Finding the perfect new home is an exciting journey that’s filled with lots of research and plenty of emotion. Researching new construction homes with the right lens can ensure you make an informed decision. 

Whether you’re ready to move right now, or just seeing what’s out there, it’s good to have a strategy and game plan when shopping for a new home. If you start with a clear idea of your priorities, as well as a solid understanding of where you’re willing to be flexible and compromise, you can make the home shopping process not only simple, but also fun! 

What to Look for When Home Shopping

When considering new construction homes in Fort Collins, there are a handful of important considerations that will help you ensure the property meets your needs and lifestyle. Here are some key factors to think about:

• Location: You probably aren’t surprised to find this at the top of the list. Location is a critical consideration when home shopping! Think about how close the home is to your job, school, or other frequently visited places. A convenient location can save you significant time and stress in daily commutes. Additionally, consider access to local amenities, recreational activities, and public transportation options to ensure the area aligns with your lifestyle. This is what makes Sonders an ideal place for new construction homes – its proximity to Old Town Fort Collins and Colorado State University, as well as the ample recreational amenities inside and just beyond the community.
• Floor Plans and Customization Options: New construction homes often offer flexible layouts and customization. Look for homes with design options that align with your daily routines and long-term goals. For example, if you work from home, a home office or flex space in addition to the bedrooms might be a non-negotiable design feature. And if you act quickly with our home builders, you’ll have customization options ready to choose from, including design-selected interiors and features. Or, if you’re looking to move quickly, you may have less options for structural customizations, but with plenty of opportunities to personalize your home after you move in. 
• Builder Reputation: Research the builder’s experience and reviews. At Sonders, we partner with trusted builders known for quality craftsmanship and innovative designs. It’s good to take a look at a builder’s website and also at their reviews on other sites to ensure they’re easy to work with. 
• Energy Efficiency: Modern new construction homes often feature energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and windows. These can reduce your environmental footprint and save on utilities. While contemporary standards are generally higher than they were 10 or 20 years ago, not all homes are created equal. Identify exactly what energy features you want (i.e., solar panels, ENERGY STAR appliances) to simplify your home shopping. It’s a Sonders virtue to create homes and a community that harnesses energy efficiency, so we’ve made sure to only partner with homebuilders that go beyond the typical energy-efficient new construction home.
• Amenities: Consider the community amenities. Modern, master-planned communities like Sonders Fort Collins are designed to be easy to navigate and make daily life not only more streamlined, but also more joyful. Access to a nearby grocery store that carries your favorite items is just as important as access to a system of parks and trails that get you outside or a community center where you can socialize with friends and neighbors.

How to Research Where You Want to Live

Here are some useful tips for researching a home or area where you might want to live. 

Make Multiple Visits

Explore not only the neighborhood where a home is located, but also the nearby schools, parks, and local businesses. Determine commute times and connectivity to work, schools, and essential services. Visit during different times of day to better understand traffic patterns on the surrounding roads. 

Assess Future Growth

Investigate the area’s development plans. A home purchase should be a future-looking decision, so ensure the community has plans to grow in a way that aligns with your values, or is being created within a fully-grown locale like Sonders location just north of Old Town Fort Collins. Learn more by looking at city and county websites. 

Engage with the Community

Attend local events, follow along and join community-related social media groups, and talk to current residents. Hearing firsthand experiences can provide invaluable insights into what life in the area is truly like and help you understand the community dynamics.

Match the Location to Your Lifestyle

Choosing a location that aligns with your lifestyle is crucial. Consider what activities and conveniences are most important to you. Fort Collins offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and a vibrant city life, and Sonders Fort Collins takes all those benefits a step further, providing residents with easy access to trails, natural beauty, and sustainable living options as part of its Lifelong Homes initiative. Whatever you’re seeking, find a neighborhood and a community that delivers on those desires.

Big Things Coming to Sonders Fort Collins in 2025

At Sonders Fort Collins, we’re always looking ahead to offer more for our residents. In 2025, we’re introducing new home collections with diverse styles and designs to fit every lifestyle. Plus, exciting updates to community amenities are on the horizon.

Home shopping can be an enjoyable and efficient process when approached with the right mindset and tools. By focusing on your needs, thoroughly researching your options, and staying flexible, you can make confident decisions and find a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle.