Want to learn more about the Home Buying Process?
Welcome to the exciting world of home buying with Holt Homes! Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, purchasing a home is a monumental step in your life. The good news? You’re not alone. With more than four decades of experience building new construction homes for families across Oregon and Southwest Washington, Holt Homes is proud to guide you through every step of the home-buying journey. It’s kind of what we do best.
At Holt, we believe a house is more than just a place to live—it’s where you’ll make lifelong memories. We’re proud of our commitment to offering high-quality, efficient, and thoughtfully designed homes that not only reflect the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, but also cater to diverse lifestyles. We understand that buying a home can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.
The 6 steps to the home buying process
- Assessing Your Needs and Budget: Let’s start with what matters most—figuring out what you really need in a home, and how to make sure it fits within your budget. It’s about finding the balance between your dreams and your financial goals.
- Exploring Your Options: New Build vs. Existing House: Deciding between a brand-new construction home or a pre-owned home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
- Touring Homes and Communities: Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to tour homes and neighborhoods. This is where you can begin to imagine your life in your new home. Let’s find the space that feels like home from the moment you walk in the door.
- Making an Offer and Finalizing the Purchase: Ready to make your move? Making an offer is a big step, and we’re here to guide you through the process with ease, making sure everything is in order so that you feel confident in your decision.
- Personalizing* and Building Your New Holt Home: Get ready to bring your vision to life! From selecting finishes and upgrades to personalizing every detail, we’ll help you design a space that reflects your unique style and preferences so your new house feels like home sweet home..
- Closing and Moving In: The final stretch! After all the planning, decision-making, and excitement, it’s time to make it official. Closing is when everything falls into place, and you officially become the owner of your new home. From signing the final documents to getting the keys, we’ll guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.
Whether you’re considering a brand-new home or an existing one, this guide will provide you with the tools and resources you need to make confident decisions. By the end, you’ll feel well-equipped to make a smart, informed choice. We’ve got your back - let’s dive in!
Step 1 – Assessing Your Needs and Budget
Before you begin your home-buying journey, it’s essential to take a step back and assess both your personal goals and your financial situation. While it can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Having an expert (that’s us) in your court relieves pressure and streamlines your to-do list so you can focus on what matters. The following process helps lay the foundation for making informed decisions and ensures that you stay on track throughout the entire home-buying process.
Determining Your Goals:
The first step is to get clear on what you truly want in your new home. Of course, we all have a dream house we have to make compromises on, but ideal scenarios are right where we’d like you to start. What’s most important to you? Are you searching for a spacious home to accommodate a growing family? Or are you seeking a low-maintenance property for an easier lifestyle? Something in between? Proximity to work, schools, or family might also be key factors in your decision. Getting clear on the hierarchy of needs is a huge help in identifying your priorities. Making a list of things that seem simple such as the number of bedrooms, layout, square footage, or whether you need a home office space will help narrow down the search and ensure that you focus only on homes that meet your needs.
Whatever you and yours need, at Holt Homes we offer a diverse range of new-construction homes designed with various lifestyles in mind. It’s our mission to make sure we find you the best fit for your unique needs. We’ve got a whole content library with blogs for all of your questions - What questions should you be asking? We’ve gotcha here. How do we best prepare the kids for a move? Check this out. How do I make sure my new home stands up to the weather? Right here! In short, we’re confident you’ll find just the right spot for all of your needs.
Setting a Budget
Once you've determined your goals, the next step is setting a realistic budget. While it’s likely nobody’s favorite step in the process, it doesn’t have to feel scary. The key to success? Knowledge. Again, this is where time-tested expertise can take a whole lot of pressure off of you. We’ve done this for a while now - it’s our job to know all the ins and outs of what to expect so you don’t have any surprises. As you move towards this step, here are a few things to consider.
The total cost of buying a home isn’t just the price of the property - it also includes understanding several additional expenses such as down payment, mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner insurance, and closing costs. Be sure to factor in ongoing maintenance and utility costs, as well as potential renovations if you're considering an existing home.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a critical step. A pre-approval letter provides clarity on what you can afford and helps ensure that you’re shopping within a price range that fits your budget. Working with a preferred lender will give you a clear understanding of your options and enable you to make an informed decision. At Holt, we have established relationships with reputable mortgage professionals who can help you find the best financing options and stay on track to meet your financial goals. You’re not in it alone.
That may sound like a lot, but the good news is there are countless upsides to homeownership - tax benefits being one! Want more? Check out our First-Time Homebuyer Checklist.
Step 2 – Exploring Your Options: New-Build vs. Existing Homes
After assessing your needs and setting a budget, the next step is to explore your options. You’ll need to decide whether you’d like to purchase a newly built home or an existing property. Both options offer unique advantages, and understanding the pros and cons will help guide your decision-making process.
Advantages of New-Build Homes
One of the most significant advantages of choosing a new-build home, like those offered by Holt Homes, is the ability to personalize your living space. You can choose your floor plan, finishes, and even select upgrades that fit your personal style and needs. From choosing countertops and flooring to adding a modern kitchen or a luxury bathroom, new-build homes offer endless customization options.
In addition, new homes come with the latest energy-efficient features. Modern construction methods and materials contribute to lower utility bills and help reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, new homes are often backed by warranties that cover repairs and issues that may arise in the early years of ownership.
Benefits of Buying an Existing Home
On the other hand, buying an existing home might appeal to you if you want to move in quickly. With no waiting for construction to be completed, you can potentially close the deal and settle in much faster. Established neighborhoods also tend to have more mature landscaping, parks, and amenities that take time to develop. However, it's important to note that new construction communities often have move-in-ready homes available, offering the same quick timeline as an existing home. These homes are fully built and ready for immediate occupancy, giving you the benefits of brand-new construction without the wait.
