How to Find and Buy New Construction Homes Near You

Seeking a new construction home near you? The journey of buying a home can be both exciting and overwhelming. This process involves several key steps to ensure you find the perfect home for you and your lifestyle.

In this post, we’ll give you a few ways to find custom-built homes in your area and give you tips for choosing the right homebuilder. We’ll also give you some general tips for browsing homes and ensuring you choose the perfect one! Keep reading to learn more about finding and choosing a new construction home.

How to Find New Construction Homes - Searching Online

Realtors and homebuilders need to be proactive when promoting and ultimately trying to sell their homes. This means information about available homes in your area is abundant online. When beginning your search, start with an online search. Here are a few places to start looking around on the internet.

1. Real Estate Websites and Apps

Start your search on popular real estate websites and apps. Platforms like Zillow and Redfin are packed with information on new and old homes alike, and many listings include a lot of information and photos to help you get to know the homes you’re looking for. Most sites also have helpful filters to help you sort homes by build year, style, and location.

The most popular real estate websites to start with are Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com.

2. Homebuilder Websites

Many home builders maintain their own websites and keep up-to-date information on their projects and homes in the area. Look for builders near you that specialize in the home style you are looking for and keep tabs on their listings.

You can also look up local builders associations for your state or city to browse builders near you and find their websites.

3. Social Media

Social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram, can be helpful for finding homes as well. Real estate agents use social media to frequently post and promote their properties, often in collaboration with the builders they work with. Social media can also help you find new construction homes that may be in progress and not yet available on larger real estate websites.

To find realtors and builders on social media, use search terms related to your location and real estate. You can also join local real estate groups to keep tabs on available homes in your area.

How to Find New Construction Homes - Offline Search

The internet isn’t the only way to find new construction homes in your area. If you’ve identified a few builders or homes you are interested in (or prefer an in-person approach to your search), here are some ways to look around offline.

1. Real Estate Agents

For a more traditional approach, you can partner with a real estate agent who can help you find your dream home. Agents have access to listings that are in their early building stages or less advertised to the public, which can help you find hidden gems. You will also need a real estate agent later in your buying process, so partnering with one early can help keep your buying process smooth.

When looking for an agent, consider the builders they work with and the styles of homes they tend to sell.

2. Model Homes and Open Houses

Visiting model homes and attending open houses are hands-on ways to explore new construction home options in your area. Many builders and new neighborhood developments will have model homes set up in their communities where you can get a feel for the specific style and build quality of the area. Open houses can give you a glimpse of a builder's work and help you identify what you want from your new construction home.

Keep an eye on real estate and homebuyer groups online and on social media for updates about open houses and real estate events near you.

3. Neighborhoods and New Housing Developments

If you already have an idea of where you want to live, go there! Take a quick drive around the neighborhoods you are interested in and keep an eye out for new homes for sale. You can often get more information from for sale signs about realtors and builders in the area, helping you find more places to look for your dream new construction home.

Finding the Right Home Builder

During your research, you’ll likely compile a list of builders you are interested in. Here’s how to narrow your search to your top choices.

1. Read Online Reviews: Research their reputation by reading online reviews and ratings. Websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau can provide helpful insights into the experiences of previous clients. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced view.
2. Visit Completed Projects: If possible, see if you can tour a builder’s completed projects. A realtor can help you do this, and you may be able to tour a builder’s available homes by asking directly.
3. Research their Material Partners: Search a home builder’s website for lists of the partners they work with for their materials. If you have an idea of the appliances, features, materials, and brands you like, this can help you find a builder that aligns with your tastes.
4. Check for Licenses, Certifications, and Memberships: Ensure that the builder is licensed and certified to build in your state. You can verify their credentials with local regulatory agencies and ensure they are building to meet industry standards. You can also look for memberships with professional organizations such as builder associations, which can be an indicator of credibility.

General Tips for Buying a New Home

1. Establish Your Budget: Determine your budget before you begin your home search. Consider all associated costs, including the down payment, closing costs, and any upgrades or customizations you might want. A clear budget that gives you flexibility to account for unforeseen costs is key.
2. Understand the Timeline: New construction homes often have longer timelines than existing homes if they are still in the process of being built. Be prepared for a longer timeline and the possibility of delays. Ensure you have a realistic idea of your buying process and understand the estimated timeline.
3. Review Warranty Information: New homes typically come with a builder warranty covering various aspects of the construction. Review the warranty details to understand what is covered and for how long. This can provide peace of mind and protection against potential issues.
4. Consider Your Future Needs: Think about your long-term needs when choosing a home. Factors like future family size, potential lifestyle changes, and resale value are all important to keep in mind. Choose a home that will meet your current needs and adapt to changes in the future.
5. Get a Home Inspection: No matter how old or new a home is, always get it inspected before you buy! An inspector will verify the safety and quality of the home, and they can help identify any issues or deficiencies that need to be addressed before you move in. Inspections protect you from potential issues.

New Construction Homes in Oklahoma - Heim Custom Homes

Finding and buying a new construction home can seem difficult, but with proper research and the guidance of a realtor, you can be one step closer to your dream home in no time! When you’re searching for your dream home, do plenty of research, ensure you work with reputable people, and thoroughly review information to ensure you’re getting the best home for you.

If you’re looking for new construction homes in Oklahoma, take a look at our available homes from Heim Custom Homes. We build beautiful, modern farmhouse-style homes across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Take a look at our gallery to view some of our work, and get started today by reaching out on our contact page.