New Home Communities | Choosing the Right Home Loan

New Home Communities | If you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll probably take out a loan to finance your purchase. But which home loan is right for you? Having a firm understanding of the types of loans available and the advantages of each is the best way to prepare yourself to begin the home-buying process and find the right loan for you.

What’s in a Home Loan?

It is important to first understand all the components of a loan. Mortgages are generally made up of three parts: principal, interest and fees. The principal is the amount of money you borrow, the interest is the ongoing cost you pay to borrow and the fees are the upfront cost. Depending on the loan you choose, the lender may also collect property taxes and homeowners insurance through your monthly mortgage payment. In these instances, they are held in an escrow account and then paid on your behalf when payments are due.

Home Building Trends | Prepping Your Home for Trick-or-Treaters

Home Building Trends | Halloween is almost here! With trick-or-treaters soon to come knocking, it’s time to make sure your house is safe and welcoming. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that no children have accidental missteps on your porch this Halloween:

1. Keep Your Stairs Safe

Double check to make sure your stairs are safe for young children and their adult supervisors to climb. Make sure there are no wobbly railings or cracks in the stairs that could lead to trips or other accidents. You might need to replace some of the boards or repair some of the railings — a job that may cost $600 for a professional to perform. For DIY repairs, just get out your toolbox and spend a few hours re-securing everything and replacing any loose or rotting materials. It’s better to take away the spooky appeal of your stairs than risk any potential injuries.

Home Builder Jacksonville | 5 Home Security Solutions

Home Builder Jacksonville | Are you proud of your home’s style? Does it look like a 3-D Pinterest board? Maybe you’ve created a modern-yet-classic DIY paradise, but is your home as safe and secure as it is stylish? Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to increase your security chops while maintaining your home’s picture-perfect sensibility.

1. A ‘Scary’ Puppy With A Heart of Gold

A dog is one of the best burglar deterrents out there. It’s also a great investment in other ways — your yap machine sits around the house making noise or even looking scary while providing you with an endless amount of love. From the outside, no one needs to know that your bark alarm wouldn’t hurt a fly.

New House Builder | Going From Renting to Buying? 5 Things to Know!

New House Builder | So you’ve decided it’s time to leave the world of renting and buy a home. If you’ve always rented, you’re in for quite a few changes as you look to buy. Here are five things to look out for as you start the process of buying a home.

Get Your Credit in Check

Before you start dreaming about white picket fences or painting the walls your favorite color, you need to make sure you have a credit score that will make the banks want to give you a mortgage. In general, the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate, which means your credit score can save you thousands of dollars.

New Home Communities | Expert DIY Tips

New Home Communities | I’m meticulous, fearless and cheap – the perfect trifecta of traits for any DIY weekend warrior. When my husband and I purchased our first home in 2004, we knew we wanted to take on some projects. The condo’s carpets were old and musty; the bathrooms adorned with laminate, cracking tile and dirty grout; and a walk through our kitchen transported us back in time 20 years. While the 1980s are filled with fond memories of our youth, the decade is certainly not known for its timeless kitchen décor. Six months after we moved in, we had a serious plumbing leak in the downstairs bathroom. This marked the beginning of our adventures into the unknown, wild world of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.

Ten years and two homes later, we’ve learned quite a bit about home improvements. Much of our learning has been trial by fire. Surprise projects came up out of nowhere and we researched as we went. We’ve gutted a bathroom and a half; laid tile and flooring; switched fixtures, faucets and paint colors; refaced cabinets; and replaced doors. If you’re a budding weekend warrior thinking about embarking on your own home improvement adventure, here are a few tips for surviving DIY.

Home Builder Jacksonville | Why Your Home Needs an Energy Audit!

Home Builder Jacksonville | Every energy-efficient upgrade you make to your home will add value and save you money on your energy bill. However, buying new appliances or replacing your windows isn’t always the smartest way to maximize your home’s energy-saving potential. Your best bet is to conduct a home energy audit before you make any significant changes.

Having a professional conduct a home energy audit is the most accurate option. An energy auditor typically goes into great detail, assessing your home’s energy consumption by inspecting inside and outside your home, conducting a blower test to find air leaks and performing a thermographic test to determine insulation levels in your home. Your energy auditor will then evaluate ways you could save, leaving you with recommendations to maximize your energy savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could save up to 30 percent on your energy bill by implementing recommendations from your audit.

