 5 Signs You're Ready to Buy Your First Home in Kansas City Thinking about taking the plunge into homeownership in Kansas City? You're not alone. With the metro's growing neighborhoods, solid job market, and that unbeatable Midwest charm, more first-time buyers are wondering if now's their time to buy. But how do you know when you're truly ready to make this life-changing move? Here's the thing: Buying your first home isn't just about wanting to stop renting (though that's part of it). It's about being financially and emotionally prepared for what comes next. Let's dive into the five telltale signs that you're ready to become a Kansas City homeowner. 1. Your Family is Expanding Whether you're planning a wedding, expecting a baby, or your current living situation just feels cramped with your growing crew, family expansion is one of the strongest indicators it's time to buy. Think about it: that cozy one-bedroom apartment that worked perfectly for your post-college years suddenly feels like a shoebox when you're sharing it with a partner. Add a baby to the mix? Forget about it. You'll be tripping over a high chair while trying to navigate around the pack-n-play in your living room. Kansas City offers incredible family-friendly neighborhood that make the transition from renting to owning even more appealing. Areas like Parkville, Gladstone, Overland Park, and Liberty boast top-rated schools, parks within walking distance, and that suburban feel where kids can actually play outside safely. But here's what many first-time buyers don't consider: space planning for the future. Sure, you might only need two bedrooms now, but what about in three years? Five years? Buying with your future family in mind means you won't outgrow your home before you've even settled in. The bonus? Building equity while your family grows beats throwing rent money away every month, especially when you'll need that equity down the road for things like college funds or that bigger home when kiddo number two arrives. 2. Your Rent Just Went Up (Again) Let's talk numbers, because this one's a real eye-opener. The median home price in the greater Kansas City area hit $350,000 in 2025 across Clay, Jackson, Johnson (KS), Platte, and Wyandotte counties. At first glance, that might seem intimidating – but let's break down what homeownership actually costs compared to renting. Here's the math that'll make you rethink your next lease renewal: For a $350,000 home with 10% down: - Down payment: $35,000 - Loan amount: $315,000 - Monthly mortgage payment (30-year fixed at current rates): ~$2,100* - Property taxes, insurance, and PMI: ~$650* - Total monthly housing cost: approximately $2,750* Now compare that to Kansas City's average rent prices, which have climbed to around $1,800-$2,200 for a decent two-bedroom apartment or townhome. Suddenly, that mortgage payment doesn't look so scary. But here's where it gets really interesting: Every month you pay rent, that money disappears forever. Every month you pay a mortgage, you're building equity in an asset that typically appreciates over time. In Kansas City's market, that appreciation has been steady and reliable – not the wild rollercoaster you see in coastal markets. Mortgage= putting a portion of your housing cost back into your pocket in the form of equity. Rent = No money back In your pocket. 3. You Have Stable Income and Real Savings This might seem obvious, but financial readiness goes way deeper than just having a job. Lenders want to see consistent income for at least two years, but smart buyers look at their own financial stability from every angle. Here's what "ready" actually looks like:
But let's get real about Kansas City specifically. The cost of living here is still reasonable compared to national averages, which means your dollar stretches further. A household income of $75,000-$85,000 can comfortably afford that median-priced home, especially with first-time buyer programs available in the metro. Don't forget about closing costs – most of your closing costs as a buyer tend to be escrow holdbacks for taxes and insurance. This means the lender will hold more 6-12 months worth of those payments to make sure you don't default on your taxes or lose your rate. A good lender should be able to give you an estimated cost sheet to prepare you ahead of time. 4. you're flipping through instagram and tiktok renovations like it's your job... Homeownership freedom hits different when you realize you can hang pictures without worrying about losing your security deposit. But it's more than just decorating – it's about creating a space that's truly yours. In Kansas City, this freedom is especially sweet because our housing stock includes so many homes with character – think Craftsman bungalows in Midtown, classic colonials in Prairie Village, or charming modern farmhouses in the Northland. These homes practically beg for personal touches that make them uniquely yours. This also means that you're getting prepared to take on the required maintenance of your future home. Being confident in home improvements is a major bonus when it comes to being ready to own a home. Anyone can handle minor home repairs with the right tutorial. Plus, improvements add value. It's like paying yourself to live your best life. That kitchen renovation isn't just making your life better – it's potentially adding thousands to your home's worth. 5. You're Ready to Put Down Roots in KC Kansas City isn't just a place to live – it's a place to build a life. If you find yourself talking about "our neighborhood," planning around local events, or genuinely caring about city council elections, you're probably ready to make this place your permanent home. Plan to stay at least two years, since that's when owner-occupied homes typically aren't subject to capital gains taxes (limits apply). In some markets, you could break even or profit sooner. We've seen clients come out ahead within 1 or 2 years depending on market conditions! But here's what makes Kansas City special for first-time buyers: the community aspect is real. Whether you're drawn to the urban energy of the Crossroads or the suburban comfort of the Northland, each area has distinct communities where homeowners genuinely know their neighbors. Homeownership in KC means
