Archive for Oakford Estates
Will the Housing Market Recover? Americans Remain Confident
Posted by on April 8, 2011 | Comments
As the housing market continues to recover, perceptions about its future remain a hot topic. While the talking heads continue to discuss the ups and downs of the current housing market situation, it seems that most Americans are remaining optimistic. In fact, 68 percent of America’s potential homebuyers expect the real estate market to recover in the next year or so according to a new survey by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc.
The Prudential Real Estate Outlook Survey also reported that 58 percent of respondents are interested in purchasing real estate and 45 percent are thinking of trading up, suggesting that Central Florida new homes will remain in high demand. Read More→
Florida Real Estate Without Compromise
Posted by on April 5, 2011 | Comments
Recently, it has been debated whether first-time buyers are too picky when it comes to choosing a home, or if they’re just mirroring the current market situation. With low interests rates, great prices on new Florida real estate and a good selection of homes on the market, first-time buyers are looking past the “fixer-upers” and choosing to search for homes that match their preferences completely.
The Washington Post decided to investigate this topic in a piece titled, “Picky First-Time Buyers Losing Out on Great Housing Deals.” The article noted that a Coldwell Banker Real Estate survey found that 87 percent of the 300 first-time buyers questioned said that a move-in ready home (one without the need for remodeling or upgrading) is important. The article goes on to mention that some real estate agents suggest that it is unlikely to find a move-in ready starter home free of imperfections. Read More→
Congratulations to Linda Brett, 2011 Polk County Teacher of the Year
Posted by on March 31, 2011 | Comments
Many times, educators are the unsung heroes of our communities; uplifting our future generations, and never expecting praise or recognition, even when they go above and beyond traditional expectations. Exceptional Student Education teacher at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School in South Lakeland, Linda Brett, is no exception. Recently, Linda humbly accepted the 2011 Polk County Teacher of the Year award, explaining that, “It’s not about me; it’s about the kids.”
Children residing in the South Lakeland new homes located at Towne Park have the privilege to come in contact with such an exceptional teacher, who was reluctant to accept the award because she felt that her colleagues were more deserving.
Recognized for her ability to connect with hard-to-reach students, Linda’s interaction with students has often been described as “magical.”
Congratulations to Linda and all of the other wonderful people who work with our children. Thank you for all of your continued commitment to education. Read More→
Don’t Be So Quick to Say No to an ARM Loan. Still a Great Option For Many Buyers
Posted by on March 28, 2011 | Comments
With memories of the housing crisis and the negative perception many people have of the words “Adjustable Rate Mortgage,” buyers of Central Florida new homes have been afraid to consider adjustable rate mortgages, with many opting for the predictable 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.
Indeed, when the housing market started its down turn, using an ARM didn’t make much sense since the adjustable rates weren’t much lower than the fixed-rate options. But today, the rate spread between the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and the 5-year ARM has widened to historic levels, some say.
As rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages began increasing in October, “ARMs have not moved nearly as much,” said Leif Thomsen, CEO of Mortgage Master Inc., a mortgage lender based in Walpole, Mass.
Assuming a $160,000 loan amount, a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 4.875% means a monthly payment of $846.73. Interest paid after five years: $37,468.
Compare that to a 5/1 hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage at 3.125%. For the first five years, the monthly payment would be $685.40, and you’d pay $23,697 in interest over those five years.
So, for a borrower who plans on moving within five years anyway, they’d save as much as $13,771 by financing with an ARM. Read More→
Wear Green, Get Green, Save Green on Upgrades
Posted by on March 7, 2011 | Comments
Usually, wearing green will save you from getting pinched during the month of March. At Highland Homes, wearing green gets you green so that you can save green on Green Upgrades for your new Florida home! OK, you don’t have to wear green to save; but, you do have to stop by a Highland Homes community to take advantage of the Free Green Package or $3,500 towards Green Upgrades that we’re offering until March 31 in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
The energy-saving Green Package will help you go green while putting more green back into your pocket. Valued at approximately $5,800, the Green Package includes Foam Injected Wall Block, Radiant Barrier, Double Pane Windows and Level 1 Mohawk® recycled carpet. Read More→
If Your Family is a Zoo, SmartStrand Carpet is for You
Posted by on December 29, 2010 | Comments
Does it sometimes feel like you have a zoo living in your home? Between children, pets, visitors, spills and spouses, it can sometimes make you feel like you have a house full of animals. Although your whole home might suffer the impact, you may find that your carpet experiences the bulk of the trauma. However, there’s still hope. Florida home builder, Highland Homes, can help you can keep your home looking fresh and clean for years to come by upgrading the carpet in your new abode to Mohawk SmartStrand® carpet with Dupont™ Sorona® (SmartStrand).
To help demonstrate the durability and resiliency of SmartStrand carpet, Mohawk recently introduced the SmartStrand Zoo Challenge at the Dallas Zoo in Texas. Ten animals had their enclosures carpeted for two solid weeks last October. During that time, they were allowed to live freely and make messes. In the end, SmartStrand won the test of durability. The carpets were cleaned using only hot water extraction and Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Carpet Stain Remover. The result was brand new looking carpets. To view the video, visit the SmartStrand Challenge website.
Mohawk’s SmartStrand is the perfect carpet to complement any of Highland Read More→
If the Elves Can’t Build It We Can!
Posted by on December 22, 2010 | Comments
The elves have been so busy getting all the toys ready for Christmas eve, that they haven’t had time to build any new homes this year. But never fear, even if the elves can’t build your new home, we can! If you are looking for a new home for the holidays, Highland Homes can move you in for as little as $99 down.
We are busy fulfilling holiday wishes for new homes all over central Florida. Talk about the perfect Christmas wish! With payments from $587 a month, your new home will be a gift that lasts year-round. Our financing options on starter homes mean you can literally own for less than renting!
Highland Homes has been Central Florida’s value leader for over a decade. Read More→
