Daybreak new home checklist: This simple, positive guide reflects today’s Utah market. Use it to plan your budget, choose a loan, tour model homes, pick finishes, track construction, and close with clarity.
New Homes in Daybreak • Homebuyer Tips
Before You Start: What’s New in 2025
Good news: mortgage rates have eased from their recent peaks, and builders continue to add fresh inventory in Daybreak. As a result, many shoppers can tour more options and compare incentives. Even so, prices and programs change. Therefore, partner with a lender and your builder’s sales team early.
- Rates & affordability: National surveys show 30‑year fixed rates trending in the mid‑6% range in early September 2025. Lower rates can improve monthly affordability.
- Loan limits: The baseline conforming loan limit is $806,500 for 2025. FHA limits vary by county. Check current limits for Salt Lake County if you plan to use FHA financing.
- Down‑payment help: Ask your lender about Utah Housing Corporation options for eligible buyers. These programs can help with down payment or closing costs.
Always confirm rates, limits, and program availability with your lender; they change during the year.
1: Map Your Budget
- List your comfort payment and a stretch ceiling. Include principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA/amenity dues.
- Build a cash plan for earnest money, design deposits, and closing costs.
- Save a move‑in buffer for window coverings, landscaping, and furniture.
2: Choose Your Financing
Compare several options and pick what fits your timeline and comfort level.
- Conventional vs. FHA: Ask how mortgage insurance, credit score, and loan limits affect you.
- Rate locks: For a build, consider extended locks and float‑down features.
- Temporary buydown (2‑1): A buydown can reduce the payment in years one and two, sometimes paid by a seller or builder. Make sure you can afford the payment when the buydown ends.
- Down‑payment assistance: If eligible, explore UHC programs that can help cover down payment or closing costs.
3: Get Pre‑Approved
Ask your lender for a fully underwritten pre‑approval. It strengthens your offer and helps your sales team tailor options. Bring recent pay stubs, W‑2s, bank statements, and ID. Then, confirm your estimated monthly payment at today’s rates.
4: Tour Model Homes & Pick a Floor Plan
- Tour efficiently: Start at the model home hub and shortlist plans that fit your budget.
- Think lifestyle: Consider work‑from‑home space, guest rooms, and storage.
- Mind the site plan: Ask about sunlight, setbacks, parking, and proximity to parks, TRAX, and schools.
5: Personalize With Smart Selections
- Prioritize structure first: extra bedroom, loft, or 3‑car garage.
- Target high‑impact finishes: durable flooring, kitchen surfaces, lighting.
- Plan for energy & tech: EV outlet, smart thermostat, and pre‑wires for data or audio.
6: Write the Contract With Confidence
- Know your dates: financing, appraisal, and design deadlines.
- Review allowances and what happens if materials change.
- Clarify deposits and how credits or incentives apply at closing.
7: Follow Construction Milestones
- Pre‑construction meeting: review the plan, site, and utilities.
- Framing walk: confirm outlets, switches, and rough‑ins before drywall.
- Quality checks: attend orientations; ask about third‑party inspections.
8: Prepare for Closing Day
- Lock your rate and review your Closing Disclosure.
- Set up insurance and utilities; schedule movers.
- Plan your walkthrough and list any last‑minute touch‑ups.
Tour model homes • Visit the Information Center
Printable Mini‑Checklist
- Pre‑approval + budget
- Loan type + lock strategy
- Top three floor plans + preferred lots
- Must‑have structural options
- Finish priorities + tech/energy add‑ons
- Key contract dates + deposits
- Construction walk‑throughs scheduled
- Closing documents + move‑in plan
You’ve Got This
Buying a new home is a big step, yet it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a clear plan and the right team, you can move forward with confidence—one checklist box at a time. Welcome to Daybreak.
Basically, Daybreak is Utah’s haven.
