Why Local Builder Experience Matters When Buying a New Home

When buyers compare new construction homes, it is easy to focus on the visible details first.

Price.

Floorplan.

Square footage.

Location.

Design options.

Move-in timeline.

All of those things matter. But they are not the only things that shape the homebuying experience.

The builder matters too.

When you buy a new home, you are not just choosing a house. You are choosing the people, process, communication, local knowledge, and community mindset behind that home. That can make a major difference in how confident you feel before, during, and after the purchase.

At Hamlet Homes, we believe a home is more than a product. It should fit your life, your timing, your community, and your long-term goals.

You Are Not Just Choosing a Home. You Are Choosing a Builder.

A new home may look similar on paper when buyers compare builders. Two homes may have a similar price point, similar square footage, or similar number of bedrooms.

But the experience behind those homes can feel very different.

A good builder helps buyers understand their options, ask better questions, compare communities, and feel supported throughout the process. The right builder does not simply hand over a product. They help guide one of the biggest decisions a buyer will make.

That is why buyers should look beyond the floorplan and ask:

Who is behind the home?
How does the builder communicate?
Does the team understand the local market?
Will the process feel personal or transactional?
Does the builder care about the community, not just the individual sale?
Will the home support the way I want to live long term?

Those questions matter because the buying experience can shape how confident a buyer feels from the first conversation to move-in day and beyond.

What It Means to Work With a Locally Owned Builder

Working with a locally owned and operated builder can create a different kind of experience.

A local builder is connected to the areas where they build. They understand the communities, the buyers, the neighborhoods, the lifestyle patterns, and the local details that can affect a homebuying decision.

For Hamlet Homes, being local means more than building homes in Utah and Idaho. It means understanding what buyers in these areas are actually looking for: space for growing families, communities with long-term fit, homes that support real life, and a buying experience that feels guided instead of processed.

Larger builders can offer homes too, but buyers should pay attention to the experience they are stepping into. When the process feels too corporate or too standardized, buyers may feel like they are being moved through a system instead of being helped through a major life decision.

A local builder can offer something different: a more personal connection to the people, places, and communities involved.

Local Knowledge Matters When Choosing Where to Live

Choosing a new home is not only about the home itself. It is also about the area around it.

A floorplan may be beautiful, but the community still needs to fit the buyer’s life. That includes daily routines, commute patterns, school considerations, nearby conveniences, lifestyle preferences, family needs, and future plans.

That is where local knowledge matters.

A builder with real local experience can help buyers think through questions like:

Which community best fits this stage of life?
What kind of home layout supports the way this family lives?
Is this buyer looking for room to grow, a simpler next chapter, or a more elevated lifestyle?
Does the location match the buyer’s work, school, or family needs?
Is the buyer focused on long-term community fit, not just the lowest price?

For relocation buyers, this can be especially valuable. When someone is moving from outside the area, they may not know the differences between communities, commute routes, neighborhoods, or local lifestyle patterns. A local builder can help them understand more than what they see on a map.

Explore Hamlet Homes communities to compare available locations across Utah and Idaho.

A Good Homebuying Experience Should Feel Guided, Not Processed

Buying a home is a major decision. Buyers should not feel like they are being rushed, overlooked, or treated like a number.

A strong homebuying experience should feel clear and supportive. Buyers should know who to ask, what comes next, what options are available, and how each decision affects the bigger picture.

That kind of guidance matters for every buyer, but it can be especially important for:

First-time buyers who are nervous about the process
Move-up families comparing space, timing, and community fit
Relocation buyers who need local context
Buyers comparing Hamlet Homes to larger builders
Buyers choosing between similar price points or locations
Families who want confidence that they are making the right long-term choice

When the experience feels too transactional, buyers can be left with more questions than answers. They may understand the price and floorplan, but not feel fully confident in the decision.

Hamlet Homes works to make the process feel more personal by helping buyers consider the home, community, lifestyle, and timing together.

