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Buying Process

Nov 01 2019
building a new home

The best time to begin the home building process.

By Buying Process, Home Trade In, Moving Process
Perhaps, you are planning on having your new family home built soon, but you aren’t yet quite sure exactly when is the ideal time to move out/in. Or it may be you have already decided on a season or month when you want to relocate but aren’t sure how long it will take to custom build your new home OR sell your current residence.

Here is some timely, helpful advice to help you better plan and organize your upcoming transition!

When Is The Best Time To Relocate?

There are numerous factors that can affect your decision on the ideal time to relocate. But the most common time of year for moving is summertime and for good reason.

Summer gives you good weather, for the most part. It may be a bit hot and sunny, but at least you avoid the cold and the rain, which are the two worst weather elements when trying to move all your household goods – especially if moving long-distance.

Also, the kids are out of school during the summer and are between grades, which means they don’t have to transition mid-school year. And it also gives you the option of simply combining your move with your summer vacation!

When Should I Start Building My Dream Home?

You say, “I want my new home built and move-in ready by this summer.” If so, how early should you start having your dream home built?

In general, it can take 6 months to a year to custom-build a new home. The exact time will vary depending on the size and complexity of your new home, the weather, city zoning, and the remoteness of the location.

Talk to a custom home builder in the Amarillo Area to find out how long the building you envision would likely take to build from start to finish.

How Long Does It Usually Take To Sell A House?

Typically, it takes only a couple of months to sell a listed home, but it is not unusual for delays of 6 months or more to occur.

That’s why it often makes sense to opt for a home trade-in plan to streamline the transition process. A home trade-in program lets you synchronize your move-out and move-in date, avoid paying a realtor, and avoid possibly having to carry two mortgages for a time.

Experience Homes can speed up the moving process by beginning construction on your new home with as little as $500 down (or by using home equity for the down payment) and by assisting you in finding needed financing. They also offer a convenient home trade-in program. To learn more, contact Experience Homes today!

Oct 09 2019
Home for sale in amarillo

Building A New Home: How to Choose the Right Builder for the Job.

By Buying Process, New Construction

Home builders amarillo

Owning your own home is only half of the American Dream. The other half is living in a home that fits your exact preferences because you had it custom-built with that in mind.

But your dream home doesn’t just have to remain a mere dream – building a new home can be affordable and practical. It can become a reality. Choosing the right builder for the job is a big part of making that happen, so here are 4 key tips to help you locate your perfect contractor.

1. Always Put Quality Workmanship First

Quality comes first, plain and simple. Even if you are on a limited home-building budget, far better to build a smaller home that is built right than a larger one that is built sloppily and with low-grade materials.

You don’t want to have to handle repairs, additions, and adjustments to the building later on due to poor workmanship. And the higher the quality, the greater the longevity of the building – which means your long term investment is preeminently safe and sound.

2. Research The Builder & His Past Customers

Choosing the right builder for the job starts with investigating the basics: verifying the builder’s licensing, insurance, and warranties and reading references from past customers of the builder in question.

See if you can look through a portfolio of the builder’s past work, and don’t be afraid to ask pertinent questions. Also, see if the builder is a member of a local building contractor’s association and if he has a file at the BBB or at similar organizations.

3. Make Sure Customization Is “Taken Seriously”

You want to custom-build your dream home, so you want more than two or three cookie-cutter options. That’s not true customization.

Look for a builder who will work with you on custom-building your new home down to the details. Size, floor plan, room connections, fixtures, flooring/carpeting, lighting, appliances, and more can all be customized.

4. Consider Affordability & Timing

You have to find something in your price range, so look for variety here. Also, consider a home trade-in program to synchronize the move-out/move-in timing: home trade-ins mean no realtor fees, no house showings, no overlap period with two mortgages, and no stressful uncertainty about when you have to move out of your old home.

Experience Homes is one of the premier custom home builders in Amarillo and the whole North Texas Panhandle. They have a long track record for quality and an excellent home trade-in program. Contact Experience Homes today to learn more!

Sep 16 2019
home in progress

Costs Associated With Building and Financing a New Home

By Buying Process, New Construction

All excitement aside, building a new home can be a rather daunting experience. Typically, combining all the fittings and features you want into your ideal house, while doing it on a budget can be far from simple.

