If You’re Looking for a New Home Online, Here’s What You Need to Know

There is no doubt that new home shopping has evolved. In fact, the rise of virtual home shopping has transformed the entire housing industry. It is a trend that is only going to increase in prominence in the years to come. Today, it has become the norm for home shopping to take place online.

There are plenty of new homes in Northern California, and it is possible to find a vast array of information from the comfort of your digital device. Everything from specific details on the home and its neighborhood to information on the builder and floorplans is just a click away. It’s even easier when you follow these tips.

How Much Home Can You Afford?

Before you begin shopping, set a budget. Consider meeting with a lender to get pre-qualified so you know the approximate price range you can shop. This is not necessity, but it can help narrow down you home search and make it a whole lot easier. Finding a lender and getting pre-qualified online is easier than ever these days.

Narrow Your Search to Make It Easy

Next question: Where do you want to live? Consider not only the city, but the general region. New homes in Northern California can often be found in outlying neighborhoods or suburb areas of major cities. Take a stroll on Google Maps to get a good sense of the area and see more about key aspects of a given neighborhood, such as local parks, schools, travel times, and restaurants. This simple step will make your virtual home shopping adventure much more streamlined.

Now, you can start thinking about the type of home that is right for you. For example, do you want a single story or two-story home? How many bedrooms do you need? Are you considering a traditional single-family home or a townhome? You will also want to decide what kind of amenities are essential and what you can live without. A great way to save yourself some time is to sit down and outline what you want and need out of a new home. It is helpful to narrow down these preferences ahead of time.

Take Advantage of the Full Online Experience

Next, you’ll want to start your search online. There’s the obvious advice… Google it. Just search “new homes near me” or “new homes in ____.” There are also a variety of websites that help you to get results from builders by area, price range, homes size, etc. Some top favorites are: www.newhomesource.com, www.realtor.com, www.newhomesmag.com, and www.zillow.com.

In response to the global pandemic, builders of new homes in Northern California are now offering even more in depth online tools to help you learn about the community. Take full advantage of interactive virtual tours, dynamic floorplans, photo galleries, and online design centers from your computer. You can even look at different homesites and find your favorite location. With all of the online tools available, you will be more than prepared and confident for the first in-person meeting.

The modern home buying experience has truly been transformed. Virtual home shopping has elevated the levels of convenience and efficiency that you will experience. Once you determine what your home goals are, you can handle the entire process online.