Buyers who have questions can contact Hamlet Homes to connect with the team.

The Sales and Support Team Make a Difference

The people involved in the homebuying process matter.

A helpful sales and support team can make the difference between a buyer feeling uncertain and a buyer feeling informed. They can help explain community options, home availability, timelines, floorplans, design considerations, and next steps.

They can also help buyers slow down and focus on what matters most.

For example, a buyer may come in comparing square footage and price. But after a real conversation, they may realize they need to think more carefully about commute, storage, outdoor space, school-year timing, aging parents, future family needs, or whether a quick move-in home would make the most sense.

That kind of guidance is not about pushing a buyer toward a decision. It is about helping them make a better one.

Community Fit Can Matter as Much as the House

A home should fit your life, not just your budget.

That is why community fit is such an important part of buying a new construction home. Buyers are not only choosing where they will sleep at night. They are choosing where they will build routines, raise families, host friends, commute from, work from, retire into, or start a new chapter.

A home may check the right boxes, but the community still needs to feel right.

Hamlet Homes approaches homebuilding with a community-focused mindset. The goal is not just to build individual houses. It is to help buyers find a place that supports the way they want to live.

For one buyer, that may mean more room for a growing family. For another, it may mean a lower-maintenance lifestyle. For someone else, it may mean finding a community that offers the right balance of location, design, and long-term comfort.

How Local Ownership Shows Up in the Buying Experience

Local ownership can show up in small but meaningful ways.

It can show up in how the team talks about communities. It can show up in how buyers are guided through the process. It can show up in how the builder thinks about floorplans, locations, lifestyle needs, and long-term relationships.

For buyers, the difference may not always be obvious at first glance. But it often becomes clearer during the process.

Do you feel heard?

Do you feel informed?

Do you feel like your questions matter?

Do you feel like the builder understands the area?

Do you feel confident that the home and community fit your life?

Those are important questions, especially when comparing builders that may look similar online.

For example, a buyer comparing communities may need help understanding more than the home itself. They may be trying to weigh commute, timing, school-year needs, family space, daily routines, or whether a specific community will still feel right years from now. Hamlet’s local team can help connect those pieces so buyers are not just choosing the first home that looks good online. They are choosing a home and community that better fit the way they actually want to live.

What Buyers Should Look for When Comparing Builders

When comparing Hamlet Homes to a larger builder, buyers should look beyond surface-level similarities.

A smart comparison should include:

Home design and floorplan fit
Community location and lifestyle fit
Builder reputation and communication
Sales team support
Local market knowledge
Timeline and availability
Long-term confidence in the decision
How personal or processed the experience feels

The goal is not to assume one type of builder is always better than another. The goal is to understand what kind of experience you want while making one of the biggest purchases of your life.

If you want a process that feels more personal, more locally connected, and more focused on long-term community fit, working with a locally owned builder may be the right path.

Why Trust Matters So Much

Trust is one of the most important parts of buying a new home.

A buyer is making a major financial and personal decision. They are choosing where they will live, how their family will function, what community they will join, and what daily life may look like for years to come.

That decision requires more than a good floorplan. It requires confidence.

Trust is built through clear communication, honest guidance, local knowledge, and a team that helps buyers understand their options without making them feel pressured.

That is the kind of experience Hamlet Homes works to create.

That trust also comes from Hamlet’s local ownership, community-focused approach, and support from people who understand the areas where Hamlet builds. Hamlet Homes was founded in 1995 and has helped more than 4,500 families find a place to call home across more than 80 communities in Utah. The company has also reported a 93% average approval rating in ongoing surveys, along with multiple awards and recognitions for customer experience, workplace culture, and homebuilding quality.

Buying a New Home Should Feel Personal

A home is personal. The buying experience should be personal too.

Buyers should feel like they are being guided toward the right fit, not pushed through a generic process. They should be able to ask questions, compare options, understand tradeoffs, and feel confident that the home and community make sense for their life.

