9 reasons to visit to a model home!

You’ve made one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make – you’re going to build a new home! And you probably have questions upon questions. Now is the time for a visit to a model home!

• 1.     Before you visit, know what you like. What’s your style? What’s on your “must have” list? A model home is designed to entice and inspire.
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• 2.     Nothing beats speaking face to face with a sales person. You’ll get quality interaction with a team member, and you’ll get a good read on how the company works. This is important when choosing a builder to build your new home!
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• 3.     You can ask all of your questions and get direct immediate answers. No waiting around for days or weeks! Go ahead and ask about options, and making layout changes. How long is the construction timeline? What do we need to know about financing? Are there energy-saving features?
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• 4.     A sales person can help you figure out what style or size home will work best if you’re downsizing or upsizing, or if you want a big yard for pets or children, etc. Once a salesperson has a good idea of what you are looking for, he or she can point out plans and features that could be a good fit.
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• 5.     Engage your senses! See the quality of the builder’s work up close. Hear whether the neighborhood is quiet or bustling. Touch the granite counters and wood cabinets. Open the closets and drawers.
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• 6.     Use your imagination! Close your eyes and imagine yourself living here. How will the home actually feel when you’re living in it? How many people does the family room really fit for movie night?  Will your king size bed fit in the master suite? Is the garage big enough to store your stuff?

• 7.     Take the opportunity to ask if there are incentives or promotions available.  Maybe there’s a move-in ready home just waiting for you. Maybe the builder is offering free options or upgrades. You’ll never know if you don’t ask!
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• 8.     Get a feel for the whole community, its location and what your daily life would be like living there. Where are the walking trails and the community park? Is the elementary school really walking distance? How loud is that major road just outside the neighborhood? What’s traffic like? Realistically, how long is the commute to work?
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• 9.     Build excitement!  Maybe you’re the one doing the research, and comparison shopping. Visiting the model is a great way to pull the whole family into the process. Let everyone take notes about what they like, what they want. It’ll help you in the decision-making process.
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• These are just a few reasons. We’re sure you can come up with dozens of others. So, get your list together and go visit a model today.

Tips for creating a baby nursery with all the necessities!

While the nursery is technically the baby’s room, parents/caregivers spend a lot of time there – rocking, nursing, singing, changing, playing, pleading – for the first year or two. When putting together your list of “Must-Haves” for the nursery, remember to make it a practical space that you’ll be comfortable in, and one that will be adaptable as your child grows.

The Crib. As the centerpiece of the room, this is one of your most important purchases. Before you choose a crib, think about having to buy multiple beds in the future. (i.e. Crib, then toddler bed, then twin.) Consider a convertible crib that turns into a toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed headboard. Buying a convertible crib might save you money in the long run.

A Mattress. While you don’t have to spend a fortune, make sure you get one that’s comfortable and sturdy.  A good crib mattress should last though several children, withstand lots of scrubbing, and eventually fit into a toddler bed.

Crib Sheets. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises having no bedding (i.e. bumpers or pillows) in the crib, so you’ll just be buying fitted crib sheets.  Buy multiples, and make sure they’re durable because you’ll be washing them a lot! If you can’t resist buying a bedding set to use later, you can use the quilt/comforter as a wall hanging until the baby is old enough.

A Glider/Rocker. You may think they’re old fashioned, but you’ll want a rocking chair. Trust us, at 3 am, you’ll be glad to have someplace comfy to nurse. And most babies really do like being rocked to sleep. Go with something simple and classic that you won’t mind having around the house after baby grows up.

A Dresser. Save yourself some money and forego buying a changing table. Instead, invest in a medium-height dresser that can double as a changing table. (Just add a plush changing mat to the top.) The top drawer can store diapers & supplies. Test out the drawers and make sure they slide easily, because putting laundry away is tedious enough without having to wrestle the drawers open all the time.

Storage. Despite their deceptively small size, there never seems to be enough storage for all the baby’s odds and ends. Incorporate shelving, baskets and/or drawers to contain the chaos. Check out local crafts supply stores & discount stores for cheap and adaptable storage solutions.

Decoration. It’s so easy to personalize your baby’s room today.  From appliques and murals, to monogramed toys and sibling artwork, you can create a nursery that’s original and interesting but not overly fussy.

