If you’re thinking about buying a home or building a home, chances are you’re looking for clarity. What should you do first? What matters most? How do you avoid missing something important along the way?
Whether you’re just beginning to explore, actively researching new construction homes, or deciding between building a home and buying a move-in ready home, the checklist serves as a steady guide. Not a shortcut. Not a script. A tool to help you move forward with confidence.
Wherever you are, one thing tends to be true: buying or building a home often signals change.
A home is where life settles into its rhythm. It is where routines form, priorities shift, and transitions begin to feel real. That is why new beginnings start at home, not because of square footage or finishes, but because of what a home makes possible.
At Fischer Homes, we recognize that buying a home is not just another purchase. For many, it is the single largest financial investment they will ever make. That reality deserves care, without feeling rushed or transactional. The right homebuilder or homebuying partner matters, helping buyers understand the homebuying process step by step, explaining the home construction timeline clearly, and supporting informed decisions along the way.
Article written by Madison Frye, Digital Marketing Strategist, at Fischer Homes.
Some buyers are casually browsing new homes for sale, while others are more actively researching how to prepare for buying a home. Early steps often include reviewing finances, understanding credit, gaining pre-approval, and thinking about how much home fits comfortably into everyday life.
For buyers who like seeing real-world examples, the At Home with Kayla Hanley Video Series offers a behind-the-scenes look at how one family approached the very beginning of the process. It’s a helpful complement, but not a requirement, to move forward thoughtfully.
First things first: the upfront costs. Starting with a downpayment, some buyers opt for 20% to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), but often buyers will put down 3-5%. There are also closing costs. It is safe to plan for 2-5% of the purchase price. For a $300,000 home, a safe range of $6,000 to $15,000 is best. There are also additional items, such as home appraisals and moving costs to consider.
However, affordability goes beyond purchase prices. Buyers researching mortgage options, interest rates, and monthly payments often discover that long-term comfort matters just as much as the initial cost. Budget planning should also account for utilities, homeowner association fees, insurance, and routine home maintenance.
For additional information, check out the Mortgage Minute with Megan series.
When touring new construction homes or move-in ready homes, buyers often focus first on finishes and design details. While those elements matter, the overall function of the home matters more over time.
Smart homebuyers pay attention to layout, flow, storage, flexibility, and how the home supports daily routines. Community features, location, and long-term livability also play a critical role.
Many buyers search for guidance on “building a home vs. buying a home.” However, at the end of the day, this decision is entirely personal.
Building a new home allows for customization and involvement throughout the homebuilding process. Buying a move-in ready home offers a faster timeline but may not meet every additional “want” beyond the “must-have”.
Seeing others talk through this decision can be reassuring, and the Kayla Hanley series reflects many of the same questions buyers ask. Still, the right answer is always individual.
For buyers considering new construction, understanding the homebuilding process is a massively important step.
From selecting a floorplan and homesite to choosing design options and tracking the construction timeline, building a home involves a series of guided decisions. Some buyers like to see this process unfold visually, while others prefer written guidance. Both approaches reinforce the same truth: clarity reduces uncertainty.
Many buyers focus heavily on closing day, but the journey continues afterward.
After move-in, homeowners should understand warranties, home systems, and routine maintenance. Feeling supported after closing is just as important as guidance before it.
The right builder provides transparency, guidance, and long-term support. Beyond construction quality, buyers benefit from a partner who respects the significance of the purchase and explains each step clearly.
At Fischer Homes, our mission goes beyond building houses. We focus on helping buyers make informed decisions and feel confident throughout the entire homebuying and homebuilding journey.
👉 Download the Fischer Homes Homebuyer Checklist and Start Your Journey Today.