That is why the builder relationship matters.

The people behind the home make a difference. The community makes a difference. The local knowledge makes a difference. And the experience buyers have along the way can shape how confident they feel about the decision.

If you are comparing builders and trying to decide who to trust with your next home, Hamlet Homes can help you explore communities designed around real life, local connection, and long-term fit.

Explore Hamlet Homes Communities

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Hamlet Homes Celebrates 30 Years Serving Homebuyers

Hamlet Homes was founded in 1995, so this year marks 30 years of our proud history serving homebuyers in Utah. In those 30 years, we have delivered more than 4,500 brand new homes to happy homebuyers and families. Our company has grown to being a Top 25 builder in Northern Utah for annual home sales, but we take more pride in being one of the best in the nation in terms of customer service and customer experience. This is demonstrated by 5 consecutive years of winning the Customer Insight HOME award for best customer experience among builders in the western United States.

We recognize that being one of the oldest homebuilders in Utah is only cause for pride if the quality of our homes remains exceptional and our Hamlet Homes customers continue to tell us that they are having great customer experiences, despite the inevitable challenges that come in the new home construction process. We consistently have scores above 90% on overall satisfaction, and our scores continue to improve most years as our team continually raises the bar to deliver an even better experience.

Doing residential home new construction in Utah is our specialty. It has been our focus, our history, our legacy since 1995. We build single-family and townhomes with house plans that have been refined over those many years to include the things that homebuyers want most: highly functional and efficient spaces, beautiful exteriors, tons of natural light, and well-designed flow through the homes.

We also expanded to Southeastern Idaho in recent years, with our first Hamlet Homes Idaho homebuyers moving into their homes in 2023 and receiving the same great customer experience and outstanding quality. We now have four projects in Idaho Falls, Iona, Rigby, and Rexburg, Idaho.

In addition to our long Hamlet Homes history, building high quality homes and providing great customer experiences, we have also been honored with Best of State for eight years and recognized as a Best Company to Work For five years in a row. We have many employees who were born after our company was founded in 1995, but they all understand and have embraced the culture of Hamlet Homes to do the right thing for our customers, our partners and our employees. It is important to us that our employees and our trade partners enjoy their jobs and take pride in what they do. Without that, customers would not have the great homes and outcomes that they do.

As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to many events in 2025 that will honor our 30-year journey and the incredible homeowners, employees, and partners who have been part of it. Our team is proud of everything we have built over the past three decades, and we are excited for the future—continuing to serve homebuyers and communities for many more years to come.

Hamlet Homes Means Quality Homes
By Jon Southern

A Hamlet Home is a quality-built home.

Since I was 15 years old, I have been in the construction industry. I started as a Laborer cleaning up during an apartment renovation over the summer and have never really looked back. Every chance I had I was building something with my hands, whether it was a fort in the orchard with my friends or helping my family finish our basement, I loved it. Construction is in my blood.

Along with construction, over the past 30 years, (just a little after my first job), I have lived in 19 different Apartments, Townhomes and Homes. I have moved 10 times, and as you can imagine my wife is a Saint for putting up with me and all those moves. Most people assume I was in the military, but in the end, it really boiled down to wanting to find the best place to live for me and my family.

As you can imagine, being in the construction industry and seeing so many different homes, I’ve seen construction problems, poor quality and a lot of other issues, many of which I had to deal with on my own. As I said construction was in my blood, but that has now changed to “quality construction.”

I first found Hamlet Homes in 2002, when I was a carpenter and was framing their townhomes. I recognized very quickly their focus on quality-built homes. There were many times when we could have taken an easier course, but the focus on new home quality was important to them and to me. I pride myself on quality construction and making sure that everyone that works with me has the same standards. It was clear to me that Hamlet Homes also took great pride in building a quality home and being a quality homebuilder.

