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There are several benefits to purchasing a pre-construction home. Brand-new homes do not come with repair costs since nothing in the home has ever been used and the structure has not been subject to the elements.

When you have a new home built, you have the opportunity to choose the look and feel of your home, and personalize it to suit your tastes. Some home builders, especially in hurricane prone areas like Florida, are now building homes above hurricane code with extensive safety measures to protect the homeowner in the face of severe weather.

But not all home builders specialize in high quality homes, or offer buyers the chance to personalize their home. That is why choosing the correct home builder is such an integral part of a positive home buying experience

A tale of two builders: tract homes vs. custom homes

There are two very different types of home builders offering their services today. The first, and often cheapest, option is a tract home builder. These builders offer newly constructed homes at the lowest prices, and can be an affordable option for the buyer on a tight budget. Tract homes are not necessarily bad homes, but the materials used to build them are often of much lower quality than materials used by custom home builders.

Tract home builders can offer lower prices because they purchase materials in mass quantity. Because of this mass purchasing policy, they are not able to offer buyers decor options or choices in color scheme, flooring, etc. Tract homes are often referred to as “cookie-cutter” homes because they all look exactly the same. Tract homes are very seldom built above code, and do not usually include options such as safety glass, additional roof truss straps, or solid, poured concrete construction.

You get what you pay for

Custom homes often come with a higher price tag, but you can definitely see where the extra money goes. High-quality materials, custom decor options, and additional safety measures are just a few of the additional features custom home builders offer. Homes built by custom builders are usually much more luxurious in scale, and often include vaulted ceilings and bright, airy floor plan choices. Top of the line paint, appliances, flooring and fixtures may also be offered.

But there are also different levels of custom home builders, especially when it comes to hurricane safety. In states where hurricanes are a fact of life during the summer months, choosing a high-quality home builder is especially important.

Above code construction

One state where additional hurricane protection is especially important is Florida. In 2004, Florida suffered a series of direct hurricane strikes to both coasts. Even inland areas were not immune to the powerful storms, and homes throughout Florida suffered severe damage. Florida was also subject to extensive building code reform after the devastation Hurricane Andrew left behind in 1992.

Despite extensive reform in South Florida, only a handful of additional Florida counties have adopted the strict standards that are currently in place in Dade county (areas of which were devastated by Hurricane Andrew). In fact, the current building code in most counties only requires that new homes be built to withstand a Category 2 hurricane.

That is why a handful of builders in Florida have begun giving their customers an added level of protection. Above code construction is a term used by these builders to convey that their home construction standards exceed what is required by Florida building code. Some of these homes are built to withstand winds in excess of 140 mph, and offer superior protection for homeowners.

It’s all in the details

After deciding which type of home you are looking to have built (tract or custom, standard or above-code), there are a few more criteria you can use to narrow down your list of choices. First, select your top three neighborhood choices and thoroughly explore the housing market in each of these areas. Make a list of builders who have lots available in your target areas.

Personally visit each builder on your list, as you can get a good feel for the company by visiting their sales offices. Take note of your experience with each company. Is their office staff friendly and helpful? Do they have model homes to show? Do they offer a home warranty? What about builder financing? Do they thoroughly review the floor plans, custom features, and available decor options? Trust your instincts and go with the home builder you are most comfortable working with, and who you feel shares your vision of the ideal home.

Our Concrete Florida Homes survive hurricanes - Tom Beaty a real estate broker and home builders in Palm Coast, Flagler County, and Volusia County. Visit: http://www.FavoriteProperties.com or http://www.AffordableFloridaHomes.com

Experienced bankruptcy lately? You may wonder if you will still will be able to get a home loan. You may also be wondering if buying home after bankruptcy is a good idea for you.

While bankruptcy can make your mortgage loan approval difficult, it is still possible to get approved. In fact there have been more and more, bad credit loans coming out all the time.

