Category Archives: Home Buyer FAQ

Tips for Creating Curb Appeal at Your New Home

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One of the appeals to buying a new home in McKinney is the fact that no one has ever lived in it before. A new house is like a fresh canvas to a painter. This is your opportunity to create a home that totally reflects your personality and design aesthetic. Not just indoors, but outdoors as well. Curb appeal is what makes a home inviting to friends and family. Here are a few tips to enhance your new home’s curb appeal:

1. Create symmetry - Symmetrical light fixtures flanking the front door along with accent pieces such as matching planters, provide a welcome entryway to guests.

2. Add lighting – Add low-voltage or solar lights along the pathway to your front door. They will enhance the appearance of your walkway, and provide added safety for your new home in McKinney as well. Accent lighting for trees also adds a decorative touch to your yard.

3. Design an instant garden – Container gardens can be a welcome addition to your home’s exterior. They’re easy to maintain and add a colorful dimension to your porch or walkway. Create a dynamic setting by using a staggered, asymmetrical arrangement to your landscape.

4. Install window boxes – A quick and easy way to bring color and charm to your home’s exterior is to add window boxes. Choose copper or iron boxes for a traditional look, or painted wood for a cottage feel. Fill the boxes with assorted plants and flowers that suit lighting conditions and your home’s color scheme.

5. Add focal points to your yard – Add an eye-catching element to the landscape of your new home in McKinney by adding a unique, weather-resistant art piece, birdbath or wind chime. Water sculptures also function as yard art, and lend soothing sounds to your home’s ambience.

6. Install planting beds – Bring contrast and color to your home’s exterior by adding planting beds along the driveway or walkway, at the front corners of the yard, or immediately in front of the house. Choose features that compliment and frame your home. Stone and pre-cast concrete make excellent borders. Include a variety of plants in different sizes, colors and textures for optimal results.

Two communities to consider for your new home in McKinney are Shiloh Ranch and Verona Estates by Landon Homes. Priced from the $200s, and offering some of the largest homesites in McKinney, Landon has the perfect home to suit your needs, whether you’re an empty nester looking to downsize, or a young couple with a growing family. Call 866-898-3603 or visit the website for more information.

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Tips to help you prepare for your new home search in 2012

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Are you searching for a new home in McKinney, TX to buy this year? You couldn’t have picked a better location. This North Dallas suburb with the small-town feel is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.  Before you start your new home search, here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you prepare:

1. Review your finances. It would be very frustrating if you found a home to buy, and then realized you couldn’t afford it. Avoid that scenario by reviewing your income and debt, and then meet with your bank or other financial expert to determine what your ideal mortgage payment would be.

2. Be aware of all costs. An existing home may cost less than a new home, but the upkeep and unexpected repairs could cost you much more in the long run. A brand new home in McKinney, TX built by Landon Homes includes many energy efficient features that can save you money on your utility bills.

3. Gather search tools. When you’re out for a drive, carry a mobile phone – preferably one with a camera and Internet access – so you can use it to take pictures and notes about neighborhoods and new home builders. You can search online for information about schools in the area, for instance, and other amenities you may be interested in.

4. Review and study areas. Choosing a neighborhood to live in affects many aspects of your life, including your work commute, where your children go to school, where you shop, etc. As you whittle down your possibilities, study the areas for traffic and activity. You might even talk with your potential neighbors to see how they like living there, and what type of experience they’ve had with the home builder.

The more prepared you are to buy a new home in McKinney, TX, the happier and more secure you’ll feel when you sign the contracts. Visit the Landon Homes website to see the different new home models that are available in McKinney. If you have any questions, you can conduct a live chat online with our Internet Sales Manager Tanya Smith or call 800-898-3603.

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New Year’s Resolutions for the New Home Buyer

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Do your New Year’s resolutions include plans to buy a new home in McKinney? If so, you might want to add these New Year’s resolutions to your list as you begin your new home search:

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.

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Why School Zoning is Important to Consider When Buying a New Home

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One reason parents look for new homes for sale in Frisco, Texas is the public school system. The exemplary rated Frisco Independent School District is one of the fastest growing districts in the state.  It serves residents of Frisco, as well as some portions of Plano, Little Elm, and McKinney.

