Anglia Homes is on a mission. A mission to help families create lifetime memories by embracing their wants and needs.

Our featured builder boasts a management team with more than 100 years of combined experience turning homebuyers into happy homeowners. They do this by offering thoughtful architectural designs, using high-quality materials and providing top-tier customer service.

In Sierra Vista, that means 11 floor plans to choose from. Floor plans that include flex spaces, spacious family rooms, gourmet kitchens, secluded owner’s suites, utility rooms with convenient garage access and upstairs game rooms. Plans that can be tailored to fit your needs with optional fireplaces, media rooms, additional bedrooms or studies.

Homes boast beautiful interior features such as hand-laid tile, granite countertops, maple cabinetry, recessed lighting, Whirlpool® appliances, arched doorways, ceiling fans and more. All of it is standard.

Anglia Homes’ designs in Sierra Vista are priced from the $240,000s. Visit the Anglia model home today and talk with a sales professional to discover how Anglia and Sierra Vista can make your new home dreams come true.

You probably know that low interest rates mean lower monthly payments, but did you know that they also affect your buying power? It’s true. Lower interests could allow you to buy a more expensive home in Sierra Vista than you originally thought while keeping your monthly mortgage payments reasonable.

What is buying power? Simply put, it’s how much home you can afford. When interest rates are low, buyers can often afford to take out a larger mortgage based on their income.

In September, Freddie Mac reported that the average for a 30-year fixed interest rate reached 2.90 percent. The rate was 3.64 percent a year ago. The 15-year fixed-rate average reached 2.40 percent compared with 3.16 percent a year ago. The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 2.96 percent. Last year, it was 3.38 percent.

What does that mean for your buying power? If you were to take out a 30-year loan, with 20 percent down, you might be able to afford a home valued at $400,000 and pay an average of $1,500 per month (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees).

That means you could afford a bigger home or load up your dream home with options and upgrades. Alternatively, you could qualify for a 15-year loan instead of a 30-year loan for the same or slightly higher monthly payment. Doing so, means you could own your home outright in less time and build equity much quicker.

Home equity is the amount of your home that you actually own. It is calculated by subtracting your mortgage balance from the home’s market value. Equity grows as you make your monthly payments. It is important because this represents a reserve you can draw on. Lenders often set borrowing amounts based on the amount of equity you own.

With a 15-year loan, you are paying more toward the principal, so you can pay off the loan faster. In doing so, you are building equity much faster than someone with a 30-year loan. How is that advantageous? It can help you get a substantial home equity loan or, if you decide to sell, you will receive more money that could be used to buy a more expensive home.

The bottom line is that buying a new home can actually save you money over the life of your loan. If you want to see what your buying power can net you, visit Sierra Vista today.

 

When it comes to buying a new construction home, who is the first person you should call? If you said a Realtor, you already have a leg up on the process. From touring your first model home to closing the deal, having a Realtor can mean the difference between buying a new home and buying your dream home.

Here are five reasons to consider using a Realtor:

They Know the Neighborhoods

Wondering if a master-planned community like Sierra Vista is right for your family? Ask a Realtor. Realtors make a point of knowing everything about a community. They know the builders, the amenities, the local schools and where to get the best lattes. In short, they are like Google, but much more personal.

They Have Your Interests at Heart

A builder’s sales representative is a great resource when it comes to knowledge of construction processes, options and upgrades, but your Realtor works for you. That means he or she will be able to help you get the best mortgage, advocate on your behalf and steer you toward the builder and community that best meets your family’s needs.

They Know When to Buy

Is there a good time to buy a new-build home? Absolutely, and your Realtor will have the inside scoop. They know the market so they can tell you if you should buy now or wait a bit to see if a given builder will be offering reduced pricing on move-in ready homes.

A Realtor Can Give You Guidance

Buying a home is a complex process even if the home is brand new. Your agent can help you figure out how much home you can afford, advise you on interest rates, introduce you to lenders and walk you through the contract. He or she also can watch over your home during the construction period and recommend a home inspector once it is finished.

Realtors Keep You Within Your Budget

It’s easy to fall in love with a model home. However, models are sometimes filled with options and upgrades that cost extra. A Realtor will ask the sales representative the right questions about the model so you know what is standard and what is an upgrade. If you fall in love with an expensive upgrade, your Realtor can often negotiate on your behalf possibly getting it for you at a better price.

Bring Your Realtor to Sierra Vista

If you decide to retain the services of a Realtor, be sure to bring him or her with you on your first visit to Sierra Vista or let the sales representative know that you will be working with one. Not only is it courteous, chances are the representative has worked with your Realtor before. That relationship can work in your favor.

There is a new builder in Sierra Vista and we think you’ll like what you see.

Adams Homes has joined the Sierra Vista family of builders. Founded in 1991 by Wayne Adams, the builder is one of the largest, privately held homebuilders in the nation.

The Adams philosophy is that homebuilders should offer customers a straightforward purchasing process that is easy to understand as well as a home that fits their needs. The builder’s homes include many standard features that other builders consider upgrades — features that homebuyers want the most.

Adams Homes offers five floor plans in Sierra Vista priced from the $200,000s. Buyers will be able to choose from two different homesite sizes. Water views and cul-de-sac homesites will be available.

Designs range from 1,902 to 2,705 square feet and sport covered porches, large kitchens, covered patios and two-car garages. Optional three-car garages are available with some homesites. A model is under construction.

We’re happy to welcome Adams Homes to our neighborhood and look forward to their first home sale. Will it be you?

Summer is here so make the most of it and spend a day or two enjoying the great outdoors. Sierra Vista’s prime location approximately 20 minutes south of downtown Houston means you can explore the city’s greenbelt and still be home in time for dinner.

Keep in mind that currently, even outdoor locations may require advance reservations. Call or check online then get out there and play.

The Houston Zoo

Home to more than 6,000 animals, the Houston Zoo is the second most visited zoo in the U.S. and the most-attended cultural attraction in the region. Animal lovers can explore 16 exhibits ranging from the Bug House to the Kipp Aquarium.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Bring a camera and prepare to explore one of the oldest nature education facilities in Texas. Admission to the 155-acre enclave is free and offers more than five miles of nature trails including forest, pond, wetland and meadow habitats.

Buffalo Bayou

Whether your family enjoys bikes or boats, Buffalo Bayou has something for you. There are many places to walk, jog and bike along the paths winding through Buffalo Bayou Park. There also are opportunities to rent kayaks and canoes.

Discovery Green Park

An idyllic park in downtown Houston, this 12-acre gem features a model boat pond, gardens and special events.

Hermann Park

This award-winning 445-acre urban park welcomes an estimated six million visitors a year. In addition to a train and pedal boats, the park offers numerous public gardens, an art walk and a Japanese contemplation garden. Kayaking is also available.

Haunted Houston Walking Tour

While not strictly a day trip, this spooky stroll through Houston’s downtown should be experienced at least once. The family-friendly tour covers 1.5 miles worth of haunted Houston sites.