If you want to build your dream home, follow these eight tips to make the process smooth and financially smart. Buying a Florida Gulf Coast Home? Search all Homes for Sale Selling a Florida Gulf Coast Home? Click here for a Home Value Report If you want to build a home, there are eight tips we have for you to select the right builder: Get recommendations from your friends, family, and sources like the local association of homebuilders. You can also check with builder supply stores and code inspectors.Conduct phone interviews: Once you have a list of builders, call them and ask them whether they do your size of project, for a list of previous clients they've worked with, financial references, how busy they are, and how long they've worked with their subcontractors.Schedule a face-to-face meeting with about four of your top choices, check with the Better Business Bureau, call their references, and then meet with them.Get bids: Ask all your options to break down the cost of their materials, labor, and profit so you can compare them apples to apples.Create a payment schedule or strategy: Never pay it all up front; 10% to 20% should be sufficient to start. Then you make additional deposits along the way. Don't make your choice just based on price: A lowball bid from a builder could mean they're cutting corners or they're simply desperate. Don't make your choice based solely on price.Get it in writing: Make sure your contract clearly spells out all the details.Make sure you have a Realtor to represent your best interests: Most people don't realize that builders factor a real estate commission into their marketing plan, so it doesn't cost you anything to hire a Realtor to negotiate on your behalf. Don't just walk into a model home and think the rep will take care of you—they're there to represent the interests of the builder, not you! If you're thinking about buying a home here on the Florida Gulf Coast, give us a call or send us an email with any questions you have. We're here to help!