1. Bold colors – Orange made a splash on spring fashion runways, so it’s expected to have an influence on interior design this year. Bright, colorful and bold patterns are cropping up in furniture too.

2. Wood patterns – Look for dining room tables with interesting wooden floor patterns that add character to a functional surface.

3. Decorative walls – Wallpaper’s comeback continues to gain momentum as it gets used more for larger spaces like the living room and bedroom.

4. Lighting – Blend styles such as iron and crystal, drum pendants and blown-glass, and colored crystal and organic shapes to add a “wow” factor to your new home in Frisco, TX.

5. What’s old is new – Vintage farm, Americana, Amish influences reflect the “modern country home” in 2012. To achieve this affect, opt for natural hues in the bedroom such as creamy whites, bark browns and sea-glass greens to bring a touch of the outdoors in.

6. Opposites attract – The nature motifs of the past few years are becoming more refined. Unusual combinations will make a big impact such as lambskin with acrylic or wood with polished metal.

7. Bigger is better – Think big when it comes to lighting and wall space. Try wall-length floor mirrors or huge art pieces. They become breath-taking elements in otherwise low-key rooms.

Landon Homes has a professional design center that offers selections in cabinetry, countertops, flooring, window treatments, lighting and more for your new home in Frisco, TX. Their staff is well versed in the latest home design trends and can guide you through each decision, large or small. Visit the website today to learn more.

1. Make a list. Plan ahead to determine what supplies, food and drinks you’ll need for the party. Then, delegate some of the work to family members or even some of your guests. It will take some of the stress off, so you’ll be able to enjoy the party along with everyone else!

2. Cook ahead. Get as much of the food preparation done before the party. Plan something special to eat, but don’t experiment with any strange foods.  You want your guests to enjoy what’s on their plates.

3. Deck the halls. Go for the unexpected when it comes to holiday decorations for your new home in Frisco. Set out bowls with vintage ornaments (from your family collection or a flea market) grouped by color or style. White twinkle lights inside a glass bowl will also create a striking look. Or try hanging some ornaments off a bare branch placed inside a vase.

4. Create comfort.  If you’re having a casual get-together, don’t worry about seating everyone around the dining table. Set up a buffet instead, pulling the table away from the wall so there are four sides available so people can get to the food easily.

5. Add joyful sounds. Set the mood with a mix of your favorite holiday tunes. Just keep the music low so it doesn’t overpower the conversation.

6. Be a graceful gift giver. Have a few gifts on hand so you won’t be caught off-guard by a friend who springs an unexpected gift exchange. Consider buying a case of wine or champagne to divide among guests. Or do some extra baking. No one can resist a tin filled with homemade holiday goodies!

7. Greet your guests. Most importantly, ask a friend or family member to help out with other party matters, so you can be available to say “Happy Holidays” to each guest.

If you’re still searching for a new home in Frisco, check out the Villages at Willow Bay, Austin Ridge at Lonestar Ranch or Grayhawk Estates.  Landon Homes has beautiful and affordable, energy efficient homes for sale in each of these three communities. Contact our Internet Sales Manager Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347 for more information or visit our website.

1. Obtain credit history and credit score.  It’s no secret that mortgage lenders have become much more conservative with regards to funding. Lenders use your credit score to determine your loan’s interest rate and terms. It’s in your best interest to know that information ahead of time. You can obtain a free copy of your credit history from AnnualCreditReport.com and then pay for your credit score (about $9).

2. Demonstrate good credit behavior. Lenders regard borrowers with credit scores above 780 as their best customers. If your score is below that level, you should eliminate any errors and practice good credit behavior to improve your score. The best way to do that is to pay your bills on time and in full each month.

3. Determine how much home you can afford.  Before you start looking for a new home in McKinney, take a close look at your income, savings and obligations to see what you can afford. Bankrate has a mortgage calculator you can use to determine your monthly payment. Remember to factor taxes and insurance into your total housing cost.

4. Obtain financing.  You can save time and make your closing process go more smoothly if you get preapproved for your loan ahead of time. Gather all of your documentation (W2, tax returns, account statements, etc.) before you talk with a lender so you’ll be able to obtain a mortgage loan that fits your budget.

5. Evaluate home builders. If you’re in the market for a brand new home in McKinney, check out the reputation of the home builders in the area you want to live. Walk through some completed homes and ones under construction. Ask about materials used and any challenges in the area. Find out if the builder’s projects are completed on time, and talk with residents about their experience.

One of the top home builders in McKinney is Landon Homes. Headed by John Landon, a leading force in home building since the 1980s, this visionary builder offers homes that respect both the environment and your budget. Contact us today to find out more about our affordable green homes for sale in the north Dallas area.

