Resolve to Buy a New Home in the New Year

If buying a new home is on your wish list for 2016 - there are steps you can take now to make that dream a reality.

Resolve to do these things so you can be living in your new home sooner than you think!

1. Think about what you can really afford. The rule of thumb is that your house payment should be about 25% of your income. Review your budget so you know what type of home you can comfortably afford.

2. Be aware of your credit. Go ahead and pull your latest credit scores. Make sure there are no discrepancies or issues that need to be addressed with the credit bureaus. If you have any problems on your report work to get them resolved as quickly as possible.

3. Talk with a lender to become preapproved. Before you start the home shopping process - meet with a mortgage lender and discuss your financial situation. You can get preapproved which will dramatically shorten the length of the home buying process.

4. Save for a down payment. Received some cash this holiday season? Put that money in a fund towards a down payment on your house. Hold off on any major purchases that are not necessary and use that money towards your dream home.

5. Prepare for the mortgage process.  Obtaining a home loan is a lot of work. Get your financial records in order ahead of time to relieve some of the stress. Pull together pay stubs, W2s, bank statements, investment statements and insurance information.

Start these steps in the new year and you'll be on your way to a new home!

Merry Christmas!!

A very Merry Christmas from all of us at Park Ridge Builders!

Thank you for a wonderful year!

We're wishing you a blessed time with family and friends.  If you need a little help with small talk this holiday...here are a few pieces of Christmas trivia you may enjoy!

1. The typical Christmas tree grows for 15 years before it is ready to be cut and sold.
2. Alabama was the first state to officially recognize Christmas as a holiday - in 1836.
3. The earliest Christmas trees were decorated with apples.
4. Americans send on average 1.5 billion Christmas cards.
5. "Jingle Bells" was originally written for Thanksgiving.
6. For Santa to visit all the homes he needs to on Christmas Eve, he would have to visit 822 homes a second.
7. The best selling Christmas song is "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby.
8. Ebenezer Scrooge's original catch phrase was "Bah Christmas" - then changed to "Bah Humbug".
9. If someone was to receive all of the gifts from the 12 Days of Christmas you would receive 364 gifts.
10. The busiest shopping days of the year are the Friday and Saturday before Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Safety

Tis the season for lights, Christmas trees, decorations, gifts and entertaining! Keep your friends and family safe this holiday season by following these safety tips.

1. Inspect all lights before hanging - both outdoor and in. Make sure all bulbs are working and cords are not frayed. Don't overload extension cords or connect too many strands of lights. Turn lights out when not home or going to bed.

2. Look for a fresh Christmas tree. Keep watered and away from heat sources.  Don't use live flames or candles around the tree.

3. Make sure candles are placed on sturdy stands and away from children. Never fall asleep with a lit candle in the room. Don't leave candles in unattended areas.

4. Always have a fire extinguisher in the house. Don't leave food unattended on the stove.

5. Never leave valuables exposed in your car. Keep your car locked at all times - even at home. Shop during the day when possible and always be aware of your surroundings.

What safety tips do you have?

Homeowner Gift Ideas

Need a Christmas gift for the new homeowner on your list? Here are some unique options with a more personal twist. What ideas do you have for a new homeowner gift?

Strong Housing Forecast for 2016

Realtor.com released their annual forecast for next year's housing market. Economists predict home sales in 2016 reaching the highest level since 2006.

This encouraging report is based on current home sales, anticipated GDP growth and continued job growth.  The anticipated growth will be moderate and steady.

New home starts are expected to increase by 12% over last year and new home sales to increase 16% over last year.

Realtor.com's analysis anticipates three major groups of home buyers in 2016 - Older millenials (25-34 years old), young gen x'ers (35-44 years old) and retirees (65-74 years old).

If you've been on the fence about buying a new home - now is the time to buy! Contact us to find out how you can be a part of this exciting time in housing!

Fun and Unique Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Thanksgiving is almost upon us. You've thought of everything - the menu, the guests, the music, the centerpiece? If you're not sure how to dress up your Thanksgiving table here are a few quick ways to make a big impression!

Make use of some items you probably already have around the house - candles, fake leaves and a chalkboard!