I ended up working for Hamlet Homes in 2004 and again in 2011. Over the last 20 years I have worked 17 of them at Hamlet. Our focus on the quality of the construction has never changed and will not change going forward. We pride ourselves now, as we did back then, on the new home quality and being at the top of our industry as far as quality is concerned.

I bought the company from the founder, with my partners, about 8 years ago and am proud to be able to carry on a legacy of quality. Whether we are building single family homes or townhomes we focus on quality-built homes for our Homeowners.

Of the 19 homes the last 4 have been a Hamlet home built by our amazing team. I love the quality construction in my homes and am proud to be both an Owner of Hamlet Homes and a homeowner of a Hamlet Home.

We would be happy to have anyone reading this move into one of our quality-built homes.

From Jon Southern’s Bio:

Jon loves to work with his hands either building homes as a framer or completing woodworking projects for the home. Jon attended BYU’s construction management program from 1994-1996. He started in the construction industry working for Acadian Builders, a framing and general Contractor, in 1996. He worked from the ground up, starting as a laborer in the company with four employees. After nine years with Acadian, he was the Lead Framing Supervisor directly overseeing 30 employees and managing three additional Framing Supervisors.

Jon joined Hamlet Homes in 2004 as an Assistant Supervisor in the Production Department. Since that time, Jon has held the title of Production Supervisor, Homebuilding Manager, and finally his current position, Vice President of Construction. He now oversees and directs all of Hamlet Homes’ Homebuilding, Purchasing, Estimating, and Warranty activities. He loves working with a great team of people to see projects come together. This was the main reason he decided to be an owner of Hamlet with his partners. Working with all the great people at Hamlet brings him a great sense of fulfillment.

In 2000, Jon received the Subcontractor of the Year Award from Panda Homes, and in 2006 he was named the Supervisor of the Year from Hamlet Homes for closing 74 homes and having over $14 million in revenue.

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New construction homes vs. Resale homes

The big day is finally here! You have worked hard, cutting back where you could, saving every penny because you are dedicated to buying a home. After searching online for the perfect house, and spending your free time wandering through open houses and model homes for New Construction that leave you feeling FOMO and frustrated at the same time, you are ready!

You may not know exactly what to expect, after hours and hours spent reading about real estate trends, testimonials and tips, its time to explore your options.

Before you decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need or if a great room concept is better than separate living and dining rooms, think about whether a new construction home is what you are after. Thinking through all the differences will help you set realistic expectations, no matter which direction you go.

New construction homes and resale homes both have their advantages. However, new construction offers multiple benefits that make them attractive to people. From modern amenities to peace of mind, here are some compelling reasons why a new home can be the preferred choice for first time buyers and repeat owners. Learn today the difference between new construction homes vs resale homes!

Own the home you have always wanted from day 1!

One of the most significant advantages of buying new construction is in the personalization that it provides. Buying a resale home can force you to compromise on color palettes, appliances, floorplan, or location, just to make the deal work. Whereas purchasing a newly constructed home allows you to personalize the design to your preferences.

From selecting the floor plan to choosing fixtures and finishes, you have the freedom to create a living space that truly reflects your style. By taking some extra time to think through how a new home can better meet your needs and evolving lifestyle, its easier to pinpoint what defines your ideal home. For working remote, a home office is essential, Hamlet Homes offers several options where buyers can maximize their square footage by using multi function space solutions.

Energy efficient homes reduce costs and carbon footprints

Sustainability is on the minds of many people. Buyers can make a positive impact on the planet by purchasing a cleaner and more energy efficient home. Smart programmable thermostats, LED lighting, additional insulation and fresh new appliances make daily life more ecofriendly and efficient. Sensors can send alerts, notifying of system outages and temperature changes.

By downloading an app, you can turn off lights, lower window blinds to use less energy and save on utility bills. With remote access to security systems, homeowners can ensure doors are locked and garage door is closed without having to return home.

