New Homes in Houston TX by Long Lake

Managing Credit Card Debt First Step in Buying a New Home

Credit card debt is the third largest source of household debt, behind only mortgages and student loans. According to Equifax, the average credit card balance is about $1,224 per card. “Credit cards are a significant source of debt for millions of Americans, and that’s why it’s so important to develop the knowledge and skills to manage them effectively,” says Steve …

New Homes in Houston TX by Long Lake

Range versus Stove: What’s the Best Choice?

It’s a competition that transcends the ages – not David and Goliath – we’re talking range versus stove. A lot of new homebuyers ponder this most basic but critical home appliance when they’re building a new home. So, we turned to Janet Hall at www.remodelista.com for some guidance. She defines the difference between range or a cooktop-wall oven combination: Hall …

New Homes in Houston TX by Long Lake

Right Tree in the Right Place

When selecting a tree to plant at home, it’s important to keep in mind the future growth of the tree, say the experts at SDG&E, a Sempra Energy utility. Note that as trees grow to mature heights, they can interfere with overhead power lines and, in some cases, underground utility lines. Before planting a new tree, follow these safety guidelines. …

New Homes in Houston TX by Long Lake

Owning a Home: Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

We are always thrilled to hear when folks make the jump to home ownership. And it’s important for prospective homeowners to know about all the resources available to them to help the experience go as smoothly as possible, especially when it comes to financing. Earlier this year, the U.S. Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov) released a report with some revealing …

New Homes in Houston TX by Long Lake

Fannie Mae Assists First-Time Homebuyers with Education Course

In an attempt to bolster the buying experience for first-time buyers, Fannie Mae recently announced the HomePath®Ready Buyer™program, qualifying first-time homebuyers to receive up to three percent of the purchase price in closing cost assistance toward the purchase of a HomePath property, upon completion of an online homebuyer education course. On a $150,000 home, this could result in up to …