Choosing the Right Builder for You!

Choosing the Right Builder for You!

Choosing the Right Builder for You! By The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team -  678.866.1935
Builder Trade In North Atlanta

Choosing the Right Builder for You! Congratulations!  You’ve decided to purchase a new construction home!  But when it comes to selecting a builder, where do you start?  It is important to shop for your builder as carefully as you shop for your home.  Regardless of the size or type of home, you will want to know you are buying a good quality home from a builder with a great reputation.





There are many good builders in most markets in the U.S. – here’s some tips on how to proceed as recommended by the National Association of Home Builders:

Make A List of Potential Builders
Once you have thought about the type of house you want, you will need to find a builder.

• Contact your local home builders' association to obtain a list of builders who construct homes in your area.
• Your local newspaper will have a real estate section where builders will advertise their current projects.  Some markets hold “Parade of Homes” events and distribute a directory of all the new home communities.  By reading through ads and articles online, you’ll get a good idea of which builders are active in your area, what types of homes they are building, and the various price ranges.  Make your own list of the builders who are building the type of home you are looking for in the price range you are comfortable with.
• A great resource is to enlist the services of a local real estate agent (especially if that agent is a Certified New Home Ambassador).  He/She can direct you not only to the good builders, but can also help answer your questions and represent you in the sale, looking out for your best interests.
• Ask family and friends who have previously built homes for recommendations of any builders they have worked with who did a good job.

Do Your Homework
Once you have a list of builders, how can you find out about their reputations and the quality of their work? The best way to learn about builders is to visit homes they have built and talk with the owners.

• Ask builders on your list for the addresses of their recently built homes and subdivisions. Builders may even be able to provide names of some home owners who would be willing to talk with you.
• Drive by on a Saturday morning when home owners may be outside doing chores or errands. Introduce yourself and say you are considering buying a home from the builder who built their home.  Talk to several owners, and try to get a random sample of opinions.  The more people you talk with, the more accurate an impression of a builder you are likely to get.  At the very least, drive by and see if the homes are visually appealing.
• When you talk to builders and home owners, take along a notebook to record the information you find and your personal impressions about specific builders and homes.  Doing so will help you to make comparisons later. Some questions you can ask people include: Are you happy with your home?  If you had any problems, were they fixed promptly and completely?  Would you buy another home from this builder?
• Usually, people tell you if they are pleased with their homes.  And if they are not, they'll probably want to tell you why.

Shop For Quality and Value

 Look at new homes whenever you can.  Home shows and open houses sponsored by builders are good opportunities to look at homes.  Be sure to take your real estate agent along to share perspectives and to offer you additional new-home advice.  Model homes are typically filled with many, many upgrades to help you visualize different types of finishes, textures and fabrics.  You may also ask a builder to see unfurnished homes to help you really get a look at the construction quality.
When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features.  Inspect the quality of the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work and paint.  Ask the builder or the builder's representative a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally rather than in writing, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question.  What seems like an insignificant question might yield an important answer.

To choose the Right Builder for You, contact us today or visit our website:

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team
5780 Windward Parkway
Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
678.866.1935 
http://buildertradein.com/northatlanta/ 



Choosing the Right Builder for You!

Stunning Property in Raslouw, South Africa Now Available

Stunning Property in Raslouw, South Africa Now Available

Raslouw A H, Centurion, Gauteng

This stunning property offers the owner many options. The home is perfect for those who like to have their offices at home or have a large family that would like to stay on the same property but in different houses. The property can also be use as a conference facility or a wedding venue.

The main house is the jewel of the property, with a beautiful kitchen, five bedrooms, a study, sauna, and jacuzzi . The TV room has a gas built in braai. A very large patio next to the swimming is ideal for entertaining both in the winter and summer months.



The other 3 buildings on the property include:

- a house with 3 bedrooms
- a building currently used as offices
- a new structure planned as a wedding venue

The property has so much to offer the only way to experience what it offers is to come view it. Give me a call today, don't delay.

