Archive for the ‘Whats New’ Category

How to avoid buying bad real estate

Friday, June 19th, 2009

American Home Guides is full of useful home buying advise and tips. You can learn the tricks o the trade when it comes to buying a new home. Don’t miss out on the valuable advice waiting for you.

Ask any experienced residential real estate attorney about his or her most difficult case. The answer will probably involve a “bad house.” While not exactly a legal term, a bad house is one where the buyer alleges the seller knew about a serious structural defect, but failed to disclose it to the buyer before purchase.

Proving the seller knew of the undisclosed defect, which the buyer usually discovers shortly after the purchase, can be very difficult. Since it’s human nature to look for someone to blame, a home buyer usually looks first to their seller, then to the realty agent, and finally to the professional inspector if one was involved.

But buying a truly bad house can usually be avoided by following the correct steps. Even brand-new houses have their defects. A local building inspector’s approval is no guarantee. However, whether a new or resale house is involved, home buyers can minimize their chances of making a serious mistake.

HOME SELLER DISCLOSURES ARE NOT GUARANTEED ACCURATE. Many states now require home sellers to provide written disclosures of known defects. If the seller lied and failed to disclose a defect, which the buyer can prove the seller knew about, the seller is liable to the buyer for damages.

Incidentally, the easiest way to prove what the seller knew is usually to ask the neighbors. They often know as much about a neighboring house as the seller knew.

For example, shortly after I bought my current home, one of my neighbors came over to get acquainted. After a few pleasantries, he said, “I suppose the sellers told you about………………..

To read complete article, please visit AmericanHomeGuide.com

The Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

Friday, June 5th, 2009

The ripples of a pebble on the water’s surface are evidence of its actions. The ruptured area radiates with proof of the rock’s exploits. Credit works in a similar manner. It radiates as proof of your financial actions entered into for all to see. It leaves a tide of effects on the surface of your financial future that can either help or hinder the home buying process. If your ripples mark the struggle to maintain a positive credit score, there are 10 ways to smooth out your credit in a relatively short amount of time.

1. Know your score

Check your credit reports from all three credit reporting agencies and make sure there are no inaccuracies or out-dated information listed. Ensure that all closed accounts are listed as such and the credit limit on your cards is reported correctly. Higher spending limits mean a higher rating for you.

2. Pay your bills on time

As obvious as this seems, late payments are the most common piece of negative information on a credit report. Make sure to pay at least the minimum payment each month to your mortgage, car loan or credit card account. Many card companies even offer automatic email reminders.

3. Keep credit card balances down

Though a high spending limit looks good on your credit profile, actually using more than 35% of it does not. Regardless of how high you can go and how devoutly you pay, try to keep those balances low.

4. Don’t close unused accounts

Credit history counts considerably towards your score and healthy, long-standing accounts are important. If you have credit cards you don’t use, put them out of reach and reap the benefits of a long-term relationship.

However, it is a good idea to use those cards every six months for a small purchase ($5 is plenty), because the credit card granter will often close your account if you have lengthy periods of inactivity. Mark a “Use all my credit cards to buy a candy bar” day on your calendar, and then be sure to pay the balance off right away. This will keep your accounts current and raise your credit score.

5. Only apply for needed credit

Resist the temptation of the 20% discount offer if you open a department store credit card. Unless it’s a big-ticket item that you’ll be paying over time, using existing cards for your purchases is a better idea. Remember that every time you apply for credit of any kind, an inquiry goes to one of the credit-reporting agencies and can stay on your report for as long as two years. Multiple inquiries in a short period can seriously reduce your score.

To read complete article, please visit AmericanHomeGuide.com

New Home Plans and Model Homes Nationwide

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

American Home Guides offers more quality luxury and new construction homes than before. Browse  new home plans and model homes. We have designed an easy to use home search tool that makes locating the perfect home design for you and your family as easy as possible. With thousands of home plans from residential real estate developers and new home builders across the county to choose from, your problem may be picking just one of the finely built quality homes.  Start your model home search by using the simple form that narrows your search by location, home style, price range, and bedrooms/bathrooms.

Regardless of the type of home plan you are looking for,  you will find it here. Along with the thousands of single-family home plans and new home models available, we also list floor plans and renderings for many other types of homes. Condominiums, townhouses and villas are just a few of the alternate home style choices you can select from. We also have luxury homes and custom home plans from specialty builder’s in most major cities nationwide. If you’re in the market for new residential real estate than you will be glad you found our model home section. Fast, Free and Secure. Start your search now!

