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16500 Tanglewood Drive Clive, Iowa
$429,900
A hint of Italy with rustic style and Tuscan influences!
5 BR, 4 bath walkout 2 story
Walnut Creek Hills
Waukee Schools
View Whole Listing |
Built to Suit! |
Spending most Sunday afternoons at open houses, I have the opportunity to talk with potential homebuyers about what they like about the home I am holding open, and that discussion often leads to what the homebuyer would want in their "dream home." It's not uncommon, but is somewhat rare, when all the pieces come together for a buyer in a home that has already been constructed. Recently, a home by MJ Custom Homes, just entering the frame stage, was purchased by a buyer. This early purchase gives the buyer the wonderful opportunity to customize the home to meet her needs exclusively! A few modifications to the floor plan, and the opportunity to make all selections has for the most part turned this spec home into a custom home!
Just as a tailor makes a suit to fit your body, a custom builder tailors homes to fit the lives of the homeowners. Some people love to host dinner parties, and so a formal dining space is important to them. For others, the dining and living rooms are a thing of the past, and a large, open floor plan with maybe a four seasons room is what they truly desire. Floor plans also encourage us to think in 2 dimensions; length and width. While walls and doors usually define spaces in a home, a 2 story or vaulted ceiling can make a space appear larger than it really is! A new trend is the trey ceiling not only making a statement in the master bedroom, but also setting off both formal and informal dining spaces, and great room spaces. With the popularity of large, open floor plans rely more on ceiling treatments and height variations to define the spaces in our homes.
Now blogs aren't supposed to be too long, so while there is so much more to talk about with this subject, I will close it off here, and promise to pick it up with my next blog focusing on the importance of good design and construction! |
Blessings
Sharon Rooney |
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Homebuyer's Best Friend: The Pre-Approval Letter! |
It's easy to do. You're watching Iowa Realty's Sunday Home Show, and see a home with everything you've ever wanted…and the next thing you know, you and your significant other are jumping in the car with the Sunday paper heading out to an open house! In a dream world, you tour the house, LOVE IT, and poof! It's time to buy! But in reality, the best time to start the home buying process is before you even start to look! I know what you're thinking…who says so??? I've certainly heard that many times growing up in a family with five siblings! Well, our loan originators Lisa Steinkamp and Derek Draisey say so, that's who!
"As soon as you list your home, you should be getting pre-approved," says Draisey. "There are more requirements and more restrictions in getting a mortgage now than compared with four or five years ago."
Customers need to know how much they can afford. Comfortably afford, that is! They need to know their credit score and also they need the advice of a loan originator so they don't make any mistakes during the home shopping/buying time period. "Some people think paying off credit card debt is a good idea. But we need cash for the down payment. The advice I give home buyers is this; pay your bills, pay them on time, pay the minimum required balances for credit cards, and don't buy anything," says Lisa Steinkamp. (And she means anything! Just ask her!) When you DO find your dream home (can you hear the chorus of angels singing???) you will need a letter of approval with your purchase agreement. Simply stated, sellers don't want to take their homes off the market without the buyer being pre-approved!
How does one get pre-approved? Three options; on-line, over the phone and in person. Our originators are so friendly, I'd suggest the in person option! Here's a website where you can get great information, and if you are a phone person, or want to set up an appointment, here are the numbers you need!
Derek Draisey (515) 453-7847 and Lisa Steinkamp (515) 453-7839 |
Blessings
Sharon Rooney |
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