I’ve always admired and been fascinated by the Wright Brothers. On December 17, 1903 they were the first to fly a heavier-than-air, aircraft. They not only had to design this flying machine, but also had to figure out how to be pilots. I wonder how far the brothers would have flown in those first days if they were experienced pilots.

In our modern world a pilot undergoes rigorous training and has access to an abundance of resources that will prepare them for the various components of flight. On their first flight a rookie pilot will share controls with their instructor and won’t go solo until everyone is quite certain that flight will not end in disaster. This approach tends to save many lives.

When deciding to build a new home, it is common to focus mainly on big picture aspects such as the type of home, the price, where it will be located, and who will build it. An often-overlooked detail is considering whether or not you’re prepared for this adventure. While making the wrong decision may not cause a loss of life, it can certainly be expensive. Picking the wrong builder and having misaligned expectations or being surprised with unexpected costs can make it feel as though you’ve made a mistake. This is where we come in. We want to help you make great decisions (that you feel good about) and remove as many surprises as possible.

Consider us your experienced pilots; we’ve done all the training and have successfully flown many solo flights. Our goal is to provide you with first-rate information at each step of the building process so that you’re able to make the best decisions. Whether you choose to build with us or another great builder, you will be able to use the information in this Home Buyer Handbook to prepare for your build.

Purchasing a home is a big deal; actually, it’s one of your biggest deals. It is one of the largest single financial investments you’ll make in your life. The location of your home will determine your daily environment & lifestyle and the functionality of each space will drive how well your home works. When you choose a builder, it is crucial that they have an ability to reasonably demonstrate how your home will look, how it will work, and what it is going to cost you. It is very hard to overcome an ineffective or inarticulate builder and have a fulfilling build experience. If the builder you choose, or are interviewing, cannot provide clarity on these topics, obtaining a Realtor to help you navigate the process may be the best option.

You may be asking, why would we provide this information to you at no charge? What’s our angle and strategy? How transparent and non-biased could this be?

We love building homes and we want you to love having a home built. This doesn’t mean the process will always go smoothly, but when you and your builder are a good fit the experience will be a positive one. If you determine we are not the builder for you, we can help guide you to a builder that is. We want to provide you with all the information you need to make this decision. We also hope that you’ll want to share your experience with others.

We have noticed a natural progression of homeownership in our Houston market, with each step preparing you for the next. Where would you place yourself in this list?

Dreamer – I want to own a home one day!

First Time Home Buyer – It’s my first Home, hurray!

First Move Up – I am still on a limited budget, but I can upgrade some items.

Second Move Up – I can do some customization and be detailed in my interior selections.

Semi-Pro Home Buyer – This is not my first rodeo and I’m ready for more flexibility and customization.

Pro Home Buyer – I want to customize everything since I know exactly what I do and don’t want.

Want to learn more about where you fall in your preparedness and how clearly you understand your priorities? Stay tuned for Volume 5!