Ready to Take the Next Step? If you're nodding along to three or more of these signs, you might be closer to homeownership than you think. Kansas City's market offers opportunities for first-time buyers** that simply don't exist in more expensive metros – reasonable prices, diverse neighborhoods, and a cost of living that makes homeownership achievable. The key is working with professionals who understand both the local market and first-time buyer needs. Getting pre-approved for your mortgage should be your first step – it shows sellers you're serious and gives you a realistic budget for your home search. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. You don't need a 20% down payment or a perfect credit score to become a homeowner in Kansas City. You just need to be financially stable, emotionally ready, and prepared to take advantage of what our market offers. Ready to stop wondering and start shopping? The Kansas City housing market is waiting for you – and frankly, it's been pretty good to first-time buyers who come prepared and work with the right team. AuthorKristi Burke, Team Leader of The Burke Team
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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Your Home in Kansas City
Selling your home in Kansas City, whether you're in the heart of the Metro or the suburban Northland, can feel overwhelming. But here's the thing: most of the headaches and financial losses sellers experience are completely avoidable. After years of helping families navigate the Kansas City real estate market, I've seen the same costly mistakes over and over again. The good news? Once you know what these mistakes are, they're easy to avoid. Let's walk through the seven biggest pitfalls that could cost you time, money, and your sanity. Mistake #1: Not Decluttering Your HomeWalk into any successful open house in Kansas City, and you'll notice something immediately, space. Lots of it. That's not because these homes are necessarily bigger; it's because the sellers understood that clutter is the enemy of a quick sale. Here's what happens when you don't declutter: buyers can't visualize themselves in the space. Instead of imagining their family gathered around your dining table, they're distracted by the stack of magazines, the overflowing bookshelf, and the collection of knick-knacks covering every surface.
Start with the "one-third rule", remove about one-third of everything in each room. Pack away personal collections, clear kitchen countertops except for a few essential items, and create breathing room in closets and storage areas. Kansas City buyers, especially those looking in competitive Northland neighborhoods, want to see potential, not your stuff. Pro tip: If you're struggling to be objective about what needs to go, ask a friend to walk through your home. Fresh eyes will spot the clutter blind spots you've gotten used to living with. Mistake #2: Not Listing with a Full-Time Real Estate AgentThis might sound self-serving coming from a real estate team, but hear me out. The Kansas City market is mixed, highly localized, and is constantly changing. Part-time agents simply aren't immersed in it the way a professional full time agent is. When you list with someone who treats real estate as a side hustle, you're gambling with potentially your largest financial asset. Full-time agents live and breathe market trends, have established relationships with other agents, photographers, and contractors, and can respond to inquiries and showing requests immediately, not when they get off their "day job." The numbers don't lie: Homes listed with full-time professionals in Kansas City typically sell 23% faster and for 6% more money than those listed with part-time agents. In today's market, that could mean the difference between multiple offers and sitting on the market for months. Look for agents who have recent sales in your specific area, whether that's Liberty, Gladstone, Parkville, Downtown, Overland Park, or anywhere in between. Local market knowledge isn't just helpful; it's essential for proper pricing and marketing strategy. Mistake #3: Pricing Too HighThis is the big one. Overpricing your home might feel like smart negotiating strategy, but it's actually one of the fastest ways to cost yourself money. Here's what really happens when you price too high: serious buyers skip right past your listing. They're not thinking, "Oh, we'll just offer less." They're thinking, "These sellers are unrealistic," and they move on to the next house. Meanwhile, your home sits on the market, gets stale, and eventually you'll have to reduce the price anyway, but now you're dealing with buyer skepticism about why it didn't sell initially.
