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.
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.
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.
An idyllic park in downtown Houston, this 12-acre gem features a model boat pond, gardens and special events.
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.
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.
If you’ve been feeling a little cramped in your apartment, good news! With interest rates at an all-time low, a new home — and a planned crystal clear lagoon — in Sierra Vista is within easy reach for first-time home buyers.
Making such a big purchase may seem a little daunting. Not to worry. We have some tips that will get you up to speed and in your new home in no time.
Know Your Price Range
Check your finances. You need to be prepared for both the purchase and the ongoing expenses of a home. Use this home affordability calculator to determine how much you can safely afford to spend.
Keep Track of Your Spending
Before you start looking, make sure you know how much you spend per month. Account for all your purchases including utilities, food, car payments, student debt, retirement savings and any miscellaneous items.
Check Your Credit
Before you go to see a lender, check your credit as it will be one of the key factors in whether you’re approved, and it will help determine your interest rate and possibly the loan terms. Avoid opening any new credit accounts, like a credit card or auto loan, until your home loan closes.
Explore Your Mortgage Options
There are lots of mortgage options out there. If you’re struggling to come up with a down payment, check out these loans:
- Conventional mortgages conform to standards set by the government-sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and require as little as 3 percent down.
- FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration permit down payments as low as 3.5%.
- VA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and sometimes require no down payment at all.
Remember, making a higher down payment will mean having a lower monthly mortgage payment.
Get Preapproved for a Loan
Don’t look for your home until you have a pre-approved loan. Having a preapproval letter in hand not only shows that you are serious, it shows that a lending company has already vetted you.
Save for Closing Costs
If you thought you only needed to save for a down payment, guess again. Closing costs generally run between 2 percent and 5 percent of your loan amount. They must be paid when you close on your new home. Many Sierra Vista builders offer low to no closing costs as an incentive for purchasing one of their homes.
Make a List, Check It Twice
Now that you know how much you can spend, it’s time to search for your perfect home. Make a list of things you must have and the things it would be nice to have. Prepare to be flexible. Consider hiring a Realtor even if you are looking to purchase a new build home.
Where Do You Want to Live?
It’s possible to love your home but grow to hate the neighborhood it’s in. Master-planned communities like Sierra Vista offer a range of builders and floor plans as well as fantastic amenities and proximity to great schools.
Now that you know what to do, get out there and find your first new home!
The gyms are closed but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in a good workout. From carving out an exercise space to running a marathon in your backyard, here are some tips for staying fit while stuck at home.
Create a Fitness Space
If you have the space, work out in a different room than the one you sleep or work in.
Decide what type of exercise routine you want to do. If you enjoy yoga or Pilates, lay a mat out in a quiet, well-lit corner. If you miss using weights, you can order them from DICK’S Sporting Goods or Amazon. Miss your spin class? Here’s how to turn your bike into a stationary one.
Get Your Steps In
Social distancing guidelines allow us to walk outside, so explore the great outdoors (safely). Walk around your neighborhood, take a morning jog or head out on the trails. Alternatively, you can walk around the house. Design a circuit that takes you around the house for 30 minutes a day. Make sure you include stairs and your backyard. Bonus points for carrying a laundry basket the entire way.
Stream an Exercise Class
A number of gyms have begun streaming workout classes on Facebook, Zoom and other platforms. Most don’t require any special equipment. Orangetheory is uploading new at-home 30 minute workout routines daily. CorePower Yoga is offering free streaming live classes. Planet Fitness is hosting “Home Work-Ins”.
Play With Your Kids
Instead of watching your kids play, get in and join them. Kick a soccer ball around in the backyard, play tag, jump rope, get out the hula hoop or just have a dance party.
