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Why You Should Prefer a Preferred Lender

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Buying a new construction home should be an exciting experience—whether it’s already being built or you’re starting from the ground up. You can make it happen when you choose the right builder and the right mortgage company. If you’re searching for your home in the Dallas Fort Worth metro area, Sandlin Homes is the right choice for an experienced homebuilder. With that choice made, we also want you to know why you should prefer a preferred lender.

They’ve earned the title.

It’s one thing to work with a lender who is accustomed to conventional loans. When your home is being built and there’s no finished product, a builder’s preferred lender is an invaluable resource. When we recommend a lender, you can be sure Sandlin Homes is 100% confident in that mortgage company. We’ve worked together successfully to guide our mutual customer on a smooth path to homeownership. Even the tiniest oversight can cause a problem.

Earning the title of “preferred” doesn’t happen in just a few closings. It takes time for a lender to prove a commitment to helping customers—answering questions, providing valuable advice, and working proactively to take care of every detail. In fact, a preferred lender is so good that you don’t know a lot of what happens. It’s the ones who lack the experience that will cause you to pay more attention than you should to the process.

Avoid delays.

Sandlin Homes’ preferred lending partner, Cardinal Financial, knows the construction process, as well as the specifics of how we works, when certain aspects of your loan need to be processed, and how to keep everything on the financial end flowing smoothly. These mortgage professionals check in on the project’s status without needing a prompt. Based on that, they order the appraisals and keep the funding on schedule.

A preferred lender understands the documents required for financing a new construction home. Again, it’s slightly different from buying a resale home. This teamwork is for your benefit—and peace of mind.

Your appraisal doesn’t come with surprises.

You might think that all appraisers come to a similar conclusion on the value of a home. Unfortunately, no.

An appraisal can make the difference between a smooth closing and one that never happens. If the appraisal comes in below your purchase price, you either pay the difference or walk away. Neither one is a good outcome. Our homes are priced fairly and our preferred lender recognizes the true value of the quality construction and features. You will always get an honest appraisal when you choose Cardinal Financial.

The choice can pay off with incentives.

In some cases, choosing a preferred lender leads to other rewards. For example, the lender might offer closing cost credits. These incentives could be in the form of points or a dollar amount. Either way, it makes sense to go with a lender who not only understands financing a new construction home, but also contributes to it!

You can talk to a human.

Buying your new home presents questions that don’t always arise between the weekday hours of 9 and 5. We choose our preferred lenders based on their ability to respond to our customers. We expect the mortgage company to be as quick to respond to your needs as we are. Nights and weekends are part of the job.

At Sandlin Homes, we offer preferential treatment to our valued homebuyers—before and after the sale. When it comes to buying your new construction home, isn’t that what you’d prefer?

5 Reasons to Buy New

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Everyone knows owning a home is an investment. When the day comes to make a change and move, you’ll most likely get a bigger return on the sale of your house. The same can’t be said for rentals.

Besides, the DFW area is hot for new homes. Builders are building more houses. More houses are for sale. According to The Dallas Morning News, “builders started 8,765 homes in the first three months of 2018.” This is a 6.5 percent increase from last year.

Here are five reasons to buy a new home in DFW.

  1. Customize your home your way

You can shop around for homes and not quite find the right one that meets all your requirements. When you work with a builder like Sandlin Homes, you have a choice of a variety of floor plans with each having multiple customization options. Furthermore, you can select the flooring and colors you want.

You could buy an older home and change the flooring and paint. But that costs extra on top of buying the house. Buying new allows you to pay one price for the entire home.

  1. Save money with a more energy efficient home

Older homes often don’t have energy efficient features because they were built before the features came along. New energy-saving features come out all the time. So, a 5-year-old house can easily be missing newer energy-efficient products. Every little bit helps in saving on your utility bills.

New homes contain better insulation, efficient central heating and air conditioning systems, and double- or triple-plane windows with a special coating that minimize the effect on outdoor temperatures inside. Many come with ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, which use up to 50 percent less energy.

