Choosing a Homesite: 5 Things You Need to Know

Are you considering buying a home in Whisper Valley, Texas? Congratulations! You’re about to embark on an exciting journey. Before you dive into the process of selecting your dream home, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is choosing the ideal homesite to build on. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know how to choose a lot for a new home.

That's why we've rounded up some handy tips and key considerations that can help guide you as you search for a site that best fits your needs – read on to learn more!

Before you start thinking about building or buying a new construction home, having a well-defined budget for your home build is crucial. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your spending limitations, and saving you from potential financial pitfalls. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of the process, but without a concrete budget, unexpected expenses or upgrades could end up costing you thousands of dollars.

Your budget should factor in not only the cost of the homesite and buying a new construction home, but also the potential expenses related to landscaping, utility connections, and any site preparation that may be necessary. Keep in mind that certain homesites may require additional expenditures for things like clearing trees, grading the land, or installing a septic system.

By setting a budget, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions that align with your financial capabilities and make sure you have a smoother, more predictable construction process.

Knowing what you want from your new construction home before choosing a site to build on is a critical step in the home-building process. A clear vision of your dream house will drive all the subsequent decisions, from the choice of the site to the home's design.

For instance, if you have a passion for gardening, you might prefer a homesite with a large backyard. Or, if you dream of stunning sunrise views from your bedroom window, you'll want a site that offers an east-facing orientation. It's important to think about your home's orientation when looking at possible homesites.

Moreover, understanding your specific needs and lifestyle preferences can help you prioritize the essential features of your new home. Considering your household size, floor plan and the age of your family members can also play a significant part – young families may want a safe neighborhood with lots of green spaces, while older couples often prefer a quiet, secluded location.

By understanding what you want from your home, you can choose a homesite that will allow you to realize your dreams while enhancing your quality of life.

Local amenities will significantly influence the quality of life in any residential community, making it an influential consideration when selecting a homesite. Depending on your lifestyle and family needs, nearby amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, recreational parks, shopping centers, public transport, and street parking can impact your day-to-day living and overall satisfaction with your chosen location.

Schools, for instance, are a top priority for families with young children. You'll want to ensure there are good schools within a reasonable distance from your home. Healthcare facilities, too, are vital, particularly for individuals with ongoing medical needs or for older adults. Having a hospital or clinic nearby can provide peace of mind and convenience.

Recreational amenities like parks, fitness centers, and community pools promote an active and healthy lifestyle, offering opportunities for exercise and social interaction. Additionally, proximity to shopping centers ensures easy access to daily necessities, saving you time and making life more convenient. Access to public transportation, particularly for those who commute for work, is another important consideration, as this can significantly affect your daily commute and travel times.

If you're looking at a homesite in a new construction neighborhood, you may find that not quite all the amenities are built or finished yet. While this may lead to some short-term inconvenience, it can actually be a good idea for a longer-term investment.

By getting in early, you can secure a homesite now that would cost you more money a year or two from now once construction is completed. This ensures that your new construction home will appreciate in value without you having to pay the extra cost of building in an established neighborhood or a premium location.

A crucial first step in your home-building journey is choosing the perfect lot or homesite, which will shape your home's value, functionality, and overall satisfaction. Let's take a look at some options.

The size of the lot isn't the only factor when making this decision. Depending on the homesite you choose, you might pay a premium price if say, it has a walkout basement or backs onto some greenspace. A new development may offer a variety of options for new homes; from standard lots to premium lots. Some may be close to a wooded area or have power lines behind them, while others are closer to the community clubhouse.

These types of things can affect your resale value as well, not just the overall price of your new home. Good home builders will go through these options with you.

Standard Homesites

These homesites are often the most affordable and come in standard sizes. This may be a good option if you're looking for something more cost-effective, but keep in mind there may be some limitations on what type of home you can build and how much space you'll have for outdoor living.

Standard homesites can be an excellent option for smaller families or those looking to downsize, as they typically provide enough space for a comfortable living area without the added maintenance and upkeep that comes with bigger yards. As a note, most home builders also use these homesites to build a move-in ready home, which is something many of today's home buyers are interested in.

While standard lots may not offer the same level of privacy and space as corner lots, they still provide a safe and secure environment for you and your family. In addition, many new construction communities offer amenities and shared outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy, making up for any lack of space on your personal homesite.

Corner Homesites

Corner homesites have a unique appeal and offer a plethora of advantages for potential real estate buyers. One of the main benefits is the extra space these lots usually provide. A corner homesite often allows for a larger yard and more distance from your next-door neighbors, offering a greater sense of privacy and space. This additional outdoor area can be utilized for landscaping, gardening, or even installing a pool, significantly improving your living space and providing more room for outdoor activities and entertainment.

Furthermore, corner homesites typically possess two street-facing facades, which can be an architectural bonus. It allows for a more aesthetically pleasing design and affords more options for natural light to illuminate your home, creating an inviting and bright atmosphere. This also usually means more accessible parking space, which is great if you have several vehicles or frequently entertain guests. 

With all the benefits that come with choosing a corner homesite for your new home build, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to this option. The enhanced privacy, bigger yard, more natural light, and opportunities for unique architectural designs make it all worthwhile. You may find that a corner homesite has a little extra cost compared to the base price of the surrounding area, but the added benefits are worth far more than the additional cost.

Cul De Sacs

Cul de sacs are often a preferred choice for many homeowners and real estate buyers because of the unique benefits they offer. The design of a cul de sac naturally reduces traffic flow, meaning fewer cars are passing by, resulting in a quieter, more tranquil setting. This reduction in traffic also boosts safety, which is a significant advantage for families with young children who love to play outdoors.

An additional advantage of cul de sacs is the sense of community they foster. Homes in a cul de sac are typically arranged in a close-knit pattern, which leads to a stronger community bond, more neighborhood get-togethers, and an overall enhanced sense of security and belonging. Plus, homesites in a cul de sac often have larger backyards, perfect for those who want more outdoor space.

Therefore, if a quiet, safe, and community-focused environment aligns with your lifestyle, a cul de sac could be an excellent choice for new construction homes, and well worth paying a little more money for.

Choosing the perfect homesite is an important decision that shapes not only your home but also the lifestyle, safety, and convenience of your family. From the home orientation, local amenities, and unique advantages of corner homesites and cul de sacs, every aspect has a substantial influence on the quality of life you wish to lead.

At AHA Dream Homes, we understand the importance of these factors and are ready to help you select a homesite that's a harmonious blend of your dreams, needs, and lifestyle. Our professional team is here to ensure that your dream home isn't just a structure, but a space where memories are created, happiness is nurtured, and dreams are realized.