Nothing can beat walking into your brand new home knowing you designed every detail. Here are some other advantages to buying NEW:

• You decide all of the features from the number of rooms and amenities to carpet and doorknobs.
• You can pick your location in a development (Rockford Homes will even build on YOUR lot).
• There are fewer electrical and plumbing problems.
• A new home has a more modern design.
• These are built with the latest energy efficient materials which will save money now and add value over time.
• The builder’s warranty offers peace of mind that your home meets current building standards.
• You do not have to mess with fixer-uppers or invest time and money into a poorly maintained resale.

While building a home is exciting, there are also advantages to buying a RESALE:

• You can move right in! You do not have the waiting period for construction, or the hassle of moving to a temporary home during that time period which can be 6-9 months.
• Features like granite countertops and hardwood floors are included in the sale price, whereas those things are all add-ons in a new home.
• A home built with quality materials and a good foundation can be purchased for much less than a comparable home that is a new build.
• Many details are already in place –window treatments, closet rods, appliances and amenities like a pool, fence and deck.

Your decision whether to buy a new home or a resale all comes down to price, location, amenities, resale value, construction quality and perceived value and most importantly how all of those factors play into your personal circumstances.

Walk-in Pantry

Walk-in pantries have seen a resurgence in popularity. They are practical and allow you to organize all of your current and stored food items. Walk-in pantries come in a range of sizes depending on your floor plan. Some are the size of a small closet, while others provide the space of a spare room fixed with small appliance storage and a freezer. They can also save you money allowing you to buy in bulk and spend less on kitchen cabinets.

 Kitchen Details

 Moms love their kitchens! These days the kitchen space is used for more than just cooking, it is also an enjoyable gathering place in the home. Popular kitchen trends are both functional and decorative.

Backsplashes- The functional backsplash behind the stove never had so much attention! Natural stone and decorative tiles still top the list, but glass backsplashes are becoming increasingly popular. Glass is gaining popularity as a countertop material, so the backsplash is an attractive compliment.

Lighting- There are so many options with kitchen lighting, but LED lighting (light-emitting diode) is taking hold for its energy-efficiency. LED lighting has a higher initial cost, but the cost savings over time make this a growing trend for new homeowners.

Faucets- The standard kitchen faucet is getting a face lift. Instead of the traditional faucet with a detached sprayer, new models combine both functions into one pull-out unit. These units are easily installed into most kitchen design styles.

Multi-use Rooms

Moms like to economize and new building trends are taking a cue from all Americans who are cutting back on spending and making rooms in the home multi-use areas. Underutilized areas like formal dens and home offices are being replaced with “pocket offices” or eliminated altogether. Kitchens and family rooms have more open space to serve as gathering areas where families spend more of their time. Window seats are popular additions for private time and reading. And, the master closet is being expanded to accommodate laundry facilities.

Green-building

Moms care about the environment and they care about setting a good example for their children. Eco-friendly homeownership begins with construction and materials. The trend for energy-efficient appliances continues, and there is a growing focus on long-term home energy management.

2012 is trending to emphasize efficiency in the home. Since moms like to make the most use of their space and resources, we know she will like what new homes have to offer. Happy Mother’s Day!

1. Find a reputable builder. Like the foundation of your home, the reputation of your    homebuilder is the foundation of your relationship. You place a great deal of trust with your partner and you need to know you can count on them. The internet, consumer organizations and word of mouth make it easy to research potential homebuilders. Take the information you find into careful consideration before making a commitment.

2. Communicate. Open and honest communication with your homebuilder will ensure that everyone is on the same page throughout the process and the best way to ensure the end-product that you want. Make sure you clearly communicate your needs, concerns and wishes along the way.

3. Ask questions! While the home building process can be overwhelming, no one expects you to know or understand all that is involved. Ask plenty of questions to your new home sales representative as you begin to design your home. Do not be afraid to ask questions during construction process and even after you move.

4. Overruns….avoid them. Once you go over your budget, things can get uncomfortable and tricky. That being said, it is rare that a residential home build does not go over budget. Your best bet is to avoid it altogether by planning ahead and working closely with your builder. Additional work (translation: additional costs) can be minimized by understanding the building plans before you start.

5. After the sale. A quality homebuilder will make sure you are happy with your home AFTER you move. Be sure to understand all warranties and keep an open line of communication with your homebuilder in case a situation does arise.

Home building is not a one-step process, so your involvement along the way is paramount to establishing a system of checks and balances.

This year, Rockford Homes was proud to support the Columbus Area Toys for Tots Foundation and the U.S. Marines with their annual toy drive. “It was a great show of support from our employees, customers, and vendors with all the toys that were donated and the enthusiasm surrounding this year’s efforts” said Bob Yoakam, Jr, President of Rockford Homes. “With everything we’ve collected, there will be a lot of happy kids this year on Christmas morning”

The official donation was made to the Toys For Tots organization on Monday, December 12^th at the U.S. Marine Training Center near Rickenbacker Airport. (pictured below)

The 2011 Toys for Tots national campaign began Oct. 15 and will collect and distribute toys to help less fortunate children experience the joy of Christmas. Since 1947, the Toys for Tots program through the U.S. Marine Corps has distributed more than 420 million toys to more than 196 million underprivileged children.

Rockford Homes will continue to support community outreach programs like Toys for Tots and wishes everyone a very Happy Holiday Season.

New housing starts have dropped to their lowest level since 1959, so very soon there will be a lot less to choose from and there will far fewer deals on the new homes being built today. Beyond that, here are a few really good reasons for you to buy new:

1. Buying a new home will save you even more than you may realize when you consider the incredible costs associated with maintaining and updating a pre-owned home to meet your preferences and needs.

2. After just five years, most homes begin to require costly maintenance and repair. For a home that is twenty five years or older, you could realistically spend more than $75,000 to bring that home up to “like new” condition. But that doesn’t include any allowance for redecorating or making needed structural changes.

3. Today a lot of features and updated technology will be included in a new home that wasn’t built in a home in years past. Energy efficiency and streamlined maintenance have evolved dramatically. And that – along with the level of comfort and satisfaction you can have with a new home – makes a significant difference between what a home costs you, and what you really get.

A lot is happening to revitalize the economy and and in many areas of town, the housing market is showing signs of a rebound. By making a deal on a home right now you will cash in on the opportunity that may well never come again. Don’t forget that over time – even throughout other downturns in the economy – real estate has always appreciated. So with the purchase of a new home today, you may stand to achieve the best possible appreciation in the future. Meanwhile, you’re living in what you really want, and it can be your way!

This perfect storm for future home buyers and homeowners makes NOW the best time to buy in many, many years. Waiting to hit the theoretical “bottom” means you won’t find a home until prices are on their way back up. Right now, many people are putting their search “on hold.” Can you imagine everyone waiting for the mysterious bottom, only to jump on the best deals out there all at once? What are you waiting for? Yes, it’s a buyer’s market…But only if you buy.

So when you’re ready, choose your new home based on real value – not just the bottom line price. Also consider the future value of your home when it’s located in a stable neighborhood and built near other homes of similar quality.