  1. Do less maintenance

Older homes have typical wear and tear that will need repairing or replacing. It may not be obvious when you inspect the home. What’s more is that builders engineer homes today based on the weather and land they’re in to ensure they last for a long time.

Today’s homes use products that last longer and require less care. For instance, some builders use composite products instead of wood on a home’s exterior trim to reduce the chances of rot or needing paint.

  1. Get warranty coverage

Older homes don’t come with a warranty. You never know if something is about to break. If you hire an inspector before you make an offer on the home, chances are the inspector won’t catch everything. A new home typically comes with a warranty. Builders offer a variety of warranty options. DFW new home builder Sandlin Homes, for example, offers one-, two-, and 10-year warranty options.

  1. Enjoy community amenities

As you browse new homes in DFW, check out their communities. Some communities provide more amenities than others such as resort pools, clubhouses, and playgrounds. Explore places within walking distance of the community. You may find hiking and bike trails, a library, and shopping near or inside the community. To help you here, check out the tips on how to pick your new neighborhood.

With the right builder in the right location, you can find your perfect new home in DFW. To help you get started, here are 11 questions to ask a homebuilder before you buy.

How to Pick Your New Neighborhood

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What do you look for in a neighborhood when browsing new homes? Popular answers are school districts, distance from the office, and proximity to parks and recreation. Other factors you may want to consider include nearby libraries, shopping centers, and entertainment.

Here’s a list of common factors people look for in finding the right neighborhood. One, some, or all may apply to you. It’ll help you in your search for new homes in DFW.

Preferred Independent School District

Some communities may be in one city, but kids attend a different school district. For example, DFW builder Sandlin Homes builds in Pine Meadows, which is in Fort Worth. But students living in this community attend Keller ISD. Chisholm Trail Ranch, a Fort Worth neighborhood, feeds into Crowley ISD.

Students living in Sandlin Homes’ Country Lakes community in Argyle head to school in Denton. They get the benefit of small-town living with Denton’s bigger city resources. So it’s possible to get the school district you want without living in the same city.

Community Amenities

Most communities come with a little something extra or two or three. They want to give homeowners a place they love that expands beyond their homes’ walls. Amenities vary from community to community, but some offer a lot that you almost never have to leave the neighborhood.

Argyle’s Country Lakes features a clubhouse and aquatics center. The community contains a pool, kiddie pool, and playground. Chisholm Trail Ranch amenities include a children’s pool, resort pool, poolside cabanas, hike and bike trails, and covered outdoor living room with a fireplace.

In Little Elm’s Paloma Creek, residents enjoy three amenity centers or clubhouses that hold more than 100 people. They contain a divided space with a full kitchen and two fireplaces. It’s a great place to hold private parties and events.

Celina Ladies and Friends welcome new residents in the Sutton Fields neighborhood and other communities. They want to ensure that everyone feels connected and build lasting friendships. Neighborhoods in Weatherford’s Bedinger Place can gather in the community’s resort with a community pool and cabana.

Location

You may want to live near your office or a university. Perhaps, you prefer country living with an easy commute to a city. Chisholm Trail Ranch is located right by Chisholm Trail Parkway, which can quickly get you to places around DFW.

Communities in Grand Prairie like Southgate III put you close to museums, an indoor concert venue, a water park, and even Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie for horse racing fans. Those who relish unique museums like the American West Museum, National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, the Stockyards and Log Cabin Village will love living in nearby Live Oak Creek.

Small-town living can be had in Argyle, Celina, and Joshua. If you find a lot in a place you love, Sandlin Homes can build there for you.

Lots and Floorplans

Sandlin Homes builds in a variety of neighborhoods to offer something for every preference. Bookworms will find libraries near the community. Sports fans can live near their favorite sports team or sports facility.

