The information age is great. Except that sometimes, rather than answering questions, too much information can just create more questions. Perhaps even more so when your questions are related to buying a home! After all, this is the largest, most expensive purchase you are likely to make, so your questions are justified.

How do you cut through the information overload and get to the answers you need though? We have a few good ideas.

Research the Community

The first thing you are going to want to research is the community you are thinking of buying in. Visit the official municipal web page, and take a look at a few social media pages for the community. Pay the community a visit too. There are things you can learn just by driving around that are not apparent when you research online.

Research the Builder

If you are considering buying a new home from a particular builder, and you have already decided that the community is a good fit, then the next step is to research the builder. Find out if they are BBB accredited, and read online reviews about them on a variety of websites. Consider visiting their offices to ask questions, or drive past a few homes that are being built by them.

If you can, get contactable references from the builder, and call a few people to see what their experience working with the homebuilder were like. You can also contact the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to conduct more in depth research if you choose to.

Research Your Floor Plan Options

With the community and the builder chosen by a combination of online research, references and hands on research, the next thing you need to do is research the floor plans and options on offer. This is largely a matter of contacting the builder and discussing options and costs. Consider contacting a realtor in the area to find out which upgrades are likely to increase the value of your new home long term.

Research Finishes and Products

If the community and the builder are a good fit, then the next thing you will want to research will be the finishes and the products. Get a list of the brand name products and materials your builder uses, and do some research about care, warranty and maintenance. Contact manufacturers for brochures and data sheets, so that you know exactly what you are getting.

Avoid Over Researching

It is not unheard of for research to become almost obsessive. The more you know, the more you need to know, and before you know it, you are more confused than when you started. Also remember to take anything you read online with a pinch of salt. Not everything you find on the internet is completely correct, and if there is anything that concerns you, it is always best to speak directly to your homebuilder. They will be happy to provide the information you need to make an informed decision.