They are called the Subprime lenders; they are focusing more on helping individuals with poor credit in buying home after bankruptcy.

This is happening mostly because bankruptcies are still on the rise and there is an increasing number of people with bad credit who are looking for home financing.

Just to give you a bit of an overview here are some very good reasons to consider after bankruptcy buying home:

Increase your credit rating. When you make your payments on a regular basis, you will be able to develop your credit rating. Once your pre-payment penalty is done, you should be able to refinance your credit loan for a much lesser interest rate.

After your bankruptcy has been for ended 2-3 years, you ought to have a much easier time qualifying for a lesser interest rate mortgage loan.

You will be able to own an asset. If you are just renting a home then you are absolutely throwing your monthly payments away. Why not just buy a home, over time, its value will increase and you are working you way towards owing an asset.

Once you have bought your house, as soon as 6 months or so later, you might be able to take out an equity loan on your home and consolidate any other debt that you might have since your bankruptcy or debt that could not be included in your bankruptcy.

Taxes and student loans will not be discharged in a bankruptcy. You may also want to use the extra cash to invest in a business venture or for needed home improvement.

It is very tempting to buy an new home, new car, do some renovations, etc., after bankruptcy discharge you have no debt left. You will probably feel like you can afford a larger house payment due to the financial experience that you have.

But it is not that easy so here are some factors to consider before committing yourself to a new house payment.

The Pre-payment penalty. This penalty is usually about 6 months worth of house payments. And usually lasts from 2-3years. Once you sign those mortgage papers you absolutely have to make those payments. If you don’t have the amount of the pre-payment penalty in savings, you are locked into making the payments or losing the house.

The Two Year Mark. Keep in mind that after 2-3 years from the date of the bankruptcy discharge, mortgage loans will be much easier to get. With a small down payment, you might even be able to get a mortgage loan without a pre-payment penalty.

So, if you are within 6 months or so from the 2 year mark. It would be smart to wait it out and have more mortgage loan options.

Borrowing Too Much. This is the most common mistake that we usually get into. If you do decide to buy a house, buy one that you know you will be able to afford. Don’t max yourself out on credit, living right up to the edge of your income.

If your income suddenly drops, you’ll want to make sure that you can still afford your house payment. Be conservative with how much home you need to buy.

Most of us always think that bankruptcy is the end of our credit life. But don not despair because I know some people that have been in to bankruptcy but has been able to get up again and rebuild there credit quickly most of them has even been able to buy a new house.

Bankruptcy will show up on your credit report for 10 years. That means that every mortgage lender will certainly see that fact when evaluating your mortgage application.

Although it may be difficult to find a bank to give you a mortgage it’s certainly not impossible. Banks want to make money and you may find one that’s willing to take the risk.

T J Madigan has been established in online business since 1998 and is director of a number of successful online projects one of which is http://www.realestatesecrets.net.au/ your best source for FREE articles and information.

With more than 2 million people calling Houston home it is the fourth largest city in the US and it is the hub for international business and living in Houston Texas just couldn’t be any better.

Not only is Houston a great place to visit it is also a great place to live. This vibrant healthy international city is a mix of tradition and trendy so no matter what it is that you love in a city you can find it here.

If you love to shop there’s not better place than Houston is. From large malls to trendy little specialty shops you can be as unique as you want.

Houston is also known for its stunning architecture that mixes residential with business and entertainment. The Galleria, which is set under glass atriums, is the number one place to shop with over 375 stores and restaurants.

On the other hand, you might want to check out Uptown Park for a European flare in shopping. It is by far one of the greatest shopping experiences around. I could go on and on but you get the picture.

Besides having, some great shopping in Houston there is also a great nightlife, entertainment, theater, sports, and a whole lot more so living in Houston certainly does not have to be boring.

There are few other cities in the US that are as passionate about the arts as Houston is. It has Theater District that is world class and second only to New York’s. Whether it is the opera, ballet, or symphony that you want to enjoy it is all in the Theater District.

