Not all upgrades are created equal — and not all decisions need to be made at once.
An Empire home is designed to feel complete from the moment you walk in. The layouts work, the finishes are elevated, and every detail is intentionally selected. But for buyers who want to personalize their space, the 3% homebuyer credit creates flexibility. It can be used in a few different ways — and for many, it’s an opportunity to make thoughtful upgrades that add long-term value without overcomplicating the build or stretching the budget.
And if upgrades aren’t your thing, that’s perfectly fine. Many buyers choose one of our move-in-ready homes, where the selections are already thoughtfully curated and elevated — designed to feel complete, cohesive, and effortless from day one.
For buyers who do want to personalize their home, our new home consultants are experts at helping navigate those decisions. They design several of our move-in-ready homes themselves, which gives them a clear perspective on which upgrades provide the biggest benefit, where it makes sense to prioritize spending, and how to balance style, function, and long-term value.
That experience is what makes the 3% homebuyer credit such a powerful tool. Here’s how you can strategically spend it to maximize impact.
Prioritize the Upgrades That Are Easiest to Get Right Upfront
Some selections are simply easier to make during the build than after move-in. That doesn’t make them intimidating — it just makes them worth a little extra thought early on.
Flooring
Flooring sets the tone for your entire home and gets used every single day. It’s not that it can’t be changed later — it absolutely can — but it’s one of those updates that’s more disruptive once you’re living in the space. Thinking through things like foot traffic, pets, natural light, and overall style now helps ensure your floors continue to feel right as life unfolds in the home.
Cabinets
Cabinet color and finish have a big influence on how kitchens and bathrooms feel. While cabinets aren’t permanent, they’re more involved to change down the road, which is why many buyers like to get this selection dialed in from the start. Whether your style leans light and bright or warm and grounded, this is a great place to personalize without overthinking it.
Countertops
Countertops are one of the most enjoyable upgrades to consider. Material choices affect look, feel, and everyday upkeep, but there’s no single “right” answer — it’s about what fits your routine. Some buyers prioritize durability and low maintenance, while others love a little visual contrast. Using the 3% credit here is popular because it’s a noticeable upgrade you’ll appreciate daily.
Backsplash
A backsplash ties everything together. It works best when it complements both the cabinets and countertops, creating a finished, cohesive look. While it can be updated later, many homeowners enjoy selecting it during the build so the kitchen or bath feels complete from day one.
Mudroom Cubbies & Built-In Storage
Built-in storage is all about day-to-day ease. Cubbies, shelves, and lockers help manage coats, shoes, backpacks, and the everyday coming and going. Since these are part of the structure of the home, they’re worth considering early if organization is high on your list.
Rather than thinking of these as “now or never” decisions, it helps to view them as set-the-foundation choices. They create a strong starting point, while still leaving plenty of room to personalize over time.
The Upgrades It’s Okay to Go Back and Forth On
We all have those selections we circle a few times. You like them… but you’re not ready to decide. Or you’d rather put the budget toward something else right now. And that’s okay.
Some upgrades are simply easier to change down the road, which makes them good candidates for hitting pause if you’re on the fence.
Lighting Fixtures
Lighting has a big impact on how a space feels, but fixture styles are also one of the easiest things to update later. Many buyers focus on getting the placement right during the build and leave the final fixture choice for after move-in, once they’ve lived in the space and know what style fits best.
Hardware
Hardware is a small detail that can add a lot of personality. The good news is it’s relatively inexpensive and simple to update at any point. Whether you choose something neutral now or swap it out later for a different finish, it’s an easy way to refresh a space without a major investment.
Thinking this way — where some upgrades are “nice to have now,” and others are “easy to do later” — takes pressure off the process. It also helps you use the 3% homebuyer credit more intentionally, focusing on choices that are harder to change once you’re settled in.
Using the 3% Credit With Intention
This is where a little perspective goes a long way.
Most buyers don’t need more upgrades — they need clarity. The 3% homebuyer credit works best when it’s used to support how you’ll actually live in the home, not to chase every possible option on the list.
This is where our new home consultants really earn their keep. Because they design many of our move-in-ready homes, they’ve already made these decisions dozens of times. They know which upgrades quietly improve everyday life, which ones tend to be skipped without regret, and which combinations simply work better together.
Instead of asking, “What can we add?” they help buyers ask, “What will we notice every day?”
That usually leads to smarter choices — maybe putting the credit toward a countertop upgrade you’ll use constantly, dialing in cabinet selections that set the tone for the space, or investing in built-in storage that keeps life organized from the start. It also helps avoid spending the credit on upgrades that look good on paper but don’t meaningfully change how the home functions.
Just as important, the credit doesn’t need to be used all at once or in one direction. Some buyers choose one or two high-impact upgrades and leave the rest of the home exactly as designed. Others decide the standard selections already feel right and move forward without changing a thing.
That’s the real advantage of the 3% credit: it creates options without pressure. With guidance from people who do this every day, you can make a few thoughtful decisions that feel right now — and feel just as good years down the road.
Designed to Feel Right
The truth is, there’s no single “right” way to approach personalization.
Some buyers walk in, see the standard selections, and know immediately they’re home. Others enjoy making a few thoughtful adjustments along the way. Both paths lead to a well-designed space — the difference is simply how much decision-making you want upfront.
That’s why the process matters just as much as the options. With experienced new home consultants and the flexibility of the 3% homebuyer credit, you’re not expected to have everything figured out on day one. You’re given the space to make smart choices, ask the right questions, and move forward with confidence — knowing your home was designed to support real life, not overwhelm it.