Our Complete Guide For First-Time Homebuyers

Purchasing your first home is an exciting and memorable milestone that you’ll always cherish, and while it’s a time filled with remarkable moments and unwavering happiness—there’s no doubt that it can also feel overwhelming and intimidating. That's why at Hurricane Builders, we're committed to providing a smooth and enjoyable first-time home buying experience for everyone who walks through our doors. With over 25 years of experience in building high-quality homes ahead of the curve in the great state of South Carolina, we've put together the ultimate guide to help you understand the ins and outs of buying a new home and making your dream of homeownership a reality.

Define your vision

Before you start the unforgettable journey of purchasing your first new-construction home, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Every step of the process is essential, starting with finding your ideal floor plan and community. A floor plan serves as the foundation for how your new home will look and function, while the community in which you reside offers a sense of belonging and social connection. At Hurricane Builders, we offer a range of versatile and innovative floor plan options that cater to your lifestyle and needs, as well as an array of top-rated communities throughout South Carolina—ensuring that you can find the perfect home for you and your family to live, grow and thrive in for years to come.

First, you’ll want to identify the factors that are most important for you in your new home—from energy efficiency to functionality and everything in between. Do you need a spacious kitchen with a large island, and would a two-story layout be beneficial for your family? What about storage, the size of each bedroom and the option for a study or flex room? These things and more are elements you’ll definitely want to consider, but even if you’re uncertain about some things—you can trust that our team of experts is here to guide you in the right direction and help you prioritize your top features so that you can make the best decision for your dream layout.

Next, when searching for the right community, you’ll want to look for places and atmospheres that align with your personal preferences and lifestyle. From location and proximity to important places, school districts, amenities and the environment—our team will work with you to create a profile of your ideal neighborhood. As a builder ahead of the curve, we’ve thoughtfully designed our communities throughout South Carolina to guarantee everyone can find a neighborhood they love. Once you’ve found the home that expertly suits your needs in an incredible community, you can move on to the financing process.

Secure your finances

Buying a home is a significant investment, and it’s crucial to take the time to grow your savings and know what you can afford. With the down payment, closing costs and move-in expenses on the horizon—it’s never too early to start saving, and it’s important to have an idea of what your budget looks like. To guide you in the right direction, all 3 of our preferred lenders offer up fantastic online calculators you can use to get a close estimate of what you could afford. Additionally, our phenomenal mortgage lending professionals can provide you with a better understanding of your financial situation and work with you to secure the best mortgage loan for your needs.

Whether you choose to work with our preferred lenders—which can help you save up to $10,000 on closing costs—or have your own lender, there are several items you will need to have ready for your first meeting to get pre-approved for a loan, including proof of identification, income, employment, assets and your credit score. Once you are pre-approved, our financial specialists will provide you with different loan options and work with you to determine which one best fits your needs, bringing you one step closer to your brand-new home.

Choose a builder ahead of the curve

Above all, choosing the right builder can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful first-time home buying experience. Hurricane Builders is ahead of the curve in every aspect, offering innovative home designs and building techniques that set us apart from the competition. Our experienced team is dedicated to working with you to bring your dream home to life, and we pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service from the moment you contact us to the moment you step through the doors of your new home.

When you choose Hurricane Builders, you're choosing a builder with a reputation for quality and excellence. Our commitment to using the latest building techniques and high-quality materials means that your new home will be built to last, and you can be confident that it will stand up to the test of time. We understand that your new home is a major investment, and we work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the construction process is carefully planned and executed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

With Hurricane Builders, you can be confident that you're working with a builder who is dedicated to making your first-time home buying experience as smooth and stress-free as possible—so don’t hesitate to contact us today to get started! Give us a call at (803) 936-9686 or contact us online, and be sure to browse through our carefully-crafted communities and exceptional homes throughout South Carolina.