WR Construction site progress as at 23/08/13

How to research brand new homes

If you are looking at new homes, you should take some time to determine which options you like best. If the model you want is not even built yet, except perhaps as a model home, you may have limited ways to get to know more about it. But it can still be done with the following methods.

The first way to start looking at brand new homes is to check websites that show the layouts of the houses you like. For example, if you like a particular builder, you should look into the floor plans of the latest series of houses. The plans should be shown online so you can get an idea of how the interior of each property is laid out. In addition, you should be able to see elevations you can choose from for the exterior of each house. Examples of your choices for the exterior may include balconies, courtyards, porches, and decorative touches that you can add.

You should also check out the map of where the new homes will be built. This may be all the information you have available to you in the beginning stages of the series of houses, so it makes sense to first make sure you want to live in the area. Then you can start looking at floor plans as they become available on the builder's website. Eventually, model homes should be built so you can get an even better look at each property.

Once the house you are considering has already been built at least once as a model home, you should be able to see pictures of the interior and exterior online. These, along with the floor plan, can give you an idea of how the home looks before you even go check it out. Of course, the house features on the website will likely have many features that are upgrades, not standard, so keep this in mind as you look at pictures of it.

If you like the way the house looks in pictures, you should visit the model home to experience the floor plan firsthand. Then you can get a feel for what the property looks like close up. Of course, you should be looking at a number of new homes at this point rather than pinning all your hopes on just one. This means you should visit a few of them so you can compare what you like and do not like in a home.

When you use these tactics to do some research, you can narrow down your many choices when it comes to newer properties. Just because the series of houses has not even been built yet does not mean you cannot get a good look at what's in store for the future properties. Then you can have the advantage of watching your next property be built from scratch.

Based on the article by Alfred Ardis

How to choose the right neighbourhood

First-time homebuyers typically take the time to research what type of neighbourhood is appropriate for their specific personal needs before they buy. There are many different types of neighbourhoods, such as Transit-Oriented Design, Up-and-Coming, Multi-Generational Housing, Urban Core, and so on. Each neighbourhood has its own advantages and disadvantages and certain families may choose one over another. What neighbourhood your dream home is located in should be a large deciding factor in choosing where you want to live. Here is a basic breakdown of some of the most well-known neighbourhood areas:

Transit-Oriented Design: These neighborhoods are specifically built with public transportation in mind, they surround high traffic businesses with cost-efficient apartments, condos and townhouses. They are usually convenient but not very spacious, and mainly consist of a younger, single crowd possessing a lower income.

Up-and-Coming: Located near downtown areas but expanding towards the suburbs, they are mostly larger family homes. They are cheaply priced due to their close proximity to a lot of construction areas. Usually plays host to a diverse population, less crime and situated a little further away from public transit.

Multi-Generational Housing: Will accommodate all walks of life by combining several generations into one community. New developments attempt to cater to many family oriented homeowners at the same time.

Urban Core: The downtown heart of the city, usually featuring a diverse population and many apartment and loft-style homes. Boasts plenty of access to public transportation, paid parking and, alas, higher crime rates.

Historic: This area is surrounded by the city's most notable government-owned buildings and business complexes, featuring large Victorian and colonial-style homes. Owners are an older crowd, and these homes tend to take more effort to maintain (although their appeal is still very high).

Contemporary Urban: These types of neighbourhoods are typically for the educated, professional and younger crowd, with taller high-rise living areas usually located near downtown business areas. Possesses a great nightlife district for the dating crowd.

High End: Upper class, expensive, elegant, contemporary homes in gated communities or situated next to large bodies of water. Also located high on mountaintops, sprawling hills or any other difficult-to-reach places, they are often private, quiet, status symbols.

Rural: These are the furthest away from the city, usually near to farms, ranches and large custom-built homes boasting acres of land. If you love nature and solitude, this is the ideal choice for you.

Based on the article by Reed A Lattin