A Monitor. You’ll have a love/hate relationship with this machine. Constant surveillance isn’t necessary, but if you’re sleeping, doing laundry or are otherwise out of earshot, a monitor of some kind can be a blessing.

A Night-Light. Get one that generates enough light so you can see to nurse or change diapers in the middle of the night, but not so much that it wakes up or stimulates your little one into thinking it’s time to play.

A White Noise Machine. White noise can have a calming effect on babies. Some white noise machines come with preset types of noises, or you can also just use your old boom box and purchase a few white noise CDs to put on repeat.

Housing Predictions for the Rest of 2016

The Daily Real Estate News has just published its housing predictions for the remainder of 2016. The bottom line? Freddie Mac economists remain upbeat about the housing market’s outlook for the rest of the year… which means 2016 is a GREAT year to buy a new home!

“We’ve revised down our forecast for economic growth to reflect the recent data for the first quarter, but our outlook for the balance of the year remains modestly optimistic for the economy,” says Sean Becketti, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “However, we maintain our positive view on housing. In fact, the declines in long-term interest rates that accompanied much of the recent news should increase mortgage market activity, particularly refinance.”

Freddie Mac’s predictions for the remainder of 2016 include:

1. The labor market will stay strong. The unemployment rate is projected to drop back below 5 percent for 2016 and 2017. 

2. Loan originations are estimated to rise by $50 billion in 2016 and reach $1.7 billion. The forecasted boost is a result of low mortgage rates that are fueling a refinancing boom.

3. Low mortgage rates should stick around longer. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.7 percent in the first quarter.

4. Home prices will rise by 4.8 in 2016 and by another 3.5 percent in 2017. These rising home prices will lead home owners’ to see more equity gains.

These recent predictions should give comfort and confidence to those searching for a new home. The combination of lower unemployment rates, lower mortgage rates and rising home prices makes it clear that if you want to make a good investment, buying and owning a home NOW is the way to go – contact us today to learn more about how you can find your new home at Elite Homes! 

http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2016/04/25/4-housing-predictions-for-rest-2016

Designing your Home for an Open Floor Plan

Open Floor Plans allow many options, but sometimes getting the right look is a challenge. Here are some tips to help you bring it all together...with style.

1. Color — Thread color throughout to achieve design continuity. Wall color, pops of color...a solid color scheme ties the open design together.

2. Flooring — The best rule here is “keep it consistent”. Try to use as much of one material as possible in open areas. It’s best not to transition from wood flooring to tile, especially if the openings between rooms are large. Rugs are perfect for breaking up a room with a consistent flooring type, outlining specific spaces while adding a sense of sophistication.

3. Art & Accessories — Use pillows and artwork to introduce new colors and patterns, but try to keep the accent colors consistent throughout, as well. Use a distinct light fixture to set a space apart from other “rooms” within the open plan.

4. Furniture — Open floor plans need unity. Similar types of wood. Similarly colored pieces. These will serve well to tie the “rooms” or zones together. Bring furniture off of walls to balance the room. Have pieces of furniture to identify each “room within a room”. Place your sofa between the living and dining areas to create a delineation. Consider putting a credenza behind the sofa to help vertically divide the space.

5. Window Treatments — Select curtains that you can pull wide open during the day to allow for the abundant natural light that the open design incorporates. Translucent, lightweight fabrics — lace, linen, sheer cotton — give a bright, roomy feel and still deliver privacy. Consider hanging draperies inside rooms, not just in front of windows, for a dramatic, stylish effect. 

Keeping your Pet Calm During the Move

So you’re moving into a new home – what an exciting time! Your pet(s) may need some extra love and attention to keep them safe, comfortable and happy. Relocating pets takes understanding, care and an investment of time that starts long before moving day!

Before the move

-Pack gradually, so your pet will get accustomed to change. Choose one room in your house, and fill it with items your pet loves. On moving day, keep your pet in this room until you're ready to leave.  

-Take a trial run. If your pet is not used to traveling by car, make short trips with it a week or two in advance. Cats are often frightened by car travel, but they usually adjust quickly.

-Pack a bag for your pet, filled with fresh food, treats, water, two bowls, toys, a leash and some long-lasting edible or durable chew toys.

