NEW YEAR, NEW HOME?

Is 2023 the year that you move into your first home or decide to build your dream home?

The sooner you take action, the more likely you are going to achieve your goals.

Dreams are free...

It costs nothing but a little time to create your dream plan. Set aside some time to decide what you want, where you want it and what you want to spend.

By committing this dream list to paper, you are making the first step towards creating reality. Remember to have flexibility within the dream. Markets change and life can be full of surprises but knowing what you’re aiming for is the best place to start.

Think about the region/community that suits your life stage and lifestyle…

• Do you need to be close to schools, family or specific services?
• Do you have to commute to work?
• Do you have a car or need to use public transport?
• Do you have children or pets and need to move into a family-friendly street?

Then think about the home you need…

• How many bedrooms do you need?
• Do you need to work from home and need quiet space?
• Do you have time to maintain a garden or need something low maintenance?
• Do you need a garage?

Finally, think about what you want to spend…

• Is your lending capped?
• If you are building new or buying your first home, is there special funding you may tap into?
• Do you need to sell another home first?

Research isn’t for geeks…

Now you have set the scene for your plan it’s time to start learning about what’s out there and match it with your wish list. This usually starts with some online searching (and maybe how you ended up reading this!) and is followed by visiting showhomes or open homes in the area.

If a new build is on your wish list, then sitting down with a Classic Builders Building Consultant will reap huge rewards. The consultants will be able to take your wish list and get it as close to reality as budget/time allows. Their experience will save you time and stress as they have seen it before and know what can work and what to avoid.

Here are some tips on things to consider when researching your options..

• Deciding if to buy an existing home or a new home is probably the biggest decision you will make. Create a pros and cons list of options.
  Check out our blog "building new vs buying existing" to understand these in a bit more detail.
• Talk to other people who have built a new home with your preferred supplier already and get some tips and tricks.
  Read our blog "choosing the right builder" 
• Find some sites where your preferred builder is building and keep an eye on the progress
• Find out what is included in the base price and what is additional, you may be pleasantly surprised!

Key actions to start straight away!

1. Make an appointment at your local Classic Builders Showhome as soon as possible – get all of the information about what is available in your price and preferred region so you have real figures and timelines to work within your planning. Knowledge is power and understanding what you can afford and when it will be on the market allows you to provide your lender with a clear pathway. Also if you are undecided, this appointment can focus your thinking!
2. Start your savings plan now – not only will you need a deposit for your home, but there are also often other costs you may not have considered such as moving costs, insurance and outdoor furniture. Fortunately, new Classic Builders home have ten-year structural warranties but it is important that you are insured for accidents and acts of god!

Be prepared…

All of your creative ideas and compromises should be addressed in the early days and a Building Consultant will manage you through the process of achieving this. The earlier you have a plan, the more choice you will have so don’t be afraid to visit one of our showhomes well in advance of when you are preparing to move so that you are in the know about all the potential opportunities on offer. And the earlier you stop paying rent, the better off you will be long term!

Starting the new year with a plan could enable you to start planning your housewarming party for next years’ New Years celebrations.