Do you want an oversized lot? A smaller one? What about floorplans? Two-story? One-story? Two-car garage or three? As you do your research for new homes in DFW, check out the builder’s website to see what floorplans they offer. Some allow more customization than others.

For example, DFW builder Sandlin Homes displays all of their new home floor plans where you can enter your requirements. You can select the number of floors, bedrooms, square feet, bathrooms and car garages.

Whatever you want in a home and community, you can get it with the right DFW builder. To help you choose the right builder, use these 11 questions to ask your homebuilder

11 Questions to Ask Your Homebuilder

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Some people find the neighborhoods they love first and others find the home. In both cases, you want to use these questions when talking to DFW homebuilders. The answers will help you make the right choice for you. If the new home is already built, only some of the questions will apply.

  1. Are you licensed and insured?

This gives you the protection you need and peace of mind. Request proof of insurance and a current builder’s license for Texas or the state where the home will be built.

  1. Do you work with a preferred lender?

Sometimes you can get better financing options when you work with a builder’s preferred lender. Investigate other lenders so you have a basis for comparison.

  1. What does your home warranty include?

The standard is that included appliances are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. The builder’s warranty tends to cover workmanship, materials, systems, and other things related to the quality of the structure. Ask how long the warranty lasts and how they handle repairs during this timeframe.

  1. Can you provide references from your homeowners?

You can check Amazon and Yelp for reviews of things, restaurants, and places. For homes, your best option is to contact homeowners. Also, ask about touring the homebuilder’s new homes.

  1. Who will be in charge of building my home?

The project manager will be the person who guides you throughout the home building process. That person will connect you with decorators and other sources. Ask about the person’s experience and if you can meet the person. How will you communicate with each other? Does the person listen intently? How does the person respond to your questions?

  1. How long does it take to complete the home?

Unexpected things happen. Weather can affect the building process. Ask for estimated start and completion dates, and what factors could cause delays.

  1. What is standard and what is considered an upgrade in your homes?

Just like buying a car, you have a choice of several models. The more expensive models contain more upgrades that are included in the price. While upgrades will cost extra. The same goes for builders. Some include items as standards while others consider it an upgrade that costs extra.

  1. How often can I visit the worksite?

In most cases, you can visit your home anytime. After all, it is your home. But you want to take care not to visit too often that it interferes with construction. Discuss tours and site visits with your project manager.

  1. What happens if I want to make changes after construction begins?

Find out how the homebuilder handles change requests that occur during construction. Changes later in the construction process will cost more than those requested early on.

  1. Does the price include landscaping?

Basic landscaping and a lawn are usually included. That’s why it’s important to ask about the lawn and exactly what kinds of plants, shrubs, trees, and other greenery come included.

  1. What energy-efficient features are included?

Most appliances, construction materials, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are energy efficient. Find out what energy-efficient features will be included in your home. New homes with such features maximize the system’s efficiency while minimizing the utility bills.

If the DFW homebuilder balks at your questions, it may be a sign to look elsewhere. Your home is the biggest investment you will ever make. You have the right to be informed about all facets of the homebuilding process.

Sandlin Homes is happy to answer any and all questions. Contact us or browse the DFW neighborhoods.

4 Tips Before You Start House Hunting This Spring

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You know spring is nearing when the weather warms up, plants sprout, and grass begins to get its green back. There’s one other clue that spring’s coming and that’s the many “For sale” signs springing up at DFW homes.

People tend to put up their houses for sale or go house hunting for new homes during this time of the year. Typically, this is because they want all the paperwork done in time to move after the school year ends. If you plan to look at DFW homes, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind as Dallas / Fort Worth is a hot market.

  1. Take Steps Before Starting the Search

While you may have a real estate agent early on, don’t forget about the rest of your support team. This team consists of a lender, inspector, and real estate attorney. Avoid waiting until you find the right house to start the mortgage application.