Buying a house in Houston is really quite a surprise because for such a bustling city housing is still very affordable. An average single-family dwelling will run around $150,000 and you can rent a house for around $900 or rent a one-bedroom condo for about $600.00.

Now that is what I call a relief? You’re going to be making decent money and because your housing is so affordable it gives you the opportunity to not only enjoy some of what Houston has to offer but you will also be able to start putting some money away for a rainy day.

If you are planning to return to school, the University of Houston is a great place to pick up a few courses or enroll in a full program. There is also student housing available.

Houston crime rate is no worse than any other city and of course, there are pockets where crime is worse than in other areas. When house shopping makes sure, you do your homework.

There are many different ethnic backgrounds that make Houston the city it is and there are also many individual ethnic communities within Houston so again when house hunting why not take a little extra time to find an ethnic community that supports your values and your ethnic background.

Houston is the city everyone loves to visit so why not take it a step further and call it home. Affordable housing, terrific entertainment, amazing educational opportunities, and outstanding employment opportunities so living in Houston is like being on a permanent vacation. The question is what are you waiting for?

Terry Fitzroy is a professional writer and reviewer specializing in Houston Texas Real Estate, Houston Texas Living, and home buying in Houston Texas. For further information visit http://www.myhousedeals.com

The good news of having a bankruptcy record on your credit report does not mean you can’t buy a home. Believe me or not but people who have gone through bankruptcy have been able to encouraged themselves to build credit by taking on debt again

But the bad news is that the debt will be closely scrutinized and may come in smaller amounts and high interest rates. This usually happens because when you experience bankruptcy you are now tagged as high-risk borrowers.

But these negative thoughts rather facts should not dishearten those with deprived credit account from investigating their home loan options. The conscientious use of credit is the only way up from a bankruptcy filing.

Bankruptcy can provide liberation to people in terrible financial straits by releasing them from the obligation to repay their debts.

It’s a drastic move for anyone because a bankruptcy will stay on a person’s credit rating for up to 10 years, effectively acting like a warning flag to anyone considering lending that person money or a line of credit.

In order to mitigate the risk of providing that person a loan, the lender will charge higher interest rates than they normally would. For instance, an auto loan that might ordinarily carry six percent interest could come with an interest rate of eight percent or higher.

But, as time passes and small loans and credit card balances are paid off on time, the bankruptcy filing becomes less and less significant to a lender.

Establishing good credit after bankruptcy is essential. The following will help recent bankruptcy filers regain their financial strength:

Pay bills on time. This is the single best thing bankruptcy filers can do to build up their credit rating.

Acquire and use a secured or unsecured credit card. Just don’t charge any more than you can afford to pay off each month.

Read your credit report. Errors are possible, and keeping tabs on your progress will help you stay focused on the goal of rebuilding after bankruptcy.

Mortgage companies would want someone with a reassurance that is on safe and responsible track. Many lenders prefer to see three things when considering loaning money to someone following a bankruptcy.

First thing is a long stretch preferably two years or more of on-time bill payments. This may be hard due to the case of reliable income. Likewise, with a steady work history and a down payment, even a small one, it would not be impossible for someone just coming out of bankruptcy to secure 100-percent coverage on a home loan.

A down payment is the second thing and a steady income coming in on third. Well this isnt much as hard as the first one since. Some lenders will be willing to provide a loan sooner than two years if there is evidence of responsible bill payment on a car or secured credit card plus reliable income.

Just keep in mind that after experiencing bankruptcy buying home is no longer impossible
There are many reasons a person chooses to file bankruptcy. The loss of a job, unexpected medical bills, and overwhelming credit card debt are just a few of the factors that can lead to filing bankruptcy.

The mortgage lending industry has created special loan packages and terms for those who have filed bankruptcy in the past.

Lenders have little to lose in approving a home loan after bankruptcy. With your home serving as collateral for the loan, the lender can feel confident in approving you for a home loan, often soon after your bankruptcy has been discharged.