For more pictures and details CLICK HERE.

CONTACT:

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team at
678.929.6529

OR

Ronel Joubert
0126602203(Business Phone)
0829013337(Mobile Phone)
Ronel.Joubert@kwsa.co.za

New Home Builder Confidence Rises

New Home Builder Confidence Rises

New Home Builder Confidence Rises by
Builder Trade In North Atlanta
678.866.1935

Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes rose for a fourth consecutive month in September to a nine-year high.

In September, The HMI (Housing Market Index) was reported at a level of 59.00 up from 55.00 last month and up from 57.00 one year ago.  Anything above 50 is considered to be a positive sentiment.  This is the highest level since November 2005.

To put this September HMI report into perspective, in the period following the housing crash in 2009, HMI sentiment around was all the way down to 17.

Looking forward, the estimate of single-family sales for the next six months rose to a 13-month high of 67 from 65.

Since early summer, builders in many markets across the nation have been reporting that buyer interest and traffic have picked up, which is a positive sign that the housing market is moving in the right direction.

A firming job market is helping as are low interest rates.  Mortgage rates are hitting new lows.  Mortgage Company Freddie Mac said that the nationwide average for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped to 3.97 percent, down from 4.12 - the lowest level since June 20, 2013.

In October U.S. homebuilders' confidence fell slightly after four months of gains which had pushed the indicator to the highest point in nine years.

Analysts said readings in the mid-50s were in line with the current modest pace of recovery in housing.

Economists said the small decline did not alter their views that housing prospects remained favorable in coming months.

By region of the country, builder sentiment in October was highest in the Midwest with a reading of 59 followed by readings of 58 in the South, 57 in the West and 41 in the Northeast.

For information on new homes in the North Atlanta area, contact  Builder Trade In North Atlanta 678.866.1935

START YOUR NEW HOME SEARCH BELOW:

New Home Builder Confidence Rises

Unconventional Loans Buyers Should Consider

Unconventional Loans Buyers Should Consider

Builder Trade In North Atlanta
678.866.1935

Unconventional Loans Buyers Should Consider - Most homebuyers are unaware of their options when it comes to a mortgage. Many think they need a conventional mortgage, ensuring they have 20% of the home's purchase price on hand for a down payment and a good enough credit score to qualify. However, there are other options on the table. For those who might not have the funds up front or the credit history to qualify for a conventional mortgage, there are unconventional ones.

FHA home loans. Homebuyers benefit by learning about the unconventional mortgage choices. Where someone might not qualify for a conventional mortgage loan, he or she might have no problem getting a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration.

And because these loans are backed by the federal government, lenders don't have to use the same stringent qualifications as conventional loans. Where some people with a less-than-perfect credit score would have trouble securing financing for a loan, the FHA has found a way for them to fulfill their dream of being a homeowner.

In addition to having looser qualification standards, FHA loans don't require as high of a down payment. Homeowners can put as little as 3.5% down for these loans. FHA loans are also assumable, therefore they can be passed on to another buyer when it's time to sell.

USDA home loans. The United States Department of Agriculture provides unconventional loans, offering benefits that are not awarded to the typical residential mortgages. Similar to FHA loans, USDA mortgages allow those without the best credit history to qualify for a loan. However, these loans are only issued for low- and very low-income areas in rural parts of the country. These loans also require no down payment whatsoever, making them a highly attractive option.

For more information on Unconventional Loans Buyers Should Consider contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team at 678.866.1935.

Unconventional Loans Buyers Should Consider

Smart Phone Usage by Millennials

Smart Phone Usage by Millennials

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team 678.866.1935

Smart Phone usage by Millennials, you see them everywhere. At the mall. In the grocery store. On the subway. In restaurants. 

