Friday, August 29, 2014

GOLD Award for Beach Haven's 'Amber' Custom Built Home!

Big things happening for Landon Homes at the St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet last night.   


Landon Home's Beach Haven neighborhood were among the nominees at the event. Landon Homes brought home the GOLD Award for Palm Coast's Beach Haven 'Amber' new home design.  A big congratulations goes out to Cathy, Charles and Jill for an amazing job on the Amber model.  

St John's Parade of Homes Tour starts tomorrow, 8/30 and runs until 9/14. Be sure to stop by our model homes. Beach Haven is Palm Coast and Moses Creek in St Augustine.


Landon Homes, St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet, Beach Haven neighborhood, Palm Coast, Amber model, new build homes, best home builder, build a home, design your own home

Landon Homes, St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet, Beach Haven neighborhood, Palm Coast, Amber model, new build homes, best home builder, build a home, design your own home

Landon Homes, St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet, Beach Haven neighborhood, Palm Coast, Amber model, new build homes, best home builder, build a home, design your own home

Landon Homes, St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet, Beach Haven neighborhood, Palm Coast, Amber model, new build homes, best home builder, build a home, design your own home

Landon Homes, St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet, Beach Haven neighborhood, Palm Coast, Amber model, new build homes, best home builder, build a home, design your own home

Landon Homes, St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet, Beach Haven neighborhood, Palm Coast, Amber model, new build homes, best home builder, build a home, design your own home, Cathy Catalfamo, Charles and Jill

Landon Homes, St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet, Beach Haven neighborhood, Palm Coast, Amber model, new build homes, best home builder, build a home, design your own home, Cathy Catalfamo, Charles and Jill

Landon Homes, St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet, Beach Haven neighborhood, Palm Coast, Amber model, new build homes, best home builder, build a home, design your own home, Cathy Catalfamo, Charles and Jill

Landon Homes, St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet, Beach Haven neighborhood, Palm Coast, Amber model, new build homes, best home builder, build a home, design your own home, Cathy Catalfamo, Charles and Jill

Landon Homes, St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet, Beach Haven neighborhood, Palm Coast, Amber model, new build homes, best home builder, build a home, design your own home, Cathy Catalfamo, Charles and Jill

Landon Homes, St John's County Parade of Homes Banquet, Beach Haven neighborhood, Palm Coast, Amber model, new build homes, best home builder, build a home, design your own home, Cathy Catalfamo, Charles and Jill




Thursday, August 28, 2014

At Landon Homes, You Can Design Your Own Home!

Landon Homes, Custom Home Builder, Best Home Builder


They say that the home is where the heart is, where you hang your hat and where spend a majority of your time. Your home should be exactly how you want it to be, and at Landon Homes, we understand this. 

You may have an idea of what you want your dream house to look like, so we have dozens of floor plans for you to choose from. With our customizable floor plan system, you can upgrade and add-on to meet the needs of your family. 

Get inspired by visiting our website, and looking through our communities. You are sure to find a floor plan that suits you. We are always having open houses and community events, so make sure to 'Like' us on Facebook and 'follow' us on Pinterest to stay informed. 

If you need to move quickly, we have properties built all over Jacksonville and St. Augustine Florida, and as as Jacksonville's best custom home builder, Landon Homes has many premium properties to choose from. Contact Landon Homes today to meet one of our realtors to help you to choose the best custom home for you and your family. 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Just got pre-approved for a home loan! Now What?

First of all, congratulations in being one step closer to being homeowner! Buying a home is a big step in life and it takes you that much closer to living the American Dream!
Looking for a new home is just as exciting as it is stressful.  Purchasing a home is a huge undertaking - it requires a lot of thought and research. Buying a new build construction house by one of Jacksonville's best builders is an ideal situation.  Contact a friendly agent at Landon Homes today to help you look through our Jacksonville and St. Augustine communities to find the home that suits your needs. 
When you find your house, you just know it. Homeowners insurance may not be the first thought you have when you start thinking about buying a house.  
Here are a few house-buying tips to be aware of, from an insurance point of view:
  • Make sure you choose your own insurance
  • Find out how far is the nearest fire station
  • Is your home part of a homeowner’s association?  Check your association’s Master policy.
  • Is the home located in a flood zone?  You might need flood insurance.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Make it just the right size: Featuring 'The Sarah' Floor Plan, Benton Lakes is building NOW!

