If one of the main reasons you’re hesitant to buy a home is because you’re worried about the upkeep, here’s some information you may find interesting on both new home construction and existing homes (a home that’s been lived in by a previous owner).
NewlyBuiltHomesNeedLessUpfrontMaintenance
If you can afford it, you may find a newly built home could help ease your worries about maintenance costs. Think about it, if everything in the house is brand new, it won’t have the wear and tear you may see in an existing home – and that means it’s less likely to need repairs. As LendingTree says:
“Since the systems, appliances, roof and foundation are new, you’re less likely to pay for major or minor repairs within the first few years of homeownership That can make a big difference for first-time homebuyers who are adjusting to owning rather than renting ”
Plus, many builders also have warranties on their homes that would cover some of the more major expenses that could pop up. As First American explains:
“The new systems in your home, like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, are typically covered for one to two years by your builder’s warranty. When something happens to these systems, you contact the builder or their warranty company.”
But it’s worth mentioning, that it’s not just newly built homes that can have warranties It’s an option for existing homes too Your agent may be able to help you negotiate with the seller to add one as a concession on your contract. But you should know that not all sellers will be willing to do that. If they won’t, you could purchase one yourself, if you’d like to. An article from Forbes explains: “During a real estate transaction, a home warranty policy can be purchased by the buyer or the seller ”
When searching for a new home, it's crucial to weigh your options carefully and identify your top priorities. This thoughtful approach ensures you invest in a home that meets your needs and brings you lasting satisfaction.
And there are benefits for both parties when it comes to a home warranty According to MarketWatch:
“A buyer’s home warranty benefits both buyers and sellers, as it helps the seller close the deal while providing the future homeowner with peace of mind that they’ll be covered if a system or appliance breaks down Sometimes, a seller will pay for the first year of the home buyer’s warranty to sweeten the deal, but it depends on the real estate market ”
If you’re interested in a home warranty for peace of mind, lean on your agent. They’ll negotiate on your behalf to see if a seller would be willing to cover one for you. Just remember, the likelihood of a seller throwing one in depends on conditions in your local market.
While the need for less upfront maintenance is a great perk for new construction, there are some things a newly built home can’t provide that an existing home can
For example, existing homes have a lot of character and charm that’s difficult to reproduce The quirks that come with an older home may make it feel more homey And, existing homes usually have more developed landscaping and a well-established sense of community So, it can feel more inviting than something that’s a blank slate, like new construction often is. Not to mention, if you go with new construction, you may have to wait for the home to finish being built based on where it is in the process. It all depends on what’s most important to you.
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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!
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Thinking You Have To Carry a Balance To Build Credit!
The truth: No, you don’t! You can build a great score without paying interest on your purchases. This misunderstanding does a lot of damage!
Here’s the responsible — and cheap — way to use credit cards:
Have a budgeted amount that will go on your credit card each month
Track your spending so you stay within your card’s budget.
Don’t charge more than 30% of your available credit Keep it below 10% if you want to boost your score quickly.
Pay your bill in full every month and always by the due date
Stick to this plan and you’ll be on your way to an excellent credit score And don’t forget to pay all of your bills on time, not just credit cards.
Learn more about how designers and builders are intelligently incorporating color and textures into today's kitchens
For years, all-white kitchens have been the overwhelming favorite among homeowners, but in 2024, color is coming back in a big way to the heart of the home. The trend is gaining momentum as homeowners seek ways to express more personality with their design and décor choices.
Here are some strategies on how to incorporate color according to comfort level, to create a kitchen to love for years to come.
USE THE 60:30:10 RULE
While design’s impact hinges on the sensory experience of the viewer, the strategy behind it is more formulaic, especially when it comes to including and mixing colors effectively Designers have a trick that ensures color balance in a space, where three colors are chosen and used in a 60:30:10 ratio The bulk, or 60% of the space, is dedicated to the main color, while 30% is dedicated to a secondary, supporting color, and the remaining 10% is an accent color.
In a kitchen, this might mean having a lot of the surface materials, such as the flooring, walls, and counters in a neutral color, with cabinetry in a secondary color, and accents, such as backsplash or décor pieces in another, complementary or contrasting color. Which colors “ go ” with each other is really a matter of personal taste, but designers often start with the color wheel.
