Understanding credit scores and their impact on buying a new home is essential for a successful home-buying journey. Credit scores affect how lenders see you and impact everything from your eligibility for a mortgage loan to the interest rate you’ll receive. Here’s what you need to know before purchasing your new home in Sierra Vista:

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness and indicates how likely you are to repay your debts. Most lenders use your FICO score when deciding whether to offer you a loan. These scores are based on your credit history, including factors such as payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit and new credit applications. The higher your score, the easier it can be to get a favorable loan.

What is Considered a ‘Good’ Score?

How high a score you need depends on your lender and the type of loan you are trying to secure. Some lenders are more flexible than others, but in general, you will need a FICO score in the 670 to 739 range. If you want to qualify for the best interest rates, you need a score starting at 740. However, government-backed loans, such as FHA loans, may accept lower credit scores, often starting at 500.

Can You Improve Your Credit Score?

As credit scores affect the terms of your loan, it’s well worth it to strengthen your score before shopping for a new home. Some steps you can take are paying your bills on time, lowering existing debt and not opening or closing credit accounts.

Why Pay Your Bills on Time?

Payment history makes up 35 percent of your credit score. Any time you miss a payment, your credit score will be affected. A late payment more than 30 days overdue can lower your credit score by as much as 100 points. A missed payment can affect your score for up to 18 months. It can take up to seven years for it to completely fall off your report.

Why Beef Up Your Credit History?

Lenders want to see a lengthy credit history. That way they know you are less likely to default. If your history is short or spotty, it’s time to extend it. If you rent, ask your landlord if they report your rental payment history to credit agencies. If not, you can sign up for PayYourRent, a service you use to pay your rent that will report on-time payments to all three major credit bureaus. Experian Boost can also add your rent to your credit history, as well as phone, utility and even streaming bills. Secured credit cards are a good way to build your credit history.

Why Lower Your Current Debt?

The more debt you are carrying, the more lenders will see you as a poor loan prospect. Carrying a large balance will increase something called your “credit utilization ratio.” This is the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total credit limit. Typically, your credit utilization ratio should be under 30 percent.

Why Order a Credit Report?

Order copies of your credit reports from the three big credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Not only will you see your current score, but you can also check for mistakes. If you notice an error, contact the credit bureau. You can usually file the dispute online. The agency is required by law to investigate and respond to your claim. Be sure to do this in advance of purchasing a home as any disputes can interfere with your lender approving your loan.

Talk To Your Sierra Vista Builder Today

Many builders have preferred lenders who can find ways to help you build or repair your credit. If your credit is already great, they may be able to help you secure more favorable terms. Once your financing is secured, you can pick one of their beautiful new homes.

Sierra Vista builders are experts at creating homes families love to live in. That means offering a variety of floor plans. Which one is right for you? That depends on your needs, but here are a few things to consider.

Your Budget

You know how much you can afford to spend on a home. How you spend that money depends on what’s important to you. If you need a study or media room but your budget is a little tight, consider a smaller home and put your home buying dollars into structural options. If you have a large family and space is important, choose a larger floor plan even if that means forgoing some upgrades.

How You Live Now

Look for a floor plan that makes your lifestyle better. Think about your favorite things. Also think about what you would like to change. Maybe you have young children and want a dedicated playroom. Maybe you’ve always wished for a workshop in the garage. Those things should be at the top of your must-have list.

Form Vs. Function

How do you envision life in your new home? You will want a floor plan that helps you live it. That could mean a large island kitchen or a covered patio. If you know you won’t need a formal dining room, choose a floor plan that doesn’t have one or see if your builder offers the option to change it into a study or entertainment room.

Privacy is a Consideration

How a home is laid out can impact how much privacy you have. Bedrooms and bathrooms should be positioned away from the living and entertaining areas to minimize noise. Additionally, consider the placement of windows and doors to ensure privacy from neighboring homes and streets.

Think About the Future

It’s easy to be caught up in the now — especially once you tour our gorgeous model homes — but you also need to think about the future. Do you plan to age in place? You probably won’t want a two-story home. As your children grow, will they need separate bathrooms or more space in their bedrooms? Keep these things in mind as you peruse floor plans.

Be Flexible

A flexible floor plan allows you to create the home you want. Pay attention to the structural options your builder offers. If you know you will want a media room, get it. Renovations can be costly. Also think about how you can change the function of the rooms. Will you be able to turn a spare bedroom into a workout space? If you host holiday events, you are going to want a floor plan with enough space for everyone. A plan that easily helps you live the way you want is better than one that doesn’t offer any flexibility.

