Buying a home for the first time can be exciting and overwhelming. You have been dreaming about your first home for years, and now it’s becoming a reality. There are many factors that guide your decision to buy a home like budget, location, and design. We know this growing list can feel daunting and Gerstad Builders wants to help. As the first blog in our life stages and homebuying series, we thought it would be appropriate to talk about first-time homebuyers.

Who Is A First-Time Buyer?

A first time homebuyer is defined as an individual who buys a principal residence for the first time. These principal homes are usually larger properties that sit on more land and are part of a residential community. Newlyweds, starting a family or even a job change are examples of typical first time home buyers.  Individuals moving from the city to McHenry County or Western Wisconsin are looking for more space such as a large yard or patio space. The suburbs offer more interior and exterior spaces for people looking for that type of environment.

Set a Budget:

This is arguably the most important step in the buying process. Take some time to think realistically about what you are willing to spend and then do some research. Look up houses in your ideal location to compare costs. Keep in mind that every builder has a different approach. Some will charge less but cannot offer the customizations you desire. Others may offer you total control but charge  more than you can spend. Every Gerstad home is designed to fit the unique preferences of our buyer. 

Choose a Location:

Spend some time thinking about what’s important to you in regards to location. You may want to consider the distance to your office, the school district in that area, and the dining/shopping options.  

Community is another important aspect people are looking for when moving to a new area. Having friendly neighbors to enjoy physical distancing driveway get togethers can give anyone that sense of community that they did not have living in the city. 

Remember you are not just purchasing the home but you are also buying into the neighborhood. Take a drive to the areas that entice you at different times of the day to learn more about the community.

Play with Design:

There are many design elements to consider when thinking about your first home. For example, do you want to live in a ranch-style home or would you prefer something with multiple floors? Are you partial to a more open or closed floor plan? How many bedrooms and bathrooms will you need? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself to prepare for the purchase of your first home. One of the great things about a Gerstad home is that you can customize everything in our Design Center. We think that every home, like its owner, should be unique. Our sales experts help new home buyers every step of the way to make the process as seamless as possible.   

Whether you pick a brand new Gerstad home or one that has been previously occupied, we guarantee that customizing your home and making it your own will be a hassle-free and enjoyable experience. Contact us to weigh your options in the Chicagoland and Western Wisconsin areas!