What’s the most important factor to consider when looking for a new home in New Jersey? Is it the price you pay? Is it the value you get for the money you spend? Or is it getting a home that truly meets your family’s needs—both now and into the foreseeable future? Frankly, we think all three of those things have a huge impact on finding the right New Jersey home for your family.

Price

Let’s be honest: it’s important to pay attention to the price of the home you plan to build. To some degree price dictates how much house you can afford. When you’re setting the budget, you need to know the cost of the new home to make sure it’s within your reach.

A number of factors influence the price of a home: the location, the quality of the labor and materials, the options you choose and the actual size of the home you build. For instance, a 3,220-square-foot Arlington home in Hillsborough costs less than a 4,751-square-foot Somerset home in the same community. It makes sense: there is more material and labor involved in building a larger home.

Another factor that influences price is the lot your new home is built on. That same Somerset home will cost more to build at Fox Brook at Montgomery because the Montgomery lot is considerably larger (1 acre+).

Needs

Finding a home that meets your family’s specific needs and lifestyle is equally important. Getting a great price on a home doesn’t mean much if you don’t feel comfortable in the house you choose. That’s why it’s important to evaluate floor plans based on the activities your family enjoys and how you like to entertain.

You may even have special needs that some homes simply can’t meet. If you plan to have extended family living with you, having a separate guest suite—such as the one that’s optional in our Fairfax model—can be a huge plus.

Value

You could probably argue that the value your new home delivers is the most important factor of all in finding the right home. It’s not just what you pay for your home that matters, but it’s how much home you get for the money you spend. We’re not just talking about size when we mention getting more. We’re talking about a better quality of workmanship, materials and design. We’re talking about a home that’s been planned out to make living conventient, comfortable and enjoyable. That includes the value of living in a desirable community with great schools—and in a place that will hold it’s value for years to come.

So when it’s time to choose a new home in New Jersey that’s just right for you, look beyond the exterior, the number of bedrooms, and the square footage. Focus on a home that fits your budget, meets your family’s unique lifestyle needs and delivers true value for the money you spend.