In the mid 1600’s an Indian Emperor erected one of the most lasting symbols of 
eternal love for his wife who died during their fourteenth child’s birth. The structure is the Taj Mahal. While most couples argue about who will take out the trash, this tragic couple had their love immortalized in a structure that has withstood the test of time. With over 300 years of standing, it begs to reason that not only is it a monument to love, but a testament to the durability of a sound and custom built structure.
It is not feasible for most people to live up to this standard of erecting an eternal monument for their love, but it is possible to have a custom built home that reflects true care and adoration before the story turns tragic. Along side the emotional appeal a custom built home has, it can also be a practical decision to ensure all the desired necessities and luxuries a discerning home owner would want are obtained.
Home buying is an expensive and serious investment. The decision of choosing a buyer should reflect
serious considerations that will ensure the buyer gets the best deal for the money spent. There is an abundance of builders that need and want your business. With so many choices what should you look for when selecting a new home builder? Here are 10 questions every buyer should ask before choosing a builder for a new home construction.
1. Do you have references?
Typically, a builder has a list of satisfied clients that have agreed to be references. Talk to those that have utilized their service to get an idea of what it will be like when you work with them. It is also a good idea to get the unsolicited references. Knock on the potential neighbor’s door and get there off guard response.
2. How experienced are you?
Get the stats. Find out how long your builder has been in business and what kind of track record they have. Contact the Better Business Bureau to check if there have been any complaints filed against the company.
3. Are you flexible?
Ensure the builder is equipped to give you what you want. Consider all the amenities desired and see if the builder can accommodate all of the wants you have.
4.What financing options do you offer?
Tags: home buying tips, new construction, real estate advice
Summer vacations always raise the inevitable question of what destination the family should trek to. After much debate and consideration, a voyage is launched to unfamiliar territory, back roads and wrong turns, and the unpopular family arguments. The stress grows as the destination that was so picturesquely detailed on the computer screen turns into a lack luster, run down version of its enticing digital self. Disappointment seeps through the trip and is culminated in one last poisonous sting of having to pay for the roach infested den you called your hotel.
Not the most ideal way to spend your valuable time off. Instead how about having a standing reservation at your favorite destination and not only is it exactly as you remembered but it is also free. Better than free, you get paid to go.
Mortgages have been a hot topic in the real estate market. The mortgage market has seen major turmoil in the past year that has led to severe restrictions on countless mortgage programs. The media
frenzy surrounding this turmoil has created a sort of panic within homeowners and buyers over the availability of mortgage money. For individuals over the age of 62, a unique financing option exists to help make buying home slightly less complex.
Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners and home buyers over the age of 62. A reverse mortgage eliminates the requirement of monthly mortgage payments which frees up a significant cash flow to supplement or allow for retirement. In addition, in some cases a reverse mortgage can lead to an income stream if sufficient equity is available in the property.
In some cases buyers of age can utilize a reverse mortgage to finance buying a home. A big difference between reverse mortgages and “forward” mortgages lies in the down payment that will be required. Often a “forward” mortgage requires a small down payment as little as 3-5%. Reverse mortgages require significant equity to allow for the lack of monthly mortgage payments. For this reason it is fair to assume roughly 50% down payment will be required. This is often generated quite easily by the sale of a previous property.
Buying a home is stressful. Moving is stressful. Unpacking is stressful. Meeting your new ne
ighbors, and finding friends and support in a new town is stressful. How do you manage settling in after buying a new home and begin to handle the seemingly insurmountable stress of such a major life event?
After buying a home and getting moved in, begin to research local community newspapers for any ongoing newcomer clubs. These clubs welcome people who have just recently moved to the area and are a nice way to meet other people who are new to the area and looking to expand their social network. You can also find important information about your new town; such as restaurants, employment opportunities, child care, social groups, museums, stadiums, and other entertainment venues. These newcomer groups are also a great way to find out the behind the scenes local information from the best dryer cleaner to the least expensive grocery store.
There comes a point in every man and woman’s life when the call of the wild urges them out of the nest. Seeking independence and freedom with a home of their very own, a place to grow and develop as a richer human being, a test of character that forges self reliance and individuality never known before. Unfortunately some people get this call a little later than others. Some may laugh and some may not, probably because they’re still at home in footie pajamas waiting on Mom to make breakfast, but here are 10 tell signs its time to move out.
1. Overnight guest need approval from Mom and Dad.
2. Unapproved overnight guest use the window.
3. After a long day of work all your co-workers are going to happy hour, but you have to get home in time to make curfew.
4. Your Batman obsession has lead you to refer to your bedroom as “The Layer,” except it is not that cool because it’s actually the basement and your Mom does laundry there.
5. You show up to social gatherings in a wood panel station wagon and always leave the car with “Thanks for the ride Dad.”
6. During the holidays, Grandma is crashing in your bed and inevitably leaves the room smelling like Epson salt and Bengay.