Home Building Trends | Why It's Worth Investing in Outdoor Furniture

Home Building Trends | As the long days of summer kick into high gear, so, too, do visions of relaxing outdoors with a good book or dinner with friends and family on a well-manicured lawn. But furnishing your outdoor space can seem more like a burden than a boon to your overall aesthetic. Fortunately, with gorgeous new lines of outdoor furniture popping up from some of the world’s best designers, there’s never been a better time to accessorize your backyard.

Invest in quality

The right furniture — or a lack thereof — can make or break a get-together. While it might be tempting to buy an inexpensive set of outdoor furniture at your local home improvement store as a placeholder until you find the perfect pieces, this kind of decision-making will end up wasting both time and money. If you think of your outdoor space as just as much a part of your home as your living room, it seems less wise to go for a fast fix. If budget is your main concern, get the look you love for less money by shopping flash sale sites, like Gilt Groupe and Rue La La, which sell high-quality products at reduced prices. If indecision over design is your main issue, try recruiting a professional at your local department store — you can discuss your preferred aesthetic and price point and have the right items shipped directly to your door.

New House Builder | 4 Low Cost Remdels That Increase Home Value

New House Builder | Remodeling your home shouldn’t cost you thousands of dollars, especially if you’re about to sell it. You want to make money on your home sale, not lose a lot in renovations. However, you want the house to shine and sparkle to buyers as they walk through. So how do you compromise?

To increase the appeal of your home and avoid draining your bank account, consider these low-cost remodels that increase home value:

Add more natural light with windows.

While homeowners could spend a lot of money installing more overhead lighting, the alternative is to replace or install new windows. DIY window replacement usually costs between $150 and $600 per window, though it varies by window type, size and whether the window is single-paned or double-paned. Windows allot more natural lighting into rooms, which could decrease utility prices for current and future homeowners. Plus it could mean a beautiful view into the front or backyard, depending on where they’re installed.

Save Money with These Great Moving Tips

Moving Tips | Found a place you love? Congratulations on your upcoming move. But moving can be expensive and is almost always stressful. To keep your budget in check, here are some money-saving moving tips.

1. Get rid of the junk

Moving is the perfect time to get rid of things. Everyone has belongings they don’t need. You’ve binged, now it’s time to purge.  But don’t just toss the items you don’t want; there are some great options that are much more environmentally friendly. Some can even get you a bit of extra spending money. So what are some good ways to get rid of that stuff?

New Home Communities | The Ultimate Guide to Buying Fences

New Home Communities | Is your fence falling apart after years of use? Have you moved into a new house, and it didn’t come with a fence? If you’re considering investing in a fence but don’t know where to start or what type of fence to get, here are some important questions you need to answer before calling a fencing contractor or going to the home improvement store.

What is the fence’s function?

This is the first question you need to answer, as it will determine the form, height and accessories for the fence. Fences can perform many functions, depending on how and where they’ll be used. For example:

• Privacy: keeping your lawn private from the neighbors, allowing you to grill or have a party without disturbing others
• Decoration: accenting your home and landscape
• Security: protecting your home, pets and children from intrusion

Home Builder Jacksonville | Mortgage Basics Q&A

 

Home Builder Jacksonville | Buying a home will likely be one of the largest financial decisions you make. You may have done your research and read everything carefully but still have unanswered questions about the process. I know I did!

I get asked a lot of questions from both new and previous buyers who sometimes feel unsure about the process. To help you navigate with confidence, I’ve compiled a list of common questions about mortgage basics, along with the answers:

Q: How long does the mortgage loan process take?

A: Processing a mortgage loan typically takes between 30 and 45 days, although timing may vary depending on circumstances. Your lender can provide an estimate of the time it will take to close your loan, which will allow you to plan accordingly.

Home Building Trends | Home Essentials Checklist

Home Building Trends | Whether you’re furnishing your first studio apartment or upgrading to a big house in the suburbs, moving is the perfect opportunity to do an inventory of what you own and make a list of things you may be missing or need to replace.

Here are three to 10 home essentials for every room. As you’re packing, keep this list on hand and make notes so you’re ready to shop for the things you need.

Kitchen

As this is one of the most-used spaces in your home, it’s important to be prepped with proper cooking tools and appliances from day one. Here’s what you need:

• Set of sharp knives
• Set of pots and pans (at the very least a medium-size sauce pot and skillet)
• Baking sheets
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Colander
• Can opener
• Wooden or plastic cooking utensils
• Trash bin
• Small appliances (toaster, microwave, blender)

New House Builder | 7 Ways to Protect Your Vacation Home on Halloween

New House Builder | There are both tricks and treats aplenty during the Halloween season, including an increase in home damage, vandalism, and theft: Mercury Insurance claims increase 5 percent for homes during the week of Halloween, Nationwide Insurance averages a 9 percent rise in homeowners claims related to vandalism and State Farm reports there are 15 percent more thefts on Halloween than the daily average. If you’re staying at home or in the local area for Halloween, you can check on your home regularly, but how can you protect your second home when you are away?

