Having a place that we can call home has always been part of the American Dream. It is nice to have a place you can always go back to, not only as a temporary dwelling but also as a residence that will give you a sense of belongingness.
That dream, however, isn’t easy to achieve. If you do not make the right decisions for the long run, it can become a financial burden – especially for the younger generation. The majority of people, particularly millennials, are having difficulty obtaining homeownership (read more). A report from the Urban Institute, a policy research organization, identified several factors, including personal preferences, economic disadvantages, debt, and marriage delay, that contributed to the lowest homeownership rate in U.S. history.
But nowadays, having a home is more than a sense of responsibility. It can be a great move to invest in a home to build its equity over time. More than that, it can be emotionally empowering, which can make you feel accomplished and fulfilled. With that being said, planning and preparation are the keys before you start building your dream house.
Furthermore, the location of residence is one of the essential aspects of owning a home. If you want to take advantage of the economic benefits and much more, we recommend Virginia.
Why Virginia?
- Best Place For Retirement
Whether or not you intend to build a secure nest for your retirement, you’ve probably considered making your first hoWhether or not you intend to build a secure nest for your retirement, you’ve probably considered making your first home your permanent address. Virginia is also the best place to retire because of its excellent housing and low living costs. You can judge for yourself with a cost of living calculator, by comparing where you live now with practically any city in Virginia.
In fact, Virginia is ranked as a retiree-friendly state in the Kiplinger State-by-State Guide To Taxes on Retirees due to several advantages. Retirement income, low property taxes, and low sales taxes combine to make it an excellent place to live, especially if you plan to start a business.
- World-Class Healthcare
Last 2017, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of the United States Department of Health and Human Services ranked Virginia among the top ten states in healthcare quality. God forbid, if you happen to experience suffering from health conditions, you would be in a facility where the standards for health are prioritized.
- Low Crime Rate
When looking for a home, it is critical to choose a location where you will feel safe and secure. Virginia, in particular, is a state that will make you feel that way.
Among all states in the South Atlantic region, the crime rate in Virginia is considered to be the lowest, with an average rate of 43 percent, which is relatively lower than the national average in U.S. states.
- Job Opportunities
Virginia has a higher number of job opportunities than the average state, which will help you secure your financial future. If you want to advance your career by traveling around the country, you can do so while living in Virginia, where most companies pay a fair wage.
Planning
Before the start of building, planning, and preparation takes place. To tell you, it might be daunting at first as you will require a lot of instances that can be really stressful, and that includes the estimated costs, finding the right builders, and a lot of decision making.
Cost
The cost of having a new home may vary depending on the following:
- Location
- Lot size
- Materials to be used
- Contractor
Moreover, it will never be sure to cite the specific price, as it may change over time because of the site work and finishes, including miscellaneous costs. When you’re looking to buy a house, it’s essential to look at every part of your community, knowing that no two neighborhoods are exactly the same. Also, contact an agent who will determine what houses in the area are high value and which ones to avoid so you won’t be taken advantage of.
Development homes, which cost around $150,000, are a good option if you want a cheaper house while still being a part of a neighborhood. It is part of a village located outside of the city. Usually, it is a neighborhood where all of the houses were designed and built around the same time. But you can still opt to customize it depending on your choice, which may cost you more.
But if you want more control over the design of your home, acustom-built home, which you can customize with the help of a contractor, is a good option. It’s usually best if you combine your personal style and preferences. It is, however, more expensive because the features, materials, and amenities you choose to include in the process are entirely dependent on your preferences. It is estimated to cost around $350,000 and more.
Choosing The Best Home Builders
The most critical part of construction would probably be working with the best home builders. Essentially, they are professionals that you will rely upon the rest of the construction. Make sure to have time to find the best among the rest in your area because there could be many home builders, but not all are reliable. You can ask for real estate agents and feedback from your friends or acquaintances to give insights from a reputable house builder.
Also, take note of the licenses and certificates that can guarantee quality work from their past services (and for legal purposes). It is preferable to select one close to your location, like Virginia Builders, if you plan to live in Virginia, so you can check on them first before the actual contract. Always make your standards high when it comes to hiring a house builder, so you can make sure of efficient service.
You can also scroll and contact the nearby services around your area to discuss your plans with them.
Decision-Making
In deciding on this, take note that having homeownership is a substantial financial responsibility. So be sure to research this and make sure you’re ready and capable of doing so. Before you invest a large sum of money in a property, take time to learn about it.
Knowing what your total expense will be at the end of the deal is vital in determining whether or not you’re able to purchase a home. Other expenses such as property taxes, upkeep, private mortgage insurance, and energy bills will frequently be part of the overall cost of buying a home, all needed for maintenance.