Starting at 2841 square feet, 'The Sarah' is a family-friendly floor plan with plenty of options. This beautiful Landon Homes property has multiple front of the house designs to choose from, an optional second floor, and guest suite, this floor plan has something for everyone. 'The Sarah' also has lots of master suite options, including dual master suite options, full pool bath and optional bonus room. 

Benton Lakes, one of Jacksonville's most desired neighborhoods nestled in charming Mandarin. We feature a variety of unique home designs on large homesites. With its convenient location in Mandarin, located off of Hood Road, Benton Lakes is close to all Mandarin has to offer. Benton Lakes is just minutes from I-95 and I-295, and allows for quick access to downtown Jacksonville, Historic St Augustine, and many of the city's top business centers. With the Avenues Mall, and St Johns Town Center just around the corner, shopping, dining and entertainment are endless. Benton Lakes is built by the best home builders in Jacksonville, FL: Landon Homes. 

Maple Lakes Drive
City: Jacksonville, FL 32226Price Range: From the $260'sContact: Susan Penta
County: DuvalSQ Ft Range: 2050-3551Ph: 904-868-8986 Get Started Today

Thursday, August 21, 2014

When You're Moving Your Home

moving tips,
Who doesn't want to learn something new - especially when it comes to tips on moving!  If you're getting ready to embark on the daunting task of moving your household, here is some advice on how to make this transition easier:
Making a list
It may seem redundant, but writing everything down, keeping a list of your things will help with record keeping, and make sure that you don't miss anything! Before you pack  your first box, create a simple record keeping system. A computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents works great, or have a spiral-bound notebook. Place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. 
Packing Central
Make a central location for all your packing supplies: your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. Strong plastic packing tape,  unprinted newsprint and packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap will cushion household good
Be Specific
When writing a description of the box contents, be specific. Write what kind of dishes and which books. 
Be Prepared
Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You'll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you'll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.
Use your luggage.
Fill your luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local moves you'll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas "Box #189" might remain elusive for days.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Sell an Old Home to Young Buyers

Sell your old home
Selling any home can be very challenging, especially depending on the market. But if you have an old home and want to appeal to young buyers in their 20s and early 30s, you may need to take some extra steps.
First, you'll need to assuage the fears of those young buyers about maintaining a home that was around during the real "Mad Men" days. Second, you'll need to showcase the features that have the most appeal to young couples and families. The following eight tips won't cost a lot of money, and they could reap you an early offer.

Pre-Inspect your home
One of the most difficult decisions for home sellers is to figure out how much to spend on home improvements before putting the house on the market.
"I always recommend paying for a home inspection, especially if the owners are elderly and have not had the money or energy to keep the house in good repair," says Lane Tharp, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dunwoody, Ga. "An inspection will help determine if there's anything that absolutely must be done before putting the house on the market."
In addition to a general home inspection, Debby Strott, manager of Weichert Realtors' Morristown West office in Morristown, N .J., recommends that homeowners get the heating and air-conditioning system cleaned and inspected. She suggests having septic systems pumped.
"This provides peace of mind for buyers," Strott says. "You can put the service contract or reports with your marketing materials."

Buy a home warranty 


Strott recommends that sellers buy home warranties that cover repairs for the systems (electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling) and appliances in the home. Most home warranties are available as one-year policies and provide coverage while the property is on the market and after the closing.
A home warranty costs around $300 to $400 and reassures buyers that they won't be faced with a major repair expense in their first year of homeownership, Strott says.

