Your 6-Step Guide to Buying a New Home in West Michigan

February 4th, 2022

If you’re exploring the option of buying a new construction home in West Michigan, chances are you’ve got some questions about how it all works. While the process does require a few more steps than buying a used home, it’s all worth it in the end. Not only do you get to select a floorplan and homesite that exactly fit your needs, you get to choose the finishes and features that you’ve always dreamed of.

New Home Buying Process in West Michigan

1) Pre-Approval & Financing

Meet with one of our Preferred Lenders. Obtaining an approved construction loan is an important step in building your Bosgraaf Home! You will start by meeting with a preferred Bosgraaf Homes lender to discuss your options. Working with our preferred lenders affords you so many perks including:

Shorter closing times (which mean expedited move in)
High levels of professionalism and experience with new home construction
Full appraisal returns on your new home (more $ in your pocket!)
Low closing costs
and SO much more!

Choose which construction loan is right for your family. Choosing which construction loan is the best fit for your family is something our preferred lenders are ready to help with! This step can require some paperwork to be completed, exploration of your financial history and credit, and discussions about what loan amount is best for your situation. This information will be helpful when you begin choosing your home plan, and homesite.

Enjoy the process with ease knowing that your financial situation is in the right hands! The finances behind a New Bosgraaf Home are all part of our seamless process. We have worked to make this as enjoyable and easy as possible for your family Following these steps and making sure that you have received all communication helps us make that possible. Please continue to learn more about our preferred lenders and which loan is right for you!

2) Home Plan Selection

Your New Home Specialist is likely the first person you will meet when you walk into a model home or community sales center. He or she will work with you to select your floorplan. Builders typically offer a variety of plans, and some will even customize those plans to meet your family’s requirements. As you go through the floorplan selection process, there are a few questions you should ask yourself early on:

Do you plan to start or grow a family?
Will a single-level home be more comfortable in 5 or 10 years?
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need to comfortably accommodate your family and guests?
Where should the bedrooms be located in the home?
Do you ever work from home?
Do you enjoy entertaining?

Knowing the answers to these questions up front will help your New Home Specialist narrow down the best options, and save you time in making a final selection.

3) Selections Meeting

It’s time for some fun! A builder typically allows homebuyers to make some or all finish selections, so that their home is a true reflection of their style. You’ll work with a professional interior designer to select cabinets, flooring, light fixtures, paint colors, exterior elevations, landscaping, and more.

A useful tip is to keep a record of your favorite interior looks — that could be magazine clippings or Instagram photos saved to a folder. It’s best to go into your design appointment having an idea of what you like; that way, your designer can present a few options that really hit the mark. By working with a professional designer, you’ll have the benefit and peace of mind knowing that everything you selected will work together cohesively in your home.

4) Sales Agreement

Once you’ve got your financing in order, selected your floorplan and homesite, and chosen your finishes, the builder will need a signed sales agreement in order to kick off the building process. This contract will cover the basics of the decisions you’ve made up until this point: floor plan, lot, address, price, items that are included with the home, and any special conditions. It will also include timelines for selections, deposits, and the construction process itself, so that your build stays on schedule. Lastly, the contract will include the contact information for key people you’ll need to communicate with along the way. Once all parties sign off, the sales agreement serves as a guide to getting your house built on time and within budget!

5) Construction Process

By the time construction starts, all your selections have been finalized, pricing has been set, and agreements have been signed. Pouring the foundation of your dream home is one of life’s most exciting moments! Throughout the process, your Project Manager will keep you in the loop with updates and developments, often through a weekly email or phone call. You’ll also participate in a series of walk-throughs to make sure you are satisfied with the progress. Construction times vary depending on the level of customization, but the wait is always worth it.

6) Closing on Your New Home

Construction is complete and you’re almost to the finish line! All you have to do is attend your New Home Orientation to learn how your home and all its systems work. Once your builder has your final sign-off, you’ll close on your new home, receive the keys, and move into the dream home you’ve worked so hard for. HOME SWEET HOME.

There’s a lot that goes into buying a new home, but working with a great builder makes the process smooth, exciting, and enjoyable! For more information on building in the Grand Rapids or Lakeshore areas of West Michigan, please contact us. The entire team at Bosgraaf Homes can’t wait to work with you!