8 Things to Keep in Mind
Let’s face it, trading up to an existing home comes with one distinct advantage – you can actually walk through the home and decide if it’s right for you or not. You don’t have to use your imagination.
With new construction, you may have the benefit of being able to walk through a model home. Sometimes, though, you’re looking at floor plans online or architectural drawings provided by your designer.
If that’s the case, keep in mind the exact same things you look for when walking through an existing home.
- Circulation – Is the floor plan as open as you want? Is it easy to get around from space to space?
- Storage – Is there enough storage? Are closets, wardrobes and pantries big enough and in the right location?
- Living Space – Are the kitchen and family room open and connected?
- Garage to Kitchen – What’s it going to be like bringing in groceries?
- Natural Light – Will the home feel light or dark? Does every room have natural light?
- Porches – If there’s a porch, is it adequate for sitting and dining?
- Windows – Do rooms feel balanced and will there be good airflow on a summer day?
- Connection with the Outdoors – Is it easy to get outside? To porches and patios? To the backyard?
For new construction and custom home building, check out local builders and home designers first. Their websites will feature floor plans they have available – or which can be updated and customized.
Any number of other websites let you easily review thousands of floor plans. Four of the most popular are: Floorplans, Houseplans, Homeplans and The Plan Collection.
Use your imagination a bit – and trust your instincts. When you find the right one, you’ll know it.
Home Buyer's Guide to Trading Up
Jan Stoldorf is a Vice President at Heartland Bank and serves as the Branch President of the Geneva and Shickley Branch. She has been an associate at Heartland Bank since 2002.
