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What to Look For When Searching for Your New Home—Norfolk Homes’ Checklist

September 9, 2024

At Norfolk Homes, our team understands that finding the perfect home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start, what questions to ask and how to compare different builders and communities. That’s why we’ve put together a checklist of essential factors to consider during your home search—guiding you through the process of selecting the best builder and home for your needs.

We take pride in the phenomenal new homes we build throughout Ann Arbor and surrounding areas like Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Marshall and Jackson, and we want to ensure you feel confident in your decision. Here's our expert advice on what to look for when searching for your new home.

Considerations When Selecting a Builder

1. Transfer Tax – Who Pays?

One important yet often overlooked cost in Michigan home transactions is the transfer tax, which is a fee imposed by both the state and the county—totaling 0.86% of the home’s sales price. It’s essential to ask whether the builder or buyer will cover this cost, as this can significantly impact your closing costs. At Norfolk Homes, we cover the transfer tax for every new home sale—which is just one of the ways we ensure a seamless and stress-free process for our homeowners.

2. Owner’s Title Insurance Policy – What's Covered?

Another closing cost to consider is the owner’s title insurance policy, which protects you from title defects and potential disputes over property ownership. Typically, the seller covers this expense at around 0.275% of the sales price. Not all builders do, but at Norfolk Homes, we believe in making the home-buying process as smooth as possible, so we cover the cost of the owner’s title insurance policy.

3. Craftsmanship and Quality – Does the Builder Stand Behind Their Homes?

When selecting a builder, it’s critical to assess the quality of their work. How experienced is their construction team? What kind of materials and techniques do they use? At Norfolk Homes, our experienced construction team has decades of expertise, and we pride ourselves on building stick-built homes—not prefabricated panels. This method ensures each of our new homes in Ann Arbor is built with care and craftsmanship, giving you peace of mind that your investment is solid and long-lasting.

4. Builder's Longevity and Reputation

The number of years a builder has been in business can speak volumes about their reliability and reputation. With over 30 years of experience, Norfolk Homes is a family-owned, Ann Arbor-based home builder with deep roots in the community. Our history and commitment to quality have earned us the trust of homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan—and we’re proud to continue delivering top-quality homes in desirable locations.

Personalization and Flexibility

5. Can You Personalize the Home?

A home is a reflection of your personal style and needs. When choosing a builder, it’s important to ask about customization options. Norfolk Homes offers a range of modifications to our floor plans to ensure your home works best for you and your family. Additionally, we provide a personalized experience in our Design Studio—where you’ll have access to a variety of materials and quality brands. Our fantastic Interior Designer, Laura, will guide you through every step—giving you over six hours of dedicated design time to make your home truly unique.

Financing and Building Options

6. What Are the Lender Options?

Financing is another critical factor to consider when purchasing a new home. At Norfolk Homes, we partner with a select group of vetted and approved lenders who offer competitive rates. Ask about our Best Rate Guarantee to ensure you’re getting the best deal on your mortgage.

7. Can You Build on Your Own Land?

If you’ve already purchased a lot or have your eye on a specific piece of land, it’s important to know whether the builder can accommodate an offsite build. Norfolk Homes offers offsite building options, allowing you to select from any of our 25 home plans and build on your own land. Our experienced team will work with you throughout the process to ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.

Community Considerations

8. Is the Community Surrounded by Natural Beauty?

One of the best parts about living in Michigan is being surrounded by natural beauty. At Norfolk Homes, we prioritize the preservation of the land’s picturesque qualities in our communities. Instead of clear-cutting large areas, we carefully plan our communities to maintain the natural beauty and greenery. Many of our homes back up to natural surroundings, offering privacy and a connection to nature rather than looking out at rows of other homes.

Make the Right Choice with Norfolk Homes

Choosing the right builder and community for your new home is a process that requires careful consideration of many factors—and at Norfolk Homes, we strive to make that decision easier by offering transparency, quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service every step of the way. From covering transfer taxes and title insurance to offering flexible home plans and building in stunning natural settings, we’re dedicated to providing you with an exceptional new home in Ann Arbor—ready to hold life’s most valuable memories for years to come. 

If you’re ready to start your exciting home-buying journey, explore our new homes in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Marshall and Jackson to find the one for you. To learn more about the Norfolk Homes difference, reach out to our team today at (734) 336-1912 or contact us online.