CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — It’s one of the most exciting milestones in life: the opportunity to buy a home. For those who have decided their next home will be newly built, the question is, how do you get started?
As a new home specialist with Visionary Homes, Donna Burnham draws on more than 30 years of experience in the building industry to help clients bring their dreams to life. She elaborated on some of the most commonly asked questions that must be considered by anyone looking to build a home.
Why are you moving?
When talking to a builder, be prepared to answer questions about your preferred location and your reasons for seeking a new home. Do you want to change school boundaries or shorten your daily commute? Maybe it’s simply time to upgrade and design your next home exactly the way you want.
Offering a wide range of prices and styles, Visionary Homes is currently building in four distinct Southern Utah communities. Enjoy resort-style living at Desert Color, where you can choose from condos, townhomes or single-family homes. Get closer to nature in Divario, nestled among miles of trails near Green Valley. In Warner Gateway just off the Southern Parkway, family-friendly amenities abound, while the Azalea Townhomes in Ivins provide gorgeous red rock views at accessible price points.
How do you plan to finance your purchase?
The building process typically begins with finding a reputable lender and determining the loan amount you qualify for. Knowing your price point will then help you narrow down your options between condos, townhomes or single-family homes, as well as what communities you’re able to consider.
Burnham said if you don’t have a budget or know where you’re going to start, it’s hard to know what you’re looking for. Determine how much you need for a down payment and where that funding will come from, whether it’s the sale of your current home or your 401(k). Most builders have a preferred lender; Visionary Homes uses First Colony Mortgage, which operates two branches in St. George.
How soon would you need a home?
If you’re needing to move in quickly, your options are limited to spec homes. While brand new, quick move-in homes offer less room for personalization. The colors and design options have already been selected by the Visionary Homes team.
If you have time on your side, take advantage of the opportunity to make everything in your new home reflect your unique style. Pick out your flooring, cabinets and more. You can truly make it your own without needing to redecorate. A design specialist will guide you through choosing your options.
Expect the pre-construction process to last two or three months, Burnham said. Currently, build times for Visionary Homes properties in Southern Utah are ranging between seven and nine months after digging.
What features of a home are important to you?
Think about your favorite parts of the home you live in now as well as the things you’d like to change. Could you use additional bedrooms? A larger living area? More garage space? Maybe you’re working from home and need a designated office. Choose features that fit your routine and make life easier.
Visionary Homes knows what today’s homebuyers want. Basements are rare in Southern Utah, so a three-car garage is an important feature for families needing extra storage – or dads wanting to build a “man cave.” Burnham said large pantries and tray ceilings in the main living space are also extremely popular.
Unlike many builders, Visionary Homes includes a covered patio with every new home. The St. George area sees nearly 300 days of wall-to-wall sunshine a year, so being able to enjoy the exterior of your home is a must. They also install block side walls between lots for privacy.
Visionary Homes is a Utah-owned and operated builder. Since 2004, they’ve developed neighborhoods across the state that are all about lifestyle. From condos to single-family homes to multimillion-dollar estates, they do it all.
This summer, Best of Southern Utah voters awarded Visionary Homes a gold ribbon in the home builder category and silver among real estate companies.
“We believe in being passionate about what we do and making sure that passion comes through in everything we do,” Burnham said. “We pride ourselves on craftsmanship. This industry is always evolving, and Visionary evolves with it.”
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Resources
- Visionary Homes | Address: 1506 S. Silicon Way, Suite 2D, St. George | Telephone: 435-222-2441 | Website.
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