1. Twist on a traditional wreath – Evergreens make lovely wreaths, but so do citrus fruits! Attach oranges, clementines, kumquats and limes to a circular piece of florists’ foam and tie it off with a piece of velvet ribbon. Or transform a pine cone wreath into a winter wonderland by spray painting it white.

2. Ornament display – Create a sparkly centerpiece for your table by placing vintage ornaments on a cake stand nestled with leaves.

3. Festive front door – Tie big jingle bells to your front doorknob with festive ribbon

4. Stemware flair – Tie different color ribbons around the stems of champagne flutes or wine glasses for an extra bit of festivity. This stylish trick also helps guests keep track of their drinks!

5. Silver bell arrangements – Add sparkling style to your table by filling a glass snifter or other glass container with shiny silver bells of different sizes.

6. Faux fabulous – Transform plastic greenery into faux fabulous décor by placing boughs of holly, evergreens or mistletoe in clear glass jars or vases. Group different sizes together to make a bold statement for your table.

7. Sweet sensations – Fill pretty glassware with sugar and mini marshmallows. Then, stuff peppermint sticks inside for a decoration that looks good enough to eat!

If you haven’t found a new home in McKinney yet, visit Shiloh Ranch or Verona Estates. Built by Landon Homes, these quiet communities feature the most energy-efficient homes for sale in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with huge backyards, and top quality schools including the exemplary J.R. Wilmeth Elementary School right across the street. For more information about homes for sale in McKinney, contact Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347.

Even though the district has been growing at a fast pace, the boundaries haven’t changed since 1902. That means you’re not limited to looking for new homes for sale in Frisco, Texas.  Landon Homes’ Lakeview neighborhoods in Little Elm are all zoned for Frisco ISD schools. In fact, Robertson Elementary School is located right in the community.

The Frisco ISD has been able to keep boundaries the same by building new schools within the zoned area, or by modifying existing schools to accommodate new students. The district currently plans to modify its high schools in this way, to save construction and operating funds, while meeting the goals of having smaller schools and providing stability.

Small schools are an attractive feature to parents, since they allow more students to be involved in activities and for meaningful relationships to develop between students and teachers. Student test scores in the district continue to improve, and are well above state and national averages.  About 90 percent of graduating seniors plan to continue their education at a college, university, technical school, or the military as well.

The Frisco ISD is a leader in technology too; elementary and secondary schools all have computer labs and distance learning equipment for virtual field trips. Classrooms are equipped with document cameras, wireless keyboards, ‘smart tablets’ and student response systems for interaction and immediate feedback.

If you’d like to interact with one of the best home builders in North Dallas, visit the Landon Homes website. In addition to the Lakeview communities in Little Elm, Landon builds high quality, affordable new homes for sale in Frisco, Texas and McKinney. With a repertoire of more than 40,000 homes, the Landon team offers an unmatched wealth of talent, expertise, and enthusiasm. Experience the Landon difference today.

Should you decide to buy a new home in Richwoods, it’s important to get organized for the building process. Here are some tips to help you during the planning stages:

1. Assemble financial reports – Gather your bank records and other financial statements to determine just how much home you can afford.

2. Obtain financing – Once you’ve set your budget, take the time to get pre-qualified and pre-approved for a new home in Richwoods. North Dallas mortgage experts like TX Home Lending can help you through the buying process, so it goes as smoothly as possible.

3. Determine home style – Evaluate the different home styles your builder has to offer and determine which one will be right for you. For instance, do you prefer a one or two-story home? Find out what design options are available.

4. Choose floor plan –Do you want a big kitchen or something cozier?  The plan you choose factors into the overall cost and affects how well your family will live together in the years ahead.

5. Select products – When you visit the design center you can choose what fixtures, flooring and appliances you’d like for your new home in Richwoods before building begins. The professional design center staff at Landon Homes knows all the latest trends in home design and can guide you through each decision – big or small.

Contact Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347 to learn more about the Richwoods development, or to sign up for a tour of our design center and learn what the Landon Homes difference is all about.

It’s important to take care of your new home to keep your family safe and protect your investment. Following a maintenance schedule will enable you to take care of small issues as they occur, before they become big problems later on.

Here are a few things you can take care of during the fall to keep your new home in McKinney, TX in good shape.

1. Turn on the furnace to see if it’s working properly, and replace the filters.

2. Inspect and repair caulking in sinks, tubs, showers, thresholds, walls, windows and other interior areas as needed.

3. Adjust the heating registers.

4. Check the fireplace to make sure it’s clean, and open the chimney damper before first time use.

5. Perform safety tests on the following items:

• Smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
• Dryer vents
• Pressure gauge in fire extinguisher
• GFCI outlets

Maintaining the outside of your new home in McKinney, TX is also important. Autumn is an excellent time to address the following areas:

1. Clean and remove debris from the gutters; inspect the alignment of gutters, downspouts and splash-blocks to allow water to run off properly, and away from your home.

