From the HBA: Now is the time to build 'the best' dream home

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The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield is "Building Better Tomorrows." We all look for opportunities to build a better future for our families, our businesses, and our homes. As you consider what the best option is for your family's future, remember that now is an especially attractive time to build a new home, and the Home Builders Association can help you ensure that your dream home is the very best it can be.|ret||ret||tab|

Whether you are a first-time home buyer, considering a larger or smaller house or even thinking about buying a vacation home now is a great time to act. Several factors, from the lowest mortgage rates in at least three years, to new financing options, combine to make this one of the most advantageous times in years to buy a home.|ret||ret||tab|

Market conditions seem perfectly aligned for buying a home. The inventory of new homes has increased over the past few months and consumer confidence has trended down, which translates into more opportunities, at better prices, for homebuyers who act now.|ret||ret||tab|

In the wake of the Federal Reserve Board's recent series of rate cuts, consumers have an historic opportunity to lock in a low fixed rate on a mortgage, and construction loans can be obtained at the lowest rates in recent memory. With lower interest rates, buyers can afford more expensive homes without increasing their monthly mortgage payments.|ret||ret||tab|

For first-time home buyers concerned about being able to save enough money for a down payment traditionally 20 percent of the mortgage there are many new options. New mortgage options allow borrowers to put 10 percent, 3 percent or even no money down. If you are self-employed, lenders are working to reduce the additional paperwork typically required. Talk to potential lenders about making these new financing options work for you.|ret||ret||tab|

It's certainly a great time to buy a new house. New-home construction is better than ever, offering the latest in energy-saving technology, efficient heating and cooling systems, innovative design and a host of exciting new features, from pre-wired high-speed data lines to high-tech lighting and security systems. Plus, the decisions you make on layout, colors, materials and appliances will make your new home a true reflection of your individual tastes and preferences.|ret||ret||tab|

Whether you are buying a condominium, a single-family home in a subdivision, or a custom-built house, you want to know that you are buying a high-quality home from a reputable builder.|ret||ret||tab|

Your home builder must understand how the home's complex systems work, pay attention to detail, and coordinate various contractors in a team effort to build a quality product. So, you should choose your builder as carefully as you choose your new home,|ret||ret||tab|

While you should always begin your search for a builder with the Home Builders Association, your research must not end there. |ret||ret||tab|

For most of us, buying a home is the single largest investment we will ever make. We should treat the decision with the seriousness it carries.|ret||ret||tab|

The best way to learn about the quality of service any builder offers is to ask previous customers. Find out what the builder has built recently in the area near where you are buying. Then visit some of the previous projects and ask the residents about their experiences with their homes and their builder. The best time to visit is usually a Saturday morning when people are out doing yard work or chores.|ret||ret||tab|

Remember that cost is not a direct measure of quality. High quality combines good design and fine products and materials with superior workmanship and proper installation. Just because one home is less[[In-content Ad]]