On the road

-Plan to make a few stops. This will allow your pet to get a drink, stretch their legs and take a restroom break. (Remember your pet is very excited about the change in scenery and may need to potty more frequently.)

-Not all moves are done in one day. If you are on the road, call pet-friendly hotels along your route and verify individual pet policies. 

If you’re flying…

-Call the professionals. If possible, use a certified pet carrier service to relocate your pet to ensure that the pet’s travel will go smoothly.

-Check with the airline. If traveling by air, check the airline requirements so you can take steps to keep your pet safe. Some airlines allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal’s size.

New home sweet home

-Food and water first. Once your pet is in the new location, make sure that he or she gets food and water. Place the bowls several feet from each other, though, so that your pet pet doesn’t gulp down the water too fast. 

-Once you are in the new location, keep your pet in a quiet place of your home, during the unpacking. Introduce him or her gradually to their new surroundings. 

-Settle in to your new home. Once your pet is home, be sure to spend time with him or her. They’ve earned it, and it’s also important that your pet feels comfortable before letting them roam the house or walk off the leash!

Use Professional Design Tricks to Create Unforgettable Spaces

Everyone loves to visit model homes, design centers and showrooms. You get to see and touch and experience a home you probably don’t live in – but could!  (Who hasn’t envisioned having a gorgeous gourmet kitchen or a luxurious spa bathroom or an adorable themed children’s room?)  

While living in an ultra-designed home may not be on your horizon, you can use some designer “tricks of the trade” to create memorable – and welcoming – spaces in your home.

·                 -Timeless design can be updated or adapted to a growing family.  Beware of anything that’s too trendy. 

           -Make a statement with furnishings, art, and accessories.

·                 -Choose classic finishes and colors for anything permanent (i.e. flooring, wall paneling).

·       Regardless of its design, your home should reflect the family that lives there!

The Kitchen.  While today’s kitchens tend to be 

heavy on large stainless steel appliances, you can soften things up a bit with comfy banquettes, warm wood tables, soft, plush area rugs, and warmer colors like reds and oranges.  Keep a bowl of fruit and a basket of granola bars handy for starving children and guests.

The Family Room. Usually the heart of the home, the family room should be sturdy and comfortable, allowing roughhousing, sleep-overs, movie nights and daily life with equal aplomb. This room needs: comfortable sofas and chairs, squishy, fuzzy, fluffy pillows and throws, durable floor coverings, and lots of personal touches like family pix or kid art on the walls.

The Master Bedroom. Next to the family room, the master bedroom is probably the most common family hub. Kids, pets, laundry, broken toys, stacks of books, art projects… everything winds up here at some point. Yet this space can also be your oasis. Choose serene colors, nice fabrics, an upholstered headboard – anything that can help you find some peace and quiet, while everyone snuggles in your bed at once!

The Master Bath. The bathroom is a great way to give yourself some luxury. Elegant materials like marble and onyx, used in interesting ways, offset with cool blues and greens and interesting accessories, can make your master bath feel like it’s in a 4-star hotel.

The Kids’ Space. Children have obsessions – racecars, panda bears, comic books, outer space, Barbie dolls, singing & dancing, bugs, Harry Potter. Gather one or two special items that feed into their fixation – posters, pillows, lamps, area rugs – and balance it all with some neutrals so it doesn’t get too overwhelming.

The Nursery. Who says everything has to be drowning in pastels? Go for charm and elegance with sophisticated neutrals (grays and beiges), and add a little sparkle with crystal light fixtures and interesting wall art.

Tour of Homes this Weekend!

Join us for the Tour of Homes this weekend! Visit 5 of our beautiful model homes...

Little Spring Farm: The Jamestown

11604 Lily Garden Dr., Louisville

Signature Point: The Hawthorne

14303 E. Hartland Ave., Louisville

Rivers Landing: The Cambridge

1937 Rivers Landing Drive, Prospect

The Reserve at L'Esprit: The Hancock

3058 Fallen Wood Lane, LaGrange

Summit Gardens: The Mayfield

3906 Calgary Way, Louisville

Our homes will be open all weekend. Stop by and see us! Come see the homes that everyone is talking about! For more information, call us at 502-245-6159