Perhaps the most important step in buying a new home is the first one: choosing a home builder. It pays to do a little homework. Check the resale value of your prospective home builder’s real estate and the quality of the neighborhoods it has established. Research the school district and elementary, middle and high schools that will serve your new neighborhood. Quality schools will add great value to your new home. Finally, look into the reputation of your perspective home builder and how long they’ve been doing business in the Central Valley. It’s better to buy from a proven home builder that you can count on to be part of your community long after you’ve purchased your new home.