The Kiper Homes Buyer’s Guide is Your Clear Path to Homeownership

Serena at River Islands streescape rendering

Serena at River Islands streescape rendering

With interest rates constantly changing, it’s normal to feel unsure about buying a new home. At Kiper Homes, we think the process should be exciting and easy to understand. We want you to feel confident and informed from your first visit to our models to the final walkthrough of your dream home.

This guide takes you step by step through buying a new Kiper home and focusing on what matters most: helping you find the home that’s right for you.

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved & Set Your Finances

preferred lender

Before touring, securing a mortgage pre-approval is the most important first step. This gives you a clear understanding of your finances, including how much home you can afford based on your ideal monthly payment, and shows our team you are a qualified buyer. This also ensures that we show you the homes and options that fit your financial goals.

If you’re not sure where to start, we can connect you with our preferred lenders that offer fantastic financial expertise for buying new construction. It’s important to know your buying power and budget upfront so you can make confident decisions as you move throughout the buying process.

Visit our Lender Page to determine how you are going to finance your Kiper home.

Estimate your monthly payments with our Mortgage Calculator.

Step 2: Tour the Model Homes & Find Your Neighborhood

Res 1 Great Room Skye at River Islands

This is the fun part! With your finances in order, you’re officially ready to explore our communities. When you visit a Kiper Homes neighborhood, one of our friendly onsite sales counselor will welcome you. As you tour the model homes, notice the layout, natural light and special features. Our models highlight the quality and flexible spaces for which Kiper is known.

What to expect: Though our Kiper Homes are built to higher standards® and feature included items that far exceed what some other builders include as options, our model homes showcase additional upgrades to show the plan’s full potential. Our agents will explain which features are included and which are options, so you can understand how to personalize your home within your budget. This is also a great time to ask about neighborhood amenities, local hotspots and nearby educational opportunities.

Step 3: Select Your Homesite & Floor Plan

outdoor living space with pergola and waterfront views

After you find the community and floor plan you love, your agent will help you pick the right homesite. You’ll consider factors such as size, direction and community location. This is the time to let our team know if you prefer on-water or off-water properties! Once you decide, you’ll approve the agreement and make a deposit to reserve your new home.

Step 4: Personalize Your Home

Skye at River Islands Res 4 Bar

Next comes the exciting part: adding your personal touches to your new home! During this step, you will meet with our team at set times to choose all of the builder offered items such as room configurations, electrical items, cabinets, lighting fixtures, plumbing finishes and more. Once those are complete, you will meet with an interior designer at the off site design studio to select the flooring, counters and backsplashes to add the final touches to create your vision of the perfect interior space. The timing of these meetings are tied to the construction process to make sure your home is delivered on time. This is when your home starts to show your personal style and becomes your dream space.

Step 5: The Construction & Walkthroughs

While you make your selections, they will be incorporated into the construction process. Kiper Homes keeps you updated throughout every step pf the way. We will schedule a walk-through before the drywall goes up to check all the details if that is your desire. Photos can be taken and sent, or, with permission, you may stop by the office to gain access to your home during construction when convenient. Before closing your home, you will receive a written notice 30-45 days prior to your home’s completion.

Before closing your home, you will receive a written notice 30-45 days prior to your home’s completion. One week prior to closing on your home, our team will reach out to schedule a homeowner orientation to walk through your home and go over your one-year Limited Fit & Finish warranty and 10 Year Structural warranty.

Step 6: Final Financing & Closing

Kiper Homes buyer receiving the keys to their home during the homebuying process

As your closing date nears, you’ll finish your financing with your lender and get your closing disclosure. A few days before your closing date, you sign the final papers and make the balance of your down payment. Usually, those papers are sent to the title and then recorded with the county. Once recorded, your keys will be waiting, and you officially become a Kiper homeowner. We want this last step to be smooth and special.

From your first tour to moving day, Kiper Homes is here to make your experience clear and enjoyable. We can’t wait to welcome you home to River Islands!

Visit Our River Islands Neighborhoods

Enjoy the Delta Lifestyle at River Islands Communities

Ready to get started? Visit one of our beautiful River Islands communities in Lathrop, CA, and see what makes Kiper Homes special.

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