Incorporate your Halloween decor in a new way - spray paint pumpkins a shiny gold to dress up your holiday tablescape.

Get the kids involved by making a gratitude tree.

However you decorate have a very Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to yours!

Have an Energy Efficient Thanksgiving

Amid all the preparations for Thanksgiving - the food, the decorations, the guest list - it's easy to overlook minimizing your energy costs.  There are ways to use less energy and work for efficiently while cooking and preparing the many side dishes, helping to save a little money this holiday season!
Cooking:- Use the smallest pot or pan to cook your food - it will use less energy and speed up cooking time- Always use a lid on your pots or pans - it can save up to three times the amount of energy used without one- Glass and ceramic pans heat up quicker than metal pans- Don't open the oven to check on your food - you can lose up to 25 degrees of heat each time- Utilize smaller appliances like convection ovens, crock pots and microwaves- Turn the oven off 10 minutes before the meal is done - the leftover heat will be enough to finish cooking
Other Tips:- Rinse dishes with cold water instead of hot- Keep drinks in a cooler to keep guests from opening and closing the refrigerator all night- Turn your heat down in the house to 68 and let the extra heat from the kitchen warm you up- Don't pack your refrigerator too full of leftovers or it will have to work harder to keep cool

Do you have any tips to save energy during your Thanksgiving prep?

Prepping Your Home for Holiday Guests

The holiday season is in full swing! For many people that means entertaining family and friends - sometimes overnight!

Here are some tips to prepare the perfect guest room.

1. Freshly launder your sheets - even if they haven't been slept in, it will add a nice touch to have a the fresh scent of clean and aired out sheets.

2. Provide the best sleep environment possible. This includes extra blankets and a box fan - accommodating for any temperature preference.

3. Anticipate your guest's needs so they don't have to ask. Provide bottled water, reading material and extra hangers. Have an alarm clock available so guests don't have to ask for a wake-up.

4. If you don't have a full time guest room - no problem. If your guest room doubles as an office or play room clear out the clutter before your company arrives.

5. For extra touches to really wow your guests add fresh flowers, provide your wi-fi password and include a basket of seasonal snacks!

What do you do to prepare for guests? Any tips and tricks to share?

Bigger Homes, Smaller Lots

The housing market continues to change and adapt as the wants and needs of consumers change. Since the late 1990's the trend towards larger homes on smaller lots has been developing.  Zillow's latest research helps to quantify this change.

The median size of homes increased by 24%, from 2100 square feet to 2600 square feet. At the same time, the average lot size has shrunk about 10%.

There are a few reasons for this change.  Home buyers are looking for more space - specifically an increased number of bedrooms and bathrooms.  They are also looking for locations convenient to work and recreation. These locations often come at a premium. A smaller size lot allows for a compromise between cost and desirability.

Zillow's latest research also showed the average length of time for a new single-family home to sell is about two months after the start of construction.  Construction itself usually takes about five months.

What are you looking for in a new home? Did you know that your buying power is never more powerful than it is today?

Zillow Article

Halloween Safety and Trivia

Enjoy Trick-or-Treating this Saturday - but be safe! Take a moment to review these safety tips from the American Safety Council. Then enjoy some Halloween trivia to share with your friends!

Halloween Trivia

- The first Jack-O-Lanterns were made from Turnips

- Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween

- The largest Halloween parade takes place in New York City

- The colors of Halloween are Orange and Black. Orange represents fall or harvest time and Black represents death.

- The annual sales of Halloween candy in the United States are $2 Billion Dollars

Autumn Lawn Care

A common misconception this time of year is that as the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to turn that lawn maintenance can take a back seat. On the contrary, Fall is a perfect time to catch up on some much needed lawn care and prep for a beautiful spring yard!

Here's how!

Lower your lawn mower blade to allow for about a 2 inch cut. Shower grass will help keep the lawn from matting under leaves or snow. It will also allow for better sunlight absorption as the days get shorter.

Continue to water your lawn once or twice a week if conditions or dry. Early morning is the best time and will prevent the grown of fungus in the evening.

