August 8, 2019

10 Things You Should Share with Your New Home Consultant | Part 1

So you’re ready to start searching for your new home. That’s wonderful! This is an exciting time for your family, and since it’s also a big decision, you should definitely make the most out of it.

That being said, many people approach the homebuying process from an overly analytical perspective. They may summarize their new home needs by saying something like, “We’re looking for a 2,400 square foot home with three bedrooms and a two-car garage.” And while these are absolutely factors to keep in mind, they aren’t the most important ones.

Purchasing a new home isn’t just about square footage or the number of bedrooms. It’s about finding the place you and your family will celebrate birthdays and holidays. It’s about finding your sanctuary where you can relax after a long day. It’s about finding a place you’re proud to call your own.

So when you sit down to meet with your New Home Consultant for the first time, tell them your story. Paint them a picture of who you are as a family. This will help them to understand what you need most in a new home and how to help select the one-of-a-kind homesite that’s perfect for you. To help give you an idea of what to discuss, here are 10 things to share with your New Home Consultant.

1. Why you’re looking for a new home.

Be sure to tell your New Home Consultant the main reason you’d like to make a move. People move for lots of different reasons, and often this will help your New Home Consultant better understand your needs. Maybe you have a new job, just got married, have a baby on the way, or your in-laws are moving in with you. Or maybe you really need more storage space or you’ve gotten tired of keeping up the maintenance on your existing home. Whatever it is that has set you on your homebuying journey, be sure to share it. This may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to mention it!

2. What your move-in timeline is.

New homes are under construction all year long, so it’s important to match the perfect home to your timeline. For some families, it’s important to move during the summer before the new school year starts. Others would like to have the new nursery ready before the baby arrives. You could also be planning your move-in date around a lease ending, a new job, a wedding, the holiday season, etc. Some families choose to take advantage of Lennar’s Quick Move-In Homes, which allow them to move into their new home in as little as 30 days. Whatever your scenario is, tell your New Home Consultant. They will be able to help guide you toward the one-of-a-kind home that meets all of your needs, including your schedule.

3. How well you know the location.

New Home Consultants aren’t just experts in their communities, they’re experts on the entire area. If you need recommendations for an elementary school, grocery store, and the best route to drive to work, they can help. Remember to also talk about your hobbies and interests – like hiking, golfing, shopping or simply going out to dinner – so your New Home Consultant can let you know what’s available nearby. Whether you’re moving from out of state or you’re a lifelong local, your New Home Consultant is a valuable resource. Let them know how familiar you are with this neck of the woods so they can be a better partner in your new home search.

4. How your family members feel about the move.

A lot of people gloss over this one, but it really is a significant factor. Is everyone excited about the move, or are there some uneasy feelings from certain family members? Are your kids upset that they’ll have to move away from their friends? Is your work-from-home husband making a sacrifice by moving to a new area for your job?

Moving isn’t a happy experience for some, so sharing these details with your New Home Consultant can help them understand all the dynamics at play. It can also give you the opportunity to learn about any concessions to make the transition easier on your loved ones. For example, if your kids love sports, you can ask your New Home Consultant about local rec center teams. And for your husband, ask about a floorplan that includes a spacious office. Whatever is it that will help make the move an easier one, be sure to tell your New Home Consultant.

5. What you dislike about your old home or neighborhood.

The key to being happy in your new home is leaving behind the headaches you had in the old one. Sure enough, if something bothered you in your previous home, it will bother you again if it’s not addressed. Did you hate how small your previous closet was? Was there no cabinet space in your last kitchen? Are you fed up with weekend home maintenance projects? Then say so! This applies to your old neighborhood, as well. Maybe you’re tired of trying to find street parking, or you wish there were more restaurant delivery options. By sharing the pet peeves you have with your current living situation, your New Home Consultant can help you avoid them in your next home.

Stay tuned for Part 2…

There’s plenty more you should discuss with your New Home Consultant during your home buying search. Stay on the lookout for the next installment of this two-part blog. In the meantime, take a look at the homes available in your area!