If you are building your perfect home or an investment property, what determines the decision-making process and the ultimate outcome is the COST. Nonetheless, while the costs may vary from house to house, your distinct approach to the process of building it can make a considerable difference.

That said, what are the actual costs associated with building and financing your home? Let’s break it down…

How much does it cost to build a house?

While there is no correct standard figure on how much it costs to complete a house building project, the minimum average cost of building a home usually ranges from $125 to $150 per square foot. Nevertheless, the total cost of every home building endeavor is dependent on various distinct factors, some of which include:

  • Land: While calculating the overall home building costs, the worksite plays a significant role in the final figure. Usually, with property, you may incur lot preparation expenses depending on the nature of the land. Is it sloping or flat? How will you tailor it to suit your home’s design and plan? All these factors add to the lot preparation fees and hence, the overall cost to build a house.
  • Government Regulation: Typically, before you start your construction process, you must satisfy all the appropriate house regulations. Usually, this can include permits, fees, and inspections all which cost a substantial amount of money to fulfill.
  • House Specifications: Finally, the specifics of your house also contribute to the total house building costs. Your unique house specifications add to an array of expenses which you must prepare for including utility fees, material costs, and labor costs, among others making it impossible to estimate a one-size-fits-all house building figure.

A Cost-Effective Approach to House Building

Undoubtedly, house building can be a rather costly affair. Nonetheless, if you are planning to build your ideal home, but you are working on a budget, various home building companies can offer you a reprieve. Besides their expertise, they also provide exclusive programs such as the remarkable Home Trade-in program by Experience Homes.

Experience Homes alleviates your stress with their exclusive Home Trade-in Program.

Basically, with this program, Experience Homes trades your existing home for a new home! We buy your current home on the same day you buy a new construction home from Experience Homes. Your existing house equity can also serve as your initial down payment.

Advantages of Home Trade-In Program

  • No realtor fees
  • No house showings
  • Never two mortgages
  • No stress to be out by a specific time

Final Word

Although it can be quite an expensive endeavor, home building can nonetheless be significantly rewarding. With the right mindset backed up by the proper procedures and the right professionals to guide and assist you through it, you might find these home building-associated costs to be abundantly worthwhile.

Aug 01 2019
new home build

How to Find the Perfect Lot to Build a New Custom Home

By Buying Process, New Construction

You have decided to build a new custom home. Congratulations! You have the needed mortgage pre-approval letter, created a budget, hired a builder, and now have the floor plan. The only thing remaining is to pick the perfect place to build and that’s the easy part! You can use a lot provided by your builder or purchase one of your own.

Here are a few tips that will help you find the best lot for a custom home:

 

Survey the Neighborhood

Just because you saw a sign/post for Land For Sale, it doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Do your due diligence and drive around the area at different times of the day. You can tour the neighborhood during the night and see how it looks. Most importantly, visit during the rainy season. Does the area flood?

Furthermore, watch how neighbors interact and investigate about the security in the area and whether or not there are HOA’s. Other factors to consider – How far the place is from work? If you have a car, how long will it take for you to commute? Are you looking for a family-based neighborhood? Are there amenities around such as hospitals, schools, gym, shopping malls, or grocery stores? Finally, evaluate growth potential in the area.


The artificial and natural physical features of the lot will determine the floor plan of your custom home. Some topographies require lots of work that make you spend more than your planned budget.

 

Consider Your Budget

When you’re looking for Land For Sale, one of the most crucial aspects is to consider your budget! The general rule dictates that the lot price should range between 10% to 20% of the total cost of your preferred custom home. Ensure the lot you want is within your budgetary parameters. The best thing to do is to compare different lots within the neighborhood. Also, work with a reliable and reputable local custom home builder to help you identify the lot that suits your budget.


Get Professional Help

At Experience Homes, we have a fantastic trade-in program where you can trade in your existing home for a quality home that suits your families needs and desires.

Call us today to find the perfect lot to build your custom home!

Jul 14 2019
new neighborhood

How to Research a New Neighborhood

By Buying Process No Comments

When entering into the home buying market it pays to do your homework. Purchasing a newly built home provides homeowners with a lot of exciting options that aren’t available to those buying an existing home. The ability to choose the floor plan, kitchen cabinets, flooring, fixtures, even the paint colors gives buyers the opportunity to feel like they are truly a part of creating their dream home.

