Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be extremely overwhelming if you’re not properly prepared. At Holland Homes, we’ve worked with hundreds of first-time buyers and understand the unique challenges you may face. Ultimately, whether you’re searching for a new home in Auburn or Opelika, avoiding these common mistakes can help you make a confident and informed decision. 

1. Not Getting Pre-Approved Before House Hunting

One of the largest mistakes first-time homebuyers make is starting the new home search without knowing their budget. Auburn and Opelika are full of a wide variety of new homes at a wide variety of price points, and without a clear picture of what you can afford, it can be easy to get disappointed when nothing seems to be working out. 

Pre-approval can not only help you streamline the homebuying process, but it can also show sellers that you’re actually ready to buy. 

2. Focusing Only on the Price Tag

Your first home is likely going to be the largest investment you’ve ever made, which can make it easy to only focus on the price tag. Yet, many first-time homebuyers overlook additional costs like property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and closing costs. 

If you’re looking to buy a new home in Auburn or Opelika with Holland Homes, we’ll work with you to help estimate the true cost of ownership so you’re not surprised by these expenses later. This can not only bring peace of mind with your purchase, but also help you understand the actual costs of owning a new home. 

3. Skipping the New Construction Advantage

Some homebuyers may assume resale homes are the best or only option, but this isn’t always the case! New homes in Auburn and Opelika offer modern designs, energy-efficient materials, and lower maintenance costs. Plus, with Holland Homes, you have the option to customize your new home or choose a move-in-ready option that fits your unique lifestyle and specific needs. 

4. Not Thinking Long-Term

It can be easy to fall in love with a home without thinking about what it may need in the future. So, make sure to ask questions like:

• Will the space still work if your family grows?
• Is the location convenient for your lifestyle five years from now?
• Are there going to be costly repairs down the line?

Holland Homes offers new construction communities across Auburn and Opelika that are built with long-term livability in mind. This means close access to schools, Auburn University, shopping, parks, and more, so you can grow into your new home…not out of it. 

5. Trying to Do It All Alone

If you couldn’t tell by now, buying a new home involves quite a lot of moving parts. So, don’t feel like you have to tackle the process alone! Working with a trusted home builder like Holland Homes means you’ll have expert guidance from financing to design to closing. We’re here to make this overwhelming process as simple and enjoyable as it can be!

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering a new home in Auburn or Opelika, look no further than the new construction communities from Holland Homes. We’re here to help you avoid common pitfalls and buy a new home you’ll love for years to come. Contact us today to tour our available homes or explore our customizable floor plans!