Article originally published by MI Homes
There are a lot of decisions to make when searching for a new home: how many floors do I need? which spaces are going to be crucial to everyday life? do I need a basement? how many bedrooms will fit my growing family? It’s such an exciting process to look at modern, open floorplan home designs that open new doors of possibility for family life and entertaining.
1. When Do You Want to Move?
First and foremost, it’s so important to determine your timeframe. The timeline of when you’re hoping to move into your house will make all the difference in the list of home options to check out. It will also determine whether a Quick Move-In spec home list or a new-build opportunity is the right route to take for you.
2. How Many Stories Do You Need?
Next, nail down your preference for either a two-story or a ranch-style home. Multiple stories can keep your bedrooms all on the same floor and your entertaining spaces on another floor, but one-level living also has many benefits, especially in modern home designs.
If you have children at home and stairs aren’t a nuisance for anyone, a two- or three-story home is a great option to give everyone his or her own space to spread out.
When downsizing or looking for a multi-generational home, stairs and convenience are huge factors, and floorplans for ranch-style homes are probably best since they keep everything you need all on one floor.
3. Where Do You Want Your Owner’s Suite?
An owner’s suite is the largest bedroom in a home, typically with an en-suite bathroom, a sizable closet, and a secluded location.
If you’re proceeding with a multi-story home, your next consideration is if you want a first-floor owner’s suite or a second-floor owner’s suite. If you chose a ranch-style floorplan in your answer to question 2, decide instead if you want your owner’s suite at the front or back of the home. You’ll also want to think about proximity to other bedrooms—do you want to be on the same floor as them, or do you want a wing all of your own in the home?
4. What’s on Your Needs vs. Wants List?
In a lot of cases, question 3 really determines the level of flexibility homebuyers have when it comes to choosing a layout. Begin by taking virtual tours of floorplans online! This will help you start your list based on what you’ve seen featured. It’s vital that any decision-makers align on a list of ideal home traits prior to taking any next steps in the home buying process. A great way to do this is to separate your needs from your wants. This list-making process is key because your needs will help you really start to narrow down your list of floorplans to just a few, making our last step that much easier!
5. What Extras Are Most Attractive to You in a New Home?
Finally, weigh any special features like a two-story great room, a five-level split, a specific number of bedrooms or bathrooms, and a two- or even three-car garage.
What from your wants list sets one of these final floorplans on your list apart from the rest? After each of the steps above, you may be surprised that this final decision is easier than you expected!
Answering these 5 questions will make your first model home tour a breeze because you’ll know exactly what you want in a home and what questions you still have for the New Home Consultant on site.