With bright and earthy colors trending, the concept of neutrals has shifted to include a varied palette, including blues, greens, corals, and traditional neutrals, such as whites, creams, yellows, and beiges.
The color charge in the kitchen has been led by green of varying shades, from forest greens to emeralds, sage, and oliveimbued hues Another popular kitchen color is blue with a gamut of different shades, especially in cabinetry Notably, most of the major paint companies had varying hues of blue in their Color of the Year picks for 2024, underscoring blue’s broadbased appeal and versatility “Blue is classic and will stand the test of time It goes beautifully with white, jewel tones, beige, brown, and taupe. You can really be creative, and I think that is why it is so appealing,” says color expert and consultant Amy Wax.
Also, trending is wood, reminding homeowners that painted colors are not the only option to infuse color Wood has the added benefit of offering visual texture and interest, adding warmth to a room that is often full of cold, hard surfaces Wood grain patterns vary and are supportive to the details in the décor. Be sure to select complementary grains, which don’t necessarily require the same wood species, but rather tie together pleasing patterns.
In the spirit of more personality and creating eye-catching spaces, homeowners are bringing bling, illuminating focal points with bespoke metal accents Copper, bronze, rose gold, and silver are all lovely and luxe Make a splash with a metal range hood or with metallic backsplash And don’t forget the décor potential of hardware “Hardware is huge,” says Schanstra “Brushed gold is very popular at the moment, as is polished nickel, as nickel a little warmer than chrome,” she says.
A functional layout and space-saving storage solutions are key in a small mudroom Not only do they prevent it from becoming cluttered, but they make it easier to navigate and help visually enlarge the small space A mudroom is a hardworking space that needs to be able to withstand the wear and tear of daily foot traffic, which means practicality is essential. It's also where people often enter the home, so creating a warm welcome is equally as important.
A floating wood bench is a great solution for a small mudroom: it provides seating, a surface to drop mail and packages, and the space underneath can be utilized for storage baskets to organize shoes, seasonal accessories, and your pet's belongings
2. STONE FLOORING
Channel a sophisticated country house aesthetic with white-painted wall paneling, a neutral color scheme, a built-in storage bench, and stone floors. The natural look and irregular shapes of the stones give the small mudroom unique character, plus practically speaking, stone is durable and will withstand daily wear and tear.
3. COAT RACK AND BENCH
‘Sometimes referred to as a hall tree, this coat rack provides hanging space for coats, bags, and accessories, shelves for shoes, and a bench to sit on or drop mail on. It's a space-saving solution for a small mudroom since it utilizes vertical wall space for multiple functions and it's renter-friendly, inexpensive, and easily removable.
4. STORAGE
Implement multiple types of storage to maximize space and accommodate everyone's belongings Add closed cabinets, hanging hooks, open cubbies, and horizontal and vertical shelves to ensure everything has its own place and the small mudroom stays neat and clutter-free.
If you don't have an actual mudroom, create a makeshift mudroom in a couple simple steps. Mount hanging hooks on the wall to hold bags, jackets, and scarves, bring out a wicker basket or wood crate for shoes, and if space permits add a small stool or chair where you can sit down or drop your keys.
Given the heavy foot traffic, a mudroom is one of the most hard-working spaces in a home Use a dark paint color on mudroom cabinets to hide dirt, scratches, and scuff marks, and pair it with a colorful vintage-inspired rug that doesn't show dirt and injects a big dose of character into this utilitarian space
Practicality is key in a small mudroom, which is why a dark floor tile is a great flooring option. It hides dirt and scuff marks well, and visually, it's a beautiful contrast to white built-ins and shiplap walls. Elevate the floor tile with an interesting arrangement such as a herringbone pattern and emphasize the arrangement with lighter grout.
Utilize the entire height of the walls with floor-toceiling built-ins in your small mudroom. Store regularly used items on shelves that are within reach and reserve the upper shelves for out-of-season and only occasionally used clothes, shoes, and seasonal accessories.
See how new paint colors look on your home... BEFORE IT'S PAINTED! Be "Color Confident" with a Virtual Color Consultation
Tell us your color preferences, and take our style quiz.
Our designers will create 3-5 initial designs for you to see online, then work with you to create more designs until you find the one you love
Enjoy that feeling of knowing you'll love the paint color after your home is painted. No more guesswork!
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