If you’ve decided it’s the time to build a new home, you’re undoubtedly entering an exciting time. And if you’ve decided to do so in the DMV, it’s also bound to be an interesting time.
The D.C. metro area spans a huge amount of land, and each state, county, and city has its own advantages, feel, and appeal. Simply narrowing down the locale can be a unique enough aspect of searching for a new home, but there are lots of other factors to consider. Here are our top four tips, tricks, and things to remember.
1. It’s not just the location
If you’re new to the area, it’s easy to see how you could take advantage of Virginia’s no income tax and just hop over to Bethesda with a quick commute. But try that commute for a few days, and you’re likely to discover the close geography on the map doesn’t feel as close in person.
The DMV as a whole is massive, and as connected as public transportation makes it, travel still takes time. If you’re on the metro, the changes can take a while, not to mention unplanned delays and peak periods when you may need to wait for the next train. On the roads, there’s traffic to contend with—particularly if you’re traveling on I-66 or either of the loops. Before you commit to a build location, take the time to test out your daily travel and how your day-to-day life factors into each location in reality—not just based on Google Maps mileage.
2. Remember your reasons
There are lots of reasons to build a new home over buying something existing, and once your home is complete and you’re moving in, you’re sure to love it. As exciting as it is choosing your floor plan and customized selections, the process itself takes time and is bound to have some unexpected twists and turns. New builds often take six to nine months, and weather and the supply chain are just two variables among many that can extend that timeline. There will be mistakes made, and there will be surprises. Through it all, remember why you chose to build new and have faith that the end result will be worth it.
3. Have someone on your side
When you buy an existing home, you have a realtor on your team to find and show properties, facilitate the paperwork, and enlist a broker and transaction team. When building new, it’s easy enough to peruse websites and floorplans, and even visit model homes in person. It’s also easy enough to enter into a contract directly with the builder.
Taking the DIY approach can work out, but generally speaking, enlisting the help of a trusted professional who is on your team will work to your benefit. Yes, even for a new build.
4. There’s plenty to choose from
While the area has hundreds of years of history—and many homes still standing to prove it—there’s still lots of opportunity to build new. From spacious lots in the suburbs to new row homes and even freestanding homes in the city and adjacent neighborhoods, there’s plenty to choose from.
Some builders focus on small, niche communities, while others specialize in large master-planned communities that will have more floorplans and availability than their counterparts.
Take the time to find the right environment for you and carefully evaluate builders and communities before signing on the dotted line. After all, there are plenty of options, and the home you build will last for the long term.
