Month: September 2015

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Tampa fl new homes What to look for in a new home

Buying a New Home? Here’s 3 Reasons to Consider a Master-Planned Community

New homes in land o lakes fl

Buying a new home can be stressful, and there’s a good chance you’re seeking advice on what to look for in a new home. One of the most popular trends in real estate is the master-planned community, an amenity-filled neighborhood that offers everything you could ever want out of a community with much, much more than you’d ever expect.

Master-planned communities offer a variety of things that a normal community simply cannot provide. Whether you’re looking for modern home plans, a strong sense of community, or are just enamored with the possibility of living next-door to a tennis court, there is no shortage of reasons to consider a master-planned community when buying a new home.

    Modern home design. There are tons of incredible modern floor plans to choose from in a master-planned community, and most will give you the option to build your dream home from scratch. Make sure you spring for some added perks to get the most out of your new home. One of the best modern home add-ons is central air conditioning, especially if you’re buying in a warm-weather state. The National Association of Realtors recently surveyed homeowners and 65% of them say buying a home with central air conditioning was “very important,” and for good reason. You’ll stay cool all summer while enjoying your brand new dream home.

    Location and sense of community. You can’t put a price tag on the value of raising your children in a supportive environment with like-minded people. Suburban living is the best kind of living, and the statistics back it up. In a survey of 1,500 millennials who are considering buying a new home, 66% preferred suburban locations versus 24% rural and 10% in the central city. It’s the perfect place to be in the center of the fun while still having the option to sit back and relax from time to time. Families in suburbs tend to have more in common, and letting your kids grow up in a safe environment with lifelong friends is the best gift you can give them.

    Amenities. Master-planned communities are almost too good to be true when it comes to the amenities they can offer. If you enjoy sports, take a walk up to the courts, where you can play basketball or tennis. Feel like a quick swim? Head over to the community pool. The best ones also have extra perks like a fitness center, a play area for kids, or even an outdoor amphitheater.

If you’re buying a new home, you’d be crazy not to consider a master-planned community. Do a quick search online and find one that can offer all of these incredible benefits. It could be the best investment you ever make.

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Donation pickup Donations for non profit organizations Veterans donations

Care for Those in Need — Donate Your Clothes to Charity

Donation pick up md

Doing a little bit of good and making a difference in this world can always be a source of feeling good about yourself. Making charitable donations is a great, fulfilling way of leaving your mark on this world by doing a good deed and helping families in need.

If you want to contribute towards improving some lives, clothing donations are a good way to help out. Clothing can easily be recycled and reused, and can be directly transferred to families that need them or sold to create sources of financial aid. In 2007 alone, charitable clothing donations accounted for about $5.8 billion of aid for those in need. You too can make your mark, and even without having to take a lot of trouble.

Easier Charitable Donations with Local Donation Pick Ups

The Purple Heart, a revered decoration in America, is presented to the families of those who have been injured or killed in service to the country. The Military Order of the Purple Heart also actively tries to help out families in need and works with many charitable organizations for collection of charitable donations. These charities often make it easier for you to donate by offering convenient solutions like donation pickups. Estimates show that 90% of the clothing that people throw away can actually be recycled, and you can also ensure that your old clothes reach their proper destination.

With charity pickup, you do not even have to pack your clothes and drive them to a drop-off location. Your local charity will send over people to collect your donations from home — a quick, hassle-free way of ensuring your donations reach the right place.

So, if you are looking to join the thousands of people who show that they care for others and donate your used clothing, look for a local charity working closely with the Military Order of the Purple Heart and start giving back.

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Bluffton south carolina real estate Lake property for sale in sc Land for sale

Charleston, South Carolina The Most Hospitable Place In America

Resort-style amenities

Are you considering buying a home? Do you love the outdoors, history, and a taste of old-fashioned Southern charm? Then you needn?t look any further than Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is not only a vibrant community for people of all ages, but consistently named one of the most hospitable places in the United States. Charleston is a glimpse into the past and a look towards the future at once, and is an easy city for newcomers to step into. You?ll feel at home as soon as you enter the city. So ? why move to live in or near Charleston?

