Trends in New Home Construction

Thinking about having your next home custom built for you and your family? You may be interested to know some of the newer trends in home construction.

First, with the housing market leaving some buyers a bit uncertain, it seems that more builders and home owners are choosing to built "right sized" homes as opposed to buying bigger for larger return on investment.

The most affordable homes are those that are smaller but maximize space allowing greater flexibility. For example, under stair space can be built in for decorative shelving or have storage space built behind a quaint door.

There are fewer luxuries in these "post recession" homes. Granite counter tops, upgraded carpets and top of the line appliances are being traded for options that have equal appeal but don't cost as much. If you want to cut down on the cost of your new home, think from the inside out when considering options.

Instead of the pool, opt for an "outdoor living space" that allows you the space to entertain without the expense a pool carries. Choose a light carpet of grass with one focus area over a fully customized landscape look.

And home builders are changing processes to cut down on construction site waste and consider the effects of the build on existing communities and nature. More homes now have better use of natural lighting, using landscape to shade the home, and energy saving appliances.

Right now there is a lot of land available that can be purchased less expensively so you can buy it now and build on it later. If the land is in a current development and has all the improvements you may see higher prices.

It's a great time to start dreaming about and planning your custom home. Let us help you by securing the land on which your home will be built.

Scents Sell!

Have you ever walked into someone's home and smelled burned popcorn? Or last night's dinner? Or worse yet, you know they have a pet because of the odor?

Although frequently ignored, our sense of smell is a pretty good protection device, when we use our noses, we can be warned that food is bad or that something is on fire. When we enter an unfamiliar place, the nose is quick to pick up any unpleasant odors.

When you are familiar with your home, the household smells rarely interrupt your environment but when a guest enters for the first time, they will notice everything. That's why the sense of smell is an important part of selling your home.

If you want to create an enticing environment that makes a person feel warm, happy and welcome, positive scents can make a difference.

Here are some examples of how to use aromatic influencers when your home is going to be shown to prospective buyers:

• If your home is rich with dark wood, like cherry, try a candle with a pleasant musky smell. If you have a more contemporary home, White tea ginger will give off just the right fragrance.
  
  
• Having the scent of fresh baked bread or cookies reminds people of home or warm family times.
  
  
• Don't rely on your individual situation as the reason for the scents you choose, for example if you're a single woman fresh flowers may be great but if you're a growing family that may be a turn off since you'll be thinking of how to keep the kids and pets away.|
  
  
• Ironically, staying away from citrus smells is also a good idea. For some reason they don't seem to give that "comfortable" feeling you want potential buyers to get.
  

The key is to not overdo it. Using aromatherapy oils do the best job of giving the rooms an atmospheric type aroma that isn't instantly pinpointed to a candle. Make the smell just barely there. When your buyers walk into your home it will smell fantastic, sometimes it's just the thing to make someone fall in love with the home. No matter what you choose, scents sell!

Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a home is like buying a secure future for yourself and your family. If you have bought and sold real estate before then you may already know some of the things that you should consider. If this is your first home purchase then you should take the time to talk to some experienced buyers and your Realtor to discover what you should watch for in homes both new and old.

One thing that should always be looked at: has there been additional construction on the home? If an addition or renovation has been completed it is in your best interest to ensure that these changes were done according to code.

I think we have all seen the TV shows that illustrate some of the monstrously deficient renovations that have been done to homes. For this reason you should never purchase a home that has not been through an inspection.

Sometimes home sellers will choose to sell to buyers who are willing to bypass the inspection for a quicker sale, this is a bad idea. If a seller wants to skip the inspection then ask specific questions about renovations and look for permits for those renovations. Maybe there is nothing to hide but asking to forgo an inspection could spell trouble.

Another good idea to check is the warranties that may be offered for the home's appliances and the roof. The roof warranty in particular can be a huge selling point, if there is any concerns with the roof it is acceptable to list a new roof as one of the sale considerations or it can be used as a bargaining chip to reduce the final sale price.

It pays to be a cautious buyer in today's real estate market. Be sure to communicate with your Realtor on all aspects of the sale and don't be afraid to ask questions!
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