If you are looking to buy a new construction home for sale, there are plenty of options out there. While the process is fairly straightforward, there are some aspects unique to new houses. Here is a basic primer on things to consider when buying new homes for sale.

Go Through a Real-Estate Agent

The seller typically pays the real-estate costs, so this won't put you back any money. An experienced real-estate agent can provide a lot of additional information, and this is especially important if you are not familiar with the area you are considering buying in.

Research the Community

Part of buying a new home includes becoming involved in your new neighborhood. If you're a young family starting out, and the subdivision has mostly retirees, you may not get the community benefits you'd hope for. Families with children naturally want to live in a neighborhood with other couples in their peer group, and this will provide more opportunities for friendship, both for their children and themselves. Having the support of your neighbors can be a very important part of family life and developing a sense of community. If you have nothing in common with anyone, you may end up feeling alienated. Don't be afraid to visit the neighborhood and see what the general demographics are. You'll also want to research which amenities are available to you. If there aren't nearby grocery stores, schools, parks, and churches, this may not be the neighborhood for you.

Research the Builder

Not all home builders are created equal. Many have been in business for a long time and offer a quality product, but this isn't true for everyone. Speak with previous customers and ask them about the quality of workmanship and how willing the builder was to address any problems. Check with the county clerk of courts for any lawsuits or pending litigation involving the builder as well as any code violations with the appropriate agency.

Go for Square Footage and Location Over Upgrades

Spend your money where it counts. You can always upgrade to granite countertops down the line, but you can never physically change the location of your home or easily increase the size. You also don't want a home that is worth considerably more than the other houses in the neighborhood, as this could potentially make selling it in the future more difficult. Ask your real-estate agent to show you other similarly sized homes in the neighborhood so you have a good idea of what you will be getting.