1. The History

Did you know that Charleston was home to the first American public college, museum, and playhouse? You can walk along the historic battery and view trees from which pirates were hanged, tour many historic homes and plantations, and even set foot on centuries-old ships! Charleston embraces its history, with architectural guidelines ensuring that new buildings cannot disrupt the ?look? of the historic districts. Neighborhoods like ?Rainbow Row? ? named for its colorful homes ? are a treat to the eye alone. You can even take part in ghost tours; some around town, and some within Charleston?s historic jail, once home to famous pirates.

2. The Beaches

So you love the outdoors. You?ll definitely love Charleston! Charleston is home to Folly Beach, one of America?s cleanest and most popular beaches. You can consistently see dolphins playing in the surf, and there?s always plenty to do. This is especially important to retirees, with the CDC advising that healthy retirees 65 or older should get two hours and thirty minutes of intense aerobic activity a week, along with muscle training. Why not do that exercise on the beach? Again, if you really love the outdoors, you might also want to consider a home close to the outdoors, like beach or lake homes.

3. The Cultural Scene

Charleston is a ?foodie? city that prides itself in not only seafood but authentic ethnic cuisine. Furthermore, its art scene has steadily grown over the years and is now thriving, with plenty of art galleries and museums at the ready for people to view, not to mention the lowcountry music scene. There are also several different open-air markets where you can buy everything from fresh spices to handmade dolls. If you?re looking to retire but stay active, Charleston is the perfect city to spend a lazy day within. It?s said that the happiest retirees engage in 3 to 4 regularly activities, compared to the unhappiest who only engage in 1 to 2 regular activities. Believe me, there?s no way you can be unhappy in Charleston.

The next time you?re speaking to your realtors, consider a new home in Charleston or the surrounding area. Enter retirement knowing that you?re in a place you?d never want to leave. You?ve worked hard all your life ? now it?s time to live it up!

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Chattanooga mortgage rates Interest rates on home loans Low interest home loans

Start Your Next Venture Without Fear With Low Home Mortgage Rates

Home loans knoxville tn

Everyone eventually find themselves in a tight spot when it comes to finances. Even with a well-paying and secure job, there is no guarantee that some enormous charge won’t come your way. Fortunately, these situations occur often enough for systems to be implemented to give individuals time to pay.

Home mortgage lenders offer the option for homeowners to receive loans in collateral for their property’s value. These loans require monthly payments that deviate depending on differing home mortgage rates which fluctuate with the market and lenders. Long-term mortgages rates fell as much as 3.31% by the end of 2012; a huge deviation from previous years.

The idea in cases of individuals attempting to raise funding for any purpose, is that if the borrower finds them self unable to pay off their loan due to high home mortgage rates or any number of reasons, a legal entity is put in place which will allow the borrower to sell the property to pay off what’s left of the loan. Many people use liens on their home to gain financing for endeavors such as creating a business, while others do so to pay off other debts.


In any case of mortgages, an individual must first apply and get cleared by the lender. In order to do so, the borrower must have a high enough credit score to ensure they’re not just playing the system. The vast majority of direct mortgage lenders require a credit score of at least 680. One key to ensure decent credit before pursuing a mortgage is to preemptively clean up your credit history and fix any errors present on your credit report. This will also give you a better idea of what your credit score is and if it’s even enough to apply.

A lot of financial knowledge is important in guaranteeing you get the best rates on your mortgage. One helpful step is to receive a quote of what a borrower could offer to avoid insufficient funding from bad credit home loans. Experts are available and ready to review your case and help you find the best home mortgage rates.