But where do you want to build this dream home? For some people it’s not choosing the fixtures that’s stressful, it’s choosing the right neighborhood. Here are ­­­­­­5 simple tips that will help ensure that the home of your dreams isn’t in a nightmare neighborhood.

RESEARCH THE COMMUNITY

Before you buy, find out as much as you can about the subdivision. Do an Internet search on the schools in the area. Make the drive from the neighborhood you’re looking at to work or school. How’s the commute time? If you work from home, research cable and Internet providers in the area. A picturesque rural setting may not work for you if the Internet service is spotty.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO TALK TO NEIGHBORS

So you you’ve scoured the Internet for information about your ideal neighborhood. Great! Now don’t be afraid to go out and visit with neighbors. Strike up a conversation with people out walking their dogs or doing yard work. Talk to them about why they like living there. Most people are more than willing to talk about the things that make their neighborhood special.

MAKE MULTIPLE VISITS

Visit during different times of the day to get a feel for traffic and noise levels in the area. Are the streets well lit at night? Are neighbors out socializing or do they keep to themselves? These are all clues that can help you decide if the neighborhood is a good fit for your lifestyle.

ASK YOURSELF AN IMPORTANT QUESTION

Why do you want to move? Is there something you’ve always wanted that you are missing in your current neighborhood? Sit down and make a list of the things you would like to be close to. Would you rather live in a neighborhood that has a coffee shop down the street or more wide-open spaces? It’s important to be honest with yourself about what you expect from where you want to live.

USE YOUR IMAGINATION

Finally, take a few minutes to sit down and picture yourself living in the neighborhood. What does it look like? If you can see your kids playing outside and family barbecues in the backyard- you’re on the right track.

It can be tough making a major home buying decision, especially if it means switching your kids to a new school or making a drastic change to your daily routine. In the end remember why you wanted to make the switch in the first place, there is something missing that you want to change.

When you are ready to transition into a new home consider all of your options. Our home trade-in program is the perfect way to upgrade into the home of your dreams, in some of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in Amarillo.

Jun 18 2019
new homes amarillo

How to Buy New Construction

By Buying Process, New Construction No Comments

Buying a “new construction” home is a little bit different from buying a previously owned home. There is nothing like the feeling of owning something that matches the ideal home you’ve always had pictured in your head. A “used” home can feel like someone else’s dream, not your own. With no previous homeowner, you don’t have to deal with a seller’s emotional attachment to the home, which can influence the negotiating process. Whether you are designing and building a customer home or buying a home that’s built on spec, you only have to work with the builder.

If you are looking in the market for new homes in Amarillo, and are considering a new construction home, here are five easy steps that will help guide you through the process.

CONSIDER YOUR SITUATION

The thought of new construction may mean beautiful new paint colors and shinny granite countertops are dancing through your head. First things first, evaluate your situation. Sit down and decide how much money you want to invest in your new home. It is crucial to know what you can afford based on your income, debt, and credit score.

Don’t forget the overlooked extras like property taxes, insurance, furniture, and landscaping costs. Once you have this number in mind you can decide which new construction options and extras fit your budget and lifestyle. If you are considering selling your current home to get into a new construction home, look into the home trade-in process.

WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS

When considering whether new construction is right for you make a list and weigh the pros and cons. New construction tends to be a little further from the city center. Will you mind the commute? Is there a homeowners association and what are the rules? What school district will your children be in? These are all important questions you need to examine in order to make sure you are making the best choice to fit the way you live.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

If you are looking to settle down and build something that you’ll love for years to come do your research. Visit the development and talk to other homeowners in the area. Ask people about the experience they had building their home, what did they enjoy about the process? Read online reviews, testimonials, and news. Visit the builder’s website, read what people are saying on social media, and check out the Better Business Bureau. Every avenue gives you a glimpse into how the builder interacts with customers.

LEARN WHAT’S STANDARD AND WHAT’S EXTRA

Any reputable builder will be happy to answer all your questions. If you have questions about amenities and upgrades, ask! Amenities are features that benefit the entire community. Upgrades refer to added features or items you pay a little extra for to enhance your home. Communicate your ideas with the builder. If you have your heart set on a particular appliance or type of flooring, start that dialogue early and communicate your expectations.