In the weeks leading up to Halloween, it’s important to increase your vacation home’s security. There are multiple options — from inexpensive, five-minute fixes to pricier and more involved measures. Depending on your budget and timeline, consider implementing a few of these safety measures to protect against vandals and mischievous trick-or-treaters.

Moving Tips | What to Pack for Your First Night in a New Home?

 

Moving Tips | After a long day of moving, it can be hard to imagine having to unpack everything just to find a shower curtain so you can finally take a shower. The next time you move, plan ahead and pack a first night box filled with the essentials you’ll need right away.

These items can range from normal toiletries and first aid supplies to take-out menus and DVDs. Anything you’ll need for your first night in a new home should be packed in your first night box.

1. Clothes

Whether you moved across the country or across town, much of your wardrobe is likely packed away in a box somewhere that you just won’t feel like rifling through immediately after your move. If you know that you’ll be without your clothes for a while, instead of reaching for a fig leaf to cover up, pack a few days’ worth of clothes in your first night box. And don’t forget your pajamas!

New Home Communities | Conserve Water in Your Home

 

New Home Communities | As of early August, a third of the country was suffering from drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Drought spans from seaboard to seaboard, but California is suffering most, with 82 percent of the state in either extreme or exceptional drought.

The average American family of four uses 400 gallons of water per day, excluding commercial and agricultural use. With a few simple changes, you can reduce your use by as much as 30 percent, according to Water Sense, a division of the Environmental Protection Agency. Here are six ways you can conserve water in your home and garden right now.

1. Save loads

This one seems like a no-brainer, but many people have the bad habit of washing a few clothing items or just a few dishes. Now is not the time to only wash your best pair of jeans or your favorite coffee mug. Your washing machines should only be used when they are filled to the brim with a full load. Wash in cold water if possible for added energy savings, and buy energy-efficient appliances when the time comes to replace them.

Custom Homes | The Ultimate Guide to Curtains

Custom Homes | Perking up a plain, undecorated space doesn’t have to be a big job. A beautifully hung curtain can transform any room into a brighter, more cohesive space (with extra privacy to boot). If you’re thinking about buying and installing new curtains, you’ll want to make sure you do your prep work ahead of time. Dimensions, rod types and required tools are all things to keep in mind before hanging curtains. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help with everything from choosing curtains to actually installing them.

1. Choose Your Curtains

Generally, you have three types of curtains to choose from:

• Valances
• Grommet or tab top curtains
• Café curtains

Home Builder Jacksonville | 9 Beautiful Entryway Ideas

Home Builder Jacksonville | First impressions are made by your entryway. When a guest enters your home, your entryway will be the first taste they get of who you are and what makes you tick. Big or small (or nonexistent!), an entryway can be infused with personality, color and warmth. To build one that will perfectly embody you, choose a theme or idea and design your entryway around it. For inspiration, see what entryway ideas some other creative minds have come up with.

1. Country style

Create a cute cottage atmosphere by whitewashing and distressing outdoor furniture, and bringing it into your entryway. Make sure to bring in plenty of colorful bunches of flowers from your garden.

Home Building Trends | Hiding Cables and Cords in Your Home

 

Home Building Trends | You’ve finally found the perfect lamp that gives off just the right amount of light for your home office. Now if you could just find the best spot for it and hide that pesky cord, your space would be complete. Nothing can ruin clean design lines or great décor more than unsightly electronics and appliance cords. Here are six tips to help keep cables and cords out of sight.

1. Get Rid of the Clutter

One of the easiest ways to cut out the mess of cords is to minimize the number of devices you have. Start with the spaces that tend to get cluttered most, like counters and desktops. For example, if you don’t use your fax machine, get rid of it. Consider replacing office and small kitchen appliances with a single piece that functions as an all-in-one device. To reduce cord clutter from must-have items like cellphones or tablets, use a decorative charging station. It can hide cords for many handheld devices and can add personality to a room.

New House Builder | 5 DIY Safety Tips

New House Builder | Each year, thousands of people end up in emergency rooms from accidents that occurred while performing various home improvement tasks. In order to save money on home renovations and overall costs, more and more people are attempting to tackle DIY (do-it-yourself) home projects. So it’s crucial that DIY safety is a top priority in any home improvement endeavors. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or an amateur, following strict safety protocol is a must before you turn on your power tools or climb up any ladders. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind as you work on your home improvement projects.

Use Power Tools Safely

This should go without saying, but never leave a power tool unattended when it’s active. Before leaving the area, unplug all power tools and keep them out of reach of children. Also, take proper care of your tools. You take good care of your toaster and hair dryer, right? The same should go for all your DIY power tools and gadgets. For instance, never carry them by their cords or yank a cord out of the electrical receptacle. Always grab the plug instead of the wire when disconnecting the cord. Finally, keep all electrical cords safely away from sharp edges, oil and heat.

New Home Communities | Property Taxes 101

New Home Communities | When you become a homeowner, you take on many new responsibilities. One of them is paying property taxes. Knowing how your property taxes work, what causes them to go up and down and what exemptions are available is important – and that knowledge can even save you money.

Property taxes are generally levied by county, but often include taxes paid to other local entities like school districts, utility authorities or city governments. The rules, rates and regulations surrounding property taxes can vary significantly depending on where you live. Therefore, these guidelines are general – for specifics, please consult your taxing authority.

Custom Homes | Turn Your Deck Into an Outdoor Oasis

Custom Homes | Your home is your castle, your escape from the noise and chaos of the rest of life. That’s why so many of us invest our dreams – and dollars – into the features that not only add value to our homes but our quality of life. For the money, a wood deck is a great investment for a homeowner to make. Not only will you see an average 80.5 percent return on your investment, you’ll also benefit from expressing your personal style with one of the most versatile fixtures on a home’s exterior.

Though a redwood deck is beautiful on its own, it’s also ready to project whatever postcard-perfect image you have in mind. Combine the growing popularity of both outdoor living rooms and the “staycation” concept, and you have the perfect start to creating your own outdoor oasis.

Whether you’re building a new deck or refinishing an existing one, there are a number of small touches and design elements that can help transform the look and feel of your outdoor deck space with minimal investment or effort. What’s more, defining your outdoor oasis with redwood will give you lasting beauty and unparalleled durability that can change with your own tastes and needs over time.

Here are five easy tips to turn your deck into an outdoor oasis:

Home Builder Jacksonville | 7 Bathroom Face-Lifts

Home Builder Jacksonville | A guest bathroom needs to be clean and convenient, but can’t it also be cute? There are countless ways to quickly upgrade your bathroom’s appearance and make it enjoyable for you and for your guests. To start with, try these seven quick face-lifts and notice the difference immediately!

1. Pick a Theme

Picking a theme is an easy way to tie all of your bathroom details together without changing too much around. Add some key details (like a sailboat picture for a nautical theme, or some shells for a coastal theme) and a basic color theme, and voila! You’ve got a finished look even if it’s not completely new and renovated.

New House Builder | Dealing With Bad Neighbors

New House Builder | Becoming a homeowner means committing not just to a home, but to a neighborhood. Unfortunately, while you can always improve a home, you can’t always improve bad neighbors.

1. Know what you’re getting into before you buy

You can prevent future headaches by doing research on your neighborhood before you buy a home. You’ll want to find a place that fits your lifestyle, whether you want to start a garage band or you can’t stand noise at night. When you tour a home, spend a little extra time in the area and introduce yourself to anyone you spot outside. Most people are happy to help out a potential new neighbor! Ask them if it’s quiet at night, if they think it’s safe, what they enjoy most about living there and what it’s like to work with the homeowners association, if there is one.

If you have concerns, you can request police reports associated with the home address to see if there have been noise complaints, break-ins, vandalism or other crimes associated with the home. In some areas police reports are considered “material fact” (which is anything that could influence a buyer’s decision to purchase a house) and must be disclosed by the home seller. But it’s a gray area, so it never hurts to double-check.

New Home Communities | Appeal to Buyers With These 5 Tips

New Home Communities | When selling your home, your top consideration should be how to help potential homebuyers love the space, and also feel they are getting their money’s worth. When it comes to upgrades, your kitchen has the highest ROI (return on investment) of any room in your home. The appliances, finishes, plumbing, lighting fixtures and cabinetry all add up to a worthwhile investment in the eyes of homebuyers.

When I help sellers stage their homes, we always start and end with the kitchen. Ensuring it has modern appeal and valuable amenities that will wow buyers is essential.

Here are my five tips to upgrade your kitchen so it becomes the heart of the home for potential homebuyers:

1. Start with energy-saving and innovative appliances

Kitchen appliances are the heart of any kitchen, and homebuyers are looking for appliances that are modern and feature innovative technology. These include Wi-Fi-enabled appliances such as refrigerators that connect to the Internet for recipe ideas and water filters that send you an email when it’s time for changing.