Zia Homes Will Make the Home Buying Process as Easy as Possible

Homeownership is the quintessential American dream. Being a homeowner is a lifetime achievement that so many of us strive to achieve. Visions of a kitchen where you’ll host family dinners, a backyard where you’ll throw your son or daughter’s first birthday party, and a living room where you and your spouse can spend evenings winding down after work. When you first begin searching for a home, it’s easy to get bogged down by the realities of the process.

From finding a good realtor to falling in love with a floor plan, selecting the perfect location, working with the bank to get approved for a home loan, to signing a contract, it can all feel so daunting. Rest assure because Zia Homes is here to make the process as easy and as transparent as possible.

Follow our guide for a seamless home buying experience:

Step 1: Exploring Your Loan Options

Home financing is generally done in one of three ways. We suggest exploring the following loan options:

VA Loans: VA loans are designed for military families and veterans. This zero down loan option is a principal and interest only loan that makes it easier for military families to buy a home since they generally require no more than a funding fee, which your loan originator will be able to explain in greater detail.
FHA Loans: An FHA loan is designed for first-time buyers who are looking to have a lower down payment. Typically these loans ask for a 3.5% down payment. Although they may carry a higher mortgage, these loans do not ask for a funding fee as VA loans do.
Conventional Loans: Conventional loans are intended for individuals with higher credit. Your down payment can range anywhere from 3% to 20% and your mortgage insurance will typically be more affordable than that of an FHA loan. Also, there is no funding fee like with the VA loan.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved and Pre-Qualified

Now that you have an idea as to what type of home loans are available, it’s to meet with a home loan lender. The lender will want to gather information regarding your finances — everything from your salary, personal debts, and other expenses. The lender will let you know how much you’re able to afford. Another option is to get a pre-approval, in which you run a credit check along with your plans for a down payment. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, the lender will also want to know about your personal debt. Based on those factors, you’ll be provided with a pre-approved amount.

Step 3: Deciding on a Location

As the saying goes, location is everything. If you’re new to El Paso, we recommend that you take a look at our Communities page where we break down the amazing benefits of living on the east and west side of El Paso, respectively. While there are benefits to both areas, ultimately, it will come down your preference and what works best for your family. We recommend taking a tour of our model homes and spending time in the neighborhood.

Step 4: Some Customizations vs. Move-in Ready

Your next decision is a big one. Are you looking for a move-in ready home or do you wish to have your home built from the ground up? There is no right or wrong answer but there are factors to consider with both decisions. To help make your decision easier, consider the following:

Time. Time is perhaps the biggest factor when deciding to build or buy. It takes anywhere from four to six months for a new home to be built. If you need to move into a home sooner than that, then you will want to go with a move-in ready home. The process of buying a move-in ready home is roughly 30 to 45 days.
Location. Right next to time, if not more important than time, is location. Once you’ve found an area or neighborhood where you wish to live, that will help determine your options for building or buying a move-in ready home.
Customization. If you decide to build, the greatest benefit is customization. You’ll have a say in everything from location, the floor plan, and all of the home’s features inside and out. One important factor to consider is your budget. If you find a pre-built home with all of your desires, that could be the way to go.

Step 5: Permits and Inspections

Prior to building your home, we will obtain the necessary building permits to begin construction. Whether you had your home built with some customizations or you fell in love with one of our available homes, prior to move-in day, we’ll ensure the home meets critical state requirements. This involves a thorough walk-through of the home to look for any potential maintenance or repairs. A third-party private inspection will be performed by an independently licensed inspector and a copy of the final inspection will be available upon request. Once your home passes the inspection and all necessary changes have been completed, we will be able to hand you the keys to your new home!

Ready to Get Started? Contact Zia Homes Today

If you’re ready to get the home buying process started, connect with us today! Whether you’re looking to build one of our floor plans with customizations or you’ve seen a move-in ready home that you’re ready to call your own, we can help make your plans a reality. Call Zia Homes today at 915-494-6162!