Category: New Homes

10 Things to Do After Purchasing a Home: Checklist

Posted on November 30, 2022 by alien - New Homes

luxurious home in McAllen cover by Guzman Construction

Buying a home is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people. So much planning, effort, and investment go into purchasing the right properties. But what follows after that is just as important. Yet, it often goes overlooked, which is why many home buyers make glaring mistakes.

10 Things to do After Purchasing a Home

Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone, but the journey doesn’t end once you sign the papers. After the keys are in your hands, there are several essential tasks that will help you settle in smoothly and protect your investment. From securing your home to personalizing your space, these 10 steps will ensure you’re ready to enjoy your new place with peace of mind.

Took mortgage? Understand the statement

Mortgages are easy to get, but they come with a host of terms and conditions. If you’re a home buyer who took a mortgage, it’s better to review the statement and understand it. Previously, you might have only looked at basics like billing amount, billing cycle, due date, etc.

After purchasing a home, it’s time to delve into the absolute details. Sit down with your mortgage agent over tea or dinner and get clarity on terms you had missed earlier. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Understand home warranties

If you’ve employed a custom home builder or a construction company, you probably have home warranty coverage. But not all warranties are the same.

There are two types of warranties: builder warranty and home warranty. Builder warranty covers the permanent structure of your home, like floors, plumbing, electrical circuits, etc. On the other hand, a home warranty is like a service contract. It only covers HVAC, appliances, or other custom installations.

Like the mortgage statement, deeply understand the home warranty coverage of your home.

Keep an eye on refinance scam offers

After you’ve bought a new home, your records become public. This makes you a suitable candidate for refinancing offers. Thus, it’s not uncommon for new homeowners to receive a flurry of phone calls, emails, and visitations by finance agents.

While some of the offers are genuine, several of them are outright scams. They lure you with heavy discounts or never‐before pricing. Chances are high that it is a scam. Therefore, be aware of such refinance scams.

Safeguard documents

Housing documents are like ID cards for your home. Without them, you will surely be in trouble and denied essential services. Therefore, after taking home possession, safeguard your documents. This involves making multiple copies of the documents, digitizing them, and storing the original copies in a bank or locker.

All of this takes less than half an hour to complete. So do not procrastinate and leave it too late.

Connect utility

Before you move in with your family or rent it out, connecting the essential utilities is important. This includes water, gas, and electricity. This streamlines the move-in process and helps you adjust faster. Many homeowners leave it to the very end. So they are then forced to spend a few nights without water or electricity.

The connections can be complicated depending on the city and neighborhood you move in. The process might be different for new homes in McAllen and Houston, even though they’re in the same state.

Take note of your inventory

You’re likely to move in with your luggage and belongings. Before you start unpacking them, make a list of inventory. This will help you expedite insurance claims in case of damage or burglary.

Besides taking notes, you should also take photos on your smartphone and videotape them. This will make your case stronger.

Install home security

Security is paramount, especially in places where crime rates are higher. New homeowners are often an easy target for local gang members and robbers.

Thus, after purchasing a home, install a security system. Do not wait till you move in. Get in touch with a local security company and install the latest systems. You need to determine a budget and pick the services you want. You can also schedule an in-home consultation to make the decision.

Prepare a yearly maintenance scheduling plan

Your new house will likely need regular maintenance, even if it doesn’t make sense to schedule regular check-ups to ensure the longevity of your home.

Thus, after signing the paperwork, your next job should be to devise a yearly maintenance plan. Things like electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and roofs would need inspections. Again, take help from an expert if you’re unsure how to create such a plan.

Update your address

You’ve bought a new home. But the world doesn’t know yet. Therefore, updating your address is necessary, so your employers, creditors, and friends stay informed about the change. Otherwise, they will keep sending important items to your old address.

For US Post Office, you should set up mail forwarding to your new home. This way, you don’t miss out on crucial correspondence.

Get to know your neighbors

Lastly, after purchasing a home, get to know the people who will be living around you. Having a few down-to-earth neighbors can make your living experience so much better. Visit the local clubs, associations, and event halls to familiarize yourself with locals.

The above things apply to all, irrespective of whether you hire a contractor or build your own custom home. You’re encouraged to improvise and find creative ways to make your life comfortable after purchasing a home.

Top 3 Tips for Buying Land in McAllen–Edinburg–Mission

Posted on November 18, 2021 by alien - New Homes

The Rio Grande Valley is one of the most popular destinations for buying real estate in South Texas. A booming local economy and an affordable cost of living have made the area a favourite haunt of home buyers and builders. From residential to commercial, you can hope to find builders and properties that meet your needs.

If you are planning to buy land in McAllen and adjoining areas, the following 3 tips could prove to be useful:

1. Scout for the best location

Topography

Might sound ironic, but most buyers do not pay much thought to the location of their lot in all detail. Whether you want a lot in a community or are looking forward to a single family home, location is a big factor. You could take a look at various plots to see if they meet your needs – lot size, access, elevation, shape, and views. In short, it’s topography. All these things will determine the final experience of living in the house, so choose well. Do you know there is something called soil property and that it can be a major factor in building quality?