Fast and Free Mortgage Quotes

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

Every real estate agent sings to the tune of pre-approval before you begin your home search. This crucial step gives buyers and real estate agents an accurate reflection of what type of budget you are working with, which in turn narrows the selection process to an attainable range.

American Home guides can help home buyers in this process by offering a free, comprehensive mortgage quote. Information is collected in two easy steps that help pre-qualify buyers. Questions of location, credit, and income can be discretely and safely entered into the mortgage quote application.

After all the necessary information is entered, the program process your request based on your current financial situation and home desires and then finds the best lender to suite your needs. This lender will then contact you about all the options available for a home mortgage.

Quick, Easy and Simple. Anyone can find out if they can get approved for their new home simply by filling out basic information online in the privacy of their current home.

Featured Atlanta Georgia New Home Builder David Weekley

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Atlanta, Georgia is a much sought after city with a profound part in American History, a substantial job market, and a diverse population. Atlanta, Georgia has one of the nations top builders creating neighborhoods, communities and homes everyone wants to live in.

David Weekley Homes is American home Guides featured builder in Atlanta Georgia. This builder is currently constructing homes in 9 different neighborhoods and communities in and around Atlanta.

Known for building their homes with their customers point of view in mind, David Weekley Homes is dedicated to customer satisfaction by offering multi-level warranties that continue far after closing on the property.

David Weekley Homes also offers hundreds of home floor plans.  Custom Choices provide you with thousands of options and upgrades to make your home uniquely your own. Their Personal Builder Program helps home buyers stay better informed because the program allows you to work directly with the person who’s actually building your home. This line of open communication helps ensure the customer gets exactly what they want during their home building process.

New Town Homes and Town House Communities

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

The world moves at a fast pace. In the great corporate, family, and social race we all run, it becomes increasingly harder to add more responsibility to our daily lives. Its no wonder many seek to live in less complication. For those who seek more security and less maintenance, a new town home or townhouse community is an attractive option for setting up residency.

American Home Guide has one of the largest listings of exquisitely built townhomes throughout the United States. We offer the best of single dwelling living with ammenities of a condominium.

Living in a town home offers the residence freedom from worrying about extensive yard work and out door maintenance. Another benefit is the added security of having neighbors close and  many communities are gated and provide security.

Communities also offer many luxuries like swimming pools, club houses, golf courses and many more exciting extracurricular activities to help you enjoy your new home and community.

Search AmericanHomeGuide.com to find the best townhomes in America. Locate properties based on location and prices. Narrow your search by desired zip codes to get the right house in the right neighborhood!

New Beach and Waterfront Communities and Homes

Friday, May 1st, 2009

As summer approaches and the dark days of winter disappear into the sun, many begin to wander how much more winter they can endure. The call of the ocean is so load it can deafen the restless beach spirit. Instead of dreading another winter, why not live out your destiny in the warm sun.

AmericanHomeGuide.com features some of the best beach homes and water front properties in America. Was away the bitter cold taste of winter this summer by moving to the Florida or California.  We have an extensive selection of new homes in some of the best weather nature can provide.

Imagine ending your work day by traveling to the beach, visiting vineyards of the weekend, or fishing and surfing all year long. Search criteria like waterfornt homes or golfing communities that most people feel are only tangible in retirement. Don’t wait for time to take you to the place you want to go.

AmericanHomeGuide.com can take you to the right state, city, county or school district that will be not only a private oasis but an excellent place to raise a family.

Maybe the humidity of Florida is not your desire. We have waterfront properties in Texas that are sure to please. As Texas has been one market less effected by the current economic crisis, this is the perfect place to get that vacation lifestyle while still making a return on your home investment.

How about somewhere more exotic. Puerto Rico offers the unique culture and weather only found close to the equator. New waterfront homes are enticing more and more Americans looking for an exciting change.

Free Mortgage Payment and Interest Calculators

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

American Home Guides is dedicated to providing potential home buyers with the information they will need to get their new home. One of the best ways of getting what you want is knowing what you are working with. Creating a budget and having an accurate understanding of your current financial situation will enable you to do just that with Free Mortgage Payment and Interest Calculators.

Home Loan Payment Calculator

This free amortization calculator will help you calculate monthly home mortgage loan payments. Having the projected amount you will pay for a mortgage can help potential home buyers understand what they are capable of in regards to down payments and how expensive of a home to buy.

Income Calculator

Using this free gross and net earnings income calculator can easily break down earnings per weak or year and estimate gross and net totals for pay periods. Excellent resource for understanding where your finances are and going with future earnings.

