Your 2025 New Year Checklist for Buying or Building Your Dream Home

As the calendar turns to 2025, many of us set resolutions and goals for the year ahead. If buying or building a new construction home is at the top of your list, congratulations! It’s an exciting journey that requires careful planning and a clear roadmap. To help you get started, here's a checklist that will guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and successful path to your dream home.

Step 1: Get Inspired

Start creating your wish list and think about what you are looking for in a new home – location, number of rooms, style. Compile a list of your needs and wants. View our Gallery pages and social media sites like Instagram to get inspired!

• Consider the Location: Decide on your ideal neighborhood. Think about proximity to schools, work, parks, and any other amenities you would love to have nearby.
• List Your Must-Haves: Write down the features and amenities your dream home must include, such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen layout, and outdoor space.
• Explore Design Trends: Research 2025’s home design trends to incorporate modern touches while staying true to your style.

Step 2: Determine Your Budget

• Check Your Credit Score: A strong credit score can help secure better financing terms. If needed, take steps to improve it.
• Assess Your Finances: Review your savings, income, and monthly expenses. Check out our Mortgage Calculator to determine how much home you can afford.
• Estimate Additional Costs: Factor in costs like property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance.

Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

• Consult Lenders: Reach out to mortgage lenders to understand loan options and interest rates. If purchasing a new Brightland Home, speak with our mortgage partner to get prequalified and apply for a home loan. We offer a variety of financing options for all types of borrowers.
• Gather Documentation: Be prepared to provide financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.
• Apply for a Mortgage: One of the most important steps in the home buying process is choosing your lender. Learn more about our preferred mortgage partners who are here to help you navigate this very important part of your new home journey.

Step 4: Find Your Perfect Community

• Research Neighborhoods: Explore different communities to find the one that aligns with your lifestyle and priorities. Brightland Homes proudly boasts new homes for sale in 100+ communities across Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Arizona, Colorado, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Tennessee, and is sure to have a neighborhood for you.
• Consider Amenities: Look for neighborhoods with features your family can take advantage of including parks, walking trails, community pools, or nearby shopping and dining.
• Check School Districts: If you have children, research the quality of nearby schools to ensure they meet your standards.
• Visit in Person: Visit prospective communities and model homes near you to get a feel for the environment, traffic, and local vibe. Schedule a visit to a Brightland Homes community that you would like to learn more about today!

If you decide to move forward with purchasing a new Brightland Home, we will be with you every step of the way to make the home buying process easy to navigate.

Step 5: Meet Your Brightland Homes Sales Professional

• Get Expert Guidance: Once you have found your community, your Sales Rep will be with you every step of the way, guiding you through all aspects of the home buying process.
• Ask Questions: Take advantage of their expertise and ask any questions about the building or buying process, timelines, and anything else you need clarification on.
• Build a Relationship: Your Sales Rep is there to ensure your journey is seamless and enjoyable.

Step 6: Decide Between Building or Buying

Once you know your wants, needs, and budget - your Sales Rep can assist you in choosing from several floor plan options that fit your lifestyle or provide you with a list of new move-in ready homes.

• Weigh Your Options: Consider whether you want to build a home from scratch or purchase a quick move-in home that’s already built and ready for you.
• Evaluate Timelines: Building from scratch offers more customization but may take longer, while quick move-in homes provide the advantage of a faster move-in date.
• Discover Available Homes: Our Sales Rep will help you explore and differentiate our available quick move-in and buildable floor plan options.

Step 7: Personalize Your Buildable Floor Plan

If you decide to purchase a buildable floor plan, we will assist you in choosing from homesite locations, elevation options, structural choices, and room configurations.

• Find the Perfect Homesite: Choose a homesite that complements your home design and lifestyle. Consider views, size, and orientation.
• Customize Your Floor Plan: Select floor plan upgrades that help personalize the layout, selecting features that suit your family’s needs.

Step 8: Complete the Purchase Agreement and Finalize Your Mortgage

After you are happy with your personalization, you and your Sales Rep will authorize your purchase agreement and make your initial investment. To finalize your mortgage, your experienced loan professional will assist you in compiling documents and ordering your appraisal.

Step 9: Finalize Your Style and Visit the Design Center

Visit our Galleries and utilize our Kitchen Visualizer tool for design ideas. Preview options for cabinets, countertops, flooring, fixtures - and more so you will be ready for your Design Center Appointment. Once you have scheduled your appointment, you will work with our design professionals to showcase your personal style with hundreds of design choices. Learn what to expect at your appointment by visiting our Design Center page.

Step 10: Meet Your Builder

At your Pre-construction meeting, we will review your home plan and structural options with you and answer any questions you have about the home building process.

Step 11: Construction Begins

Construction will begin and over the next several weeks you will see an empty lot transformed into your future home. Our team is always available to address any questions you have about the building process.

Step 12: Homeowner Orientation

You and your Construction Manager will inspect your new home together and discuss maintenance, warranty, and any final details.

Step 13: Prepare for Closing and Move-In

Close on your new home with our experienced title company and receive the keys to your new home. Your new home experience does not end here. We provide a 60-day and 11-month Warranty follow-up and have a Warranty Team available to assist you with any questions or concerns. Welcome to the Brightland Homes family!

Starting 2025 with a clear plan for buying or building your dream home sets the stage for an exciting and rewarding year. With the right preparation and a trusted builder like Brightland Homes by your side, you’ll soon be unlocking the door to your dream home.

Ready to find your new home in the new year? We're here to help you find the perfect new home!