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.

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Choosing the Right Floor Plan for Your New Home

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Looking at homes in Frisco, TX can be helpful to see the different types of floor plans available. There are many factors that go into choosing the right floor plan for your needs. For instance, if you are newly married, do you have plans to start a family? The number of children you plan to have will dictate the number of bedrooms you need.

Other factors that go into figuring out the right floor plan include determining whether you’ll need extra rooms for overnight guests or additional living space for the care of elderly parents or grandchildren. You may want an extra bedroom to use as an office or den too.

Some people enjoy formal entertaining, while others prefer more relaxed family gatherings. Many homes in Frisco, TX feature formal dining rooms and traditional living rooms. Others include a large kitchen with a breakfast room for more casual dining.

As you plan, take into account your existing furniture to make sure the floor plan will accommodate what you have. It’s a good idea to consider seating areas and how furniture placement will affect the overall feel of the room.

At Landon Homes, we style our homes in Frisco, TX around your life. We work with you to decide which floor plan is right for you, your family and your lifestyle. We ask you questions and help you figure out what design will work best to create the home of your dreams.

Landon Homes offers a wide variety of floor plans: one or two-story models with 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms. We can customize a floor plan to best suit your needs and desires, whether that includes a media room, more storage, a covered patio or wet bar.  Visit the Landon website today to see which floor plan is right for you.

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Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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Buying a new home in McKinney, TX is an exciting prospect. The town has been rated number 5 among the best places to live in the U.S. by CNN Money Magazine. McKinney is surrounded by rolling hills, expansive open spaces, 42 miles of hike and bike trails and 2,000 acres of parkland.

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.

 

 

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What Makes the Frisco Independent School District Exemplary?

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Thinking of buying a new home in Frisco, TX? One of the many benefits of living in this community is the quality of education students receive here. The Frisco Independent School District (ISD) is an exemplary rated school district and one of the fastest growing in the state and nation.

School administrators and the citizens of Frisco are committed to providing their children with a quality education. The district has enough funds on hand to continue building new schools that maintain a small, personal learning environment. Having smaller schools enables more students to be involved in outside activities, and allows for meaningful relationships to develop between students and teachers.

Living in a new home in Frisco, TX means your children will have access to the latest educational technology. Computer labs are available in the elementary and secondary schools; classrooms are equipped with projectors, educational videos, wireless keyboards and smart tablets.

The Frisco ISD offers students the opportunity to push themselves academically. High school students can take Advanced Placement and Honors courses, and dual credit classes with Collin County Community College. A variety of athletic programs are also offered as well as clubs and activities including Band, National Honor Society, Drill team/Dance, Academic Decathalon, Drama, Robotics and more.

Students in the Frisco ISD score well above the state and national averages too. More than 75 percent of seniors take one or more college entrance exams, and 90 percent of graduates plan to continue their education.

Parents who buy a new home in Frisco, TX will also appreciate the safety measures school officials have taken to protect students. Digital technology and high resolution cameras capture images in common areas, parking lots and building entrances to deter poor behavior. Controlled access and advanced visitor registration systems are in place as well.

These are just some of the benefits that your family will enjoy when you buy a new home in Frisco, TX.  You’ll also find a family-friendly atmosphere, exceptional arts, entertainment, and recreation facilities. To find the perfect source for your new home, look no further than Landon Homes. Rated as one of the finest home builders in North Dallas, Landon engineers better built, affordable green homes for sale in premier Frisco neighborhoods. Contact us today to schedule your new home tour.

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How Landon Homes Helps You Save Money on Utility Bills

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Looking at new homes in Little Elm, TX? That’s a smart decision, especially if you want to save money on your utility bills.   Newly constructed homes are more energy efficient than older homes because building codes mandate stricter standards than they used to. For instance, the most recent International Energy Conservation Code came out in 2009 and required homes to be about 17% more efficient than three years earlier.

Landon Homes specializes in building energy efficient new homes in Little Elm, TX. Landon is the first major builder in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to use 2”x 6” exterior wall construction. Since the lumber is 50% thicker than the standard 2 x 4, it can hold 57% more insulation, reducing unwanted heat loss or gain, decreasing the energy demands on your home.

