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BUILDERS - putting it together.

Where would you like to live?
One of the most important tasks in a home-building project is choosing the community where you want your new home to be built. In this context, “community” means the general vicinity where you will be living.

The idea is to choose the county, the city and maybe the subdivision where you want to live before you choose a specific building site. If you don't research the area thoroughly before you decide to build, disappointment may be the result.

Researching an area takes time and effort. Here are some factors you may wish to consider:
bullet   Price
The area should have homes priced within your budget. It's not a good idea to build a moderately priced home in a luxury-home area and it's equally unwise to build an expensive home in an area of lower-priced homes. Eventually, you might want to sell your home, and it's usually much easier to sell a home that is consistent in value with other homes in the neighborhood.
bullet   Economic potential
Some communities grow quickly, others have stable growth, and still others are in a period of decline. Choosing an area that's experiencing an economic down-turn may prove unwise. A good area can offer quicker appreciation in home values and a wider choice of subdivisions and building sites, but fast-growing areas tend to suffer from growing pains. Infrastructure, schools and public services might not be established to meet the demand from new residents. Traffic and commercial development typically are worse in growing communities as well. Stable communities offer slower property appreciation, but are more likely to have infrastructure, schools and public services in place.
bullet   Commuting time
Home buyers usually visit potential home-building areas during off-hours or on weekends when the traffic is light and the driving time from home to work seems reasonable. If you consider an area remote from your place of employment, test-drive the commute during the hours when you'll normally be driving to make sure the commitment is acceptable to you. You would also want to consider the location of grocery stores and other types of shops that you frequently visit. A beautiful subdivision in the country can lose some of its luster when you realize the nearest store is 20 minutes away.
bullet   Property taxes and assessments
Take a look at the real estate taxes you can expect to pay in the area. A little extra research probably will uncover any planned special assessments or planned tax increases. Fast-growing areas usually need funds to pay for new infrastructure, schools and public services.
bullet   Schools
The quality of the schools in an community is among the most important considerations for families with children. But people who don't have children in school also should consider the quality of the local schools because that factor will affect the home's resale value. You may also want to consider the area's proximity to the religious services.
bullet   Law enforcement and fire-fighting services
Don't overlook the availability and quality of police and fire protection services in an area, particularly if you're considering a rural community. Making sure these services are available and of high quality is important not only for your health and safety, but also because the lack of such services can significantly decrease resale value and increase your homeowner's insurance premiums.
bullet   Physicians and medical facilities
Will you be able to find a suitable doctor or dentist near your new home? If you have pre-existing medical conditions, are necessary specialists practicing in the area or within a reasonable distance? Does the area have hospital and emergency room services? Even if you don't have an immediate need for such services, their availability can prove life-altering in the event of a medical emergency or serious illness.
bullet   Parks and recreational facilities
Good parks and recreational areas can enhance your family's life and make living in a community more enjoyable. Public services also can affect the resale value of your new home. Are there youth sports programs, community events and ample parks in the area?
bullet   Utilities
Be sure to investigate the availability of utility hookups before you decide to build a home in a specific area. Will public water, natural gas and sewer hookups be available? Will your new home require a septic system or butane tank? Confirm the availability of such services before you commit to an area. Ask about the fee for initiating services and what typical monthly bills will run.
bullet   Quality of life
Research any other situations that could detract from or add to the quality of your life and value of your new home. Are plans in place for a new airport close by? Will your home be uncomfortably close to train tracks, creeks that overflow or heavily trafficked highways? Is there a sewage treatment plant, landfill or hog farm in the area?
Finally, if you want to live in a subdivision where the lots are owned by one builder, you may be forced to hire that builder to construct your home. If that's the case, you'll want to take the builder's reputation into account when you decide whether you want to live in that subdivision. You may be able to buy an undeveloped site within the subdivision from the developer, the builder or a private party, but make sure you know the rules before you set your heart on a particular subdivision.
Keep in mind that there is more to consider than just building your home. You and your family will unite with an existing community and your enjoyment of your new home will depend largely on whether you choose your new community wisely.