Offer a possible expansion or renovation plan

"Most Realtors know a contractor, so it would be fairly simple for a Realtor to get a ballpark estimate of sample fit-and-finish renovation projects such as replacing the flooring or renovating a bathroom," says Scott Lacey, a renovation specialist with Weichert Financial Services in North Providence, R.I. "Younger buyers don't always realize that everything they see can be changed with a renovation. If they like the home based on the location, the schools and the general style, they can be persuaded to buy if they can see the possibilities that come with a renovation."
Sellers can pay for simple drawings that show some renovation options that would work well with the home's configuration and its lot.
Strott recommends that sellers find out about any permit issues with an expansion such as height or setback restrictions or wetland and to include that information with marketing materials.

Provide Loan Renovation
Mortgages are available that allow homebuyers to borrow money to buy the home plus money to pay for renovations. The most popular renovation mortgage program is called the FHA 203(k). The loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration .
"Younger buyers who are looking at homes that are 20 or 30 years old are likely to look at the kitchen and baths and want to renovate," Lacey says. "A seller can provide information about an FHA 203(k) loan with their marketing materials to show buyers that they can wrap renovation costs into their mortgage."
Lacey says listing agents should prepare a cost analysis of a standard mortgage and an FHA 203(k) loan to demonstrate the availability of the loan program and to show buyers what the mortgage payments would be based on prospective renovation plans at various price points such as $5,000, $25,000 or $50,000.





Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Help! Now I Own Two Houses!

You had your dream home built and now it's ready for your family to move in, but now you have your existing home to sell! Don't panic!

Despite their best efforts, this does happen to some homeowners. There are options to get you through to the next phase.

Bridging the Gap

The help from this is literal. Bridge Loans are created to bridge the period between when you close on your new house and when you get your money from the sale of your existing house. This can be used to help with the down payment, closing costs and easily repaid with the sale of the home you are moving out of. This can be a pricey option, as the fees are higher up front, but consider the benefits of not having to worry about the transition from old house to new.
bridge loan

Monday, August 18, 2014

Valuable Advice on your First Home Financing

It is so exciting to buy your first house! It's the financing that can be the scary part! 

Deciding how much to spend, choosing what type of mortgage that will work best for you, not to mention understanding the paperwork... the whole process can be overwhelming. Here are some tips from industry insiders that will ease your first time homebuyer jitters:
  • Get familiar with the lingo. 
  • Decide what you can actually afford to pay on a monthly basis, and don't forget to factor in insurance and any association fees.  Calculators can be found on most real-estate-focused websites. 
  • Pay down your debts. Credit card debt limits what you qualify for from a lender. Lenders want to see a total debt service ratio that is less than 40% of your monthly income.   
  • Take the time to attend a first-time home buying seminar or talk to a credit counselor - one who doesn't work for a lender. 
  • HUD also has a handy booklet on its site called “Buying Your Home: Settlement Costs and Helpful Information.”   
  • Get pre-approved for a loan! It may seem like a no-brainer, but when you have a pre-approval, you will be taken much more seriously when it's time to make an offer. 
first time homebuyer


Friday, August 15, 2014

Featuring the Aubrey Floor Plan, Benton Lakes is building NOW!

With a spacious 3027 square feet, The Aubrey is a two-story family-friendly floor plan with plenty of options. This beautiful Landon Homes property has three front styles ('elevations') to choose from, an optional family room fireplace, optional french door owner's suite, and optional study. The Aubrey also has lots of master suite options, including a dual master suite option, optional master bath shower seat and optional bonus room. 

Benton Lakes, one of Jacksonville's most desired neighborhoods nestled in charming Mandarin. We feature a variety of unique home designs on large homesites. With its convenient location in Mandarin, located off of Hood Road, Benton Lakes is close to all Mandarin has to offer. Benton Lakes is just minutes from I-95 and I-295, and allows for quick access to downtown Jacksonville, Historic St Augustine, and many of the city's top business centers. With the Avenues Mall, and St Johns Town Center just around the corner, shopping, dining and entertainment are endless.

