new-home-builders-weblog

Selling Your Home, for Less

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:18:06 +0100

Homes reclaimed through foreclosure are a reality in many neighbourhoods. As a result the competition is tough for would-be sellers who must go up against the bargain prices being offered on foreclosed properties.

Obviously, improving your home’s condition and appearance can help you to sell it So, following are a few tips to making relatively inexpensive improvements design to help your home stand out against foreclosed properties in your neighbourhood:

One of the most cost-effective things to do is likewise one of the most valuable - ridding the property of excess furniture and other accumulations. To de-clutter your property most effectively, you may perhaps like to hire a professional organizer, which you can get for under $100.
One of your home’s biggest selling points is the kitchen. Many real-estate agents recommend focusing on improving the look for this room, but it need not be as expensive as you might think. Wood cabinets can be revived with a little cleaning and oiling with lemon. For cabinets that need more work, sand and re-stain them, after which the addition of new hardware will help them to stand out. Other kitchen improvements should include replacing worn flooring. Vinyl and tile are cheap options.
Painting walls and trim are a great idea. Be sure to prep paint areas well by sanding and surfacing. It’s very important to select your paint wisely. Don’t be shy about paying a little extra for quality because it will pay dividends.
Even if you have limited resources to pay a professional to do large jobs such as roofing or electrical, it’s important to avoid doing these jobs yourself. Optimize your limited resources by seeking competitive bids from at least three contractors.

Fall Cleaning

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:53:21 +0100

With summer behind us, now is the time for a thorough pre-holiday cleaning. But instead of using harsh chemicals to cut through dirt and grime, there are many natural products that can get your house shiny clean, without harming the environment.

If you prefer not to spend the money on all-natural cleaners, you can also concoct your own using simple ingredients including baking soda and vinegar. The advantages of these products are that they are less expensive, are not toxic to pets or people, and they work really well. And, they’re made of ingredients that most of us have in our pantries and laundry rooms.

Researchers have also determined that natural cleaning products can be beneficial to people with allergies. Some of the chemicals used in store-bought products can cause allergic reactions, such as running nose, watery eyes, and skin rashes. If you don’t have the time or chemical inclination to create your own cleaning products, natural, eco-friendly cleaning products are now widely available, and can be found in most supermarkets and big box stores.

If you live in an area that uses septic tanks, natural cleaners do not harm the tank’s bacteria and help keep the system in good running order, extending the life of the tank. Similarly, using natural products reduces exposure to chemicals, which can have long-term health benefits by not exposing our bodies to toxins.

On the maintenance side, make sure to properly store any pool toys so that they don’t attract mosquitoes or other pests. Keep leaves and debris away from the house and weather strip windows and doors. Clean out those rain gutters, too. Leaves, dirt and animal nesting materials left in the gutters can clog the drains, causing water to back up against your roof and causing damage or leaks. Double-check the drains of the rain gutters as well, making sure that the water spouts are running water well away from the foundation of your home.

Also take the time to have your chimney and fireplace professionally cleaned and inspected, which will ensure that harmful smoke and gases from your autumn fires are being vented properly. Inside, clean vents and air ducts and replace the filter on your heater, both of which will improve the air quality in your house and help minimize allergies.

Finally, don’t forget that part of autumn cleaning involves getting your landscaping ready for the coming autumn and winter weather. Take time to assess your yard, and perform tasks like mowing, fertilizing, trimming and mulching. A little time spent putting your garden to rest can help your landscape look even better when spring comes around next year.

Virginia Is for More than Just Lovers

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:54:45 +0100

For those looking for a new home builder to create your dream house, consider the benefits of living in Virginia, which balances pristine rural natural beauty with urban sophistication. According to Harris Interactive research, Virginia is the 14^th most desirable place to live in the United States. One of the top tourist destinations among Americans, Virginia embraces its historic, colonial past, offering a step back in time at attractions such as Williamsburg, which still has many original buildings among the rest of the recreated 17^th century village.

The state also has over 20 national parks, three dozen state parks, and in excess of 100 national historic landmarks such as the Jamestown Settlement, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, and many Civil War sites.

Despite its ties to the past, Virginia is also a modern cultural center, boasting museums, theatre, opera and a thriving wine industry with 160 wineries. Travel + Leisure magazine has named Virginia one of the world’s top five emerging wine destinations. And golf lovers can enjoy one of the more than 200 courses located across the state.

Although Virginia may not be the first place one thinks of when imaging world class beaches. Its Atlantic shore is one of the state’s best kept secrets. Favorite spots include the Assateague National Seashore’s white sand beach and the off-the-beaten-path Croatan Beach.

Music lovers will be in bluegrass heaven on Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail on U.S. Route 58, which winds through the Appalachian Mountains and offers a variety of music venues showcasing everything from gospel and country to bluegrass and jazz.

In addition to the state’s cultural and recreational draws, choosing a Virginia new home builder also makes practical and economic sense. Virginia enjoys a moderate climate year round and has one of the stronger job markets in the country, especially in the northern part of the state due to its proximity to Washington D.C. Also, many Virginia real estate companies have special programs to assist new home buyers relocate to Virginia from other parts of the country.

When choosing a Virginia new home builder, it’s beneficial to know what type of house style you want and the part of the state in which you’d like to settle. Then you can research companies that specialize in that particular design in the area where you are interested in living. Ask to see previous work and check online to make sure the new home builder hasn’t been involved in any lawsuits. You can also ask for testimonials from past clients.

Some of the more popular home styles in Virginia are colonials and Cape Cod bungalows. Ramblers are also common in the northern part of the state. Also known as ranch houses, these are single story homes that often come with a basement. Not many new home builders offer ramblers, but their affordability and relative small size make them popular for first time buyers interested in, or willing to do, some updating and refurbishing work.

New Housing Communities in California

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:02:02 +0100

Looking to relocate to the California area?

Check out these new housing communities provided by some of the finest home builders in California. Each community listed below offers a quick description of the area, pricing, and house details. To learn more please feel free to contact the builder directly via their website, which is also listed!

New Community in Manteca, CA

Raymus Homes has an exceptional new home community in Manteca, CA - Ken Hill Estates - that provides eleven oversized lots built in a cul-de-sac neighborhood. The lots are between 8,500 and 9,500 sq. ft. Each home has a gourmet kitchen and floor plans offer two and three bedrooms. For more information call (209) 824-3080.

New Community in Indio, CA

Sienna is a Ryland Homes neighborhood in Southern California. Currently this community is in its close-out phase and has but only one home left. Priced in the low-$300s, with 3,143 sq. ft., four beds, and a three car garage, this home is only available to view upon appointment. Call (760) 342-0369 for additional information.

New Community in Folsom, CA

The New Riata at Empire Ranch is Elliott Homes latest eco-friendly new home community, located in Folsom, CA. This community has homes ranging between five to three bedrooms and buyers can choose from seven different plans, providing between 1,777 and 3,246 sq. ft. For more information call (916) 983-5406.

New Community in Beaumont, CA

Canterbury is a Ryland Homes’ community located in Beaumont, CA. Homes range between 3,094 and 3,935 sq. ft. and are priced in the upper-$200s. There are currently several homes ready for quick delivery in this neighborhood. For additional information please contact a Ryland sales specialist at (951) 769-0305.