Natural calamities

Is it prone to flooding? While buyers don’t usually consider natural calamities like fires or earthquakes, they do hit. And real estate often takes the worst hit. Make sure your plot is well protected from these risks. Can you imagine what it will be like to be knee-deep in floodwater when you’ve just erected the framework? The damage can run into thousands of dollars.

Neighborhood

Apart from the properties of the plot itself, the neighborhood must be considered. Some of the finest lots are found in the vicinity of supermarkets, schools, hospitals, or highroads. The traffic around these parts also matter. If it is too far away from work, you’ll have trouble monitoring the home building process, not to mention wasting time in the commute. On the contrary, if you buy a plot that’s too remote, you might have trouble accessing basic necessities like electricity or water. And the cost of setting up new connections is rising. Today, a modern home needs energy efficiency, smart amenities, and doorstep delivery of services. Make sure your plot can give you that.

Zoning

There are several other things like site assessment and zoning licenses. More so, if you are looking at commercial lots instead of residential ones. It would be detrimental to your peace of mind if your chosen lot is right beside an upcoming industrial project. No one wants to wake up to the grunts of machinery. There is another thing called an easement. It gives another person the right to use your property even though you own it. So double-check for the easement on your plot. That’s a serious threat to privacy, not to mention the resale price.

2. Arrange for loans

Nothing is more disastrous than finding out a lot you love but being unable to pay for it. Sure, you don’t have to pay a fortune to buy one, but it is a big expense and will affect your nest egg, albeit in small ways. It is true that the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area has affordable real estate and you can find inexpensive lots. But you still need to set your finances in order.

Loans and mortgages are your best friends when you are building your house and the same can be said of buying the most suitable plot. So talk to your bank about loans and how you can pay them back. Real estate prices fluctuate and you must be on your toes, staying abreast of trends and price changes.

Plot prices depend on a lot of things like location and size. For instance, if it is downtown McAllen or has a lot of green space around it, the tag will be bulkier. Also, think about the improvements that are needed to be made on it and how much it is going to cost.

3. Connect with a reputed builder

How do builders help identify suitable plots?

If you don’t own a piece of land yet, the most useful thing to do is get a builder to choose it for you. Builders, who have been in the trade for long, already have suitable lots waiting to be built upon. This will also give you the chance to see how their finished homes look.

But why involve a builder at all? Why not do it on your own?

The short answer is builders have more experience buying land. When prospective buyers walk into the real estate jungle, they are faced with a lot of things, the least of which is a bad plot. They are pitted against real estate giants who have a lot of influence and a lot of money to snag the right plot. This is something the average homeowner has little idea about. So, your chosen spot may vanish from right under your nose.

Buying plot is a complex process

Buying a lot is not just about paying the agent. If you can’t seem to keep pace with all the technicalities that stand in the way, the best thing to do is ask your builder. Builders of repute always work with a large team of experts. The best ones have their own in-house lender. They look at your loans and get them approved. All you have to do is arrange your documents in order. And not just lenders, the company will connect you with assessors, municipal officials, and subcontractors.

Factor in the depreciation

Another benefit is you get an idea of the property a few years down the line. Your builder will be able to fill in with depreciation rates and how that will affect the resale value eight or ten later. Whether you need residential or commercial properties, your builder can help you get them. Hence it is better to connect with the right persons.

Cut down on time and effort

It is easy to understand how your contractor will save you time. Since most of the things are done in-house, there are few outsiders involved. From floor planners to interior designers to financers, and surveyors – there is little need for you to run around.

Save money

When you go about buying a plot on your own, you lose out on bulk discounts. Your builder is also able to save you hundreds of dollars when you buy plots from them. You don’t have to negotiate with sellers or their agents. You don’t have to exhaust resources visiting banks and getting approvals. You don’t even have to cut down on your free time. Everything is taken care of by home builders.

The bottom line?

If you want to buy land in the RGV, McAllen is a popular choice. There are fine community homes and stand-alone residences. You can go about visiting properties on your own, shortlisting them, and then finally settling on one. In the next step, you can apply for various approvals and spend time and money getting permits and mortgages. Or you can straightaway call up a local builder and ask to see the plots available with them. Local contractors know the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area very well and would be able to offer solid real estate advice.

Get in touch with a local builder today and get quick possession of your plot.

Checklist For Purchasing a New Home in the Rio Grande Valley

Posted on January 13, 2021 by alien - New Homes

So you want to purchase a new home in the Rio Grande Valley? Great! How much time do you have to pay back your loan? And who’s your real estate agent? Wait, you mean you haven’t thought of it yet?

There are many hits and misses between planning to buy a house and having the keys in your pocket. Here’s a checklist your might find useful:

1. What does a home mean to you?

Before you can even start looking, it helps to identify your needs. Things like a fenced in yard, feng shui, a couple of garages, a basement, and built-in cabinet are just some of the considerations.

Apart from the house itself, you need to think of the neighborhood. Usually, buyers want everyday amenities like schools and supermarkets to be close by. It is a definite plus if the commute to work is short. Likewise, a safe community life is a must-have for most buyers.