Maple Lakes Drive
City: Jacksonville, FL 32226Price Range: From the $260'sContact: Susan Penta
County: DuvalSQ Ft Range: 2050-3551Ph: 904-868-8986 Get Started Today

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Ways to Save Money When Hiring Movers

moving tips, save money on moving
I'm sure you can agree, moving can be expensive. But there are ways you can save money when hiring moving companies or renting a moving truck for your move.
To start, you should decide what option is best for you: to move yourself or to hire a moving company. You may think you know the answer, but the cost can vary greatly on how far you're moving and what kind of time you have, not to mention the physical labor involved. The cost of gas and one-way rentals can be very expensive.  Make sure to do a cost analysis to find the true answer.
If you do use a moving company, there are several ways to cut-down on your costs. Some of these tips can also apply to renting a truck.
  1. Purge before you pack. Go through your things and get rid of stuff you don't need. Hold a yard sale, leave old books with friends or donate them to the local library or sell them to a used bookstore. Anything you can't sell, give to a local charity. Weight equals money. The less weight, the less money. 

  2. Book in advance. The sooner you book your mover, the less likely you are to be charged a higher rate. If you're have to move last minute and have to book movers within a couple of weeks of moving,  they may charge you more money simply for the inconvenience of slotting in your move. This isn't always the case, but my golden rule is always book early if you can.

  3. Moving companies will nickel and dime you. Ask about all possible charges and fees. You may get charged for accessories, blankets, heavy items, moving appliances, etc.

  4. Pack up yourself.  Moving companies usually charge extra if they have to help pack last minute items. Having everything ready to go will ensure that the time the movers spend with you is minimal. Disassembling furniture helps as well. 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

More Things a Homeowners Should Know About Homeowner Insurance

When it comes to insuring your home, it’s not just only about safeguarding against structural damage or theft — it’s just as much about feeling secure in where you live. If disaster does strike, your focus should be on reclaiming your sense of stability. The last thing you should worry about is money.
Shop Around
Before you commit to a policy, you should take the time to research an agent whom you trust. If you don't have a direct referral, look for one with good reviews online. 
The policy itself is important, however you should make sure you also select the best agent.

Preventive Actions Can Help Reduce Your Premiums
Have a working smoke detector may seem like a no-brainer, but it may also help you land a lower insurance quote.  This also applies to a burglar alarm.  Installing something as a simple as a deadbolt or a burglar alarm system can significantly reduce your homeowners insurance premium. 
Your premium is based on how much risk that is foreseen, so reducing your liability risk can help reduce your premium. For example, if you have a pool, you may be able to reduce the likelihood of a claim by installing a fence and a pool cover to minimize the risk of a neighborhood kid wandering onto your property and falling in and possibly lowering your premium.
safety fence around pool, reduce homeowners premiums

Monday, August 11, 2014

OPEN HOUSE: Make sure you reserve your spot today!

Landon Homes Moss Creek Estates



Marjorie Taylor, Landon Homes Sales Representitive

Saturday, August 23, 2014 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (PDT)

St Augustine, FL



Schedule a showing here: 




Tour the beautiful new Landon Homes Model in the attractive countryside community of Moses Creek Estates. 
Prices from the $270,000's -including large homesite!
You'll love the new homes by Landon Homes with their open floor plans and side entry garages each with expansive 1/3 acre home sites. The community is situated among mature scenic trees with a community park and neighborhood lakes.Moses Creek, a beautiful neighborhood of established homes with large sites that offer plenty of room for your pool, plus privacy and 'breathing room' between each residence.
Strategically located in one of the most dynamic growing areas of St. Augustine, Moses Creek home owners enjoy spacious 1/3 acre home sites, winding roads, lakes and conservation areas. Just minutes to the beach, shopping and Downtown St. Augustine.
Visit Our Web Page  for more inforamtion about Moses Creek Estates and Landon Homes

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Sell Your Outdated House!

Sometimes as a homeowner, you get to the point when they have had it with your house. It's old, tired and outdated, and you just don't have the desire or the energy to go through an extensive remodel. It's time for a change! 
outdated house, #tbt house, old house


There are tactful ways to sell your outdated house. 