Apply week killer. The roots will absorb the killer and prevent new growth in the spring.

Rent an aerator - this tool punches holes in the soil to allow in more oxygen, water and fertilizer.

Fall fertilizer allows roots to continue growing and absorb nutrients without the stress from the summer heat! So apply away!

Hosting a Halloween Party?

Halloween is right around the corner! Hosting a party this year? Here are a few easy and fun ways to put some spook-tacular snacks together!

Create a fun Fall trail mix with candy corn, pretzels, Bugles, Chex Mix and M&M's. Click on the image below to find out more.

Whip up a quick dip with vanilla pudding, cool whip and a can of pumpkin! Click to learn more!

Assemble some witch's brooms with Reeses Cups and pretzel rods!

For a healthy twist - use cut up veggies to create a fun pumpkin treat!

Support Disaster Relief

In the wake of the unprecedented rainfall and flooding throughout the state of South Carolina - neighbors are anxious to find ways to help. Fortunately the rains have subsided but there is much to be done.

Here are a few ways you can help!

The State of South Carolina has set up a volunteer and donation phone line specifically for questions about how you can help.  Call 1-888-585-9643

Financial Donations

The Salvation Army -  100% of donations towards disasters go to support relief efforts.

Visit: www.doingthemostgood.org or call 1-800-SALARMY

The Red Cross

Visit: www.redcross.org/donate/weather - make sure to donate to the 2015 Fall Floods account

Flood Buckets

The SC Baptist Association is accepting donations of flood buckets - used for cleaning and restoring homes after water damage. See the below list for items to include. For information on where to donate in your area call 1-803-227-6031

New Home Sales on the Rise!

New home sales are at their highest level since August 2008 - a strong starting point for the Fall season.  August's new, single-family homes are up 5.7% over July of this year and up 18% over August of last year.

The positive increase in sales is attributed to low interest rates and better job creation.

New home sales make up 10% of the housing market with the other 90% coming from existing home sales.

According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, builder sentiment is at its highest level nearly a decade - the highest since November 2005.  Builders reported better sales conditions and increased buyer traffic.

The median home price comes in at $292,700, an 0.3% increase from this time last year.

Experts estimate there is a 4.7 month supply of new homes still on the market. With concerns over a possible rate increase coming later this year - now is the time to buy!!

Fall Decorating Ideas

Rustic, vintage, natural - all words to describe today's trends in home decor. The good news? This design trend lends itself easily to DIY projects and low cost supplies. Here are some ways to decorate your home for Fall using pallets or other found resources.

Pallet Pumpkins

Planters

Wooden Scarecrow

Autumn Signage

Why Mulch?

With cooler temperatures getting more of us outdoors and working on our yards, it's important to understand some of the unsung heroes of lawn care. This week our spotlight is on mulch. Besides being aesthetically pleasing - mulch provides many other benefits for your yard. Read on!

Benefits of Mulch

• Mulch can help control weeds. Mulch as a ground cover blocks the sunlight and prevents weeds from growing.
• Mulch helps to keep your soil from drying out - a major benefit to surrounding plants.
• A layer of mulch prevents soil erosion by keeping the soil in place during rain storms.
• Mulch warms the soil in the winter and keeps it cool in the summer - leading to more even soil temperatures for your landscaping.
• Decaying mulch adds nutrients back into the soil.

Types of Mulch

There are two major types of mulch - organic and inorganic. Organic mulch comes from natural sources such as tree bark, wood chips or pine straw.

Inorganic mulch includes rocks, pebbles, landscape fabrics and gravel.

Mulch comes in a variety of colors and textures. It helps you define your yard as well as keep it healthy. So what are you waiting for? Get mulching!

Understanding Escrow

The home financing and closing process can be daunting even for the most seasoned of homebuyers. Today we'll help demystify at least one of the steps - paying into an escrow account.

When closing on a home, a portion of your funds will be deposited into an escrow account. An escrow account is set up by your lender to hold funds that will later be used to pay for property taxes and homeowners insurance. Most lenders require two months of funds to start up the escrow account.