Landon incorporates other energy saving features too, such as a highly rated wall insulation system, and an exterior foam sheathing system that seals against outside air infiltration. The net effect allows your heating and cooling systems to work more efficiently, saving you money year-round.

The new homes in Little Elm, TX that Landon builds also feature cardinal glass windows that block out much of the sun’s heat and up to 84% of the UV rays that cause carpet and furniture fading. In addition, the A/C units in these homes exceed Energy Star standards, providing you with a more comfortable home and lower utility bills.

Energy efficient water heaters and GE appliances that meet or exceed Energy Star ratings are also included in Landon’s new homes in Little Elm, TX. Plus, low flush toilets and water saving faucets and shower heads help you conserve water and minimize utility bills.

To find out more about these energy saving features, visit the Landon Homes website or contact Tanya Smith by phone at 214-707-0347.

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4 Tips for First Time Home Buyers

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Low mortgage rates and high rental prices are two reasons why it’s a good time to buy a new home. If this will be your first home purchase, you’ll find an excellent selection of affordable and energy-efficient homes for sale in Frisco, TX. Before you start shopping, here are a few tips to keep in mind to ease your way through the home buying process. 

#1 – Determine how much house you can afford. There’s nothing worse than finding your dream home, only to realize you can’t afford to pay for it! Landon Homes website has a mortgage calculator you can use to determine your monthly payment. Remember to factor taxes and insurance into your total housing cost. 

#2 – Evaluate neighborhoods. As you look at homes for sale in Frisco, TX, take note of the surrounding community. Are there stores and schools nearby? Drive through the area at different times of the day and night to check noise levels. Finally, talk to your prospective neighbors to see what they think of the community.

#3 – Evaluate home builders. If you choose to buy a brand new home, it’s important to check the home builder’s track record. Find out if his projects have been completed on time. Take a walk through a home under construction as well as the finished model. Ask questions about materials used, and whether you’ll be able to tour the home site during various phases of construction.

#4 – Get financing in place. Before you make an offer on one of the homes for sale in Frisco, TX, take the time to get pre-approved for a home loan. Your closing process will go more smoothly when you already have your financing together. 

One of the home builders to consider during your search in Frisco is Landon Homes. Rated among the best home builders in north Dallas, Landon has a variety of affordable green homes ready for you in premier Frisco neighborhoods. Contact us today to find out how you can join the ranks of satisfied Landon homeowners.

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How to Create a Productive Homework Space

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Thinking of buying a new home for your family? As you look at new homes in McKinney, TX, consider where your children will do their studying once your move in. Depending on the age of your child, they could do homework in their bedroom or at the kitchen table.

The key to creating a productive homework space is making sure that whatever area you choose, it should be quiet, well-lit and contain plenty of appropriate supplies. New homes in McKinney, TX frequently include bonus rooms that you can outfit as a study or library that your child can use for homework. No matter which room gets designated as a homework space, it should feature some kind of table or desk, and a chair of appropriate height for the child.

The homework space should also be stocked with the essentials such as: paper, pencils, pens, a dictionary and thesaurus, an atlas, scissors, tape and glue, a calculator, index cards and art supplies such as markers and construction paper. These supplies can be kept in a plastic storage bin or dedicated drawer for easy access.

If your child needs to use a computer for homework, make sure it has reliable Internet access in an area of your home that can be easily supervised. Remind the child that “chatting,” surfing the web or instant messaging will not be allowed during homework time. Having a printer handy with sufficient ink will also save you from making an unexpected run to the 24-hour copy center.
Limit phone use during homework time – your own and that of your child’s to keep distractions to a minimum. And keep a calendar handy so that you can keep track of long-term projects, reports, tests and papers for easy reference.

When you search for new homes in McKinney, TX, stop by Shiloh Ranch to see the beautiful one and two-story models built by Landon Homes. Featuring huge backyards and a great location – right across the street from the exemplary J.R. Wilmeth Elementary School — the Landon-built homes in Shiloh Ranch are the most energy efficient in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Contact Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347 or click on our Live Chat feature for more information.

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