LOOK AT THE HOME WARRANTY

Some builder’s offer a warranty that covers any defects in craftsmanship. Home warranties can vary in length and what they cover. Be sure that any warranty you receive explicitly states what is covered and what isn’t. If there is something that is unclear be sure to ask questions.

 

New HOmes in amarillo

There are many perks to choosing new homes in Amarillo over a previously owned home. Experience Homes is dedicated to making the process a positive one. We work with you to take the dream in your mind and turn it into reality. If you have questions about our floor plans, plats, or how you can get into a new construction home please give us a call and let us work with you.

May 18 2019
New Home in Amarillo, Texas

NEW HOME? 5 TIPS TO MAKE MOVING EASIER

By Buying Process, Moving Process, Selling Process No Comments
It doesn’t matter what kind of deal you get on a new home in Amarillo, Texas, moving is hard. The best you can do is diminish associated hassles. Following are several tips to help stimulate your mind and save you unnecessary difficulty during your move.

 

1. Get New Homes Re-Keyed Immediately

Find out how many doors are accessible via key, and which keys access them. Rekey those doors as soon as possible after you’ve signed the dotted line. If you can do it the day of the sale, this may be worthwhile. You’ll need to secure the new premises; doing so sooner rather than later makes the moving process easier.

 

2. Use The Move To Organize Yourself

Perhaps have a yard sale as you move, throw out what you don’t need, and get everything else properly organized as you pack it up. 
new home in amarillo

When in your new home, hang on to your new organizational practices.

3. Use House Trade-In Programs Like Those From Experience Homes

A house trade-in program helps you avoid realtor fees, you don’t have to show your old home, you don’t have to pay simultaneous mortgages, and you can leave when you want. This can give you flexibility in time frames, making the sale of previous property and the move to a new home much less complicated.

 

4. Be Strategic With Garages, Attics, And Finished Or Unfinished Basements

Attics, unfinished basements, and garages are often unused or improperly used. Now that you’ve reorganized everything, determine if you’ll use these spaces for storage or utility. A garage could be a “workshed,” as it were. Or it might just be a place for cars.
Know what you want to do beforehand, pack up strategically for what you’ve planned. This is a lot easier than just throwing things where you can and losing utility of a room for a few weeks or months after the fact.

 

5. If You Need To Paint Anything, Do It Prior The Move

Be sure you know whether the new home needs painting work. Oftentimes new homeowners don’t realize this until after they’ve already come into a new property. Do so prior to your move and save yourself some hassle.
new home in amarillo

It’s a lot easier to paint empty rooms than full ones.

A Moving Experience That’s More Convenience

Moving is work, but you can defer much of it by doing repairs/augmentations like painting prior the move, having a plan for your possessions beforehand, going with Home Trade-In options like those from Experience Homes, home builders in Amarillo, Texas, organizing yourself and goods during the move, and ensuring all doors are immediately rekeyed. Some of these tips may or may not be right for you; figure out what works, and save yourself some trouble!
Feb 04 2019
should i use a realtor

PROS AND CONS: FOR SALE BY OWNER OR THE REALTOR ROUTE?

By Buying Process, Selling Process No Comments

Pros and Cons: For Sale By Owner or the Realtor Route?

When it’s time to sell your home, many people decide to have a real estate agent help them with that process. There are some hardy souls, however, who decide to sell their homes themselves. Which is a better decision? If you’re thinking about selling your home, here is what you should know about the difference between hiring a realtor and going the for-sale-by-owner route.

 

Saving Money

A listing agent’s commission is generally around 6% of the sale price. There are homeowners who choose to go their own way to avoid having to pay that fee. The truth, however, is that because the agent knows the area and how to price a home to get it to sell, you may not get as much for your home if you choose to sell it yourself. Even saving yourself that 6% commission, you could still potentially be leaving money on the table.

 

Having More Control Over Timing

Some home buyers prefer to be the ones to set up showings and open houses to fit better around their schedules. Real estate agents, however, do work with homeowners to determine the best times to set up showings and open houses. In addition, potential buyers are often more comfortable viewing a home if the current owner is not present.