The good news? You won't have to pay your property taxes or homeowners insurance payments directly. These bills will go straight to your lender who will pay with the funds in your escrow account. This prevents you from receiving a large tax bill each year and is instead paid by funds you pay with your mortgage payment each month.

Not all loans require an escrow account. Talk with your lender for specifics. FHA and VA loans do require escrow accounts along with most loans with less than a 20% down payment.

It is possible to opt-out of an escrow account after paying on your mortgage for a determined amount of time. Talk with your lender if you would rather be responsible for the tax and insurance payments yourself.

Fall Landscaping Ideas

Did you know that Fall is actually a great time to plant some new flowers, trees and shrubs? The soil is warm and will stay that way up until the first big freeze. In the South, this creates an extended planting season. Fertilizing is not recommended and cuts down on the amount of work it takes to establish new plants.

Trees and shrubs with a large root ball will have plenty of time to get established before Winter and won't have to deal with many of the pests that thrive in the Spring and Summer.  Nurseries and garden centers often have sales in the Fall, allowing you to get a good deal on those Spring Bulbs you've been wanting to plant.

Wondering what to plant?

Perennials such as Peonies, Hostas and Irisis

Pansies


Trees such as the "October Glory" Red Maple

Pitcher Plants (bonus, they trap and eat insects!)

This Labor Day weekend - enjoy the day off and spend some time outdoors getting your yard ready for Fall!

Save on Air Conditioning Costs

Here in the South - Summer's heat is far from over even as Fall seems to be right around the corner! If your monthly utility bills are higher than you like - but you can't stand the heat - we have some tips that might help!

Did you know? Heating and air conditioning make up 43% of your average monthly utility costs.

Here are some ways to cool down - without cranking the A/C.

• Circulate air with fans - ceiling fans or box fans will work - nothing too fancy needed
• Use screens on your windows to help block some of the sun's heat - inside make use of blinds and curtains
• Make use of your exhaust fans after cooking and a hot shower
• If your home has a programmable thermostat - set the temperature a little higher for those times when you won't be home
• Change air filters regularly to keep your A/C unit running efficiently
• Keep the area around your condenser clean - tall grass or bushes can clog the unit and cause it to run less efficiently
• Make small changes like using CFL light bulbs instead of the typical incandescents - they emit less heat.

What do you do to keep cool and keep your costs low in the summer heat?

Understanding an HOA

When shopping for a new home, take into account whether the home falls under the jurisdiction of a Homeoweners Assocation or HOA. Choosing a neighborhood with an HOA is a matter of personal preference with many new homebuyers preferring one way or the other. To help make the subject a little more clear - here are a few Pros and Cons about a neighborhood HOA.

Pros:

• Home and Neighborhood Appearance: Many HOA's have guidelines that each homeowner must adhere to or risk receiving a fine. This includes yard and home maintenance items, home additions or landscaping changes and parking ordinances. These guidelines are considered a plus by those who prefer a uniform and orderly neighborhood appearance.
• Maintenance: Depending on the HOA, some neighborhood maintenance may be included - especially of community common areas.
• Dispute Management:  With a board of directors in place, an HOA can provide a means to neighborly dispute reconciliation when needed.

Cons:

• Property Restrictions:  Some homeowners resent the premise that changes to their home or property will need to be approved by an outside entity such as an HOA.
• Fees: Most HOA's charge some type of monthly or yearly fee for services rendered and community maintenance.

The "She Shed"

An alternative to the “man cave” – the “she shed” is new trend heating up the housing industry.  The “she shed” is a backyard oasis for today’s busy woman.  “She sheds” are the perfect place for getting away and enjoying a new book, catching up on a hobby or chatting with a close friend over tea. Need some inspiration for your own “she shed”? Take a look!

What would you include in your "she shed"?

Tax Free Shopping

Georgia's tax-free weekend may be over - but a short trip across the river to South Carolina means more savings for you and your family!

Take advantage of tax-free shopping this weekend on select back to school items, clothing,

technology and even some items for home!

Furnish your new home with blankets, bed spreads, sheets, towels, rugs and pillows - all without the typical 6% sales tax!

South Carolina's tax free weekend starts Friday, August 7th and goes through Sunday, August 9th.