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California ranch for sale Cattle Colorado horse property for sale

Want To Peek Into America’s Future? Look To Texas

Ranch for sale

If you look at a graph of planet earth’s population, you’ll see a graph shaped like a hockey stick. Because of radical medical breakthroughs in the last 150 years — antibiotics and vaccines to name just two — the population of the planet has been rising exponentially. And as it does, humans have been forced to invent more efficient agricultural technologies, finding new ways to make more food.

In fact, the rising global population will require mankind to produce 70% more food by 2050. And that makes Texas one of the most important states in the union. Sure, California currently leads the nation in agricultural cash receipts, but several other factors make the Lone Star State uniquely placed to represent the United States in the decades to come.

Not only is Texas a part of the changing demographic face of America, with large influxes of both millennial and Hispanic Americans, not only is it one of the largest states electorally, but it’s also a massive hub for agriculture and ranching. Unlike smaller, often family-owned farms, ranches contain vast tracts of land for grazing animals like cattle. And Texas leads the nation in both sales of cattle (and sheep and goats) and farm real estate, making it the epicenter of both farming and ranching.

To give you a sense of perspective, there are nearly 16 million heads of cattle in Texas, almost one for every person in the state. And each year, agriculture related industries generate $36.4 billion to the economy, with one of every seven Texans working in the industry. So as farmland and ranches for sale become a hotter investment with each passing year, Texas is well poised to be a leader in powering the U.S. economy of the future.

And it’s not just farmland and cattle ranches for sale. Luxury ranches are an increasingly popular tourist destination and investment as well. As more of America’s population moves into urban and suburban communities, luxury ranches are a powerful draw for city folk looking for a break from the smartphone lifestyle.

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Custom designer home builders Luxury home designs Luxury house floor plans

How Luxury House Builders Are Making Dreams Come True

Luxury custom home models

We live in the age of ideas, where nearly anybody of any age can contribute to our world in some way. Many of these innovations have made their way into designer home plans, helping families to create the luxury home designs they want. Since contractors charge just 15% to 25% of the total price for building custom home models, nearly everyone can afford the home of their dreams. Here are three home archetypes that offer a little something for everyone.

The Eco-Friend
Luxury house builders know where the majority of monthly expenses go, so they give home buyers plenty of options when it comes to energy-saving alternatives. By replacing traditional conventional heating systems with high-efficiency geothermal systems, homeowners can save 25% to 50% on energy bills every month. Using spray foam insulation over traditional insulation can help to reduce heating costs by half, especially when combined with weather stripping. There are eco-friendly appliances as well, such as convection ovens which cook food 25% faster and use less energy than convention ovens.

The Movie Star
When many people think of luxury or designer homes, they think of mansions, palaces, and estates. Those with Hollywood money can afford Hollywood style. Right now stone bathtubs and infinity pools are some of the most popular luxury amenities available. Other, more traditional options include spa rooms, custom wine cellars and tasting rooms, outdoor kitchens, and vineyards. When it comes to building custom luxury homes, there is no such thing as too much.

The Technophile
How far technology has come in these past few years: we can control televisions, lights, and sounds all from our smartphones. For those who are always connected, there are plenty of options for you in the form of home smart systems. Those with enough money can have luxury house builders connect their entire home–security, electricity, network, entertainment–everything can be connected to your smartphone for complete and total control over your environment. No matter what you’re looking for, custom home plans exist to help build your dream home.

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Assisted living facilities Assisted living in maryland Assisted living north east md

Three Vital Truths Regarding Assisted Living Homes

When you or your close relative starts aging, it’s time to consider assisted living options. Nursing homes are not the only way to provide care, and many people choose independent living for seniors for several reasons. You just need to know exactly what kind of arrangement you want and how you can make the most of it.

All inclusive assisted living services are great for senior citizens because they get to retain their independence despite whatever issues they’re having due to age or illness. Some people prefer to stay in their own homes instead of living somewhere else. Others like being in a community. The point is that you and your family get to pick the best option, and you can also change your mind, tweak the arrangement, and make other plans.