With existing homes, you might face the possibility of needing renovations or repairs to meet modern standards. While the asking price may be negotiable, keep in mind that older homes often come with unexpected maintenance costs down the line. If you're willing to take on a fixer-upper or are looking for a home with unique character, an existing property might be a good fit for you.
Ultimately, the choice between a new-build home and an existing property comes down to your lifestyle preferences, timeline, and long-term goals. Carefully weighing these factors will help you find the home that aligns with your vision. No matter which option you choose, Holt Homes is here to help you navigate the process and find the perfect place to call home. Check out our Why Buy New blog post for some additional guidance on getting the most bang for your buck.
Why Choose Holt Homes for Your New-Build Journey
With over 40 years of experience, Holt Homes brings local expertise and a commitment to quality that sets us apart. We specialize in building thoughtfully designed homes with modern materials (advanced insulation, energy-efficient windows, and state-of-the-art HVAC systems). Holt Homes doesn’t just build houses; we build lasting value, ensuring that our communities and the people in them are in it for the long haul.
Our team works closely with you to provide personalized options, allowing you to select a home and features that match your preferences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly neighborhood or a peaceful retreat, Holt Homes has a variety of options that cater to your needs.
Step 4 – Making an Offer and Finalizing the Purchase
Once you’ve found the right home, it’s time to make an offer. This step can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but understanding the process and staying calm will help you navigate this part with confidence.
Making an Offer
When making an offer on a home, consider the market conditions, the asking price, and the home’s condition. If you're purchasing an existing home, working with a real estate agent can help you negotiate the best price. For new homes with Holt Homes, the process is simplified because we offer fixed pricing and transparent options, so you won’t have to worry about bidding wars or surprises.
Understanding the Contract
Before you sign anything, it's essential to review the contract carefully. This paperwork includes crucial details, such as contingencies, inspection clauses, and closing timelines. At Holt Homes, we ensure that you understand every aspect of the contract and provide clear guidance to ensure that everything aligns with your expectations.
Securing Financing
Once your offer is accepted, securing financing is the next step. We work with trusted mortgage partners who will help you secure the best rates and terms for your mortgage. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your financing is in place when it's time to close.
Step 5 – Personalizing and Building Your New Holt Home
Once you’ve chosen to buy a new home, the fun part begins: customizing your space. This is your chance to design a home that fits your unique style and lifestyle. Holt Homes offers a range of customizable options, from floor plans to finishes, giving you the flexibility to make your new home truly yours.
The Personalization Process
Start by selecting a floor plan that suits your family’s needs. Whether you prefer an open-concept layout or a more traditional design, there’s a variety of options to explore. Not sure exactly which one fits your needs? We’ve compiled some resources for common interests as general as What Size Home is Right for You or as specific as The Best Floor Plans For Entertaining.
Afterward, the real fun begins as you pick out finishes like countertops, cabinets, and flooring. You can choose from a range of quality materials, and if sustainability is important to you, we offer eco-friendly upgrades such as energy-efficient appliances and insulation. If you want a luxurious master suite or a chef-inspired kitchen, the choice is yours.
This step allows you to personalize your home with the features that matter most to you, whether you’re aiming for a modern, sleek look or a cozy, timeless feel.
Quality Assurance and Final Walkthrough
As construction progresses, Holt Homes ensures that every detail meets our high standards. Throughout the process, subsequent milestone walkthroughs with your site superintendent will be scheduled based on your home’s construction stage. Before moving in, you’ll have a final walkthrough to review your new home and ensure everything is perfect. This is your chance to address any questions or adjustments, ensuring that your home is ready for you to enjoy.
Once the walkthrough is complete, your new home will be ready for you to move in and make it your own. At Holt Homes, we’re committed to helping you create a space where you can build a lifetime of memories.
Step 6 – Closing and Moving In
The final step in your home-buying journey is closing on the property and preparing for your move-in.
The Closing Process
During closing, you’ll finalize all the legal and financial paperwork required to take ownership of your home. At Holt Homes, we make this process as smooth and efficient as possible, ensuring you can focus on the exciting next step - moving into your new home.
Preparing for Move-In Day
Moving can be stressful, but with careful planning, it can be a smooth experience. Be sure to pack ahead of time, secure reliable movers, and set up utilities before the big day. Holt Homes offers helpful resources to assist with this transition.
Enjoying Life in Your New Holt Home
After moving in, take the time to settle into your new home and community. Holt Homes is dedicated to ensuring that your experience goes beyond just moving in—we’re here to support you long after you’ve unpacked your last box.
Why Choose Holt Homes for Your Home Buying Journey?
At Holt Homes, we’re not just building houses—we’re creating homes that fit your lifestyle and needs. With over 40 years of experience in Oregon and Southwest Washington, we understand what it takes to build high-quality, sustainable homes. Our focus on customer service and community ensures that you’ll enjoy every step of the journey.
Locally Grown Expertise
With deep local roots, Holt Homes brings expert knowledge of the region’s housing market, weather conditions, and community needs. This enables us to build homes that stand the test of time.
Focus on Community Livability
We believe that a home is more than just four walls—it’s part of a thriving community. That’s why we design communities that encourage connection and offer access to nearby amenities, schools, and parks.
Streamlined and Customer-Focused Process
From your first inquiry to moving in and beyond, we simplify the home-buying process and provide personalized support every step of the way.
Conclusion
Whether you’re buying a brand-new home or an existing property, Holt Homes makes the journey to homeownership a rewarding experience. Our team is here to guide you from start to finish, ensuring that you find the home of your dreams. Reach out today to begin your home-buying adventure!
And, of course, we’d love to talk to you about your next home: a Holt Home! Contact us for more information and to schedule a visit.
*All selections subject to change depending on availability
Posted: Apr 11. 2025