A full list of tax-exempt items is available HERE

Happy Shopping!

Tips for Back to School

It's hard to believe but the racks of school supplies are out and back to school is just around the corner! Help prepare your family and home for the best school year ever. Here are a few fun ideas we found on Pinterest to help you get organized and have fun!

Backpack organization with personalized bulletin boards

Bookshelf and homework station

Create homework caddys

Refrigerator snack area

National Hammock Day

In honor of National Hammock Day this week we want to celebrate the various ways of relaxing and enjoying your backyard!

Hammocks were originally created by natives of Central and South America for sleeping. Sailors adopted the tool as a way maximize space and for comfort out at sea.

Today, hammocks are a great way to lay back and enjoy the outside. Traditionally they are tied between two trees but if you don't have that available new models have their own supports.  Anyone can enjoy a hammock!

Other ways to enjoy your backyard this summer? We searched Pinterest and found a few creative options you may want to take advantage of!

Keep Your Home Safe!

Did you know there are ways to make your home less appealing to potential thieves? According to statistics from the FBI, a burglary occurs every 14.6 seconds with 65% of break-ins occurring during the day.

There are some easy and inexpensive ways you can make your home less vulnerable. Check out the list below.

• Make sure all your doors are locked. Windows too! Don't leave a spare key in any obvious place - better to leave with a neighbor or family member.
• Don't forget to lock the door from the garage to the inside of the home.
• Keep decorative bushes and shrubs clear from doorways - making it hard for anyone to hide while trying to break in.
• Make sure the outside of your home is well lit and consider motion detector lights.
• Leave a secondary vehicle parked in the driveway so it looks as if someone is home during the day.
• If going out of town, stop the mail and newspaper. Have the garbage can brought back up to the home after pick-up by a neighbor.
• Install a home security system and advertise its presence!

There's no way to completely protect your home so have a list of all your valuables for insurance purposes. Keep valuables out of plain sight!

Spring Sales Numbers are In!

The National Association of Realtors reported the 5^th consecutive month of increased pending home sales – the highest number since the peak of the housing boom in 2006!

Pending sales, or homes under contract, are up 10% over last year according to the latest monthly data from May of this year. These numbers round out a strong spring season with data showing the trend to continue through the summer. 

Sales volume is up as well as sales price. The average home price is up 7% over last year.  First time buyers are re-entering the housing market – making up 32% of all buyers – an increase of 27% from a year ago.

So what does this mean for you? Now is the time to buy! Home prices will only continue to rise as sales continue to increase. Enjoy the AC in your car and come look at our new homes this weekend!

Fireworks Safety

Besides red, white and blue, cook-outs, and the day off from work - the celebration of the 4th of July is synonymous with fireworks.

Whether you plan on attending festivities where fireworks will be featured or intend to shoot some off yourself, safety should be your top priority.

Heed these tips below to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable 4th!

• Obey all laws regarding the purchase and discharge of fireworks
• Read labels on fireworks before lighting
• Have a bucket of water and water hose nearby in case of emergency
• Always light and shoot fireworks one at a time
• Never relight a firework that did not go off the first time
• Do not point a firework at someone or throw a firework
• Fireworks should be handled by adults only
• Avoid alcohol use when lighting and discharging fireworks
• Dispose of used fireworks by thoroughly wetting and storing in a metal trash can overnight

Water Safety

Hot weather often means finding relief in the water. Whether it’s the ocean, pool or lake, follow these tips for a fun and healthy summer!

• Never swim alone. Always enjoy the water with a buddy.
• When boating always wear a life jacket! Don’t rely on life jackets alone. Make sure everyone knows how to swim.
• Make sure children are always supervised by another adult – even with life guards present.
• Stay away from pipes or drains.
• Ensure that everyone stays hydrated and continues reapplying sunscreen.
• If you have a pool at home make sure it is protected by at least a 4 foot fence, keep furniture and toys away from the pool.
• For an additional precaution – become certified in CPR through your local hospitals or Red Cross.

Summer Home Buying

Summer is full of exciting to-do’s – go on vacation, enjoy the warm weather, buy a home? Summer is a great time to buy a new home for many reasons – here are just a few.

