




Buying a home this spring? You’re probably navigating today’s affordability challenges and dealing with the limited number of homes for sale. But, what if there was a solution that could help with both?
If you’re having a hard time finding a home you love, and mortgage rates are putting pressure on your budget, it may be time to look at newly built homes Here’s why
When looking for a home, you can choose between existing homes (those that are already built and previously owned) and newly constructed ones While the number of existing homes for sale has increased this year, there are still fewer available than there were in more typical years in the housing market, like back in 2018 or 2019.
So, if you’re looking to expand your pool of options even more, turning to newly built homes can help As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor com, explains:
“The shortage of existing homes For Sale has opened up the possibility of new-home construction to more buyers who may not have once considered it ”
And the good news is, there are more newly built homes to pick from right now s to show how new home con st recent spike in green):
Buying from a builder is different from buying from a home seller, so it’s important to partner with a local real estate agent. Builder contracts can be complex. A trusted agent will be your advocate throughout the process
Starts, or homes where builders just broke ground, have seen a big increase lately And completions, homes that builders just finished, are also up significantly So, if you want a new, movein ready home or you want to get in early and customize your build along the way, you have more options right now.
And to sweeten the pot, builders are offering things like mortgage rate buy-downs and other perks for homebuyers right now. This can help offset today’s affordability challenges while also getting you into your dream home Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains why you may find builders have more wiggle room to offer more for you than the typical homeowner:
“Builders aren’t rate locked-in. They would love to sell you the home because they’re not living in it. It costs money not to sell the home And many of the public home builders have said in their earnings calls that they are not going to be pulling back on incentives, especially the mortgage rate buydown, so that will help the new-home market continue to perform well in the spring home-buying season ”
An article from HousingWire also says this about what builders are offering right now:
“
. . . the use of sales incentives still shows some momentum as 60% of respondents reported using them, up from 58% in February. “
HomeKeepr helps you transfer your utilities, tv, internet, book garbage/recycling, moving services, and much more. Get exclusive discounts with our trusted partners as we help simplify your move!
We’re here to help you find the home of your dreams. Ready to start a new life in a new place?
We’re here to help you purchase the home of your dreams. We know that buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make. Few things give you more pride than owning your own home, and you will probably make no greater single investment in your lifetime We want to help you make that dream come true. There are many different types of loan programs you can choose from, and the best loan program for your neighbor may be different than the one that is right for you. From getting preapproved to finding the perfect home, understanding the home-buying process can help give you peace of mind. So can partnering with a mortgage lender you can trust. Put our expertise to work for you. Whether you ’ re building or buying your home, FBC is here to help you along the way!
Learn more about mortgages, loan programs, and the loan process.
The team and FBC Mortgage are always professional, on time, and have great follow up I would recommend them to anyone!
BECAUSE WE GET FAMILIES INTO HOMES SIMPLY & QUICKLY!
LEARN HOW WE CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DREAM OF OWNING YOUR OWN HOME!
As one of the most trusted credit repair providers in the mortgage industry, we have developed partnerrelationships with the nation's largest home builders and established a network of over 10,000 loan officers and real estate agents.
Indoor golf is making its way into homes old and new, with specific room and design considerations.
While most new-home buyers are focused on upgrades such as countertops and cabinets, golf simulators have become the sleeper hit as more owners look to add a new dimension to their new builds
What’s driving the golf simulator interest? The uptick piggybacks on the rising trend for homeowners wanting to make the most of their basements.
In addition to being sought after by golfers of all ages and abilities, golf simulators are innately multipurpose, as they can be set up for movies, video gaming, or streaming fitness classes on the big screen when not in golf mode.
Essentially, a golf simulator is constructed by assembling various parts that include a playing surface, impact screen, launch monitor (the heartbeat of the analytics), projector, laptop or tablet to run software, and enclosure (usually curtains or netting).