Find the right lender to get pre-approval with a loan amount. Better yet, try to obtain full approval. It may not be possible. But if it is, take advantage as it will give you the upper hand in landing the house. And work with a local lender. They know the market best and the seller is more likely to trust a known local lender than an unknown one found on the Internet.

In case of a bidding war, you’ll want to send a personal letter to the owners. Be prepared by drafting a template that can be quickly tweaked and sent. A letter like this talks about how you like the house and why you want it.

  1. Study market values for DFW homes

When the housing market is up, the prices are also up. Educate yourself about market values for homes in the areas that interest you. Some areas may have more inflated prices than others. This is where it can be helpful to work with a real estate agent. They know the market best and can provide advice.

A major company moved its headquarters to DFW causing the prices of nearby homes to soar. Savvy shoppers sought homes in neighboring cities where homes sell for more affordable prices.

  1. Attend Open Houses

The Internet has made house hunting easy. You can read up on a DFW homebuilder and check their reviews. You can tour homes with virtual reality, videos, and photos. You can search for new homes and make a list of those that meet your requirements.

In a piping hot market like DFW’s, you want to move quickly. Homes don’t stay on the market for long. Nothing beats seeing a home in person. Online posts tend to show the best parts of the home and hide the weak spots.

A strong market usually means first offers are accepted. So you want to tour the home as soon as it’s listed. Some real estate websites can send you an alert when a home goes on the market that meets your needs.

  1. Add Clauses and Contingencies

If you wind up in a bidding war, you can do a couple of things to try to swing things in your favor. One way is to add an escalation clause to your bid. This could make all the difference in a competitive market. Should someone outbid you, the escalation clause tacks on more money to the bid.

For example, you bid $252,000 with an escalation clause of $5,000. Someone else bids $255,000. The escalation clause changes your bid to $260,000.

Another option is to review contingencies you’re willing to give up in the real estate contract. A contingency indicates that all included terms must be met or else the buyer or seller can exit the deal.

Talk with your real estate agent about the contingencies you’re willing to remove from the contract. It’s possible to have a pre-inspection done before making an offer. Then you would not need a pre-inspection contingency in the contract.

Mortgage rates have remained below 5 percent since 2011. However, they have been jumping up and down. Keep an eye on mortgage rates so you can tap in when they’re on the lower side in the 3 to low 4 percent range.

Many DFW homes are being built every day. Don’t let any part of the process pressure you into making a decision that you’re not comfortable making. Having an approved loan and a dream team supporting you will boost your chances of landing the home you want when relocating to DFW.

Find Your New Home in DFW Before the Holidays

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DFW homebuilder Sandlin Homes has new homes in the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex that you can move right in for your first holiday in your new house. The nice thing about quick move-ins is that you skip the design decisions and move in faster. The home pros will help you with the paperwork and then you can celebrate your new home and the holidays.

Here are the new homes from Sandlin Homes ready for you. These are a handful of homes available for move-in. You can find more on this list of new homes in Fort Worth, Dallas, Waxahachie, and Grand Prairie.

Katy Lake
104 Bunker Court, Waxahachie, TX 75165
3100 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

This two-floor new home in Waxahachie’s Katy Lake community puts all the bedrooms downstairs. Upstairs contains a game room with storage, which gives you the perfect escape. You could turn the game room into an entertainment room, quiet room, or a gym. When you enter this home, you’ll be greeted with a classy study behind glass French doors. Next comes a rotunda that leads to the bedrooms and the kitchen. Bay windows supply peaceful views from the master bedroom and dining room.

The kitchen counter-tops have been upgraded to granite. The entryway features refined tile to set the tone. Adding to the homey feel is the extensive wood flooring in the family room, dining room, and study. You won’t have to worry about carpet spills. The spacious garage supports three cars, or — if you like to build things — you can park two cars and add a workshop. Tour this new home in Waxahachie with a similar floor plan to get an idea of what this home looks like before you come see it in person.

