Understanding Real Estate: What are New Builds?

Are you looking for your dream home? Have you been surfing the web or maybe seeing homes with a Realtor but you still haven’t found what you are looking for? The answer might be to build new. New builds are customizable homes. You choose the style, floor plan, size, amenities, and even the location. There are few different builders to choose from: Allen Edwin Homes, CVE Homes and Schroder Homes. Our featured builder is:

                                                       

Allen Edwin Home Builders offers 30 different plans to choose from and has many community choices. Homes in the Traditions Collection range from 1600 square foot single-story homes to 3400 square foot two-story homes. They have 2-4 bedrooms and 2.5-3 baths and are totally customizable. Homes in the Elements Collection range from 1400 square foot single-story homes to 2600 square foot two-story homes. They have 3-6 bedrooms and 2.5-3.5 baths. The Classic Collection consists of split level and multi-level homes. They are 1400 square feet to 2100 square feet in size, have 3-5 bedrooms and 1.5-2.5 baths. In all three collections, buyers are able to choose from different flooring, lighting, hardware, appliances, ect. The home becomes uniquely you!

Allen Edwin has a number of community choices. There are homes in the: Mason School District (Columbia Lakes Sub), Portland School District (Looking Glass Sub), Eaton Rapids School District (Country Crossroads Sub), Lansing School District (East Village), Waverly School District (Royal Scot Sub), DeWitt School District (Nottingham Sub), Grand Ledge School District (Westcharme Estates), and others. They are also able to build off site at a location you choose!  This builder has received a number of recognitions are Energy Star qualified.

For more information on this builder or to get started on designing your dream home, contact Laurie Myers: 1-800-371-0489 or lmyers@allenedwin.com
Just be sure to tell her who sent you!

NEWBUILTHOMES.INFO

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: Genesee

Open House: Sunday, April 1st from 2-4 pm

CAPE COD HOME IN DESIRABLE WESTMORELAND

SUB. 3000 SQFT OF LIVING SPACE.

FULL BASEMENT, 3 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHS. ALL APPLIANCES STAY.

NEWER THERMOPANE WINDOWS, NEW HALF BATH & FINISHED OFFICE IN BASEMENT. 2 WOOD FP

Photos and More Info
 

 Video Courtesy of Brock Fletcher

Understanding Real Estate: Manufactured vs. Modular Homes

The Selling Team knows, when purchasing a home, buyer's are presented with a few options.  There are stick built homes, manufactured homes and modular homes on the market.  It is important to know the difference between the factory built homes as both do not usually qualify for financing.

Manufactured homes are constructed entirely in a factory and are subject to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s regulations. HUD codes pre-empt local building code and regulate the home’s design, construction, strength and durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality control. There are also standards regarding the heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems.  The skeleton or chassis of home is permanent and can be placed on a permanent foundation, such as a basement, if desired. These homes are typically one story and are delivered to the home site in one, two or three sections. Flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, appliances and plumbing have all been installed at the factory.

Manufactured homes have come along way and now offer more square feet of living space and pitched roofs. They can be hard to distinguish from modular homes but you will want to get or check on a preexisting affidavit of affixture. It is important to check with your lender before placing an offer on a manufactured home.  Many lending institutions will not finance these types of homes.

Modular homes are also built in a factory and must adhere to the Uniform Building Code in the state of Michigan. These homes begin as components in a factory and are designed, engineered and assembled in a controlled environment. The sections (always two or more) are then delivered to the home site and connected by a licensed builder. The builder then finishes the interior (like putting in stairs) and exterior work. These homes are permanently attached to their foundation. Unlike manufactured homes, some lenders will grant financing for modular homes.

Sometimes, purchasing a home that has been built in a factory can be a cost savings.  Modular homes have come a long way in the last decade.  With landscaping and a garage, they can be difficult to distinguish from stick built homes.

Understanding Real Estate: What is School of Choice?

One step in finding a new home is determining which location you wish to buy in.  For many home buyers, the area is determined by the school district.  Click on the link below to check the district assignment for any home:

Find exact school district assignment info for any US home.

Maybe you are relocating to the area and are unsure of which district to place your kids in?  The link below contains information about Lansing area's school ratings.

Greater Lansing School Rankings

Under the No Child Left Behind Act, parents of students attending a Title I school which is deemed "in need of improvement" have the right to send their child to a higher preforming school within the district.  This is an intra-district school choice.  There is also an inter-district or outside the district choice.  If there is space within the school you wish for your child to attend, and the receiving district agrees to accept the student, you may enroll your student.  This is known as the School of Choice Program.

Home Buying Guide: Step by Step Classes

Did you know that The Selling Team's own Jeff Burke instructs a monthly class about all the information you need to know in buying a new home? If you have asked yourself about any of the topics below you may want to join in on this opportunity to learn more about the home buying process.

Burke gives detailed information about all the steps in the home buying process as outlined below:

• How to Buy
• Defining Search Criteria
• Options in Financing
• Agency Relationship (who represents whom)
• Search for Homes Efficiently 
• What To Do When You Find Your Perfect Home!
• Negotiating for the Best Price
• Inspections 
• Home
• Pes
• Rado
• Well and Septic

Jeff Burke has been teaching this class for 5 years. Once a month for two hours at the Center for Financial Health. If you are interested in the class you should contact the Center for Financial Health for the class schedule. If you are ready to step straight into the buying process contact Jeff Burke and The Selling Team.

KW Selling Team News: New Logo

The Selling Team introduced a new logo into the mix today.

Working as a team is a priority for KW's Selling Team.

Team leaders, Jeff Burke and Brock Fletcher, make their clients a part of their team by working together in the home buying/selling process.

A number of their clients are families just starting out, or growing into a new homes.

The Selling Team is Greater Lansing's area experts in Real Estate.

The Selling Team will sell your home and help you find a new one!