Golf simulators can be assembled part by part for those inclined to DIY, but more commonly, companies sell complete, golf-simulator-in-a-box packages Additionally, for those who are serious about their training, or looking to elevate their experience, custom options are available
Users can play a round of golf, solo or with a group, use the simulator as a driving range, or perfect their short game
Golf simulators deliver detailed analytics by assessing multiple data points (depending on your launch monitor) for everything from shot distance, height, and speed to spin and more
Available space is the biggest consideration for a golf simulator. “The biggest factor is the space, ” says Aaron Hawke of Simply Golf Simulators. “There needs to be enough room to swing your golf club,” he says. For comfort and safety, there needs to be ample height for swing clearance, which is generally a minimum of 9 feet, with 10 feet ideal for most people of average height
The ideal golf simulator area measures 10 feet high by 15 feet wide by 25 feet long. That’s not to say that a golf simulator can’t fit in a smaller space, but this context helps homeowners to frame expectations around the overall experience with their simulator
Length and width of the space are as important, because these dimensions matter when it comes to accommodating the impact screen and picture resolution, and play a functional role in the look and feel of the simulator space.
New build homeowners have an advantage in that they can create high ceilings on their lower level at the construction phase, avoiding the need to alter the space to accommodate a simulator down the road. Golf simulators aside, having higher basement ceilings is a recommended builder upgrade to add value and are a desirable design feature.
However, Laidlaw cautions new build homeowners to be aware of everything that eventually will be in a proposed golf simulator space, including ductwork and HVAC systems While a room might look ideal at the early part of the construction phase, having structural items placed within the room will require a shift in specifications, which may mean a smaller, less feature-heavy golf simulator than the homeowner is expecting.
Sometimes creating higher ceilings requires a creative solution, as opposed to structural changes, according to Hawke
The garage is a common at-home golf destination, says Hawke, explaining that space in a garage is often readily conducive to a golf simulator, with higher ceilings. “There are screens that can be used behind the garage door and roll up when not in use, ” says Hawke, so homeowners can park their cars inside when the “ course ” is closed, although a portable screen may not be ideal with a custom simulator design.
Getanorganizedandspotlesshomewithourguide.ClicktoGetaFREESpingCleaningChecklist
Welcome warmer weather by giving your home a deep spring cleaning. Our handy guide breaks down the must-do chores into a three-step system. First, conquer the top spring cleaning checklist items, including once-a-year tasks ideally suited for the season. Next, tackle exterior spring cleaning with tips on updates and repairs for the outside of your home. Finally, room-by-room cleaning tips will help you declutter and tidy specific areas.
Be sure to pick a cloudy day to wash your windows "If it's too sunny, the cleaning solution will dry too fast, and you'll have streaks," says cleaning expert Donna Smallin Kuper. Water and a microfiber cloth will typically clean windows more effectively than chemicals. Otherwise, make a glass cleaner solution with 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1/3 cup vinegar, and distilled water.
Sliding glass door tracks probably aren't the first spots you'd think to tackle during spring cleaning, but you'll be glad you did it before the outdoor entertaining season gets going full swing Smallin suggests scrubbing the tracks with an old, dry toothbrush to loosen debris, then using your vacuum hose to remove it. Finish with a wet sponge.
Spring cleaning is an opportunity to address those surfaces you overlook during regular tidying. Once a year, give your baseboards, door frames, and walls a good thorough cleaning Wash them with a sponge and a squirt of dishwashing liquid mixed in a bucket of warm water.
To maintain a new carpet's warranty, you may need to have it cleaned professionally every 12-18 months, Smallin says. Otherwise, you can do DIY carpet cleaning when you're spring cleaning by renting a deep cleaner or buying a professional-style model designed for home use. Follow the directions for mixing the cleaning solution, rinsing, and drying carefully to ensure you get the best clean.
Before vacuuming the floors while spring cleaning, ask a partner to help you move your sofa and chairs and roll up the area rugs. Move kitchen appliances away from the wall as much as you can. "In some cases, you can pull them out enough that a vacuum hose will reach," Smallin says.
Restore smooth leather with an upholstery cleaner and conditioner. Use a suede brush to perk up nubuck leather For wood furniture, use Smallin's recipe to make an all-natural cleaner and polish: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/2 cup of vinegar or lemon juice in a plastic spray bottle; shake well and spray onto a microfiber cloth.
Curtains and draperies aren't typically dirty enough to launder So, instead, go over them thoroughly during spring cleaning with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum. "To remove dust from sheer curtains, put them in the dryer on low with a fabric-softener sheet," Smallin says.
ORE IT'S PAINTED! tion
ur color
s, and take uiz.
create 3-5 initial designs e, then work with you to s until you find the one
Enjoy that feeling of knowing you'll love the paint color after your home is painted. No more guesswork!