Friday, October 31, 2014

Don't Let your Dream House become a Nightmare


Imagine you finally to decided to build a custom home, starting out joyful and exciting, only to have your dreams crushed in a horrible experience. There are quite a few builders out there that don't seem to operate with integrity.   

Landon Homes is a locally owned and staffed new home construction company in Northeast Florida that is committed to a personal, hands-on approach to building homes. With decades of combined experience, and service in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine communities, our goal is to not only build an exceptional home, but also deliver an memorable homebuilding experience for our customers. Communication, honesty, integrity, a commitment to doing it right, and creating a relationship that extends beyond the home sale and closing are our top priorities when helping homeowners discover their dream home. Once in their new home, homeowners can rest assured that we will stand behind our product long after the sale. 

Landon Homes, Custom Home Builder, Jacksonville Home Builder, St. Augustine Home builder

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Moving Day Advice

moving day advice, diy moving, moving tips



Think you can DIY? Big Mistake

Even with a small household, no one person can make a move by themselves. Just moving across town can be takes advance planning. From the wear-and-tear on your poor body to the potential damage to your household goods, in the end, a do-it-yourself move may not be as "cheap" or as fun as you thought (that would be about the time you drop the TV on your foot or discover the truck is fully loaded but a third of your house is still on the sidewalk). Give yourself  time to research how you want to move and discover everything that's involved. Talk to friends who've moved themselves and to movers to get the full picture before you decide.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

According to Reports, Snowbirds Are Paying More for Vacation Homes

As Snowbirds prepare to head south for the winter, U.S. housing affordability remains strong, and prices are expected to increase in Florida as well as other popular areas for vacation properties.
Overall, the prices of U.S. homes have soared 20 percent in the past two years, but are only about half way back to their peak in 2006. 
With the American economy and employment gaining strength, home sales are expected to gain momentum, and look for prices to rise over time alongside growing family incomes.
Florida continues to be a hotspot - with Canadian snowbirds representing the largest foreign buyers of Florida housing. More than 500,000 Canadians currently own real estate in Florida.
Florida properties are said to be a bargain compared to real estate in Canada, with the median priced home in Florida is nearly half that in Canada. 
According to Reports Snowbirds Are Paying More for Vacation Homes, Landon Homes

Friday, October 24, 2014

Featuring the "Matanzas" Floor Plan, Hidden Lakes has move-in ready homes!


The Cottages at Hidden Lakes offers relaxed and comfortable living in a pristine natural setting. Ideally located in St. Augustine, named one of the nation's 100 best places to retire and voted by National Geographic as one of the top 20 "must-see places" in the world. The Cottages at Hidden Lakes is just minutes to the Nation's Oldest City and all its wonderful attractions, and in close proximity to the beach, shops, restaurants and medical facilities. Families here can take pride in St. Johns County's award-winning school system.

St. Augustine New Homes, New Homes North Florida, New home build, Matanzas floor plan,

St. Augustine New Homes, New Homes North Florida, New home build, Matanzas floor plan,

St. Augustine New Homes, New Homes North Florida, New home build, Matanzas floor plan,

St. Augustine New Homes, New Homes North Florida, New home build, Matanzas floor plan,






Matanzas Elev DLot 21193 N Churchill Dr.
 
SQ FT : 1982
3 Beds
2 Baths
2 Car Garage
$199,990

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Landon Homes at the Realtor Builder Tradeshow

Landon Homes attended the Realtor Builder Tradeshow on Friday, 10/17 and it was a huge success. Realtors, lenders, and advertisers came by our booth decorated with a Mardi Gras theme, complete with a balcony from Bourbon Street. The attendees of the event dressed up in traditional Mardi Gras attire and had their pictures taken. Attached are a few pictures. Landon Home won 'Best Overall' Booth and gave a $100 donation to Builders Care. We want to thank everyone who stopped by our booth at the event. 

Realtor Builder Tradeshow, Mardi Gras, Builders Care, Landon Homes

Realtor Builder Tradeshow, Mardi Gras, Builders Care, Landon Homes

Realtor Builder Tradeshow, Mardi Gras, Builders Care, Landon Homes

Realtor Builder Tradeshow, Mardi Gras, Builders Care, Landon Homes

Realtor Builder Tradeshow, Mardi Gras, Builders Care, Landon Homes

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Advice for Moving Day


moving day, moving adviceMoving is never easy no matter what the living situation, whether single or part of a large family. 