Additionally, new homes are often built with superior insulation and construction techniques for better temperature regulation and indoor air quality. New energy efficient homes typically exceed the minimum insulation requirements set by local state building codes. New construction homes are often built with a whole house strategy that improves the interior design, major systems, appliances, and their interconnectivity. Something important to consider when comparing new construction homes vs resale homes.

Builders and manufacturers warranties provide peace of mind

The last thing you want to do is buy a home that needs work. You may have family and friends that purchased a resale home that wound up being a money pit, and it took their entire savings to fix it.

Although purchasing a resale home usually allows buyers to hire third party inspectors that check on the overall condition of the property, defects can be missed. Inspection findings can also identify the age of equipment. Although they may be fine and in working order at the time, you know the day for replacement will be sooner rather than later, and expensive.

The beauty of owning a newly built home is that it comes with a warranty. Builders like Hamlet Homes provide warranties covering structural components, appliances, and systems, as well as manufacturer warranties that can run even longer, giving homeowners peace of mind and protection against unexpected expenses. This warranty coverage can save first time home buyers time and money, essential during the early years of homeownership.

New construction homes minimize the need for repairs

After you have purchased a newly built home, after the builder and manufacturer warranties expire, the benefits of owning a newer home remain. Five years after you first buy a new home, everything in it is still newer than most other resale homes on the market. With yearly maintenance checks, HVAC systems, roofing, plumbing and electrical parts can last beyond their lifespan, lessening the need for costly repairs or worse, replacement.

Modern construction materials, techniques and building codes are designed for durability, reducing the need for frequent upkeep. Living in a newly built house gives you more time to enjoy the things you love without the constant worries about the hassle and expense of breakdown and repairs.

Steer clear of the “Right neighborhood, wrong house” mindset when comparing new construction homes vs resale homes.

A home search will take you through new houses and existing. As you go through them, there is a lot to take in. Many buyers will have their hearts set on a particular neighborhood. From then on, its just a matter of time before something pops up. That will not necessarily mean that it is the right home.

How hard can it be to knock down that wall to create that “open concept” floorplan, or tear out bathroom tile and replace it with the latest and greatest mini hexagon shaped glass tile?

Moving can be rough! A move that involves a renovation project? Yikes! Many people find out real quick that you can go down a rabbit hole real quick!

Neighborhoods designed for active lifestyles and socializing

New construction homes are often part of planned communities, meant to support a larger commercial plan revitalizing an existing town or city, or adding luster to a new development. Amenities can include parks, playgrounds, dog parks, recreational facilities, close proximity to trails, pickleball courts and basketball courts. Some larger neighborhoods may even have a pool and a clubhouse with lounge chairs situated for socializing with your neighbors.

Common areas in the community are usually meticulously maintained and cared for to promote a high quality of life. New developments may also be surrounded by new roads, schools and shopping areas.

Many builders like Hamlet Homes offer financing options that are not typically available when buying a resale home. New developments can partner with mortgage companies or the builder may have their own in house lender.

If you’re a first time buyer, there may be special programs available like low money down, grants or special financing that lowers the mortgage interest rate. Many people prefer to put less money down to allow them some extra cash for furniture or other things that may pop up when you are buying a new home.

Special builder incentives can also help with upgrades

New home communities thrive when they sell out of one phase and begin to promote the next. To help increase sales, new home builders can provide homebuyer incentives, like seller paid closing costs, appliance upgrades, flooring or other features on your checklist.

Move into a modern lifestyle with a Brand New Hamlet Home

The decision to buy a home shouldn’t be taken lightly. The time and energy you already spent searching neighborhoods, schools, shopping centers, and community amenities will help remove any doubts once you choose “the one”.

Now that you know what to weigh when considering whether to buy a resale or a newly built one, you can move forward from a place of knowledge, and that knowledge is very empowering.

