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I agree - spend the time to have a spreadsheet.
Also realize the need to budget for extra outlets, your driveway and walkway (expect to pay up to 10k depending on the size of both), landrscaping other than the cheapest grass they might throw down, etc. Although I read the building and neighborhood document inside and out, these things easily are forgotten or not addressed, and you suddenly have these costs that add $$$ to your final number.
If you had the opportunity to add in the cost of your appliances and extras to your mortgage, think carefully about trying to pay for those upfront. It's easy to think, oh we have 30 years to pay it off, but once those appliances need replacement, you are probably not going to be done paying them off.
Lastly, research the town you want to live in, and research their tax system. A year after we moved in, my town reassessed properties (home and cars) and they increased the mill rate almost 70%. They staggered the increased into two stages, but our current property tax for our size house in our town would be twice the amount in another town. However, the cost to build in the other town would be a lot more.
Try to reach for a mortgage that is $300-400 less than the max you think you can pay. Things happen, not everything is covered under warranty or home insurance, and other things come along that you realize you need. Plus, consider what it will cost to furnish, plus window treatments, etc.
Consider all methods of heating. Our new neighborhood was built with propane as the method of heating. We were amazed with the cost difference compared to oil, which we had at our previous home. We went from speniding 500-700 a month to less than $300.
Multi-zone heating is worth putting in now rather than waiting. It saves on heat, especially if you have two floors. We were too nervous at that top number and thought we could wait. Now it will cost us more to retro-fit it in.
Ask for building incentives, if your builder seems to be pushing you to sign by a certain time. We got free a/c and free gas fireplace by signing by the end of a calendar year. AND we got a lock down on cheaper prices (which were going up after the new year).
Consider windows that are almost floor to ceiling. Natural light saves on electricity. We love our huge windows, which are super easy to clean.
Best of luck. If I think of anything else, I will come back, if that's okay.
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