However, it’s very likely that you’ll at least need someone assisting you in your home, so it’s important to start thinking about it seriously. You also need to know all the realities of supervised living houses to make an informed decision. Once you feel ready to start exploring these places, you can check out Called to Care Residential Facility and more communities in your area.

Let’s discover all the truths about assisted living homes.

Senior citizen housing

There are many misconceptions regarded assisted living homes. In the media, assisted living facilities are often displayed at unsafe, and unhappy communities where seniors essentially go to die. However, that could not be further from the truth. In most assisted living homes, the facility’s caretakers are committed to providing resident the most positive senior housing experience possible. Approximately seven out of 10 individuals over 65 will require some sort of long-term care in the future. Making sure seniors know the facts and are sure of their future choices is tantamount in ensuring a positive future of eldercare for seniors.

No Two Assisted Living Home is the Same
Many people believe that assisted living facilities are homogeneous; however, no two assisted living facility is the same. While some senior living facilities offer comprehensive care, many promote independent senior housing, enabling residents to choose how much independence they have, based upon their needs.

Assisted Living Isn’t Just for the Elderly
While it is often the elderly that enter assisted living homes, it is also available for individuals who are terminally ill and no longer able to care for themselves. As previously stated, all facilities are unique. To find out if you assisted living facility of choice caters non-elderly persons, call and schedule a meet-and-greet.

Assisted Living Homes are Positively Received
While the media loves to proliferate negative ideas about assisted living, the truth is, many seniors report being extremely satisfied with their new living situations. According to recent surveys, 89.3% of individuals living in assisted living rate their experience as good, and even excellent. In a different survey, approximately 85% of residents would recommend their own facility to someone else.

Entering assisted living is a big decision for anyone. But knowing the facts helps to make an educated decision, making the transition into the next big part of life a smooth one.

 

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Charity pick up Donate used clothes Donation pickup

Cleaning Out Your Closet? Consider Donating Your Lightly Used Clothing to Charity

Children in need clothing

As the summer fades and we transition into fall, many of us will be storing our summer clothing and shoes and taking out our jackets, sweaters, boots, and other cold weather gear. Since you’ll be going through your closet anyway, this is a great opportunity to get rid of some items that you no longer wear and save yourself some closet space. Did you know that your lightly used clothing and shoes can be used to help those in need? It’s true! When you donate used clothes, you are providing someone less fortunate with something to wear and to keep them warm. When you choose to donate your clothing instead of throwing it in the trash, you are helping families in need and helping to build a stronger community.

Many of us wish we had more time to volunteer and serve our community, but it is hard to find a balance in our lifestyle. Even if you are busy with a job and a family to take care of, you can still give back and help those in need by making charitable donations. There are many charities that will pick up donations so you can donate gently used clothing without even leaving your home. If that sounds ideal to you, you’re not alone. In fact, half (50%) of people making donations prefer door-to-door donation pick up and more than half would not go more than 10 minutes out of their way to drop off donations, according to survey results.

As the weather begins to turn cooler and you can no longer leave home without a jacket, please keep in mind those who may not have a coat to wear and consider making a charitable donation of your gently used clothing. You will feel better about having a cleaner, more organized closet and you will feel the joy that comes with serving others by providing them with clothing to wear.

If you have items that you would like to donate, but are unable to drop them off, be sure to contact your local charities that will pick up donations today and help them to help your community members in need this fall.

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Backyard party Sweet sixteen Wedding tent rentals

Tips for Planning Your Wedding

Wedding tents for rent nj

Whether you are planning a casual wedding or a large, formal one, there are almost endless details involved in planning it. And if you are like most people, you want every detail to be perfect. In 2012, couples spent an average of nearly $27,000 on their weddings and about $13,000 of that was for the reception. Of course, some couples spend a lot more. Between 2011 and 2012, the number of couples who were willing to spend $1 million more than doubled. Every detail needs to be considered from the location to the wedding linen rental, someone has to take care of all of it.