• Bring the Kids Along! – With school out, it’s a great time to get family input on the neighborhood and home. Make sure the whole family is excited about the home before you buy.
• Learn the Neighborhood – During the cooler months, there is less likely to be much activity in the neighborhood. Summer is a prime time to meet potential neighbors as they enjoy the longer days and bright sunshine.
• Get in Before School – If you find a quick-move-in home you could be in before the school year starts up again and life gets more hectic!
• Less Competition – As other potential buyers are busy with vacations and summer activities you’ll enjoy less competition for your time and more attention from builders and agents.

Are you shopping for a new home this Summer? We can help! Talk with us about our new homes!

Stay Cool With These Tips

Looking for creative ways to beat the summer heat? We’ve got a few!  So take a break from the A/C for a while and try one of these new ways to keep cool.

1. Adjust ceiling fans so they run counter-clockwise pulling hot air up and away!
2. For a quick cool down play ice packs on pressure points at your wrists, neck, elbows and behind the knees.
3. Drink a glass of water before bed to make sure you’re well hydrated and comfortable.
4. Choose cotton clothing and sheets over synthetics.
5. Keep your blinds and curtains drawn during the day to keep out the warming effects of sunlight.
6. Take a lukewarm shower before bed – too cold and your body will overcompensate by creating more heat.
7. Visualize the cool! Close your eyes and think of a wintry, snowy landscape. This mental image will cause a cooling reaction in your body.

If you don’t already own a new home – that may be the best way to stay cool this summer. New homes are more energy efficient and perform better during extreme temperatures. Just another reason to buy new!

Preparing for Inclement Weather

May 30th marked the official start to the 2015 Hurricane Season which runs through November 30th.
Fortunately forecasters are predicting a below average storm season.  Though hopefully our area will be spared any significant storms, summer is a good time to make sure your home and family are prepared for bad weather of any kind. Read on for a few tips to keep your family and property safe from inclement weather.

Outdoor Prep:
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent damage from strong winds
When storms are predicted, bring in and outdoor furniture or décor
Know your evacuation routes in case of a major emergency

Food Safety:
Have a three day supply of non-perishable food items at all times. Make sure a working manual can opener is also available.
An appropriate water supply is 1 gallon per person per day for at least three days.
In the event that you lose power, keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. They will stay cold for about 4 hours. Make sure the temperature in the refrigerator stays below 40 degrees.

Emergency Kit:
Have a household emergency kit including
Battery powered or hand cranked radio
Flashlight and batteries
Matches in a waterproof container
First aid supplies
Moist towlettes and garbage bags
Paper and pencil
Important family documents and contact numbers
Required medicines

Being prepared is the number one way you can protect your family from bad weather.  For more information visit the National Weather Service page on Hurricane Preparedness here - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

Housing Sales Up

New home sales continue to improve with the latest numbers for April showing a 26% increase over sales from last year. According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Department of Housing and Urban Development, sales of newly-constructed single-family homes reached 517,000 in April; a 6.8% rise over sales in March. In the South, home sales rose 5.6 percent.

Nationally there is a 4.8 month supply of new homes available. As home sales increase you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to own in the location of your choosing, with the features that you want, at a price that will be lower than it will be six months from now.  Now is the time to buy!

Take Time to Remember

This weekend is the unofficial kick-off to summer. Many will be celebrating with backyard BBQ’s, trips to the lake, family picnics or fireworks. In the midst of these celebrations don’t forget the real reason for Memorial Day – a time set apart to remember those who gave their lives fighting for our freedom.

According to The Memorial Day Foundation, over 1 million Americans made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country. Our service men and women overseas continue to fight for all the United States stands for in places like Afghanistan and Iraq.  Other members of our military serve in peacekeeping missions across the globe in places like Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, South Korea and Honduras.

So this Memorial Day take a moment to remember the lives lost and sacrifices made by our military and their loved ones.  Take the time to watch a parade, thank a service member when you see them out or contribute to one of the many foundations set up for surviving family members of fallen soldiers.

 “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – President Harry S. Truman