A new home truly gives buyers a fresh start and minimizes the risks of unexpected hiccups that can cause delays to move-in plans. From personalization options, and energy efficiency solutions to warranty protection and community amenities, new homes have a lot of leverage in the homebuying experience. Ready-equipped with the modern amenities you want and features that add to the comfort and convenience of your lifestyle, a new Hamlet Home could be one of the best decisions you will ever make.

Upgrade your life with an upgraded home that complements your good taste with quality through and through. The benefits of a new Hamlet Home extend beyond your new address. They live in the neighborhoods and the people you will meet. To get started, come visit one of our beautiful model homes or visit our website at www.hamlethomes.com.

Why We Love Unique Communities

Hamlet Homes has always been known as a builder of unique communities. These range from transit-oriented infill townhome neighborhoods on small pieces of land like Inverness Square, Huntly Manor and Waverly Station positioned along the Trax line in Murray and South Salt Lake, to single family infill neighborhoods like Cottage Court in Sugarhouse and other cities along the Wasatch Front. Prestwick in South Salt Lake is a current Hamlet infill community.

Infill communities provide an opportunity for homebuyers to purchase quality new construction homes in established areas with public transportation, shopping centers, schools and other amenities close by. It also provides opportunities for neighborhoods to remain vibrant with new families living in the area. Another benefit of unique infill communities on small pieces of land is a lower relative price compared to larger homes on larger lots. This is especially important in Salt Lake County as home affordability has become a significant issue.

In addition to infill projects in established neighborhoods, Hamlet also builds unique communities in rural areas such as in the Silver Creek neighborhood in Summit County and Brookside in Heber City in Wasatch County. These rural communities provide opportunities for homebuyers to be in a quieter setting with easy access to outdoor recreation. These homes are typically larger than those built in small infill areas within metropolitan areas. They also include larger lots. For those seeking a small-town feel when purchasing a home, rural neighborhoods such as Worthington Ranch in Grantsville, provide that benefit. Jordyn Park in North Ogden is another example of a unique Hamlet neighborhood with larger homes on larger lots for those who are looking for a more rural area for their new home purchase.

Hamlet Homes’ $50,000 Donation to Iona City Hall

With the planned expansion of Hamlet Homes into Idaho, management teams spent a lot of time coordinating with the local planning commissions. During these visits they saw a big need. Iona’s City Hall hadn’t been improved in decades. The front steps were crumbling. The entryway looked worn and tired. Years of city budget cuts had taken their toll.

Fortunately, Hamlet knows a think or two about creating a showcase facility.

But you know how it goes… one good idea turns into another… and another… and another.

The project quickly bloomed into a fun give-back activity for many members of the Hamlet team—most of whom travelled up from Utah to participate.

Iona is a small agricultural town in Eastern Idaho 45 miles northeast of Pocatello. Originally homestead in 1883, the city of Iona is known as a “Small town with a big heart.” This new chapter in Iona’s history begins with a makeover.

Early in the morning of May 5th a large tourbus arrived with more than 25 Hamlet Homes employees excited to share their gifts and talents. The day before the front stairs were knocked down and removed. Now with the arrival of the eager crew, the pouring of the new stairs began.

But they didn’t stop there. Inside the walls were given a fresh coat of paint, tile was replaced, and handrails updated. The remodel immediately began brightening up the entryway.

“No one has ever volunteered to help with infrastructure.” Said Iona Mayor, Dan Gubler. “We are grateful.”

The funny thing is, Hamlet Homes hasn’t yet broken ground on their first home in Idaho. Tami Ostmark, VP of Marketing & Owner said, “Hamlet believes that we are bigger than the homes we build. We don’t just want to build in a community, we want to build up a community. When we learned there was a need at City Hall, we wanted to help. There’s no better place to start than Iona City Hall.”

Jon Southern, COO & Owner of Hamlet added, “We are very excited about developing new beautiful homes in Iona. In 10 years, it would be great if we all recall ‘that day in May’ when Hamlet came to town to remodel City Hall and how we are still a major part of the community. We are excited to grow with the people of Iona and the many communities in Idaho.”

