From first-time homebuyers looking to begin their American dream to empty nesters ready to start their next chapter in life, purchasing a new home is an exciting step. However, there are a lot of moving parts to purchasing a home, making it as stressful as it is exciting. For those looking to buy a new home near Dallas, Texas or its suburbs, doing research can save time, focus your interest, and help you identify what are the top priorities for your family. Here’s how buyers can set up their Dallas new home search for success.
1. Understand the Financials
While it’s exciting to view homes, buyers should be pre-approved for a mortgage before they begin their search. Mortgage lenders will provide a realistic budget and assist in navigating Texas’s tax and financial benefits. Texas is not only one of seven states without a state income tax, but also provides numerous homebuyer incentives for eligible homebuyers. Buyers’ financial planning should also include whether they plan on searching in the city or the suburbs for their new home. With rising interest rates and increasing prices, it’s important to understand how far your budget will take you. Homebuyers often find great value in newer suburbs where the dollar will buy you significantly more square footage, allowing families extra space to be comfortable in their homes. In the Dallas area, Wildcat Ranch is a new master-planned community just 30 minutes from downtown. Many of the area’s top homebuilders are building within the community, and new homes are priced from the high $200s – a better value due to lower land costs.
2. Prioritize Your Must-Haves from Your Nice-to-Haves
When you imagine your dream home, what do you see? Do you envision an open-concept floorplan or more separated rooms? Are you looking for a yard for dogs or children to play in? With endless options in a new home, no two buyers’ wish lists are the same. However, in reality, it is not always possible to find a home that checks every box. Deciding with your family in advance what items are non-negotiable versus what would be nice to have will result in a less stressful house-hunting experience. For example, a separate bedroom for each family member may be non-negotiable, but items such as paint color or carpeting can be easily fixed and should not be a deal breaker. Make sure to share these lists with your real estate agent as well to help narrow your search and avoid wasting time on homes that don’t meet your family’s requirements.
3. Plan Only a Few Showings in One Day
While viewing homes may be the most exciting step in the process, setting aside times for showings is hard work. Many buyers wish to cram as many showings as possible into one outing. Doing this can easily become overwhelming, making it hard to remember important details such as which home had the updated kitchens, and which had the overly small bedrooms. For this reason, many realtors recommend only seeing a maximum of three houses at a time. Additionally, make sure to take notes (whether through photos or pen and paper) on what features stand out most to you. Having notes on each house will make it easier to differentiate them once you start deliberating.
4. What to Look for in Builder Models for New Home Construction
Attracted to new technology and energy efficiency, new construction homes have seen an influx of popularity throughout Dallas’s suburbs. Although these homes might not be built yet, many builders create full models that buyers can walk through and experience a floorplan in person. For mass appeal, many builders usually create model homes from one or two of their most popular floorplans. Visiting the builder’s website in advance allows buyers to see the different floorplan options available. When touring, make sure to differentiate what items come standard with the design package, and which features are considered upgrades. Also, don’t be afraid to ask the on-site representative questions about the build process, home warranties, and what kind of personalization options are available.
5. Explore the Surrounding Community
Finding the perfect home, however, goes far past the home itself. After visiting a site, go for a stroll or drive around the area to get a better sense of what it would be like to live there. Knowing the ratings of the schools your child would be zoned for, how far of a commute it is to work, and nearby entertainment venues can be crucial decision-makers on whether or not a house is a proper fit. With easy access to major interstates and the Dallas Metroplex, homes at Wildcat Ranch are in a premier location to enjoy the best Dallas has to offer. Residents are just a short drive away from big-box shopping, five-star dining, endless entertainment, and top-rated healthcare facilities. Families with smaller children will also appreciate that Noble Reed Elementary is within walking distance of the homes.
Discover the Dallas Area’s Newest Hometown
When it comes to buying a new home, there are so many aspects that need to be considered. Located in the heart of Crandall, Texas, Wildcat Ranch makes it easy to check every item off your list. This new Texas hometown provides a wide array of single-family homes from the high $200s, and was recently named one of the nation’s top 50 best-selling master-planned communities. The community’s Model Row is open daily for tours, featuring three award-winning home builders – Beazer Homes, Express Homes, and Lennar Homes.
Residents within Wildcat Ranch have an assortment of amenities at their fingertips. The Amenity Center serves as the social hub for the community, with a resort-style pool, gathering spaces, full-sized kitchen, fitness center, and more to ensure every member of the family has something to enjoy. A 4.1-mile Wildcat Ranch Trail, multiple recreational fields, and dog park ensure there are ample green spaces for any type of outdoor activity that gets residents’ hearts pumping.
For more information, feel free to request our brochure and get a firsthand look at how your life would look at Wildcat Ranch. You can also visit us at WildcatRanchTexas.com or contact our office at 972.387.9038.
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