A lot of people don’t like being asked the question: “Is now a good time?” It generally means we’re about to be interrupted and too often it means we’re going to have to deal with something we’d rather avoid.

When the question revolves around building a new home in New Jersey, however, it’s a question we want to pay attention to. That’s because the homebuilding process is a little different than most things we do. There are more details to consider and more decisions to make. And when you’re building a home, the time you spend before construction begins can make a lot of difference in how the process goes—and how you feel about your new home.

That’s why even though it may not seem to be a good time to be out building a home, it’s actually a great time to start the process so that you’ll be ready to make a move later. What can you do during these winter months to prepare yourself?

Research Locations.

You don’t’ want to rush into anything when building a home for your family. Take your time and do some research. Look into where you want to live. What communities are growing and thriving? Where can you find great schools for the kids? What will the commute be like from your home to your job? What other things are there to do in the area?

Check Out Area Builders.

Not all builders are created equal. Spend some time checking out the builders in the area where you want to live. What do previous clients have to say about them? What’s their reputation? Are they known for building the kind of home you want?

Think About Floor Plans.

There’s a reason that builders offer different floor plans: Different families have different needs. A builder that only offers one or two basic plans may not have the design that’s right for you. Find a builder who offers a variety of floor plans. You’ll also want to check out if a builder offers extra options that allow you to make a home better fit your needs.

Get Your Financing Arranged.

Even if you’ve picked out a neighborhood or community where you want to live and have chosen the right builder and the perfect floor plan, if you don’t have your mortgage loan set up, that can cause unwanted delays. By starting early on getting your loan in place, you’ll have time to shop around and find the best deal without feeling the pressure of a looming deadline.

Is now a good time to start on the homebuilding process? If you want to be able to move quickly (and smoothly) in a few months’ time, now is a great time to begin your preparations for owning a beautiful new home in New Jersey!