The Homebuyer’s Journey

Once you have a good idea of what type of home you’re looking for, it’s time to start your home search. Research new home builders, and different neighborhoods to help narrow down your ideal location, then browse for homes to learn more about architecture styles, home features, and community amenities.

Choosing Your Homesite
Once you have narrowed down the area and community you are ready to purchase at, you can choose your homesite. Choosing your Shea homesite will be an exciting step, as we will help you to select the right homesite for you and your family’s needs. When choosing your homesite, it would also be the appropriate time to review disclosures before you sign your contract.

When shopping for your new home: 

• Talk with homeowner friends about their personal experiences

• Find the right floor plan for your family 

• Sign up for a My Shea Home account for key homebuying tools

• Call 866-696-7432 to speak with a New Home Advisor and schedule a community visit 

• Consider taking a self-guided home tour 

• See our homebuying glossary for a list of commonly used terms

• Explore your financing options with Shea Mortgage

Now that you've found your dream home, you're ready to refine and bring your vision to life. 

Pre-Qualification with Shea Mortgage™
With the right home, you need the right mortgage. A Shea Mortgage loan originator can walk you through the pre-qualification process, answering any questions you may have about your financial strategy. We do all we can to help you get pre-qualified including: checking your credit and calculating mortgage payments so we can find the right loan for your needs. Once you’re pre-qualified, you’ll complete your purchase agreement to confirm your home site selection.

Signing Your Contract 
During your appointment with Shea, you will sign your contract with your Community Representative. An earnest money deposit is required at this time. Please allow 2 hours for this appointment. 

Mortgage Loan Approval 
If you have chosen to use financing for your new home purchase, the loan approval deadline is outlined in the Payment Addendum in your contract. 

• Learn about our five-step mortgage process 

One of the perks of buying a new home is the personalization opportunities, such as choosing your floor plan, home features, and designer selections. Your Shea team is ready to help you during this exciting step of the homebuying journey, and will explain to you all of your options to make sure we build the new home that you’ve envisioned.

Additional inspiration when designing your new home:

• Tour selection options in one of our model homes

• Discover the unique design innovations Shea offers

Now you get to watch your new home come to life. At various stages of the building process, your Shea team will invite you to come and take a peek at your home’s progress. You’ll get a personal walk-through with your Field Manager, learn more about your home’s key features, and maybe meet some neighbors!

Construction Welcome Meeting 
We will schedule a “Meet and Greet” appointment for you to learn about how your home is built and to give you an opportunity to ask about any construction related questions you may have. 

Pre-Drywall Orientation 
During this appointment we will walk you through your new home and verify plumbing and electrical options before the walls are covered with drywall. We will be ready for you with a copy of the design selections you previously made. Please allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for this appointment.

Your home is almost ready, just a few more final items to complete your home purchase! In this stage, you’ll be handling the final loan prep, closing escrow, and home walk-throughs.  

Final Loan Review & Prepare for Close of Escrow 
Approximately 45-60 days prior to Close of Escrow, preparation for final loan review will occur. If you chose Shea Mortgage as your lender, they will connect with you to update you on the status of your loan approval and discuss the plan for the final 45 - 60 days of escrow. In order to submit your loan for final approval, it is typical that your loan officer may require updated information for some of the documents you provided earlier in the loan approval process. 

Customer Walk-Through Appointment 
Approximately 30-60 days prior to completion, we will provide you with an appointment date for our team to guide you on a room-by-room tour of your entire home. During this appointment, we will explain the features and operating procedures of your home and give you an opportunity to ask questions. The Customer Walk-Through appointment will take place a few days prior to your closing. Please allow at least 2 hours for this appointment.

Closing Documents Signing 
An appointment will be scheduled with you to sign your final escrow and mortgage loan documents (the appointment will be approximately 1 to 7 business days prior to Close of Escrow). You should also be prepared at this time to wire funds for your closing amount. Please allow at least 1 hour for this appointment.

Additional tips when preparing to make your move to a new home: 

• Give current landlord a 30-day notice 

• ​Obtain homeowner’s insurance 

• Schedule the movers 

You did it! Your home is finished and ready for you. We know that moving can be a very stressful time, and we want to be here for you along the way, and help you avoid the stress when moving! 

Home Delivery & Close of Escrow 
We will meet with you again at your home to confirm that it is 100% complete. Warranty and customer service process is also explained at home delivery. Please allow 30 to 60 minutes for this appointment. Once we receive notification that escrow has closed, we will provide you the keys to your new Shea Home. Welcome Home! 

Moving Day
It’s moving day and time to unpack those boxes! We want this experience to be a smooth transition, which is why we offer a 1-5-11 warranty program, giving you warranty appointments one month, five months, and eleven months from your closing date. During these meetings, we’ll review the home with you to see if there are any warrantable items or concerns that need to be addressed.

When moving remember to: 

• Transfer utilities to your name within 48 hours of closing

• Log into your MySheaHome Account  to view home info or contact Customer Service with any questions

At Shea, we care to invest in our homeowners before, during, and even after they move in. As you settle into your new home and your new community, we’ll keep you updated on basic household maintenance, making sure your home continues to perform like new for many memorable years to come. 

• Discover the Shea Difference