June 24, 2008
So if trying to time the bottom of the real estate market is not the best strategy, what should a home buyer evaluate before buying a new home? Here are some considerations that can help you assess whether this is a good time for you to buy property.
June 20, 2008
New home buyers…if the dismal news on the housing market has you waiting on the sidelines or trying to time when we’ll hit bottom, you may want to rethink your strategy about buying a new home. Timing the Market Bottom May Not Be Wise Home Buying Strategy The fact is, even the economists have a hard time agreeing on when the U.S. real estate market will hit its low point. Many financial analysts think we could experience at least two more years of depreciating home values.
Trying to time the market, be it the stock market or the housing market, is a difficult task - and depending on your local environment, it may be an unnecessary gamble.
June 16, 2008
Will the economy, environmental concerns and demographics impact the size of new homes we build in the future? Two recent surveys show that a downsizing trend in new home construction may already be underway.
In its home design trend survey released last week, the American Institute of Architects indicates that the depressed U.S. housing market, affordability and rising home costs are causing many Americans to rethink the size issue. How much living space do we really need? Home Buyers Put New Home Amenities Ahead of Size In past years, more people buying a new home would focus on getting the most square footage for the money, according to Gopal Ahluwalia, National Association of Home Builders vice president of research. But that’s not the case anymore. In an NAHB survey released in February, a majority of potential home buyers revealed that if they had to choose, they would rather build a smaller home with more amenities than the other way around.
June 5, 2008
Does the environment in your new home support healthy living? When we think of places impacted by air pollution and dangerous contaminants, most of us wouldn’t consider that new homes may be at risk. But the Environmental Protection Agency cites indoor air quality as one of the greatest threats to our health.
Essentially, our homes are their own self-contained ecosystems, and our job is to keep the indoor environment as clean and pure as possible, for the welfare of all that live there. So take a look at some simple steps that will help keep your new house a healthy home.
May 22, 2008
So you’re ready to start your search for a new home? Do you like the idea of buying a move-in ready, new construction home with a modern layout and all the amenities? Yet, you really fall for the charm and architectural style of a well-appointed older home? New construction homes are built with floor plans suited to today’s lifestyles, with open layouts, master suites, walk-in closets and lots of storage space.
But unless you’re looking at high-end, luxury homes, they do not usually come with the architectural details of older, existing homes. Asking a builder to upgrade a new model home with these extra features can be quite pricey. Still, in the current real estate market, home buyers have some leverage to negotiate with builders, and it wouldn’t hurt to ask that some free upgrades be included in your new home purchase. Adding architectural style to your new home will definitely turn up its charm factor - and increase its marketability and resale value as well.
April 18, 2008
Market and Economic Recap News on the new homes real estate industry, mortgage loans and the economy.
Business Week Ending April 18, 2008
April 15, 2008
Remember creating collages in art class as a kid? The conglomeration of words, images and elements selected and assembled became works of art that told a story of sorts.
Designers utilize the same concept to develop a new design plan and illustrate their ideas and concepts to their clients, and it’s called the design story board. You can use this same creative exercise to discover your design style, decorate a room or design your new home.
April 2, 2008
On Monday, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson presented his blueprint to overhaul the way the U.S. regulates its financial system. If implemented, the plan would significantly alter the way banks, brokerages and insurance companies conduct their business. Some of the suggested changes would establish consistent licensing standards for mortgage lenders. Another proposal, strongly opposed by the banking industry, may eliminate thrifts that once funded a major share of mortgage loans for new home buyers.
March 14, 2008
Business Week Ending March 14, 2008
February 29, 2008
Business Week Ending February 29, 2008
