Buying Process
Your New Home, Made Simple
Building a new home is a big milestone in your life, one that shouldn’t feel confusing or overwhelming. As a local, family-owned home builder in Georgia and South Carolina, our team at Smith Family Homes helps our buyers navigate the new construction process with clarity, guidance and care. Whether you’re exploring quick move-in homes for sale in Georgia or South Carolina or are preparing to build a new home from the ground up, our process is designed to keep everything moving smoothly while putting you first.
Building Your New Home
Step 1: Choosing Your Home
How do I find the right home with Smith Family Homes?
Discovering the perfect place to call home starts with touring our model homes throughout our new home communities in Georgia and South Carolina. Seeing new construction homes in person allows you to experience the layouts, the flow and your surroundings so you can confidently choose a floor plan and homesite that fit your style.
What if I’m buying from out of town?
No problem! At Smith Family Homes, we’ve helped many families build from around the world. Our team can coordinate virtual tours, remote meetings and consistent communication so you can move forward with confidence, no matter where you’re located.
Step 2: Securing Financing
What comes next after choosing a home?
Once you’ve selected the community and floor plan that’s right for you, the next step is securing financing for your new construction home.
Do you recommend a specific lender?
While you’re free to choose the lender that works best for you, we strongly recommend working with one of our preferred lenders. They are familiar with the new construction process, which differs from purchasing a resale home, and help ensure a smoother experience from start to finish.
Step 3: Writing the Purchase Agreement
How does the purchase agreement work for a new construction home?
Writing a purchase agreement for a new construction home is more detailed than buying a resale. Your dedicated Customer Experience Agent will walk you through each part of the agreement, explain the costs involved and outline how the homebuilding process works.
What do I need to secure my home?
A mortgage prequalification and earnest money deposit are required when signing your agreement. Once complete, your new home is officially secured and removed from the market.
Step 4: Design Center Meeting
When do I get to personalize my new home?
This is one of the most exciting steps of building a new home! During your Design Center meeting, you’ll select finishes such as flooring, cabinetry, countertops, lighting and more.
Will I have professional help making selections?
Yes! Our interior designer will guide you through available options, helping you make choices that reflect your personal style while creating a cohesive, beautiful home.
Step 5: Pre-Construction Orientation
What happens before construction begins?
Before breaking ground on your new home, you’ll attend a Pre-Construction Orientation. During this meeting, our team will review your final plans, explain the construction process and answer any of your remaining questions.
Why is this meeting important?
It’s your opportunity to meet your building team, confirm details and feel fully prepared as your new home moves into the construction phase.
Step 6: Pre-Drywall Orientation
What is the Pre-Drywall Orientation?
This key milestone allows you to tour your home before the walls are closed in. You’ll see structural components, electrical, plumbing and other important systems that bring your new construction home together.
What will be reviewed during this walkthrough?
Our team will review progress, address any questions and ensure that everything is on track before the drywall is installed.
Step 7: New Home Orientation
What is the final walkthrough?
This New Home Orientation is your final walkthrough before closing. You’ll tour your completed home and review all of the details with our team.
What will I learn during this meeting?
We’ll explain how to operate key features of your home, including HVAC systems, appliances and other components, so you feel confident and comfortable before move-in.
Step 8: Closing Day
What happens at closing?
During closing, you’ll review and sign final paperwork, complete your financing and officially take ownership of your new home.
Will the team at Smith Family Homes be at closing?
Yes, our team will guide you through the process, and once everything is complete, you’ll receive the keys to your new Smith Family home and begin this exciting next chapter!
Step 9: Warranty Program
What kind of warranty comes with my new home?
At closing, you’ll be introduced to your warranty coordinator and enrolled in the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, which includes:
1-year workmanship coverage
2-year systems coverage
10-year structural coverage
What happens after closing?
You’ll receive access to your warranty portal, a comprehensive warranty guide and assistance scheduling your 30-day and 11-month walkthrough, so you continue to feel supported well after move-in.