Kansas City's market varies dramatically by neighborhood. A $350,000 home in Gladstone competes with different properties than a $350,000 home in Overland Park. Your agent should provide a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA) showing recently sold homes similar to yours in size, age, condition, and location. Smart pricing strategy: Price your home at in a realistic range based on condition, current comps, and how quickly you want it to sell. If you've underpriced, the market will correct you will multiple offers, but you can't undo the damage of overpricing from day one. Mistake #4: Renovating More Than You Need ToSometimes we talk to sellers who think they need to completely update their home before listing. While some improvements make sense, going overboard with renovations is often a costly mistake that won't pay off at closing. Focus on high-impact, low-cost improvements instead. Fresh paint throughout the home, updated light fixtures, and professional cleaning will do more for your bottom line than expensive renovations. Save the major improvements for your next home, let the buyer decide what updates they want to tackle. Exception: Safety and major system issues should be addressed. A leaking roof or broken HVAC system will definitely hurt your sale. But the granite countertops and hardwood floors? Most buyers would rather handle those upgrades themselves and choose their own finishes. Not sure if you should tackle a home project before listing? We offer free pre-listing consultations and can help guide you to the most impactful improvements you can make to help sell homes for the best net-profit. Mistake #5: Not De-Personalizing Your HomeYour family photos tell the story of your life, but they shouldn't tell the story of your home sale. Personal items create barriers between potential buyers and their ability to envision living in the space. This goes beyond just family photos. Religious items, political memorabilia, bold paint colors, and highly personal décor choices can inadvertently alienate buyers. The goal is to create a neutral canvas that appeals to the widest possible audience.
Start with these de-personalizing steps:
Remember, you're not erasing your personality permanently, you're temporarily creating space for buyers to project their own vision onto your home. Mistake #6: Poor Quality Listing PhotosIn today's digital world, your listing photos ARE your first showing. With 95% of Kansas City buyers starting their search online, poor photos can eliminate interested parties before they ever step foot in your home. Smartphone photos with bad lighting, awkward angles, and cluttered rooms don't just look unprofessional, they actively hurt your sale. Buyers scroll through dozens of listings, and photos that don't grab attention get skipped entirely. Professional real estate photography is one of the best investments you can make. Great photos generate more online views, more showings, and typically result in faster sales and higher offers. As a real estate team, we include professional photography as part of our full service marketing packages because we know how important they are. What professional photos include: Proper lighting, wide-angle lenses that show room flow, exterior shots during optimal conditions, and editing that makes spaces look bright and welcoming without being misleading. Mistake #7: Being Home During ShowingsThis feels counterintuitive, shouldn't you be available to answer questions about your beloved home? Actually, no. Your presence during showings creates an uncomfortable dynamic that can cost you offers. When sellers are home, buyers feel like they're intruding. They rush through rooms, don't open closets or cabinets, and can't speak freely with their agent about concerns or potential offers. They also can't envision themselves living there when the current owners are right there.