2. How much home can you afford?

Home prices vary widely by location, by market appreciation and a host of other factors. Besides, closing fees, and property assessment costs are separate from the selling price. What price is the right price for you? Get an estimate using one of the mortgage calculators online and add to it a couple of extra costs like assessment fee and the price of getting new furniture.

Loans are usually repaid at regular intervals and down payment figures vary. Can you pay it all out of your income? Will there be enough left to take care of your essential expenses?

3. Is your credit report good enough for a loan?

In other words, how likely are you to pay back? A credit report shows your ability for loan repayment. But check your score for errors as they will lower it and you may miss out on a good home buying loan. Getting pre-qualified for borrowings is a good place to start.

A high credit score is an assurance for the lender. Every lender will ask for your report if you wish to get financed. You can check your score on reliable websites online and ask for your copy.

4. Get in touch with the right real estate agent and a suitable lender

Your agent is the point of contact between you and the seller. They help you understand the pros and cons of every property you shortlist or visit in person. They will also help you get the best deal. Experienced agents can discuss the terms of the deal with the seller and help you get the house at a bargain. Because they guard your interests, not the seller’s.

Who is a suitable lender? The real estate team you hire for home buying purposes may recommend reliable lenders they know and have worked with in the past. They are well versed with the buying process and can help you navigate the legal web.

5. Offer your best price for the house

If you are familiar with the home buying process, you already know there are others looking to buy the same property. Once you’ve made your offer known, it will be contested. It is not uncommon to get into bargaining as both sides would try to get the best price. You should also ask your real estate team how much such a property is usually priced at and what a reasonable tag is.

Yet, if you are serious about making the purchase, you have to agree to a price range. After that, if both parties are satisfied with the terms and conditions, the deal goes to the next level and you pay earnest money. This reserves the property in your name and you are one step ahead in acquiring your much-awaited home.

6. Decide on the type of mortgage

Various lenders offer various mortgage terms. Both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages are available with varying repayment duration. Often, home buyers decide on the type of loan by figuring out how long they intend to live at a particular place. Also, income stability is a big factor.

Sometimes, some loans require you to pay only the incurred interest value for the initial few years. Check out if such loans are suitable for you.

7. Close on the home

After you have made the earnest money, it is time to make the balance payment. The closing amount is not just that. There are usually other fees included, for instance, inspection charges, attorney charges, and money spent on title, down payment and the like.

Always take your lender into confidence about these costs.

8. Start living in your new home

The final step is moving in and taking charge of the keys to the place. Unpack, decorate and enjoy your residence. Ask your friends and family to help you move or take the help of movers.

Whatever you do, get in touch with a reliable real estate agent and team to take care of all aspects of buying your first home.

Designing Your Dream Home – Doing It The Right Way

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Guzman Construction - New Homes

You might also need a qualified architect’s approval to build your home

Start the process with a vision

Before drawing the design, consult an architect. There are software applications that can help with the design process. An architect will help you create the right design. You might also need a qualified architect’s approval to build your home.
Tour your favorite neighborhoods to draw inspiration. Maybe there are homes you like. You don’t necessarily have to like all of their features. But there will still be something that you like about them. Draw inspiration from those features.

Visit open houses

These homes will have many features that you like and don’t like. While designing your home, incorporate those features that you like. You also need to take note of the features you dislike.

Take photographs

If you find a home that you like, shoot it from every possible angle. These photos will have more detail than what you saw in person.

Get organized

Buy a computation book. You should keep it until you have finished building your dream home. If you draw your sketches on scrap papers, you will lose them. A numbered book will keep your sketches neat and organized. You can also use this book to record everything associated with the project, including numbers, quotes, contractors, and everything else.

Prepare a list of all the features you want your home to have. Once you have got this list ready, it is time to get specific about what you need and what you don’t need.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Where would you like to live – in cities, suburbs, or rural areas?
Do you want to build an expansive bungalow or a small home for two?
Do you prefer detailed craftsmanship to clean, modern lines?
Will you be happy with conventional building techniques? Are you looking to build a LEED-certified home?
There is one more thing that you need to consider – your budget.

Provide as much information as you can to your builder or architect. The more information you provide, the easier it becomes for them to build the home of your dreams.

Consider the landscape

Building on level ground is a whole lot easier than building on a hilly area. If the home is going to be built in a heavily-wooded area, you will perhaps have to forget about solar panels.

Have realistic expectations

The energy considerations should match the locality and available facilities. If the lot is near a busy intersection or freeway, you need to consider acoustics as well.

Develop a design

Hire a professional architect. You want your home to give you years of fulfillment. The best way to make this happen is to hire an architect. Prepare a rough sketch of your home. You can use software to prepare the floor plan. There is a limit to what you can accomplish using the software. While building the home, you have to consider practical aspects such as flood planes, structural integrity, slope, drainage, and other details. The best way to take care of these aspects is to work with a professional architect.

Feel free to make mistakes during the vision phase. They won’t cost you anything. If you make mistakes during the design phase, you will lose time. And if mistakes are made during the building phase, they will cost you money. So hire pros whenever that is necessary.