Obviously, you can't just throw your house on the market in a shabby state. There are some things that you can do to give you house the pep that it needs to be passed on to a new owner that will give it lots of attention. 

Walk through the house and pretend that you are a potential buyer. Would they be able to picture different furniture in the house? Is the house neutral enough for the would-be buyer to picture their own photos on the wall and their family sitting at the table?
Look for changes that will positively impact the buyer’s impression of the house - instead of focusing on the current negative impact.

Know when to seek professional help
Brining in a neutral third party can give you the advice you need. A professional stager can show you ways to arrange furniture, do quick fix-up's, and remove eye-sore items that you have grown accustom to and may not realize will deter potential buyers.  One way of saving money is to hire the professional stager for a consultation and do the work yourself. 
Pay close attention to the first impression a potential buyer will get when they enter your home. Smells are important, so getting the opinion of someone who doesn't live in the home is crucial, as you may not realize the impression your home gives. 
When you are finally free of your old house, it's time to move out and move on! Buying a Brand house from Landon Homes is the perfect remedy to tired house blues! Call our offices today! (904) 567-3430

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

How soon should I start packing?

Moving can be a daunting undertaking! 
Moving can be daunting, dread moving day



To make things easier on yourself, you should follow these simple rules: 


  • About 2 months before your moving date, make a goal of packing 1 box a night of all household items that your rarely use. This is good time to go through your things and "purge" what you no longer need and donate what may be useful to someone less fortunate, or put aside for a moving sale.
  • For household items, keep up the packing schedule until about a week before the move, then almost as if you are on vacation, time to live out of a suitcase. 
  • In the kitchen, pack up everything except one of each for everyone in the house: 1 cup/person, etc. This is also a good time to get rid of unused kitchen items and donate or save for a yard sale. 
  • In the bathroom, pack up almost everything except the basics - tooth brush, 1 towel each, one hair brush, daily nesesities etc. 
  • In the bedrooms, pack up the clothes that are out of season first. Then use the same rules but on moving day you can put closet items - hangers intact - in the backseat of a car so that they can be rehung easily. 

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Homebuyers' Secret Tips - Trend down the Spend

Don't make big purchases when you are looking to buy a home. 

It's wise to hold off on making a big purchase three to six months before buying a new home. If you have your money in saving or an investment, keep it there. Your credit profile needs to be solid when you go to get approved for your home loan, so you should avoid any big chances with your credit profile. Lenders need to see that you’re reliable and they want a complete paper trail so that they can get you the best loan possible. Opening new credit cards, or taking out a new car loan may weigh down your debt-to-income ratio and you may find a hard time getting a loan. 

Practicing good spending habits may seem like a no brainer to most people, but it’s important to have enough money saved up for the home that you want to get. You’ve got to consider the down payment, closing costs, third party fees and general costs that come with moving into a new home that aren’t mortgage related. Having a solid foundation built in your savings account is important to cover these costs. Also, don’t get your head in the clouds thinking you can buy a house out of your income bracket. You’ll shoot yourself in the foot buying a house out of your budget and you’ll end up playing catch-up for every payment to come. That's what they call "House-Poor"! 
house poor, save your money, trend down the spend, good money habits, homeowner habits


Monday, August 4, 2014

Featuring the Nicole Floor Plan, Benton Lakes is building NOW!

Benton Lakes, one of Jacksonville's most desired neighborhoods nestled in charming Mandarin. We feature a variety of unique home designs on large homesites. With its convenient location in Mandarin, located off of Hood Road, Benton Lakes is close to all Mandarin has to offer. Benton Lakes is just minutes from I-95 and I-295, and allows for quick access to downtown Jacksonville, Historic St Augustine, and many of the city's top business centers. With the Avenues Mall, and St Johns Town Center just around the corner, shopping, dining and entertainment are endless.

Maple Lakes Drive
City: Jacksonville, FL 32226Price Range: From the $260'sContact: Susan Penta
County: DuvalSQ Ft Range: 2050-3551Ph: 904-868-8986 Get Started Today