Screens firmly in hand, texting at lightning speed! Ever wonder what young consumers (“Millennials” born between 1980-2000) do on their smart phones? According to a recent study by Builder Magazine, here’s how their usage breaks down:

92% - Talking
91% - Texting
89% - Mobile browsing
82% - E-mail
74% - Social networking
63% - Downloading apps
54% - Camera
52% - Playing games
46% - Watching videos
43% - Map navigation
35% - Listening to music
27% - IM/Chat
18% - Read news

With mobile browsing in the top 3, searching for a new home these days is easy and available. New Home Ambassadors are able to keep new home options in front of this very-mobile consumer category, who are typically energetic, attracted to technology, and share with the world!

To have over 5 million home listings in the palm of your hand CLICK HERE!

And for more information on new home options, contact us today!

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team
5780 Windward Parkway
Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
678.866.1935












Smart Phone Usage by Millennials 

New Home Construction Trends

New Home Construction Trends

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team 678.866.1935

With New Home Starts and New Home Construction on the rise all around the country, we thought we would discuss the Hot New Home Construction Trends. These apply also for home renovations.

Go Green
The biggest New Home Construction Trend is energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is measured by HERS – Home Energy Rating System. The lower the number the better. A typical resale home has a HERS of about 130. New Construction homes, have standard ratings of 100 and go down dramatically from there, saving you THOUSANDS of dollars over time. New homes also come equipped with energy saving appliances.

Kitchen Area
The kitchen is the gathering place in most homes. If you’re sick of the same stark kitchens and stainless steel scattered throughout, 2014 is the year to give the hub of your home some character. More and more, kitchens are incorporating dining rooms and sitting rooms into a unified space. Consequently, kitchen cabinets are looking more like fine furniture, and counters and islands are becoming dining tables. Banquette seating can offer comfortable seating for people who congregate in the kitchen for more than food.

Paint and Light
Painting a room will make the most noticeable improvement in your home, for the least cost. Some locations, such as entry halls with artwork, might really stand out with a dramatic color. Using color to lighten the room will also make it appear larger. Light in general has that effect, so bringing light into a room by adding light fixtures, changing window coverings from drapes to light-filtering blinds or adding a window to a room will have the effect of a larger home without the cost of actually having to build an addition. Sometimes adding a window is all that is needed to change the classification of a space under your city's building code from storage to a habitable room--which will result in a substantial increase in home value relative to a low cost of improvement.

Handles and Hinges
Details can make a big difference, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Cabinet pulls can transform stock kitchen cabinets into a designer showcase. New kitchen and bathroom sink faucets can lend the impression of a full kitchen or bath remodel. New shower rods, exposed door and cabinet hinges, and mirrors all improve the shine of a space and draw attention away from drab features.

Built-Ins
When space is at a premium, making more of it within the existing building envelope is a cost-saving investment over actually building an addition. Building or installing closet organizers will free room space. With less furniture, rooms appear larger, lighter and more open. Built-in bookcases and home entertainment centers have the same effect and can add a lot of character to a room. Reversing the swing of a door can free 6 square feet of room space and improve traffic patterns through the house.

Outdoors and Landscaping
Courtyards, outdoor entertainment areas, resort style pools and outdoor kitchens are all hot items in New Home construction. When considering the outside of your new home, don’t neglect the yard. Drought-tolerant trees, bushes and plants can add color and interest to the yard.

For more details and information on great New Home Construction Trends contact:



The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team
5780 Windward Parkway
Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
678.866.1935 

New Home Construction Trends

 

New Home-New Beginning

New Home-New Beginning

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team 678.866.1935

New Home-New Beginning for you and your family is exciting. With new construction communities cropping up in back yards across the nation, understanding the gains in craftsmanship, energy efficiency, technology and financing opportunities is no small task. This is why you call on a Realtor - to introduce and educate you on product knowledge. They, along with the builder representative work collectively to ensure the best possible home “styled” to support your lifestyle!

There is no “One Size fits all” any longer. The builder communities have done extensive research to blend the product with different family dynamics and living quarters. So, whether you are interested in your first home, green home, 2nd home, blended homes or retirement home, these communities and individual floor plans have been researched and constructed to fit your “life style” AND your bank account! Interest rates are still at an all time low and product is at an all time high.

