Expert Advice for Navigating the Home-Buying Process: Q&A With Sandy Sekerak

Having assisted countless home buyers throughout our years in the industry, Kay Builders knows firsthand the significant undertaking and high stakes involved in purchasing a new home. From the important decisions to the pressure of making a large investment, there’s no doubt that the process of buying your dream home can feel extremely overwhelming or intimidating—which is why we're here to help. 

Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Sandy Sekerak, our long-time Sales Manager and home-buying expert, to get some insider tips and pointers to help you navigate the process with confidence and ease. Sandy has been with Kay Builders for over 22 years and has helped hundreds of home buyers throughout the Lehigh Valley and Bucks County successfully navigate the home-buying process—and her wealth of knowledge and experience undoubtedly makes her a valuable resource for anyone looking to buy a new home. During our conversation, Sandy shared some of her best tips and advice for first-time home buyers, as well as those who have been through the process before.

Whether you're looking for tips on choosing the right home, or simply want to understand the home-buying process more—Sandy has some invaluable insights to share.

Q: For a better understanding of your knowledge in the industry, what is your background with Kay Builders?

A: I started out as a Sales Manager with Kay Builders 22 years ago now, so the role is something I'm very familiar with! I’ve been in multiple different communities across all different markets, and I’ve sold out at least 7 communities—from high-end, single-family homes to townhomes and everything in between. I’m currently a Sales Manager at The Fields at Indian Creek, which is a beautiful 55+ community in Emmaus, but I’ve also been in communities that had the perfect homes for first-time buyers—so I’ve definitely gained some knowledge across a range of buyers.

Q: Based on your extensive background—it’s clear that you’re a seasoned professional in the new home industry, and you’ve worked with all types of buyers. What advice would you give to first-time home buyers who are just starting their journey? 

A: It’s important for first-time buyers to take the time to do their research and get pre-approved for a mortgage before starting their home search, whether that’s through Traditional Mortgage (our lending company), or another lender. This will help them understand their budget and what they can afford. It's also important for them to work with a reputable builder who can guide them through the process and help them find the right home for their needs—which is exactly what we do here at Kay Builders. After you know what you can afford, you can sift through your options and find the right plan and community that align with your vision. Right now especially, there are so many benefits to owning a home, and I want first-time buyers to know that they’re making such a smart investment. Rather than renting and never seeing that money again, homeowners can build equity and know they’re making the right investment for their future.

Q: And what about those who are buying their third, fourth or fifth home?

A: For those who have already bought a home before, it’s still just as important for them to do the same steps as first-time buyers. Choosing a trusted builder, knowing your budget and finding where you want to live is crucial for all types of buyers. They should also consider their long-term goals and how the home fits into those plans, which is what all of our Kay communities and homes are designed for—giving people a forever home.

Q: What are some things to consider when choosing a builder?

A: When choosing a builder, it's important to consider their reputation, experience and the quality of their work. Buyers should do their research and look for testimonials from past customers, as well as check out the builder's portfolio and check out their design studio options. Look through their floor plans and communities, and figure out if they have the home options that are right for you. It's also important to consider the builder's warranty and customer service. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or looking to upgrade to your next home, most importantly—you’ll want to work with a builder that listens to you and guides you every step of the way.

Q: How does Kay Builders meet, or even exceed, those expectations?

A: I’ve been with Kay Builders since I was pregnant with my first child who has now graduated from college—so I’ve seen this company grow and evolve so much, and a major part of the success is due to us listening to our customers. We listen to their needs, we get to know them as people rather than buyers, and we are fully transparent and personal with them throughout the entire process—which can be rare to come across with new-construction builders. Our warranty and customer service are known to be the best out there, and our Custom-I-Zable features ensure that each home is tailored to meet our customers' individual tastes and lifestyles—and I think that feature stands out to my customers the most, being able to make your home truly your own. We also place so much value on the communities around us and the Lehigh Valley area, and to us, it’s so much more than building homes—it’s about being involved in the community and helping the people around us. 

Work with a builder you can trust

Like Sandy, our entire team of experts at Kay Builders is dedicated to helping our customers feel comfortable, confident and informed throughout the entire home-buying process—and you can trust that we will guide you from the moment you step through our doors until the keys are in your hands. If you’re ready to find the perfect home for you in a community that is sure to exceed your expectations, be sure to browse through our wide selection of new home options and discover why we're one of the most trusted names in the Lehigh Valley and Bucks County. For more information, feel free to contact us today at (484) 353-6100 or fill out our online form—we’re happy to help!