You can tour, compare, and choose a new construction home without leaving your couch. The internet and a variety of tools including NewHomeSource are helpful for getting the new home of your dreams. Here’s how to do it smartly, safely, and efficiently.
1. Start with your finances
Know your monthly income, expenses, and assets
Pull your credit reports and correct any errors
Use a mortgage calculator to estimate buying power
Get preapproved online for a loan to define your price range
Why it matters: You can’t shop seriously until you know what you can afford.
2. Choose your location
Use Google Maps and tools like NewHomeSource.com to explore areas
Go street-by-street in virtual mode
Research schools through GreatSchools.org, Niche, and district websites
Apps like Homefacts and AroundMe give stats and nearby amenities
Why it matters: Your home’s location shapes daily life – commute, schools, safety, and fun.
3. Compare home styles
Browse renderings of new builds and community amenities
Explore styles: Craftsman, modern farmhouse, contemporary
Consider lifestyle: single-family vs. condo vs. townhome
Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves
Why it matters: You need a home that fits both your taste and your needs.
4. Take virtual tours with sales reps
Request video tours or live walkthroughs
Use Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype to ask questions in real-time
Ask about maps, promotions, or floor plan options
Why it matters: The right sales rep can help you visualize your future home – and answer what photos can’t.
5. Evaluate communities
Visit builder or community websites
Look for planned amenities like pools, trails, or rec centers
Watch videos or interactive neighborhood tours
Prioritize communities that match your lifestyle
Why it matters: The right neighborhood adds value to your day-to-day, not just your home.
6. Use builder websites smartly
Explore floor plans and interactive design tools
Review photos, prices, and upgrade options
Check if quick move-in homes are available
Read buyer reviews and reach out directly for up-to-date info
Why it matters: Builder sites are goldmines – if you take the time to dig in.
7. Choose your floor plan and lot
Study layouts and structural options
Clarify what’s standard vs. optional
Review lot maps for views, green space, or future development
Ask about lot premiums and future phases
Why it matters: Floor plans and lots shape how your home lives – and how it looks.
8. Make design selections
Use interactive visualizers for finishes and colors
Work with a design center rep via video
Know your upgrade budget and financing options
Ask questions if you're unsure about style or cost
Why it matters: Small decisions (like fixtures or flooring) can make a big difference in how your home feels.
Bottom line: Shopping for a new home online is totally doable with the right tools and mindset. Get your finances in order, explore your options virtually, and lean on pros to guide your way.
Michele Lerner
Michele Lerner is an award-winning freelance writer, editor and author who has been writing about real estate, personal finance and business topics for more than two decades.