Even worse: Sellers often can't help themselves from "helping" with the showing. Pointing out features, explaining quirks, or defending design choices puts buyers on the defensive and can highlight problems rather than benefits. Plan to leave for all showings and let your agent do their job. If buyers have specific questions, they can ask their agent, who will contact your agent. This professional communication flow leads to better relationships and stronger offers. Pro tip: If you absolutely must be home (maybe you have pets or young children), stay in one area and let your agent handle the showing. Better yet, plan a trip to the grocery store or grab coffee with a friend. The Bottom Line for Kansas City SellersSelling your home successfully in Kansas City: whether you're in a luxury neighborhood or a cozy starter home community: comes down to preparation, realistic expectations, and professional guidance. These seven mistakes might seem small individually, but together they can cost you thousands of dollars and extra months on the market. The good news is that they're all avoidable when you work with the right team and approach your sale strategically. Remember, selling your home is both an emotional journey and a business transaction. The families who navigate both aspects successfully are the ones who celebrate at closing with the outcome they wanted. If you're considering listing your Kansas City area home and want to avoid these costly mistakes from day one, we'd love to chat about your goals and create a customized selling strategy. Every home and situation is unique, and getting personalized advice based on your specific property and timeline can make all the difference. Ready to get started? Let's talk about how to position your home for success in today's Kansas City market. Kristi BurkeTeam Leader and Listing Strategist, The Burke Team   Welcome to the heartland of America, where the Kansas City real estate market is bustling with activity. In this blog post, we'll delve into the latest statistics provided by the Greater Heartland MLS, shedding light on the average price points and market trends across various counties in the area. The average price point for the greater Kansas City area, according to the Greater Heartland MLS, currently stands at $332,143 year-to-date. This figure provides an overview of the region's overall market performance. However, it's important to note that different counties within the Kansas City area may exhibit varying price points. Let's explore some of the notable price points in specific counties:
In addition to price points, it's crucial to consider the time it takes for properties to sell. The average days on market provide insights into the current market conditions and the pace of transactions. According to the Greater Heartland MLS, single-family homes in Platte, Clay, Jackson, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties have taken an average of 41 days on the market year-to-date. It's noteworthy that the average days on market are slightly decreasing as we approach the summer season. This trend suggests a growing sense of urgency among buyers and a healthy level of demand within the Kansas City real estate market. Sellers can take advantage of this positive momentum by listing their properties during this period. The Kansas City real estate market showcases a diverse range of opportunities for both buyers and sellers. With an average price point of $332,143 year-to-date in the greater Kansas City area, potential homeowners have options to suit their budget and preferences across different counties. Platte County, MO leads with a higher average price point, followed by Clay County, Jackson County, Johnson County, and Wyandotte County. Furthermore, the decreasing average days on market indicate a market that is picking up steam as summer approaches. Buyers and sellers alike should stay vigilant and take advantage of the current market conditions. Whether you're looking for a luxurious suburban home or an affordable property near the heart of downtown, the Kansas City real estate market has something to offer for everyone. Disclaimer: The statistics mentioned in this blog post are based on the Greater Heartland MLS data and are subject to change over time. It is advisable to consult with a local real estate professional (Hey there!👋) for the most up-to-date information and personalized advice.