2. Inspect and repair or replace weather stripping on exterior doors as needed. A well-insulated home will keep heat in and cool out during the winter months.

3. Put up hoses and shut off outside water faucets at the cut-off valve to avoid pipes bursting.

4. Close all foundation vents in the crawl space and place insulation over the opening(s).

5. Inspect and repair caulking of windows, siding, cornice, and other exterior areas as needed to seal gaps and secure tiles.

When looking for a new home in McKinney, TX, visit Shiloh Ranch by Landon Homes.  This quiet community offers some of the largest homesites in the area, with homes priced from the $190s. Visit the Landon Homes website today for more information.

Is it any wonder that new homes for sale in Little Elm, TX are in high demand? This Dallas suburb has been on a growth spurt the past few years, along with the rest of the state. During the past decade, Texas surpassed New York as the nation’s second largest economy.  The state has benefitted from plentiful natural resources, immigration and a successful high-tech sector.

 The low costs of living and doing business in Texas also make it attractive to workers and employers alike. In fact, the Lone Star State has more jobs today than when the recession began in 2007. Jobs and population go hand in hand, and the number of residents in Texas is booming too. The state’s population has grown more than 20 percent between 2000 and 2010, according to the Census Bureau. The Dallas/Fort Worth region has benefitted in particular due to its central location and ease of access to national and international markets.

Many people have been buying new homes for sale in Little Elm, TX so they can work in Dallas, while living and raising a family in a beautiful lakeside community.  Little Elm’s town limits encompass over 23 miles of shoreline, allowing a view of Lewisville Lake from many neighborhoods and businesses.  Even though the area has been growing rapidly, Little Elm still maintains its small town charm and a real feeling of community.

One of the areas to look for new homes for sale in Little Elm, TX is the Villages at Lakeview. Landon Homes has three communities at the Villages: The Enclave, The Dominion and The Reserve. Residents of the Villages can enjoy four amenity centers, with pools, parks, trails and more. Whether you’re shopping for your first home, or an empty nester looking to downsize, Landon has the perfect home for you. Visit the Landon website for more information.

You can find a plenty of quality built Landon homes for sale in Little Elm, TX. The Enclave at Lakeview offers some of the best prices in the Frisco Independent School District. Priced from the 170s, the Enclave features one and two-story homes, in a variety of floor plans that can be customized to your taste.

The Dominion at Lakeview is another Landon Homes community that could suit your needs. Located just east of Lake Lewisville, this master-planned community with homes for sale in Little Elm, TX includes four amenity centers, with pools, parks, trails, and more. If you’re interested in a home with a huge backyard, then the Reserve at Lakeview is the place for you. This Landon Homes community offers some of the largest home sites at the best values for the area.

Whether you buy a home at the Enclave, Dominion or Reserve, the Lakeview community is a wonderful location to live in and raise a family. Lake Lewisville offers plenty of recreational activities such as swimming, boating and water skiing. And you’re close to Stonebriar Mall, IKEA, 24 Hour Fitness and the Dr. Pepper Ball Park.

Every Landon home built in Lakeview features outstanding energy-saving features such as 2×6” exterior wall construction, which allows for more insulation to keep your home cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. In addition, every home comes with high-efficiency GE appliances that meet or exceed Energy Star requirements for enhanced quality, lasting durability and lower operating costs. Visit the Landon website for more information on the available homes for sale in Little Elm, TX.

In fact, Dallas-Fort Worth remains the No. 1 job growth market in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, Dallas recently ranked 10^th on Forbes magazine’s list of the best places for business and careers.  The magazine cited the area’s low-cost, pro-business regulatory environment, as well as its past and projected job growth, income growth, cultural and recreational opportunities and educational attainment.

Many people decide to purchase one of the available homes for sale in Frisco, TX rather than in Dallas because of the town’s family-friendly atmosphere. Frisco offers a wide variety of award-winning hotels, shopping, concerts and events, 4 professional sports teams and over 150 pieces of art on public display. 

The homes for sale in Frisco, TX are also affordably priced. Whether you’re raising a family or an empty nester, you’ll find the perfect home to suit your needs. Landon Homes offers the best new homes for sale in Frisco, TX.  As one of the state’s premier home builders, Landon is committed to delivering a new home that is both beautiful and eco-friendly.

Landon has built homes in three Frisco communities: Grayhawk Estates, Austin Ridge at Lonestar Ranch and The Villages at Willow Bay. These homes feature a variety of energy-saving features such as radiant heat barrier, tankless water heaters and high-efficiency appliances that meet or exceed Energy Star requirements.

Visit the Landon Homes website for more information on the homes for sale in Frisco, TX or call our Internet Sales Manager, Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347.