Iona is just one of many Idaho cities that will be getting new Hamlet Homes.

Since the company’s founding in 1995, Hamlet has built more than 4,000 single-family homes in 65 communities. They’ve been recognized with many local and national awards for their Sustainable Business & Design as well as for being Quality Builders.

The Salt Lake Chamber honored them as the Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year. In 2021 they received Best of State in Real Estate Development for the seventh time and in 2019 they were listed as Best of the West in both Real Estate Services and Architecture.

But that’s not all, Professional Builder Magazine listed them again on the Housing Giants list, and most recently was named by Utah Business as a Best Place To Work.

Obviously, Hamlet doesn’t care as much about the awards as they care about the impact in the community.

The renovation is valued at $50,000.

Privacy or togetherness? An open floor plan or a traditional one? These are the questions your family is likely asking each other as you search for your new home in the Salt Lake area. While traditional floorplans are right for some, we find them to be more isolating, harder to socialize, and make for challenging entertaining.

Open Floor Plan

Just as the name suggests, open floorplans maximize square footage by combining different rooms, serving different functions, into a single living space. Common combinations include:

Kitchen and Dining Room: make one space to share a meal. Occasionally, a kitchen island will divide the two areas.
Dining Room and Living Room: While the kitchen remains closed, the dining and living room come together, providing ample space for entertaining.
Dining, Living, and Kitchen: Our preferred layout! This single living space serves as the heart of your home.

Adding Square Footage Without Adding Square Footage

Small spaces will feel much smaller when the home builder separates them into different sections of your home. With open floor plans, on the other hand, your two rooms expand into one, enlarging the space and tricking the eye into thinking the area is more significant than it is. So, before putting walls up, consider if the space would be better served as a single unit, rather than individual rooms.

Family Coming Together

Cooking dinner for your family in your new, gourmet kitchen is fun! But not in a traditional floorplan when the rest of the family is socializing in the family room. For these homes, being tasked with dinner can feel isolating. You’ll miss out on conversation and togetherness when these rooms are closed off from one another.

With an open floorplan, you fix this problem. You can whip up your renowned recipe for chicken cacciatore while engaging with your loved ones. Is there a better way to spend the evening? We don’t think so.

A Better Way to Entertain

Similarly to spending time with your family, an open floorplan makes entertaining simple. First, you can easily keep your hot food hot and your cold food cold for your guests when they fill their plates right in the kitchen. If your kitchen is closed from the family room, you likely won’t have enough wiggle room in the kitchen to make refills comfortable.

You can also maintain your reputation as the hostess with the most-est by keeping an eye on low drinks and offering quick refills while preparing another tray of hors d’oeuvres.

Your guests came to your home to visit with you! Let them relax on the sofa while you concoct your signature drink. You’ll offer a feeling of togetherness they won’t soon forget.

Choose for Your Family

Before buying your new home, consider what is right for your family. If your family loves togetherness, an open floor plan will only serve to enhance your lifestyle. When you decide on an open floor plan, call the team at Hamlet Homes to find the perfect spot for your family.

Creating an energy efficient home involves many different systems — heating and cooling, ductwork, water management, lighting, and appliances. These systems maintain your home. However, they are the highest costs for your home’s maintenance.

You can make changes once you move into your new home. That being said, an energy efficient home builder will make specific changes during the home building process. For this reason, find a home builder that starts with energy efficiency in mind.

Environmental Benefits

One of the best ways to reduce your family’s carbon footprint? An energy efficient home! An energy efficient home builder will know that homes are responsible for 19% of national greenhouse gas emissions. Simple upgrades can reduce energy consumption by 25 to 30 percent.

Reducing your carbon footprint by lowering your home’s energy consumption will help preserve the planet and provide a clean world for future generations.

Lower Utilities

Energy costs account for a significant portion of your monthly expenses as a homeowner. Fortunately, there are many ways your home can lower your monthly utilities.