Check Out Our Builders’ Floor Plans Today

Visit Sierra Vista today to see all the floor plans our builders offer. A well-designed floor plan can make all the difference in the comfort and enjoyment of your home.

Sierra Vista seniors will graduate from Manvel High School on May 25. Your newly minted grad probably has a few ideas about how to celebrate, and you should listen to their input. If you’re planning a party and are stumped for ideas, we can help.

Pick a Theme

Your grad is going to want an Instagram- or TikTok-worthy theme. We think this “One Smart Cookie” idea is very sweet. The Breakfast Club has been enjoying a resurgence with this generation, so why don’t you throw a “Donut You Forget About Me” party? Your sports-minded grad will love this game-time theme. It’s twice the fun if you decorate in their new college team’s colors. Have some fun with a Friends party.

Instagram-worthy Backdrops

Designate a corner so everyone can get a photo with the new grad. Balloons make a perfect backdrop. You can go with an arch or try this holographic balloon backdrop. Set up a chalkboard and let people design their own backdrop. You can purchase simple sequined backdrops on Amazon. This Polaroid cutoutbackdrop is super cute. Be sure to purchase these photobooth props.

Double Duty Decorations

Send your grad off to college with the advice garnered from this graduation tree centerpiece. Don’t put out a guest book. Have everyone sign this guest poster your grad can have framed. We think you grad will get a lot of use out of this t-shirt. Guests are sure to get creative when asked to post their favorite memories.

Step Up to the Bar

Food bars are perfect for any graduation party. This hot dog bar is easy to create. Popcorn bars aren’t just for movies. No sandwich bar would be complete without these “diploma wraps.” If the weather is a little Texas-warm, cool thing down with this root beer float bar.

Fun and Games

You’re never too old for a party game. Send your grad and friends on a fun graduation-themed scavenger hunt while you get the party started. Find out who knows the honoree best. Everyone will enjoy pinning the tassel on the graduation cap. Gather everyone for a fun game of graduation jeopardy.

Party Favors

What’s a party without favors? Send guests home with these smart cookie favors. Pack up some sweet treats to send home in these graduation cap boxes. Who wouldn’t want to go home with these cotton candy favors? Fill these graduation cap mason jars with candy, pennies or anything you want. Guests will remember your grad has a bright future ahead.

If you’ve explored our model homes, you’ve probably been drawn to the beautifully decorated dining tables. You may have been wondering if you can get the same look in your home. Yes, you can! Just follow our tips for an elevated table your guests will be gushing over.

Consider the Shape

Before rushing to HomeGoods to purchase centerpieces, consider the shape of your table. A small square or round table may need only a single vase to dress it up. A long table may require several centerpieces.

Consider the Room

Where your dining table is located has decorating implications. A formal dining room near the front of the home can serve as an introduction to your decorating style. If your table is in the dining area of the great room, you will want your tablescape to match the surrounding décor.

Consider Your Style

Just because you have a formal dining room doesn’t mean you need to go all out on fancy decorations if it isn’t your style. Your dining table should reflect you. Choose the colors, shapes and decorations that fit your aesthetic. Don’t decorate the way you think you should because that’s what the magazines tell you. Of course, if you see a tablescape in a magazine that speaks to you, by all means, recreate it.

To Tablecloth or Not to Tablecloth

You need a good foundation on which to build your tablescape. If you have a beautiful tabletop, you might not need a tablecloth. If your table is stained (and not in a good way) consider covering it up. There are beautiful tablecloths in a variety of fabrics and patterns out there. Choose microfiber cloth as it rarely stains and is easy to clean. Pick colors that tie into your decorating theme or accent your tableware. For fun, change your tablecloth with the seasons for a fresh new look.

Terrific Table Runners

Table runners straddle the line between a tablecloth and a naked table. They work particularly well with long, rectangular tables. Square tables can also benefit as a table runner elongates the space. You can purchase one or make your own from a beautiful piece of fabric. As an alternative, lay down a line of fresh greenery, silk flowers or small candles.

Make a Statement

A table is meant to be used for dining. Clutter it up with decorations and there won’t be room for your guests. That means taking everything off the table when you use it. Instead, place a beautiful statement piece in the center. Large vases, bowls of fruit and sculptures work well for this. In addition to becoming a focal point for the room, a statement piece can be easily removed when it’s dinner time.

Keep it Short

A table centerpiece shouldn’t be higher than 24 inches. You want to be able to see your guests. Also, a tall centerpiece makes it hard to pass the potatoes. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a tall centerpiece. It just means you need to remove it before dinner is served.