If you have paid the slightest attention to what’s going on in the housing market, then you know how crazy the last couple of years have been for real estate. Homebuyers have been willing to risk it all to get their offer accepted - waiving inspections, offering $30k over asking, and willing to pay the difference should the property not appraise. Conversely, homeowners wanting to sell their property to take advantage of high prices, have been too scared to list because of the low inventory and the low possibility of finding a new home. Luckily, we are finally seeing a change in the market. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, existing-home sales declined for the fifth straight month- down 5.4% from May and 14.2% from one year ago. Meanwhile, unsold existing home inventory is at 3.0 months compared to 2.5 months of inventory in June 2021; A small adjustment - but an interesting one. Home sellers can still list confidently knowing that the median existing-home sales price climbed 13.4% from one year ago to a new record high. However, the turning market is suggesting a forecast of slowing down as we wait for July stats to come out. We are expecting to see an increase in days on market and less properties sold as-is. With all of that said, you can say goodbye to the days of offering well over list price on everything…at least for now. The real estate market is currently undergoing a “shift”. The supply of new and existing homes for sale is on the rise. This gives homebuyers a better chance of finding a home that will meet their current needs. While inventory overall is still low and the market is still fast-moving. Overall, it’s still a good time to list as home prices seem steady - just don't expect it to sell in one weekend, it may take weeks to months moving forward.  About the Author Carynn Rader is a real estate sales agent for The Burke Team. She specializes in helping clients move from one home to the next with ease. Known for her tough negotiation skills, she works hard to get her clients the deal they deserve. Virtually Sold: How Tech has eased the buying process for our clients around the US moving to KC7/12/2021 Looking to move to Kansas City from out of state? Call us directly at (816) 945-0671. Coronavirus changed a lot. In April of 2020, a lot of things were unclear - would we be able to work? How would we show homes? Are we really that essential. Although NAR was quick to advocate that homes are, in fact, essential, that didn't necessarily mean that every buyer or seller felt comfortable with in-person home tours. On the flip side, we had increasing buyer demand and we noticed something else too - more and more buyers were moving here from other states and other cities. If you don't know us, you should know that Josh is from California, and although I grew up here, I had been in California for nearly 10 years before moving back home in 2016. The opportunity to come back gave me a different view of our city that I never noticed when I grew up here. The river market, the jazz, the art deco architecture, the history of the garment district - it was like falling in love with my city all over again. Naturally, when someone is moving to KC from somewhere else, I'm always excited to share my favorite places to go. Amidst a pandemic and an influx of buyers in Kansas City, Josh and I found a stride in helping those who were new to town. Technology played no small part in adapting to both the pandemic and our growing business. We already had several tools in our arsenal to help us with our military clients, and we had done several site unseen deals using video before, but we needed to become as efficient as possible. We found an app that allowed us to send links of large file videos directly to our clients. This allowed us to preview homes and send videos directly to our clients' phones. We have helped clients get into homes before they even step foot in Kansas City and offer full service concierge transactions so all our clients have to worry about is showing up to closing. When necessary, we have also worked with our title company to offer off-site remote closings so our clients can move in the day that they get in town - or close on the sale of their home AFTER they've moved to Hawaii (true story!).  We were surprised to find our local clients enjoyed the service as well. When a home hits the market, our clients know they can text us to preview and we'll do the legwork before they waste their time looking at a house that doesn't meet all of their needs. Imagine being able to tour a home from the break room at work? This year we've closed several deals utilizing video and minimizing the work our clients have to do to get into the home of their dreams.