It seems simple enough; pack everything up and go. Don’t underestimate the various details and steps that must be undergone for any move to be remotely smooth.
Before starting anything, a checklist is needed.  There is no better way than setting goals and checking them off one by one. Organized and a sense of accomplishment; it’s the best way to dive into packing and making the move more manageable. Luckily we can provide you with one that pertains specifically to you. But there are general tips that apply to everyone. For example: be smart about how you pack. Heavy things go in small boxes and pack lighter things in big boxes. Disperse weight properly because the last thing needed when moving is a hernia after picking up two boxes.
Another useful pointer to remember; the  closer you get to moving day, the less shopping you should be doing. We’re not talking about retail therapy- that can be very helpful.  However in regard to grocery shopping , less is better. Use what is already in the house.  Finish those open boxes of cereal and half empty pasta packets. Also start finishing up what’s occupying the fridge and freezer. Buying more means transporting more. Leave out a lot of plastic goods as you start packing away dishes and kitchenware. Make life easier and treat the family to takeaway that last week before the big moving day. No hassles of cooking, cleaning or packing up leftover foods.
It’s hard to keep living normally when  preparing for a big move so here is another tip to make life a little easier during this stressful time. Designate an area in the home for essentials. There are so many things that are used daily up to the very last moment, in what is soon to be your old home. It can be a table, a closet, the floor of the den or even the spare room. Pack a suitcase as if you are going on a trip with clothes for a couple of weeks and plastic essentials. Once all that stuff  is in your designated area, start packing up everything else, furniture included. It is wise sleep on mattresses without bed frames for a few nights and as mentioned before takeout dinners are definitely advised.  It doesn’t matter if the move is four miles down the road or to a different state, these tips can help anyone who’s moving anywhere.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Going High Tech with your New Custom Home saves you Green

According to the US Energy Department, their focus is on providing opportunities for families to make smart, cost-effective energy upgrades to their homes. 

When building you new home, choose appliances that will both save you money and be more time efficient. Water Heaters without tanks and smart thermostats that can be controlled remotely are among a few of the technologies that are investments in your home and the environment. 

high tech thermostat, save energy, money saving thermostat

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Featuring the "Atlantic" floor plan, Caney Branch Plantation has move-in ready homes!

Caney Branch Plantaion, Jacksonville Florida, Atlantic Floor Plan

Caney Branch Plantaion, Jacksonville Florida, Atlantic Floor Plan

Caney Branch Plantaion, Jacksonville Florida,
Jacksonville, FL 32218 | Marnee Oehmann or Jason Crenshaw | PH: (904) 696-0035 | Get Started Today

Atlantic Elev B
Lot 80 
2385 Caney Wood Ct
SQ FT: 1910
3 Bed
2 Bath
2 Car Garage
$197,990








Welcome to Caney Branch Plantation, where beautiful oak trees frame the entrance to welcome you home in this quiet and convenient community in Northeast Jacksonville. Your new home will be located in the perfect place to get back to nature. Caney Branch Plantation offers a picnic area and playground already built with a pool and cabana now under construction. This lovely community is only minutes away from Jacksonville International Airport, Mayport Naval Station, and the ever expanding River City Marketplace for shopping and dining.


Monday, October 13, 2014

The Benefits to using Approved Lenders for New Home Building

When it comes to building you dream home, chances are you are paying rent or a mortgage where you are currently living. A common misconception if that in order to build, you will have to pay for two mortgages.  
The conventional way of a dream home build, is buying a lot somewhere, finding an architect, finding a contractor; all the while paying for both the existing home you live in as well as financing your new home build. At Landon Homes, when you choose a home in one of our communities, depending on your qualification, you may be able to build your dream home and not pay a penny out of pocket until get the keys. This is huge advantage to those who are not able to float two mortgages. 
quick move-in homes, new home build, new home build financing

Friday, October 10, 2014

Featuring the 'Clairborne' Floorplan, St. Augustine's Coranado has Quick, Move-in Ready Homes!

Clairborne floor plan, Coranado community St. Augustine Florida, luxury homes, basement floor plan

The Clairborne floor plan features a spacious 3,399 square feet, with 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms and a 2 car garage. What makes the Clairborne so special is that it features a basement!
Coranado community St. Augustine Florida, luxury homes, basement floor plan

Landon Homes newest community featuring new spacious homes with basements in St. Augustine's popular Coronado community. Coronado presents an outstanding opportunity to experience quality living in a neighborhood that emphasizes convenience and connectivity. The home designs will showcase generous interior with plenty of room to grow, couple with views of Moultrie Creek and wooded back yards that offer the ideal setting for outdoor entertaining.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Make Moving Less Stressful!

moving less stressful, stress-free moving, moving tips

START PACKING ASAP

The best way to make moving less stressful: as soon as you know you will be moving, that's when to  start packing! By packing little by little, it will leave time to sort through your belongings and get rid of some things you no longer need. When you move into your new place, you will have less clutter and a much easier time unpacking. Packing early on also obviously helps you avoid frantic last minute packing!

Pack an overnight bag

Have the essentials and a few changes of clothes separate from everything else. This will help you save your saintly when all you see are boxes. 

