Now is a great time to buy your new home. Today’s new homes are more efficient, spacious and attractive than ever. The expanded market offers a greater choice of location, price and style. And as one of the hottest housing markets in the nation, the Northeast New Jersey area is the perfect place to call home.

For more than 40 years, Garden Homes has promoted industry excellence and professionalism, and acted as a resource for the new home buying public.

Please, take these tips from us. You’re already well on your way to finding your new home, and we’re hoping to help you along.

Shopping Around
The old saying, “You better shop around,” takes on new meaning when searching for a new home. But take heart, you've already made one smart move - doing your homework. Now, just grab a good map, and you're ready for an exciting adventure - finding your new home.

Location, Location, Location
It still holds true - location is the all - important factor in choosing your home. Make sure the location of your future home is convenient to shopping, schools, recreation, hospitals and transportation. It’s a good idea to contact the local Chamber of Commerce for more details on the area. Also, consider property taxes, which vary from county to county.

Shop for Value
Keep value in mind when shopping for a home and a builder. Compare homes in similar price ranges to assess what you’re getting for your home - buying dollar. Consider lot size, appliances, upgrades and location when reviewing your choices. Also - think resale value. It pays to consider the appreciation value of any home.

Look at Lifestyle
Determine whether a home and neighborhood lend themselves to your lifestyle. Think about how you spend your time. Do you need a dining room for entertaining? Do you need a basement for storage? Does your ideal home have a large yard? Thinking about your present and future needs will make your new house a happy home for years to come.

Choosing a Builder
Buying a new home is one of the biggest and most meaningful investments you’ll make in your lifetime. It only makes sense for you to learn all you can about the builder of your new home. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The professional builder will give you solid answers that will definitely add to your peace of mind.

Check out your Builder
Talk to homeowners who live in some of the builder's recently completed homes. Ask friends and family for information about the builder. Again, don't hesitate to ask questions. Check references and do a little homework of your own, such as finding out how long the builder has been in business.

Drive Around
Drive to communities where the builder has built. Pay special attention to details that are important to your family. Visit on a weekend when families might be out and about, and don’t be shy about approaching them. Ask residents how they like their home and if they could easily contact their builder to answer questions. Most people will be happy to talk with you about their new home and their experience with their builder.

Communicating With Your Builder
It’s just as important to know how to communicate with your builder, as it is to choose the right builder for your new home. Remember - your builder wants you to be happy with your new home.

Ask Anything
Remember - the only stupid question is the one left unasked. Don’t let the terminology and process of buying and building a new home intimidate you. Use a list of questions, good communications and note taking to help you through. The home buying process may last months, and you will talk to many people along the way.

Read Everything
Read your contract carefully to understand its terms and conditions. Read any warranty and building performance standards offered by the builder to understand what is covered and for how long. It's important to read and clearly understand all written documents involved with your new home. If in doubt, ask questions.

Stay in Touch
Good communications with your builder will keep you informed about the progress of your new home. Your builder may provide you with a homeowner handbook to let you know what to expect during the various phases of construction. You may also find this information at your local library or bookstore.

Wrapping it Up
Before closing on your new home, you and your builder will conduct an orientation to educate you about your new home and identify any necessary adjustments, corrections or repairs. The orientation, often called a "walk - through" will take place prior to closing to allow adequate time to make any necessary adjustments. Remember - although your home is new, no house is perfect. Pay careful attention to the following items because, after you move into your new home, you are in control and the builder may not be responsible for any adjustments, corrections or repairs on these items.

Things to Pay Attention to Inside

• Sinks, tubs and plumbing fixtures

• Counter tops and cabinet doors

• Lighting fixtures, mirrors and glass

• Windows and screens

• Tile, carpet, hardwood and resilient floors

• Doors, trim and hardware

• Paint and drywall

Things to Pay Attention to Outside

• Landscaping and grading

• Roofing materials

• Gutters and downspouts

• Siding, stucco and brick

• Concrete work

Agree on Adjustments
Agree with your builder on a timetable for any necessary adjustments, corrections or repairs. Again, clear communications - perhaps in writing - are important to prevent any misunderstandings.

Taking Charge
As a new homeowner, you have made a major investment of heart, soul and money. You've also accepted a new set of responsibilities. Your new home requires time and attention from the day you move in. Periodic maintenance is necessary, and making minor adjustments now may save you time and money in repairs later. Taking care of your new home properly will ensure its lasting value and your continued enjoyment.

Understand the Bells and Whistles
Read manufacturer’s warranties and operating manuals for all appliances and products in your new home. Understand how all of your appliances and major systems work.

Your Maintenance Responsibilities
Learn about maintenance requirements and basic upkeep tasks that your home will require. There are many things that can cause change and damage to your home: rain, cold, heat, wind, sun, humidity, settling and normal wear and tear. The following items are just some of the areas you'll want to check, service and repair on a regular or seasonal basis to keep your new home in good condition. "How - to" books on many of these subjects are available.

• Basement

• Bathroom and kitchen drains

• Carpentry and trim work

• Ceramic tile

• Concrete

• Doors

• Driveways, walks and steps

• Electrical system

• Exterior paint

• Faucets

• Flooring

• Garage door

• Grading

• Gutters and downspouts

• Heating and cooling systems

• Hot water heater

• Humidifiers

• Interior paneling and walls

• Insulation and caulking

• Landscaping

• Paint and wall coverings

• Plumbing

• Roof

• Security system and smoke alarms

• Sink disposal

• Toilets

• Windows

Happily Ever After
There's a reason owning a new home is such an integral part of the American dream - it's a fresh, new place to start your day and new dreams. It's where your family will build it's future and it could become your family's greatest financial investment. But as with any other dream worth having, there's work involved. The effort you'll take finding the right builder and the right home will pay off - as long as you take the time to understand the process and communicate your questions and ideas clearly. Fulfilling your responsibilities as a homeowner will keep you happy in your new home for years to come.