 

Preparing Paperwork

There are several complicated steps in preparing the paperwork necessary to sell a home – there can be more than 20 pages of paperwork. If you want to avoid legal problems, it’s usually a good idea to have a professional involved in this stage of the process.

 

Another Alternative

Experience Homes in Amarillo offers a Home Trade-In Program, where we will purchase your home and move the equity directly into a brand-new home. You won’t have to worry about finding an agent, staging or listing your home. You can also stay in your old home until the new one is built, saving you from having to figure out where you’ll stay in between selling one home and buying another.

 

When it’s time to sell your home, consider what will work best for you. An agent can ensure you get the most money for your home and that the paperwork is done properly. But our Home Trade-In Program can save you many of the hassles of the traditional buying and selling process.
Dec 18 2018
new house in amarillo

SKIP THE REMODEL: REASONS TO BUILD A NEW HOME

By Buying Process, New Construction

When you’ve owned a home for a while, it’s often time to update outdated aspects of the house. Sometimes, however, remodeling can lead to a renovation (whole-house makeover). It’s at this time you need to ask yourself, “Should I just build new instead?”It can be a daunting decision; here are a few things to think about.

  • Remodeling can be a bigger job than you originally thought. Even if you’ve gotten several estimates, there are often hidden problems (code violations, outdated electrical wiring, broken submerged pipes, etc.) that expand the scope of the remodel job – adding extra cost.
  • When you’re home building from the ground up, you know what you’re getting. Home buyers get inspections, but inspectors can’t find everything. New home building ensures building and safety codes are being met and will be up-to-date.
  • Remodel isn’t for everyone. Remodeling jobs often don’t go as quickly as you hope. You may be looking at a home that’s in a state of chaos for a while. By contrast, new home building doesn’t have to take a long time. You can have a brand new home, often in around 6 months, – and construction won’t be disrupting your daily life.
  • You can build a custom home to fit your needs. There’s no compensating for previous owners mistakes, or old, impractical and outdated building methods. When you build, your home is being built for you and your family’s immediate needs. Most builders have floor plans you can start with, or they will be able to work with plans you provide.
  • Remodeling isn’t always practical. This can be true for a lot of reasons, from the condition of the home, to an inability to relocate during a major renovation, to pricing your home out of the neighborhood. Deciding to build new is just a better choice in some situations.

The decision to build a new home doesn’t have to be a difficult one. Experience Homes can help make your new home a reality with our Home Trade-in Program. When you decide to build a new home with us, we can buy your existing home, putting your equity aside as a downpayment on your new build. This means no realtor fees, no house showings and the easiest move of your life. Contact us today.

Oct 18 2018
Curb Appeal Ideas for Winter

4 Ways To Create Curb Appeal In the Cooler Months

By Buying Process, Selling Process No Comments

Seasonal changes can affect the outward appearance of your home. Fallen leaves, wilting plants, and dry grass can impact the sale of your home. But there are ways to create curb appeal even in the cooler months.

Clear out the debris.

Your front yard is one of the first things prospective homebuyers see, so it’s important to keep it clean. Because cooler weather often means increased winds in Amarillo, it’s common to see leaves tossed over the driveway, debris stuck in your flower beds or even snow and ice on your walkways. Keep the debris (and potential accidents) to a minimum with daily inspections.

Opt for cold-weather plants.

Plants are the easiest ways to add curb appeal, but keeping plants looking perky can get a bit tricky in cooler weather. Select plants that can withstand the cold, such as winter hazel, camellias, Blue holly and pansies.

Add fresh paint.

Paint colors can influence a prospective buyer’s first impression of your home. Make sure you keep your home up to date with a fresh coat of paint for a brand new look. You can also opt for a power wash of your property to remove any dirt or residue that may be making your surfaces look worn.

Shed some light.

Homes are often shown to potential buyers in the evenings after working hours. In the fall and winter months when the sun sets earlier, adding light to the outside of your home can help better showcase its features.

Get Expert Help

Achieving curb appeal in the cooler months doesn’t have to be a solo job. At Experience Homes, we’ll sell your home for you when you choose to build with us. When you use our Home Trade-In Program, the profit from the sale of your current home go towards the purchase of your new, custom home. Let us handle the stress of selling your home so you can fully enjoy building the home of your dreams.

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