Historically, now more than ever before in the history of home building and purchase, can you truly find the most ideal fit for you and your family. Looking to refresh with design, color and space - gain a greater return on investment, have an enhanced life style - and maintain lower cost factor in utilities and maintenance/repair…then think new construction…new home…renewed life.

For more information on a New Home-New Beginning, contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team or call us at 678.866.1935.

 5780 Windward Parkway

Suite 100

Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

New Home-New Beginning

Mortgage Rates Hit 2014 Low

Mortgage Rates Hit 2014 Low

Mortgage Rates Hit 2014 Low - The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team 

At the start of 2014, there was a lot of speculation that mortgage rates would rise to unaffordable levels, with many expecting to see 30-year fixed mortgage rates exceed 5%. However, luckily for homebuyers, mortgage rates have stayed historically low, with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage recently hitting its lowest point all year, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac.

Here's what the data showed for the week ending Aug. 21:
 
A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit 4.10%, down from 4.12% a week before and 4.58% this time last year.

A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage hit 3.23%, falling from 3.24% on a week-over-week comparison and 3.60% a year prior.

A 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 2.95%, marking a decrease from 2.97% a week ago and 3.21% on a year-over-year comparison.

"Mortgage rates were down slightly this week, following the decline in 10-year Treasury yields," said Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist at Freddie Mac. "Meanwhile, housing starts in July jumped 15.7% to 1.093 million units after falling 4.0% a month earlier. Also, July's consumer prices increased at a 0.1% seasonally adjusted pace, the slowest in five months.

Renting unaffordable in major cities. A separate report from Zillow, a real estate marketplace, recently highlighted that it's more affordable to purchase a home in 94 of the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the country rather than rent, primarily because mortgage rates remain so low.

"The affordability of for-sale homes remains strong, which is encouraging for those buyers that can save for a down payment and capitalize on low mortgage interest rates," said Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries. "But the health of the for-sale market is directly tied to the rental market, where affordability is really suffering."

The report noted that historically low interest rates and continually increasing rent prices have made buying more attractive. HousingWire reported that at the end of the second quarter, homeowners only had to put 15% of their income toward a mortgage, well below 22.1% prior to the housing collapse.

Humphries noted that even if mortgage rates were to hit 5%, they would still be affordable by historical standards. He said this would cause only 13 of the largest metros to become unaffordable for buying (just six metros are currently unaffordable).

As mortgage rates remain low and rents continue to increase, more Americans will be assessing their residential mortgage options.

For more information on mortgage rates and lending contact us today:

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team

678.866.1935

5780 Windward Parkway

Suite 100

Alpharetta, GA 30005 

Energy Efficiency in Newly Built Homes

 Energy Efficiency in Newly Built Homes

Builder Trade In North Atlanta
The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team
678-866-1935

With the winter months approaching, and some areas of the country will get cold pretty soon, heating costs will be on people’s minds.  They can potentially save thousands of dollars each year with a better energy efficienthome.

Newly built homes have many amenities such as access to jogging, hiking and bike trails, sports complexes and aquatic centers. Builders and developers are also giving more attention to green lifestyles and energy efficiency. 

Almost half of the energy you use in your home goes to heating and cooling.  Newly built homes take this into consideration and have come up with ways to battle the loss of energy and help keep money in your pocket.

Here is a list of how they do it:

·      1. High Performance windows- improved frames and protective coatings keep the heat in during winter and heat out during summer.

·     2. Insulation- Quality insulation as well as special attention during installation makes a huge difference in energy use.

·      3. Air Sealing- Comprehensive air sealing helps reduce maintenance costs and lower monthly utility bills.

·      4. Use of recycled materials as well as the latest energy efficient building materials currently available.

·      5. Programmable thermostats

·      6. Water management systems to lower water heater costs.

Newly built homes offer these energy efficient options, which will greatly reduce maintenance, and utility costs.  Giving you some peace of mind going into the cold winter months. 

For more information on Energy Efficiency in Newly Built Homes contact us today!