The first step is to set a date. June is the most popular month for weddings so everything, again from wedding linen rental to wedding tent rentals will be more expensive so couples who are on a tight budget might want to consider another time of year. There might be another month that holds significance.

Next up, where will the wedding be held? Outdoor locations are becoming more and more popular with couples. Many couples opt for “destination weddings.” For these, everyone travels to a special place for the wedding. If you are considering one of these, make sure you give your guests a lot of advanced warning about when and where the wedding will be held.

Make a budget and a checklist. Look over your finances and decide what you really need to have at your wedding and what you can live without. Many people have had really nice and fun weddings in their (or a friend/family member’s ) back yard. People often opt for wedding tent rentals and decorate the area with LED lighting for a very romantic affect. The cost of the wedding linen rental can be very reasonable. Wedding linen rental companies offer really high quality linen that can transform outdoor furniture into something completely new and very elegant. Some fun tent accessories include the LED furniture, which really makes a backyard party pop.

The checklist should not only include what needs to be done but who will do it and by when. Having a timeline for when each task will be done will reduce the stress level for everyone involved. Many people spend months and months planning their wedding but it does not have to be that way. Even if you plan your own wedding, the process does not have to take over your life.

Do not be afraid to say no to vendors and friends and family. If your budget does not allow people to bring a plus one, that should be it. If someone in your family always dreamed you would get married where they did or at some place that is special to them, remind them that this is your wedding, not theirs. With vendors, they want to get the largest fee but you can always go someplace else.

Have fun at your wedding. If last minute details do not work out, do not let that ruin your day. No one knows but you and if you enjoy your special day, that is all that matters.

Categories
New homes land o lakes Tampa bay new homes Tampa fl new homes

Building Your Dream Home

What to look for in a planned community

Are you looking to purchase a new home for you or your family? The real estate market for a new home is booming all over the country. This could be because of the newer features and amenities that are available in new home. Nearly 65% of home buyers list central air conditioning as an important feature for them, according the National Association of Realtors. Home buyers today also want larger homes. They list storage and space as very important, 89% put in laundry rooms. This would be hard to put into an older unit.

Here are some tips for buying a new home.

  • Get what you really, really want. Working with a home builder and the architect you can add the features you have always dreamed of having, something you cannot do with an existing home. You are a master chef, this could mean designing your dream kitchen. Maybe you like modern homes. Maybe you want shelter from the sun. In Land O’Lakes, Florida, for instance, they have at least 248 sunny days a year. You can work with them on the materials used and the colors of the walls. The house is your blank canvass. These are some of the reasons the real estate market for a new home is so popular right now. We all want things our way!
  • Ask questions. If you tour a model home, you may notice features that you like. Ask if these come with the house you will be buying as opposed to the one they are showing. They want to lure you in to buy a house, that is their job. They are going to make that model home look like th best house ever. Your job is to find out what kind of house you will be getting and how it would be different from the model home.
  • Ask for warranty protection. You cannot do this with a used house but you can with a new one. There’s been no one living in it so you cannot blame any flaws in the house on an irresponsible former owner. The new place should come with a warranty to cover the work done and the materials used. Make sure you read all the fine print in any warranty you get.
  • Have it inspected. It may seem counter intuitive. After all it is a new house and no one has lived it in to spoil it. But did the builders do their job to meet code specifications? Are the materials the same quality you expected them to be? Are there already cracks in places or sags in others? Having someone who is impartial look the place over will give you peace of mind but also help if you do find anything unusual. You may find yourself needing the warranty after all and this make it easier to enforce it. This is something people do not always mention about the real estate market for a new home.

Now you know how to buy a new home. Go make it yours!

If you have any questions, please leave us a comment. We would love to hear from you!