The new or pre-owned question is inevitable when you buy a car or home. But are you settling for a typewriter when you could have a laptop? Some pre-owned homes could be updated with new features and technologies. In other situations, it makes sense to buy new from a financial and convenience perspective. There are plenty of articles, blogs, and even unsolicited advice to persuade you in one direction or the other. Think carefully about these questions to decide whether you should build a new home.

How important is reliability, and how much are you willing to invest in home maintenance?
Heating and cooling units, roofs, plumbing, and electronics all have a limited lifespan. These components will need replacement sooner or later, and will require more diligent maintenance in older homes. A new home offers the benefit of a predictable replacement period that you can budget for. It also allows you to get a jumpstart on preventative maintenance, and ensures you get a long life out of your investment. Look for a home warranty when you build a new home for even greater peace of mind.


How much patience do you have for a renovation or remodel?
Renovations can be disruptive, especially a kitchen or bathroom that needs to be updated. Remodels are notorious for being delayed and exceeding the original budget. When you build a new home, you choose the features and fixtures long before move-in day. The pricing is clearly presented for you so you can evaluate whether an upgrade is right for you.

Do you like to have the latest gadgets and the most efficient, energy-saving devices?
Those who build new homes can look forward to technology even better than the latest smartphone. Some of the latest home innovations available include surround sound for home theater rooms, smart screens in the kitchen, energy-saving HVAC and appliances, concealed cords and electronics, and more. If a modernized home is appealing to you, it may make sense to start new rather than attempt to retrofit an older home.

Echelon Homes offers the latest floor plans, features, and upgrades to help you evaluate whether building is right for you. Contact us today and ask about our attractive home warranty program when you build a new home.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow

New home construction costs don’t need to break the bank. In fact, you can budget for your dream home more easily than you think. Here are a few ways to get an accurate budget picture.

Evaluate your existing assets.
Whether you have savings, a down payment from the sale of a house, or a relocation allowance from your employer, there are plenty of assets available to help with new home construction costs. Your builder can recommend a mortgage lender who harnesses these assets to find an attractive financing option. A lender can balance your down payment amount, monthly income, and forecasted spending patterns to provide a lending term and interest rate that meets and exceeds your expectations. Financing is easier than you might think when it comes to new home construction costs.

Work with an experienced builder.
Your builder should offer options in layouts, communities, and upgrades in your price range. Experienced builders always have a range of choices, even within the same neighborhood, to suit a variety of budgets. The homebuilder should be upfront on pricing so you are never surprised with extra hidden fees. The right builder will take responsibility for delivering the complete home package at the price you agreed upon. Let the building team manage a multitude of contractors and the timeline at no additional cost to you.

Think long-term.
You want to move into your dream home; one you will be comfortable in for years to come. Renovations can cost more than building it right the first time, so whether your family is growing or downsizing, it makes sense to anticipate your current and future needs. There’s a home ready to support both. Best of all, the home is affordable today with a little budgeting foresight.

Contact Echelon Homes today to see how you can afford new home construction costs. Your dream home is a reality within your budget.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow

Building a home may sound stressful. There’s choosing a layout, deciding on optional upgrades, financing, selling your current home, packing, moving, and getting acquainted with a new school and community. But Echelon Homes customers that have been through the home building process have a unique experience. Let us kick stress to the curb with this advice for building a home.

Work with a builder who communicates early and often.
There’s no reason for an Echelon Home’s customer to worry about budget or timeline when building a home. Our team knows you’re juggling many tasks including selling your current residence and packing your belongings. That’s why Echelon is clear about our pricing and timing. We’ll update you on the progress of your new home on a weekly basis. Our commitment is to having no surprises, just open and straightforward communication.

Find a builder committed to customer satisfaction.
It’s not easy to feel anxious when building a home if your homebuilder assures your complete satisfaction. Echelon Homes knows our customers have a variety of concerns and unique situations. Some are moving to a new state, some are retiring and downsizing, and some are expecting their first child. Whether you’re looking for an open floor plan, a side entry garage, a sunroom, or a master suite with the works, we have an ideal layout available for you. Echelon has developed solutions in our 15 years of building homes that meet the wishes of each and every customer.

Trust a builder with experience producing great end results.
At the end of the day, your uncertainty during a period of transition when building a home will all be worth it. You’ll have your dream home to last a lifetime. Echelon Homes assures not only a positive building journey, but also quality results. We’d like to connect you with a long-term financing partner, and we’re committed to your new home warranty.

Contact Echelon Homes if you’re interested in building a home that keeps your budget, mind, and sanity intact.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow

Like with any purchasing decision, you’ll want to check out the best new homes source before you choose. If you’re a savvy shopper, you know you have a wide array of choices for anything you buy. Will you go to Amazon for free super saver shipping, your local drugstore for quick in-and-out convenience, or a big box store where you can use a club card and vendor coupons? Here are some tips for what could be the largest purchasing decision of your life. Just like a game show, we’ll reveal what’s behind doors one, two, and three to find your best new home’s source.

Door #1: Whichever builder you choose should offer the right product.
It makes no sense to compromise when it comes to your ideal floor plan or community. The decision will impact your future, your family, and your day-to-day life. Build your dream home, not someone else’s.

Look for a builder who offers a variety of floor plans and neighborhoods. The sales team should be able to walk you through different layouts and the optional upgrades available. Tour the communities to make sure they’re the best fit for you and your family.

Door #2: Your builder should be backed by experience and customer testimonials.
Your builder should have at least 10 years of home building experience. It’s enough time to become professionals in the craft of home building and build an excellent customer service reputation. The longevity also means you’ll be able to depend on the builder for any issues down the road. In addition, positive customer reviews are a good sign. Like the reviews you read on Amazon, they can be a clear indicator of your potential satisfaction with a builder and a home.

Door #3: Your builder should be not only affordable but also cost competitive.
Look for a builder who has a relationship with mortgage lenders. Even better, builders who offer referral programs, guaranteed leases of your current residence, and new home warranties are a plus.

Take a peak at the positive reviews for your top new homes source in Southeast Michigan. The Echelon Homes team has over 15 years of experience building the most attractive communities in the state.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow