Top 5 First-Time Homebuyer Tips Before Building Your New Home

Quinn
Jun 20
2 min read

If you’re thinking about building your first home, you’re not alone. New construction offers the chance to design a home that fits your lifestyle from day one. But for first-time buyers, the homebuilding process can feel overwhelming. At Millwood Homes, we’ve helped hundreds of buyers navigate this journey with confidence. Here are five key things every first-time homebuyer should know before starting a new construction build.

1. Set a Realistic Budget for Your New Construction Home

Before choosing a floor plan or lot, it’s important to fully understand your budget. We often focus on monthly affordability over total cost. New construction costs include more than just the base home price. You’ll also need to plan for:

Land and lot costs
Site preparation and utility connections
Permit fees and inspections
Design upgrades and custom features
Closing costs and lender fees

Millwood Homes offers Builder Boost, a unique program that provides eligible buyers with up to $10,000 in seller-paid closing cost assistance. This helps reduce upfront expenses and gives first-time homebuyers extra financial flexibility when finalizing their new home budget.

2. Carefully Select Your Lot and Location

Location plays a big role in your long-term satisfaction and home value. Consider factors like:

School districts
Commute times to work or family
Neighborhood development plans
Lot size, grading, and future utility access

Your builder can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each available lot to ensure you’re making a smart long-term decision.

3. Understand What’s Included vs. What’s an Upgrade

Not every home feature comes standard, however many of our "standard" items are upgrades for other builders. Before signing your contract, review the builder’s standard specifications and identify:

Which finishes, appliances, and fixtures are included
What design upgrades are available at additional cost
What’s covered under the builder warranty

Clear communication up front avoids surprises later and ensures your expectations match your final pricing.

4. Maintain Open Communication Throughout the Build

Building a new home involves multiple steps, vendors, and decisions. That’s why communication is critical. A great builder will:

Provide regular updates on progress
Answer questions promptly
Schedule walkthroughs at key construction stages

At Millwood Homes, we prioritize transparency and proactive updates so you always know where your build stands.

5. Design for Both Today and Tomorrow

Think beyond your immediate needs and consider how your home will serve you long-term. Working with Millwood provides the valuable experience in building nearly 500 homes that focus on timeless design. Ask yourself: