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.