Additionally, we have continued to offer Zillow compatible 3D Tours on all of our listings. This has increased our listing exposure to out of state and out of town buyers by more than 1000 views per home. Are you moving to Kansas City? Do you want an agent who "gets you" and does all the hard work? Call Us Directly at 816-945-0671. Kristi Burke Licensed Realtor in Missouri and Kansas The Burke Team RE/MAX Innovations Guest Post by Patrick Young, Able USA Photo courtesy of Weebly.com House-hunting can be a stressful endeavor, as any homeowner can probably attest, and that tends to be especially true when you have a disability. Personally, I’ve often found it difficult not to fall in love with a home before I know if it’s able to accommodate my specific needs. After all, it’s hard not to swoon over a property you see online, only to deal with the emotional fallout after you discover that it doesn’t check the most important boxes. Although I’d like to say this hasn’t happened to me, I must admit that I’ve encountered disappointment more than once. Are you on the hunt for an accessible home? You may quickly discover that some disabilities can require certain design elements and home features to ensure safety and comfort, which can make finding an accessible new home more of a hassle. In addition to working with a great real estate agent, there are a few things that buyers who are living with disabilities should keep in mind during their home search. You May Need to Budget for Additional Modifications When it comes to finding a home with accessibility features, each person’s needs can be vastly different. So during your house hunt, you may need to think about adding features and making modifications before or after you move into your new home. Tally the costs and consider them when making your offer. For example, one modification you might consider is replacing carpet with hardwood flooring. If you use a wheelchair or other assistive devices, having hardwood floors can make it much easier to move about your home, and hardwood floors can also be easier to keep clean. While this can be a rather costly upgrade, choosing less expensive woods like pine or bamboo can keep project expenses more manageable. Having subfloors that are in good condition and completing the upgrade before your heavy furniture is moved in can also keep costs lower. For smaller homes and less-involved hardwood floor installations, homeowners can pay as little as $1,000. Other home modifications you may need to budget and plan for include widening doorways for wheelchair access or remodeling bathrooms for fall prevention. You May Be Able to Use Grants for Accessibility Modifications Making modifications to your new home may be your safest bet for ensuring that it truly fits your needs because finding a home that includes the accessibility features and upgrades you need to live a comfortable, safe, and independent life can be challenging. If you’re worried about being able to afford accessibility changes to a new home, rest assured that there are grants and funding programs that can help you out. Both low-income and veteran homeowners may qualify for special grants aimed at helping those with disabilities make the necessary adjustments to their homes. VA grants can be especially helpful for veteran home buyers, since veterans can use these grants to purchase accessible homes or make needed upgrades. In addition to home modification and accessibility grants, qualified veterans who are living with disabilities may also be able to use VA loans to purchase a home with no money down. Then they can put the savings toward modifications. Utilize Online Tools In Your Home Search Sadly, finding accessible homes can be a challenge for most buyers. This is an ongoing issue facing realtors and buyers alike, but there are few online resources that can make your search a little easier. From the Fair Housing Act to ADA requirements, you can use these resources to research specific requirements if you plan on purchasing a new home within a building or community. If you want to buy a more traditional property, however, you may need to dig a little deeper to find properties that fit your unique needs. You can compare listings you find through real estate websites that have been tailored to help those with disabilities. For example, the site Accessible Properties provides listings for homes, apartments, and other properties that all include accessibility design features. Just enter your zip code, and you should be able to view wheelchair-accessible homes in your area. If you are looking for financial resources to help you buy an accessible home, know that there are programs and special loans for non-veterans, too. When it comes to finding an accessible home that fits your unique needs, and walking you through the home buying process, a good real estate agent can help! Contact Josh and Kristi Burke at RE/MAX Innovations to start your search. Author, Patrick YoungPatrick Young is an educator and activist. He believes people with disabilities must live within a unique set of circumstances. Patrick created Able USA to offer resources to others with disabilities to help them navigate the various aspects of life as a person with a disability. Getting your home ready to be sold can be a daunting task with a lot of question marks. Let us move past all the questions of what to paint or replace and move on to how to stage your home to get the most out of each future showing.