If your Homebuilder is thoughtful, they will design your home’s floorplan for energy-efficiency. One such way is through passive solar designs. With passive solar, your home can either reflect or absorb solar radiation, assisting with keeping your home cooler in the summer or cozier in the winter.

Another method for improving your home’s energy efficiency is with your appliances. Energy-efficient appliances consume less energy. It’s that simple. What’s more, these upgrades can give you anywhere from 5 to 30 percent in monthly savings on your utility bills.

Increased Comfort

Energy-efficient upgrades aren’t just to benefit your pockets or the environment. They improve your quality of life, too. With the majority of these upgrades, you’ll notice cleaner air in your living space, thanks to proper ventilation. Energy efficiency reduces the amount of mold and indoor pollutants, meaning you will experience health advantages compared to those living in a less efficient home.

Improved Resale Value

Homes built by an energy efficient home builder will generally sell at a higher price point than standard homes, even when other features are comparable. So, when you decide to make energy-efficient upgrades, or you’re fortunate enough to work with an energy-efficiency conscious homebuilder, you can add value to the final selling price at resale.

Another way to get a higher return on your investment is with green certifications. We suggest having your home inspected to receive a certificate. Then, upon resale, the buyer will have greater trust in the energy-efficiency of the house.

Energy Efficient Home Builder

Are you ready to start working with Utah homebuilder Hamlet Homes to build your energy-efficient dream home? Call us to get started or take a look at our quick move-ins already available for purchase.

When you are a new homebuyer, home buying is hard to know the difference between a large number of real estate terms. Don’t worry; we’re here to help. At Hamlet Homes, we strive to be a support for our buyers, helping them keep their escrows and their down payments straight.

Before you begin the home buying process, becoming familiar with these terms will help make your journey into your new home a bit simpler.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM):

A mortgage that has a lower initial rate that could possibly raise or lower over time. After a set number of years, the rate will fluctuate based on the index rate used for determination.

These types of loans are great options for short-term buyers. If you see yourself in a home for 3-5 years, a low, temporary fixed rate could be a great fit.

If, however, you plan on staying your home long-term, consider a mortgage with more stability. Sure, you could save money on your monthly payment if the market is low. If interests rise, on the other hand, you could be stuck paying a much higher rate than you anticipated.

Closing Costs:

Fees you will need to pay that are outside the property sale price. Some elements of closing costs include the loan origination fee, insurance fees, appraisal fees or attorney fees. Costs can vary from market to market or even house to house! Before submitting your mortgage application, your agent and broker will go over what costs you will need to pay prior to close.

Earnest Money:

You’ll pay this deposit when you sign a contract with the seller. The deposit illustrates your sincerity in purchasing the home and is deducted from your closing costs. If you decide against purchasing the home, you will be forfeiting your earnest money.

Escrow:

Possibly one of the more confusing of the homebuying terms because it has two meanings.

During the home buying process, your escrow agent acts as a safe keeper of funds. The seller wants to ensure you’re serious about buying the home, but you don’t want to hand over money until the home for sale passes inspection.

To fix this problem, the agent will hold certain monies from the buyer and certain documents from the seller and then distribute the assets to the correct party after close.

After close, escrow takes on a new meaning. Your mortgage lender will retain extra money from you each month for taxes and insurance. Then, your lender will pay these important bills each year on your behalf.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage:

Exactly as it sounds, a fixed-rate has a fixed interest rate that stays the same throughout the duration of your loan. While this option can be more reliable, there are drawbacks, too. For instance, if the market interest rates happen to drop, you’re stuck with your higher rate.

Title:

The title is your written evidence of property ownership. Through title ownership, you can access your land and property and transfer your ownership to others as you see fit.

We realize that this list isn’t exhaustive, but that’s what we’re here for! Call us to get started on the homebuying journey. We can help you through the process and make sure you understand every aspect, so you can feel great about getting into your new home.