In summary, cash will solve this problem, for sure. However long it takes to gather that cash is how long it will take to get the house.

Start thinking about how you can make money in your spare time, selling on line at eBay, doing freelance work, or starting your own business.

You can increase your chances by coming into the deal with a lender with as much cash as possible. The more money you can use as a down payment, the less risk for the bank. There is a level where they’ll lend you the money because the loan is secured by the house and the house is worth more than the mortgage.

T J Madigan has been established in online business since 1998 and is director of a number of successful online projects one of which is http://www.Home-Sale.com.au.au your best source for FREE articles and information.

The Cape Verde islands is an excellent investment because of the way the government is developing tourism while also conserving the natural beauty of al of the islands. It is now a very attractive holiday home and investment property destination which is highly unlikely to encounter the over development that has had an adverse on other locations in the past 20 years.

With regards to property investment, Cape Verde is thought of as the number 1 opportunity worldwide. With many potential investors missing out on the most recent stand out land grabs in Bulgaria and Croatia people’s eyes are now turned towards Cape Verde and the potential for maximum capital gain in one of their many beautiful islands. Buying properties in Cape Verde is surprisingly a very straight forward process much more so than many other up and coming land markets. The Cape Verdian government actually go as far to welcome and promote investment in the islands as they are hoping to gain entry into the EU.

Transaction fees for when buying will usually include stamp duty at 3% of the total purchase price, a further 3% will be added for land registry and solicitor’s fees to go on top. This in comparison to other emerging markets around the globe is very reasonable costs and merely adds to make Cape Verde investment more desirable.

When buying your property you should always hire a reputable lawyer to guide you through the process. They can guide you through any potential pitfalls such as if the land ownership is under any form of dispute and you will be made fully aware of the total price for the property including any hidden costs including any charges that are on the property or any outstanding mortgages. As well as a solicitor it is also highly recommended that you hire a sworn translator for any party of the buying process that needs your signature. Again this will protect you against any sort of language disputes that can arise due to you not being fully aware of what is contained in your new property contract.

Following these points will give you a sound footing to take advantage of all the investment opportunities currently available for properties for sale in the Cape Verde islands inclusive of Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista on the North islands and Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava on the south islands.

Archy Ash writes for Your Cape Verde property and land investment specialists also providers of Cape Verde mortgages and villas at http://www.yourcapeverde.com

Mortgage rates are often the most important factor when choosing a lender and the type of loan. The interest rate affects the monthly payment the borrower has to make. If mortgage rates increase then, unless the interest rate payable on the loan is capped or fixed, the amount payable each month will also increase. The length of the loan term also affects the amount payable each month. There is a direct relationship between the term of the loan and the monthly installment. The monthly installment will be less the longer the term of the loan.

Fixed mortgage rates tie in the interest rate current at the start of the mortgage for either the entire term of the mortgage or for a set period. If you wish to have a set amount for each installment then a fixed rated mortgage seems like a good option. It will give you the security of knowing what you are going to have to pay each month. The monthly installment does not increase when mortgage rates go up. However, if the underlying interest rate decreases then borrowers on a fixed rate mortgage will not receive any decrease in their monthly payment. In the case of variable or adjustable rate mortgages the amount payable each month may increase or decrease depending on the prevailing interest rate.

There a plenty of factors that determine what loan is right for you. Mortgage rates are important but you need to consider whether or not you need the security of a fixed rate mortgage and what term your mortgage should have.

Mortgage rates depend on the preferred term. Mortgage terms will normally be between fifteen an 30 years although terms as long as fifty years have been known. The state of the economy, the type of property, the number of occupants and the credit worthiness of the borrower are also big determiners of the mortgage rate.

