Customer story: How first home buyer Sarah built the Harvey 23
School teacher Sarah had been saving for a home since her first job right after high school. So, it was important she built with the best.
‘I was ready to move out of my parents’ house and step into the next chapter of my life, creating memories and experiences in my very own home,’ says Sarah, who wanted to avoid the stress of renovating.
‘I didn’t want to buy established and feel as though I was in walking into someone else’s home. I’d always had the goal to build a home that was completely mine, where I could start fresh and enjoy what I’d worked extremely hard for.’
After visiting Melbourne’s display homes circuit, Homebuyers Centre quickly stood out. Not only were the home designs and colour options beautiful, but its high-quality and premium brand finishes were also affordable.
In the end, she decided on the functionality of Homebuyers Centre’s four-bedroom, two-bathroom Harvey home design. Sarah coupled this with the Scandinavian-themed Shoreline façade, with its big open windows, and modern palette and painted cladding.
‘The floorplan was perfect for entertaining, while still providing plenty of storage and privacy,’ explains Sarah.
‘The butler’s pantry in the kitchen is open yet still private, yet hidden from sight, and the bedrooms were tucked away from the living spaces which I really liked.’
What to expect from the build journey
Despite dreaming of her build since she was a teenager, Sarah wasn’t sure where to start. Thankfully, the Homebuyers Centre team were there to step her through the build journey – from finding the perfect block to selecting designs, colours and finishes to suit her taste, and budget. The result was a stress-free process and one that she actually enjoyed.
‘From the moment I walked into the display home all the way to handover, everyone at Homebuyers Centre were super helpful. I felt like I was able to ask any lots of questions without feeling silly, and I had plenty of guidance and communication throughout each step of the journey,’ says Sarah.
‘Watching my home grow develop into everything I had imagined was special.’
Her favourite part of the build? Choosing colours. ‘I loved designing my home during pre-construction, and styling by adding my own personal touches,’ she adds.
Sarah’s top tips for first home buyers
1. Visit plenty of display homes:
You’ll quickly realise the homes you like and dislike. You’ll also know the moment you find the right builder. ‘As soon as I walked into the Homebuyers Centre display home, I felt comfortable,’ says Sarah.
2. Look for premium customer service
An expert builder isn’t just about the quality of construction and finishes. Good customer service is equally important – after all, your first home is one of your greatest investments. Look for a builder with good reviews who you know will support you. ‘Communication is so important – I felt like I was speaking to Homebuyers Centre more than I spoke to my friends,’ jokes Sarah. ‘They would even cater to contact me around my working hours, only calling me during my lunch break or after work.’
3. Collect styling pieces in advance
Building your savings is important, but so is building your personal style. Understanding your own interior style will help make your colour selection a more efficient and enjoyable process. ‘I started collecting pieces for my home before I first approached Homebuyers,’ says Sarah. ‘It was one of the ways I knew I was first home ready.’