A lot of agents are going to tell you "less is more" and "get rid of this" or "just pay for one of these". At the end of the day you need to think of your home as a sales floor at a high end retail store. The people coming to view your home should walk away with a couple of subliminal thoughts. The home should be so organized that they think this is going to be an easy place to live in. Keeping this home clean is going to be a breeze and this solves a lot of problems at my current home. They will think because your home is so organized that you have taken extra special care of your home from the minute you purchased the place. Above all they should remember your home before thinking of the other 6 homes they looked at that day. The truth is most buyers bite off more than they can chew when it comes to how many homes they want to look at. So we need to do what we can to stand out. This does not mean go spend a small fortune on staging furniture and wall art. Now do not get me wrong, these are great things to do but they do not necessarily sell your home any faster or for a better price. I say spend your time, energy and money on projects that will help your potential buyers see themselves living in your home. Make sure the most important spaces are immaculate and organized. In the master bedroom your bed should be made up as if your home is a 5 star hotel. Your closet should look like that retail store, so what does that mean? Everything on a hanger should be hung straight with like items next to each other. Within those like items you should keep them in order of light to bright to dark. Try and keep an even amount of spacing between each hanger. If you have shoes on the floor they should be straight and have their laces tucked. The bathroom should have a minimal amount of items out on the countertop. All mirrors and countertops should be cleaned and sparkling. Now I can not believe I have to say this, but yes you need to close all toilet lids. If you have a glass shower door hit it up with some windex. In the kitchen make It look like a William Sonoma catalog photo. This is a definite "less is more" situation. The pantry should be organized, and most of the reason for this is to make it easy to show that you have plenty of room in your pantry. The cook of the family potentially purchasing your home should look in here and see just how easy finding ingredients is going to be at their new dream kitchen. Next step is clear off that refrigerator of all clutter. The last thing you want them thinking of is the chaos that we all have in life. Keep in mind you are selling a dream not a home. In the Living Room fluff some pillows. Strategically place a throw blanket and do not leave anything unnecessary laying out. Ok maybe a well thought about coffee table book, and make it something that sells that dream. Examples are a Robb Report, book on traveling, or a cook book. Sorry dudes you need to put away your Sports Illustrated, Fantasy Football guide, and automobile magazine. At the end of the showing you want these people to see their lives and dreams coming to life in the home you are selling. Disorganization is a great way for people to see themselves having a chaotic life in the home you are selling. If you are in the Kansas City area hiring cleaning company and an organizer is a great way to do this if you are not sure where to start. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or want to know more about the process.  "The Cottonwood" by Aspen Homes in Highland Meadows For a lot of us, it's the gold at the end of a rainbow - to build the home of your dreams from scratch. But what should be a super exciting time in your life can also be super stressful. From understanding the construction process, to navigating construction loans and rate locks, there are a ton of questions that come with building a home, and we're here to answer them.
Plan ahead and practice the patience of a Buddhist You did it! You saved up a sizable down payment, got that promotion at work, and you're ready to build. What you need to keep in mind is that a build job (depending on where you live) can take around 9-12 months to complete. That means if you're thinking about moving next spring, you should have started digging last June. Which really means you should have started working with a real estate agent and shopping builders by April. You will need to put down a larger earnest money deposit When you ask a builder to start building for you, they are likely to put the loan into their own name (there are some exceptions, for example you own the lot or you are using a construction loan). In most subdivisions, you will have the luxury of closing once the home is completed. This means that the builder takes all the risk, and they want to be sure you aren't going to back out mid-construction on a house that they've built custom to you. Earnest money requirements vary by builder and depend largely on how custom you're making the home. Some builders will take installment payments on large sums, and your real estate agent can help you navigate this process. The fun stuff doesn't start until Month 4 There's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes before your house can start being built. First you will have to pick a builder, a floor plan, and a lot. A good new construction agent can show you multiple builders' work and help guide you to a floor plan that meets your needs. Once you've got a quote from the builder, you can go to contract. At that point, the builder files for a permit which can take over a month. Then you'll have your groundbreaking (we like to have a little champagne for this) and finally you'll see the foundation poured. Despite the champagne, this part of the process is less exciting, but around the 4th or 5th month of construction, your house will get framed! At that point, the home starts to come together quickly, and you can begin visualizing your design selections. You don't have to have it all figured out up front A lot of homeowners make the overwhelming mistake of trying to navigate tile selection before they've even gone to contract. Rest easy. Your builder will give you an allowance at contract explaining what is included in your purchase price and you won't need to pick specifics until the house is near framing stage. Most builders allowances give you a wide selection of options when it comes to finishes and if you want to upgrade anything, your agent will simply fill out a change order for the difference. This will allow you to pay cash or lump it into the loan. Your builder and your real estate agent will also make sure that you're on time when it comes to making necessary selections leaving you plenty of time to Pinterest. Interested in building a home in the Kansas City area? Contact us and we can help connect you with the right builder and walk you through the new home buying process.  A recently framed "Perry" by Integrity Homebuilders |
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