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!