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Let’s get started. Together.
One step at a time.
Our goal is to simplify the home-building process
Set Your Budget & Get Pre- Approved for a Home Loan
The first step in the home-building process is setting a budget. Consider what you can afford per month towards your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. Visit a local bank — such as MidwestOne, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, Hills Bank, or GreenState Credit Union —to find a trusted home mortgage lender to work with.
Research Properties & Identify Your Ideal Home and Neighborhood
The next step is to browse available properties and schedule viewings of specific homes. Consider what neighborhoods you like and if you would prefer somewhere with a walkable urban vibe or an area with larger lots, more trees, and open space. When building a home from the ground up, you can select options to fit your wants and needs. Consider whether if would prefer a townhome, condo, duplex, or house; also the type of layout you’d like, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size of the home and yard, number of garage stalls, and features such as a fireplace, kitchen island, pantry, and more.
Need inspiration? Browse our most popular Navigate Homes floor plans.
Schedule a Launch Meeting with the Navigate Homes Team
Now you are prepared to meet with the Navigate Homes team. Here, we’ll discuss the neighborhood, home types, floor plans, styles, price point, design packages, options, upgrades, and delivery date for the home. If you are working with a Realtor, they must join you for this meeting.
You’ve made it to the best part —
your dream home is finally coming to life!
Home Building Process FAQ
When and How do I pay for my Navigate Home?
After we identify a floor plan and lot that meets the clients’ wants and needs, we provide the total costs for the project. At this point, the client will sign a purchase agreement with Navigate Homes and put 10% of the total purchase price down as a deposit. Navigate maintains ownership of the property and home until the house is 100% complete. Closing occurs when the home is completely finished. At this point, the client’s deposit will be credited to the overall purchase amount and they will bring additional funds and/or proof of loan so they can get their keys to the home.
How do you handle change orders?
If a buyer decides to change something about the home after the purchase agreement has been signed, the Navigate Homes team will identify those changes in writing and how much the difference will cost. This will be signed by both parties in writing so everything is clear and there are no surprises.
Is there a home warranty?
As part of the Navigate Homes process, we offer all our new homeowners a one-year warranty that covers materials and workmanship. For more details, visit the warranty page on the Navigate Homes website.
How should I care for my new lawn?
After you’ve gotten settled into your home, you should plan on purchasing blinds and maintaining proper treatment of your lawn. We recommend that you hire a lawn care company to apply fertilizer and weed control. You’ll need to water, sod, and mow your lawn frequently in the first year to ensure that the roots grow strong and deep.