Westchester Crossing
328 Burberry Dr. Grand Prairie, TX, 75052
3832 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms

If you’re looking for a one-floor new home in Grand Prairie, here’s one in the Westchester Crossing community that’s ready for move-in. You’ll love living in this community as WalletHub named Grand Prairie one of the top ten best cities for families in the U.S. And besides that, you’ll relish the master bedroom’s large walk-in closet.

Wood floors appear in the entryway, family room, dining room, and hallway leading to the master suite. The kitchen features slick stainless appliances and durable granite countertops. The countertops will not scratch or burn. You’ll be able to go to the movies without leaving your home in the upstairs media room. View the floor plan and map.

Live Oak Creek
11812 Tuscarora, Fort Worth, TX, 76108
3260 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms

If you’re seeking an effortless drive to downtown Fort Worth and all of the city’s hot spots, look no further than a new home in Live Oak Creek. DFW homebuilder Sandlin Homes picked this community for its location and amenities, which include a lagoon pool, spray park, and a second pool with a waterfall. Students living in this neighborhood attend White Settlement ISD schools.

The public spaces are separate from the bedrooms as the study, kitchen, large nook, and great room all connect. The master bedroom hides on the other side of the family room. The second floor contains three bedrooms, a game room, and a media room. Since the home is based on the Silverstone plan, you can tour a similar Fort Worth home based on this floor plan to see what it’s like to live in this home.

These are just a handful of homes ready for move-in. Here’s the current list of new homes in Fort Worth ready for moving in. Celebrate the holidays in one these homes built by Sandlin Homes. For more than 60 years, this DFW homebuilder has been providing families with a place to make memories. Contact us with your questions at (800) 821-4663 or email info@sandlinhomes.com.

 

Top Tips for Relocating on a Budget

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home-for-sale-signAny move can be a difficult, stressful, and costly process. But why is it so complicated? Well, aside from the significant hassle and costs, moving will require you to reacquaint yourself with a new living environment, build relationships in a new community, and become proficient with a new job. Each of which wouldn’t be so bad individually. However, a new move will require you to handle all of these issues at the same time. So, to help ease the transition for you, we’ve compiled a short list of proven tips that should help you relocate your life while on a budget.

Lighten your load. To put it simply, this tip involves only one thing: getting rid of some stuff. While this may seem like a very obvious tip, a lot of people still neglect it. Always remember that relocating can be made so much easier if you have fewer things to move in the first place.

What’s even better is the fact that following this tip could even help you earn a little money on the side. While decluttering your home, don’t just throw away the unneeded stuff. Instead, take some time to carefully think about the potential usefulness that can still come out of every item. As the saying goes after all, “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” So, pile up the stuff you don’t need and put them up for sale well before the date of the actual move. Unwanted sweaters hiding in your closet, kitchen appliances given to you on the day of your wedding, and old electronics you might no longer need, all of these items can still earn you a pretty penny which could help lighten your moving expenses.

Ask for help. Everyone knows that moving can be a very difficult task, so don’t be afraid to ask for some well needed help from family and friends. Of course, you could also seek (and should definitely consider) professional help, but since this is a list of budget-friendly tips, we’ll forego the experts for now.

Additionally, if your main reason for moving is your job, then you may want to ask your employer for relocation benefits or any other assistance he may have to offer. Many large corporations even purposely develop good relations with moving companies, so that they can offer better financial benefits for employees that they need to relocate.

Never pre-terminate your lease. If you’re currently bound by a lease contract, always avoid pre-terminating it. Breaking the contract early can have various repercussions, depending on the circumstances of each case. These consequences include, but are not limited to, losing your security deposit and advance rentals, and paying rent for the remaining period of the lease.

Sources:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/11/20/8-tips-for-a-successful-job-relocation/#2fb58ac4225b

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/a23935/3-top-moving-tips/

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/money/advice/a19287/budget-friendly-moving-tips/

http://andthenwesaved.com/relocating-tips/