Use your things to pack your things

Call it thrifty or eco-freindly if you want. Using your own containers and linens to pack your belongings in will cut back on budget as well as time. 

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Thinking About Becoming a Florida Resident?

State of Florida Seal, Benefits of Florida Residency, why live in Florida
Here are four big benefits to being a Florida Resident:
1. No State Income Tax
Florida is one of only seven states with no income tax and is the only “no tax” state well suited for retirees. Since Florida’s prohibition against state income tax is included in the State Constitution, it would take a (highly unlikely) constitutional amendment to change it. Florida’s Constitution also prohibits municipalities and counties from levying any personal income tax.
2. No State Death Tax or Estate Tax
Florida’s Constitution bans separately imposing estate or inheritance tax of the kind present in many other states. Known as the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, the legislation made significant changes to the federal estate tax, greatly increasing the federal tax exemption. This change has been beneficial to individual taxpayers, but it has been very bad for the states themselves. Until 2005, states shared in the revenue generated by the federal estate tax, receiving an amount equal to what is known as the “State Death Tax Credit.”
Some states are making up for the lost revenue by enacting their own separate estate tax – a phenomenon known as “decoupling.” Among those that have decoupled from the federal estate tax exemption are Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. In Florida, residents are protected from that threat.
3. Florida’s Homestead Law
The State of Florida’s Homestead Law protects the Florida resident from losing his or her home to a creditor or any other lien holder, except for mortgages. Furthermore, this protection is found in the state Constitution, which requires a supermajority to amend. While no one plans to retire and subsequently have to file for bankruptcy, it provides great peace of mind knowing that should this occur, your home is safe.
4. Florida’s “Save Our Home Act”
This act provides for a homestead exemption on a Floridian’s primary residence. Once qualified, the assessed value of the property for tax purposes carries an exemption for the first $50,000 of taxable value for all taxing entities except the school district (which allows a $25,000 exemption). Also, once the property is qualified for the homestead exemption, the assessed value for tax purposes cannot rise more than 3% in any given year. Thus, over long periods of time, a property’s market value will increase more than its assessed value, resulting in equity which you do not pay tax on.


Thursday, October 2, 2014

Why it's so great to live in St. Augustine Florida

Living in St. Augustine is breezy - this city is  historic gem that you can walk and bike almost anywhere! 

Founded in 1556 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine has had more than four centuries to conjure tales about its colorful and often turbulent history. Stretching west from the St. Johns River, east to the Atlantic Ocean, north to State Road 210 (where Ponte Vedra Beach begins) and south to State Road 206 (Crescent Beach/Hastings), the diverse tract of land that encompasses St. Augustine is ecologically and historically exciting with well-preserved coquina city gates, the Castillo de San Marcos fort and antique churches. Today, with many of its 14,000 residents (whose average age is 49) involved in tourism, telling tales is an almost obligatory pastime. 
Why it's so great to live in St. Augustine Florida, Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine

St. Augustine Florida

St. Augustine Florida



Interesting Facts about St. Augustine, Florida

As of 2014, St. Augustine's population is 13,113 people. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of 9.03 percent.
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The median home cost in St. Augustine is $176,000. Home appreciation the last year has been 11.80 percent.
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Compared to the rest of the country, St. Augustine'scost of living is 3.20% Higher than the U.S. average.
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St. Augustine public schools spend $9,625 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $12,435. There are about 18.4 students per teacher in St. Augustine.
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The unemployment rate in St. Augustine is 4.60percent(U.S. avg. is 6.30%). Recent job growth is Positive. St. Augustine jobs have Increased by 4.29 percent.


Average Commute time is 18 minutes. The National Average is 25 minutes.
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St. Augustine's Real Estate Market (click to see properties)

 • Newly Listed Homes
 • Most Expensive Listing
 • Million Dollar Houses
 • Homes from $750,001 to $1,000,000
 • Homes from $500,001 to $750,000
 • Homes from $250,000 to $500,000
 • Homes under $250,000
 • Median Priced Homes

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Featuring the "Edison II" floor plan, Bartram Springs is building NOW!

The "Edison II" Floorplan is a 1,577 square foot, two-story 3 bedroom layout, with optional 4th bedroom/loft and 2 1/2 bathrooms. This floor plan features a garage and lanai, with a split-level design and big walk-in closets and walk-in pantry. 

Bartram Springs is a master- planned community that offers a combination of amenities and convenience you won't find anywhere else in North Florida. Bartram Springs is located at Racetrack Road and U.S. 1 in southeast Duval county. Just minutes from Ponte Vedra Beach, St Augustine, the Avenues Mall and surrounding employment centers. Not only does Bartram Springs offer the perfect environment for families, it also offers a quiet natural setting of lakes and preservation 
areas.