7. You roll once and fall out of your twin bed.
8. There is a grey hair in your cereal and you’re not sure if it’s yours.
9. Your last date was to prom with a relative.
10. Your parents have a better sex life than you, and yes it’s disturbing that you know that.
Tags: buying a home, humor, moving out
While most people are not consulting psychics, crystals and magic eight balls to find their dream home, there are some who utilize a bevy of lifestyle experts for finding the perfect home. Because buying a home is a long process and involves many steps; including finding a Realtor, looking at homes, contracts, inspections, and closing, to name a few, its important to find a home that fits. To get that perfect fit takes careful consideration of the layout, design, decor, or even furniture placement for a new home home.
One step prior to selecting and buying a home is investing in a professional opinion for guidance. Everyone from interior designers, architects, professional organizers, Feng Shui practitioners, and even holistic healers are being utilized to help home buyers make the right choice before deciding to put in an offer on a new home.
Tags: buying a home, feng shui home shopping, new age home buying
<a href=”http://technorati.com/claim/793rqie2mk” rel=”me”>Technorati Profile</a>Months of searching have finally narrowed down the search. Here, within brick and mortar, 
you see your life’s plan laid out. From crossing the threshold with the love of your life to pushing the kids in a tire swing in the back yard under the sycamore tree, its easy to think that finding the home you want is all there is to your home search. Wrong! Granted finding the home you want is a crucial part of the home buying process, after you locate the center for your existence there is still crucial steps that have to be approached with unbiased objectivity. So get your head out of the clouds about future home bliss and make sure you get these five things done before signing on the bottom line.
1. Get your inspections. This includes the appraisal, home inspection, well and septic if they apply, pest inspection, and any others that may apply. Analyze each report carefully. Work with your realtor to have any issues addressed by the seller before settlement.
2. Read the fine print. Review the contract very thoroughly. Of all home buying tips, this may be the least heeded, but utilize the assistance and expertise of a real estate lawyer to review the contract as well. This is a legally binding agreement with technical terminology on real estate contracts that is standard for all transactions. It is the responsibility of the home buyer to understand the entire contract.
Tags: home buying process, home buying tips, new home buying, Technorati Profile
Saving money has become a focal point of much of our daily lives. Clipping coupons and paying cash for reduced prices of gasoline have become the norm. First time home buyers, especially, are seeking cost saving options when buying a home. Here are some economical home buying tips for buyers to consider.
1. Do not be afraid to offer a low price. This may be a bit obvious, and your real estate agent should help facilitate this, but gauge the time a house has been on the market and the vacancy when judging how low to offer. The lower the price tag, the lower the down payment and future monthly payments will be. Haggling is expected to get both the buyer and seller what they want.
2. Ask for the seller to pay for closing costs. This will also need to be approved by the mortgage professional, but seller-paid closing costs are quite common and reduce the cash required by buyers at closing. Remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
3. Seek home buyer incentives. These are offered by many real estate and mortgage professionals alike. These incentives range from cash or gift cards following closing to vacations, upgrades and even mortgage payments made for you. Home buyer incentives offer tremendous value, but demand careful consideration.
The options for refinancing are not available to everyone. There are several programs being implemented and only if the qualifications are met can assistance be offered. If you are finding yourself in financial turmoil with your mortgage, one of these programs may have been designed for you.
H4H was enacted by congress during the Bush administration to help Americans refinance high rate mortgages that are at risk of going into default or foreclosure. Through this program homeowners can refinance their mortgages and related debts into a new FHA loan up to 90% of the appraised value of the home. The lender will then be required to decrease the loan amount by excusing a portion of your debt in exchange for future home value. The loan is a 30 year fixed rate mortgage that is insured by the FHA The program window is between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2011. This program is open to those who are current on their mortgage, behind on their mortgage and in some instances those who have filed bankruptcy or have been foreclosed upon can still apply depending on the party handling their case and at what stage the foreclosure is.
Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan
HASP was passed for those homeowners who may or may not be behind on their mortgage, but have not gone into foreclosure. The program provides eligible borrowers the ability to refinance into a 15 or 30 year fixed rate loan. Lenders are not required to participate; however, the government is offering incentives to financial institutions for participating. To be eligible for this program the mortgage has to be on a property that the borrower is residing in and they have to owe less than 105% of their homes value. The modification is cost free, and homeowners should be weary of anyone insisting there is a fee attached. Even if you are scheduled to go into foreclosure, contact your lender because various organizations have showed interest in postponing foreclosures in order to receive the benefits available to them under the HASP.
The President’s plan for helping Americans avoid foreclosure is one part of an entire economic recovery plan. While increasing employment rates are another key step, President Obama has explained the housing crisis as an integral part of America’s financial recovery.
“We must stem the spread of foreclosures and falling home values for all Americans, and do everything we can to help responsible homeowners stay in their homes,” he said as he signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law.
Tags: foreclosure, obama, real estate
