me

Have you ever asked yourself “Where could I find a new home near me?” It can be challenging to find a home that meets all of your criteria. The question has numerous other individual questions tied into it, such as “Where do I start looking?”, “What methods can I use?”, “Is there a new home near me that is in the school district that I would like my children to attend?”, and “What am I looking for in a new home?”

“Where Do I Start Looking For a New Home Near Me?” And “What Methods Do I Use?”

A good place to search for a new home near me is easily Google, Yahoo, or any other search engine. They tend to display plenty of new home listings, describe amenities, and show where they are located. You can use a map website, such as Google Maps, in tandem with these websites to get an idea of where they are located in relation to you. However, there are drawbacks, such as the websites lacking information or there simply being too many websites to browse through.

There are also other ways to address the “new home near me” dilemma. One is through simple word of mouth, hearing about homes from friends, family, co-workers, and so on. When you hear about homes and subdivisions in these ways, you’ll often get either very positive feedback or very negative feedback. This makes it clear whether you should or shouldn’t consider those locations. Word of mouth can apply to more than real-life interactions. It can be hearing about a new home via Facebook online reviews, and other digital media. There are fewer drawbacks to this than searching via the Internet. However, you should consider that not all people looking for a new home have the same wants and needs as you. Their reviews may reflect negatively or positively on a new home aspect that bears no weight for you.

What are my new home priorities?

When buying a house, everyone has priorities. The buying process is complex and takes time, and it’s easy to get off track. Having written priorities is a helpful way to guide you through the process without forgetting some of the features that are important to you and your family. If you're using a realtor, they will also want to understand your prioritized list. Understanding which features mean the most will help eliminate houses that won’t work for you and compare the homes that will.

Next we’ll discuss things to consider when buying a new house. Each will rank differently in importance for individual buyers, but all points are worth examining. If you haven’t already thought seriously about these factors, now’s your chance. And, if you’re buying the home with your special someone, talk it over to make sure you agree on the importance of each feature. Let’s check it out.

9 Important Things to Consider When Buying a New Home Near You

1. Location of the house 

Buyers want to find a location that allows easy access to the places they frequent the most (work, school, shopping, recreation, place of worship, friends and family). Look for easy access to the main roads and check traffic flow. Checking this out before a purchase can help save you from hassles getting out of the neighborhood and onto the main thoroughfare or from an unreasonably long commute.

The location of the home within the neighborhood is also important to many people. Some people prefer a lot near the main entry, while others like to be away from traffic and further into the development. If there is a recreation area, some owners would choose the closest available lot. Cul-de-sacs are favored by some, and some people like living on the main boulevard. Talk about your preferences, and ask your realtor if certain lot locations bring a higher purchase price. Another thing to consider is the neighborhood. We might be clear on which cities we'd like to live in, but is there a particular neighborhood that's a good fit?

2. The size of the lot

Many people give little thought to the size of the lot the house sits on. Within a neighborhood, the lot sizes might be fairly similar. Once you’re going to showings and looking at what’s available, you’ll soon see if you have a clear preference of large or small, corner or interior. Some lots are pie-shaped; some are rectangular, and some are irregular in shape. Depending on the level of privacy, how you will use the lawn, and the length of the driveway, this might matter to you.

3. Number of bedrooms

Each family will have an idea of how many bedrooms they would like. Most people will want at least two, and if there are children, the number increases. Some families like their kids to share bedrooms, while others like separate bedrooms for each to accommodate different bedtimes and study habits. If you have regular visitors for any length of time, it’s nice to have a bedroom that is designated as a guest room.

An extra bedroom often doubles as an office, den, kids’ playroom, or exercise room. Many hobbies can require working space and storage for supplies, and an extra bedroom serves this purpose well. Think carefully about your lifestyle and what will enhance it.

4. Number of bathrooms

Decide ahead of time how many bathrooms you prefer. New homes generally have two or more bathrooms, although some bathrooms might not have a tub or shower.

The size and style of bathroom is important as well. Do you want a bathtub or shower or both? Jacuzzi tubs are popular for relaxing, and some people prefer a shower stall for easy access. If you need a handicap accessible bathroom, you can look for that, or a sizable bath that could be remodeled. Think about the people (including guests) who will be using the bathrooms, and you’ll get a clearer idea of the size and style of bathroom that will work best for your family.

5. Kitchen layout

The kitchen truly seems to be the heart of the home. It is where great food is created for the family and friends who gather there. When guests arrive, they usually end up hanging out in the kitchen, and because it’s a center of activity and entertainment, the size and layout are important. Be clear on whether you need a large gourmet kitchen with lots of counter space, sinks and storage or if a typical kitchen will suffice.

If you have one person doing all the cooking for only two people, a modest kitchen might be adequate. Parents who are teaching children to cook healthy meals might like more space. Whatever your preferences in the kitchen, jot them down and discuss them with your realtor so you’re looking for the best option for your family.

6. The style of the new home and the appliances

Most people have an idea about what style home they want. There are many different home styles. A lot of new homes are designed with the latest trends in mind. If you don't like trendy homes, you could consider how difficult it would be to make changes in the future. The home may fit all of your other criteria, so it's up to you what's important and what is not.

Are the appliances what you want? For instance, you might enjoy cooking on a gas stove and dislike using an electric range. For some people, these types of differences can be deal breakers. If they are for you, let your realtor know.

A typical home has many appliances. If there are any you can’t do without, check to see that the home provides that convenience or that there is room to add it later. Some are easier to add than others (microwave compared to a dishwasher if space is limited). Check the washer, dryer, and water heater as well as the furnace or boiler, and the air conditioner. Do you want a gas fireplace or wood-burning fireplace?

8. Purchase price

Before even looking, you should determine your price range and get pre-approved for a loan. Buying a single-family home is a huge investment, and there’s always more to it than just the purchase price. For example: Does your loan require you to have mortgage insurance? Mortgage insurance can add several hundred dollars to your monthly mortgage payment. Taxes are more expensive in certain areas. Have you researched city vs county taxes? City taxes are generally more expensive than county taxes. Think about how all costs will affect your finances and stick to your decision on price range and mortgage payment.

9. School District

A lot of people want their children to go to a certain school or be in a certain school district. If choosing the right school is important to you, you should definitely look for a new home that is within that school or district's boundary lines.

Staying true to your priorities will be important in finding the right home for you and your family. Location, lot size, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen are as important to your enjoyment of the home as they will be for the resale. Understanding appliances and components will help you determine how much work (and money) will be needed to maintain it over time. Once you know this, you can look at possible price offers that could make it a worthwhile investment for you.

You’ll put in a lot of time and effort while looking for the perfect new home for your family. Be sure to tap into the knowledge and support of your realtor, mortgage professional, and home inspector to guide you along the way.

Check out some of our homes and floorplans at Williams Ridge in beautiful Southaven, MS.