Compound Interest Calculator

Using the free compound interest calculator, home buyers can calculate what the cost of mortgage interest payments will be over the life of their loan. Great for seeing the difference between a 15 year and 30 year mortgage.

At AmericanHomeGuide.com, we are constantly providing potential home buyers with useful tips, articles and guides about repairing and preparing your credit before applying for a home mortgage loan. Smart money management can mean improving your credit rating or FICO score, which inversely can have a big impact on your cost over the life of a loan.

Quick Delivery Homes

Friday, April 24th, 2009

Having the luxury and assurance of a new home typically comes at the price of having to wait six months for the new home to be built from the ground up. For those looking for a new home without a wait, a Quick Delivery Home is the perfect fit.

A pre-built new home speeds up the new home buying process because the buyer does not have to wait during the construction process. Another added benefit is that customizations and upgrades are another possible option for making your new home a better fit

American Home Guides has the most comprehensive inventory of move-in-ready homes in the United States. Browse our database of hundreds of builders and their inventory of new, beautifully crafted homes and town houses. Numerous options for the most  selective buyers at every price range. Narrow the search by state, city or zip code to land your search in the area you have always wanted to live. With so many choices, finding a new home will be a breeze.

Featured Charlotte, North Carolina Home Builder D.r. Horton

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

America’s favorite builder, D.r. Horton has been building quality homes for 30 years. In an industry that often has high business failure, D.r. Horton has been successful at meeting their clients needs and wants, within a reasonable budget.

Donald R. Horton began his own construction business in 1978 and began expanding its operations by seeking out the Nation’’s most active home building markets. Since 1987, the company has geographically diversified into 71 markets and 23 states across the United States. Additionally, D.R. Horton provides mortgage and title insurance services in many of its markets. D.R. Horton was founded as a family business, and it is this spirit that prevails among all the dedicated professionals as they come together to ensure the success and stability of your investment. The cooperation of sales, construction, warranty, development and office staff is proof that the family spirit is alive and growing at D.R. Horton.

Most fitting with this family feel, D.r. Horton has been developing spacious, sound and aesthetically pleasing homes on the lush green landscape of Charlotte, North Carolina. Each home built encompasses the natural areas southern charm and hospitality. While residing in one of these picturesque homes, it is easy to see why everyone who visits wants to stay.

Charlotte is located in the Mecklenburg County, in the south central part of North Carolina, near the South Carolina border. Charlotte offers many advantages to its residents, like the subtropical weather, numerous parks and recreation centers, and diverse, young professional population. Charlotte constantly makes the top 20 lists of places to live because it offers affordable cost of living, a wealth of employment opportunities, and varied living options for its inhabitants.

To get a great look at the beauty both the homes and landscapes have to offer, check out D.r. Horton at AmericanHomeGuide.com

Pulte buys Centex to form Biggest Builder in America

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Pulte Homes buys out Centex Corp for $3.1 billion in stock and debt. The purchase pushes Pulte to the top of the American home builder food chain, making it the largest builder in the US market.

The combination of these two builders marks the mix of two different markets. Pulte brand is steeped in the active adult community, while Centex is in the first time home buyers and move up market.

The newly formed company is keeping the Pulte name and is headed for an organization revamp that will most likely include layoffs. Market watchers are surprised by the merge because the buy includes a $1.8 billion debt.

However; Pulte CEO, Richard Dugas says their $3.4 billion combined cash reserve will place Pulte in a much more stable market position that will ultimately push the company out of the financial downturn. Using a portion of the companies cash reserves, Pulte will pay down the debt. Another advantage will be a heightened ability to do more of their own financing, since the devastated financial market has tightened up bank lending.

Many companies are adjusting to the changing market conditions, and many more mergers will be on the horizon for those looking to keep competitive advantage.

Incentive Offers and Discounts in Todays Real Estate Market

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

As the economy has gotten tougher the number of real estate incentive, buyer rebates and discount offers has exploded. Making sense of the offers and getting the most out of them is not always easy.  We recently published a new article, Buyers Benefit From New Home Incentives, Rebates and Discount Offers, that details what kinds of offers are available and offers some tips for negotiating the best deal for yourself.

New Home Mortgage Center Released

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

American Home Guides released its new Home Mortgage section on March  20th. The section features articles about obtaining and improving your credit score before you buy a home. Useful calculators for figuring out how much home you can afford and how much interest you will pay over the life of the loan. And how to obtain a free credit report through our partners at Experian.  Visit our new home mortgage section now.

home mortgage center

home mortgage center