Mortgage rates are applied to the outstanding principal amount. The rate is decided upon by the lender and depends on the factors referred to above. As the principal amount reduces the amount of each installment that is applied to the principal will increase. So at the start of the mortgage most of the installment will go towards paying off the interest, at the end of the terms the majority of the installment can be applied to the principal amount. Borrowers can arrange just to pay interest in the first few years but although this may relieve some financial pressure at the start of the mortgage it may mean the mortgage costs quite a bit more over its duration.

Another option is to have an interest only mortgage which means that all you have to pay each month is the interest. The amount payable will depend on the mortgage rates unless the mortgage has a fixed rate. You then need to put in place some other means of paying off the capital borrowed. This could be by way of an endowment or pension.

Shelley Green is the owner of http://www.mortgages-click.com, a site that specializes in Mortgages. Shelley Green is also the owner of http://www.loans-click.com and http://www.refinance-click.com.

Experienced bankruptcy lately? You may wonder if you will still will be able to get a home loan. You may also be wondering if buying home after bankruptcy is a good idea for you.

While bankruptcy can make your mortgage loan approval difficult, it is still possible to get approved. In fact there have been more and more, bad credit loans coming out all the time.

They are called the Subprime lenders; they are focusing more on helping individuals with poor credit in buying home after bankruptcy.

This is happening mostly because bankruptcies are still on the rise and there is an increasing number of people with bad credit who are looking for home financing.

Just to give you a bit of an overview here are some very good reasons to consider after bankruptcy buying home:

Increase your credit rating. When you make your payments on a regular basis, you will be able to develop your credit rating. Once your pre-payment penalty is done, you should be able to refinance your credit loan for a much lesser interest rate.

After your bankruptcy has been for ended 2-3 years, you ought to have a much easier time qualifying for a lesser interest rate mortgage loan.

You will be able to own an asset. If you are just renting a home then you are absolutely throwing your monthly payments away. Why not just buy a home, over time, its value will increase and you are working you way towards owing an asset.

Once you have bought your house, as soon as 6 months or so later, you might be able to take out an equity loan on your home and consolidate any other debt that you might have since your bankruptcy or debt that could not be included in your bankruptcy.

Taxes and student loans will not be discharged in a bankruptcy. You may also want to use the extra cash to invest in a business venture or for needed home improvement.

It is very tempting to buy an new home, new car, do some renovations, etc., after bankruptcy discharge you have no debt left. You will probably feel like you can afford a larger house payment due to the financial experience that you have.

But it is not that easy so here are some factors to consider before committing yourself to a new house payment.

The Pre-payment penalty. This penalty is usually about 6 months worth of house payments. And usually lasts from 2-3years. Once you sign those mortgage papers you absolutely have to make those payments. If you don’t have the amount of the pre-payment penalty in savings, you are locked into making the payments or losing the house.

The Two Year Mark. Keep in mind that after 2-3 years from the date of the bankruptcy discharge, mortgage loans will be much easier to get. With a small down payment, you might even be able to get a mortgage loan without a pre-payment penalty.

So, if you are within 6 months or so from the 2 year mark. It would be smart to wait it out and have more mortgage loan options.

Borrowing Too Much. This is the most common mistake that we usually get into. If you do decide to buy a house, buy one that you know you will be able to afford. Don’t max yourself out on credit, living right up to the edge of your income.

If your income suddenly drops, you’ll want to make sure that you can still afford your house payment. Be conservative with how much home you need to buy.

Most of us always think that bankruptcy is the end of our credit life. But don not despair because I know some people that have been in to bankruptcy but has been able to get up again and rebuild there credit quickly most of them has even been able to buy a new house.

Bankruptcy will show up on your credit report for 10 years. That means that every mortgage lender will certainly see that fact when evaluating your mortgage application.

Although it may be difficult to find a bank to give you a mortgage it’s certainly not impossible. Banks want to make money and you may find one that’s willing to take the risk.

T J Madigan has been established in online business since 1998 and is director of a number of successful online projects one of which is http://www.sellyourhouse.net.au your best source when you want to sell your house.