Fancy Flowers

Floral arrangements are a go-to for many home decorators. Fresh flowers from your garden are seasonal and show off your green thumb. Find vases that complement your room décor and fill them up. For a short table, one vase should do. A longer table will look better with a collection of vases. And you don’t have to use vases. Bowls and wooden boxes are charming containers. Fill a bowl with fall leaves or a planter box with evergreen branches.

Let’s Talk Candlesticks

Candlesticks are a staple of dining table decorations. For a classic look, search thrift stores for silver candlesticks. For a more contemporary look, colored glass or wood look beautiful. Don’t worry if your candlesticks don’t match. An eclectic assortment makes its own statement. Choose candle colors that accent the room. Scented candles keep the room smelling nice but you’ll want to switch out for scentless when it’s time to serve food.

Overhead Lighting

A beautiful table deserves a beautiful light source. If your dining room has an oversized window, just open the curtains. At night, you will need an additional light source. Chandeliers are always a nice touch, but if that’s too formal or fussy for you, consider pendant lightning in your preferred shape. Lights should be on a dimmer switch so you can set the mood.

Mix It Up

Mixing up your table décor is a great way to have some fun and make a statement. Combine candlesticks of varying heights with a large vase full of silk flowers. A wooden tray piled high with placemats and napkins adds color to the room. A row of succulents brings nature indoors.

Visit Our Models for Inspiration

Need more inspiration? Visit the model homes in Sierra Vista. You might even decide to give your dining room table a brand-new home.

We don’t want to throw around words like “black hole,” but when was the last time you could easily find anything stored in your garage? Do you even know what’s in it? If you aren’t sure, it’s time for a little (possibly a lot of) spring cleaning. Overwhelmed at the thought? Don’t be. Just follow these 10 steps:

Start With a Plan

Before you start, plan. Are you thinking of installing a garage organization system or just weeding through years of accumulated stuff? Your goals dictate how you should proceed. Create a to-do list with an estimate of how much time you expect to spend on each item. Then double it. Clearing the garage is hard work.

Gather Supplies

Hit the home improvement store before you start. Make sure you have all the shelving bins, racks and other items you will need so you won’t have to go to the store halfway through the process. You may also need heavy duty trash bags, a broom or shop vac and degreasers.

Set Aside Time

As we mentioned before, tackling the garage is a big job. You might be able to do it all in one day — if it’s small or you regularly clean it — but it will most likely take the weekend. Clear your calendar, create a garage cleaning playlist and enlist some helpers.

Divide Your Driveway

Where are you going to put the things you take out of the garage? Your driveway. Use chalk or tarps to divide it into de-cluttering zones. Set aside spaces for things you want to keep, donate or toss. If your driveway won’t hold everything (scary thought), start in one of corner of the garage and work your way forward, organizing as you go along.

Sorting Your Stuff

Sorting is hard. After all, you wouldn’t have put your stuff in the garage if you didn’t think you would need it someday. Heirlooms and items of sentimental value probably shouldn’t be stored in the garage where they can get damaged. Find them a new home in your house. Keeping stuff for your now adult children? Let them store it in their own garages. Anything with a layer of dust an inch thick or covered in cobwebs can probably go. You obviously never use it.

Clean and Finish Your Garage

Give your now empty garage some love. Sweep it out and power wash the floor. Check any shelves and wracks for damage. If you’ve been thinking of finishing your garage now is the time. Coat the floor with a water and stain-resistant material called polyurea. Install cabinets and shelves or have a contractor do it for you.

Go Vertical

You don’t want to store things on the floor. Rodents can easily chew their way into boxes. If there’s a flood, your treasured items will be underwater. Store items on shelves, peg boards, bike racks and even the ceiling. Cabinets encourage disorganization because you can just hide the clutter. Shelves keep you honest.

Create Zones

Think of your garage like a store. Stores separate goods into zones so people can find things easily. Create a sports zone, gardening center, tool shop and seasonal items area. Place the stuff you use regularly in places you can easily get to them. Things you only use once or twice a year can go on the top of shelves or in the back.

Maintain the Organization

Once everything is squared away, have a glass of lemonade and a nap. Then choose a date to do it over again. Ideally, you should reorganize your garage twice a year to keep it looking tidy.

Buy a New Home in Sierra Vista

Better yet, purchase a new home in Sierra Vista and get a new garage — a garage that can be tailored to fit your storage needs with upgrades like cabinets and counters so you will be organized as soon as you move in.