Archive for February, 2012

The Taylor Family is thrilled with their new custom home, Dreambuilder Ten

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

The Taylor Family

“Best home buying experience imaginable!” was the first thing Barry and Pam Taylor had to say after they purchased Dreambuilder Ten.  The Taylors and their three children have settled in and are now enjoying their new custom home in The Sanctuary, located in south Jacksonville Beach.

Together with Dreambuilder Eleven, Dreambuilder Custom Homes listed Dreambuilder Ten when it went into the drywall phase of construction.  Just five weeks later, the Taylors contracted to purchase the home.  This allowed the Taylors to customize the home with additional tile on the first floor, a screened in porch and the conversion of the upstairs loft into a fifth bedroom.  “Working with Shawn [Starr, Dreambuilder president] was nothing like my past experiences with new construction homes,” said Barry Taylor.  “Shawn made it a stress free and fun experience that we actually enjoyed.” (more…)

Six questions to ask when shopping for homeowners insurance

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

NEW YORK – Feb. 21, 2012 – Homeowners should work with experts to determine the type of homeowners insurance they need and the amount of coverage.

“Besides knowing the basics of what a standard homeowners insurance policy covers, consumers should ask a series of questions – and receive satisfactory answers to each of them – before buying a new policy or renewing an existing one,” says Michael Barry, vice president, media relations, Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.

According to I.I.I., there are six basic questions everyone should ask before buying or renewing a homeowners insurance policy: (more…)

30-year mortgage rates are still at record 3.87%

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Interest rates on the 30-year fixed mortage remain at records lows, currently at 3.87%.  This is the lowest level the rate has ever been since record-keeping began in the 1950s.

Every $100,000 financed would have a payment of $470.  This makes the payment on a $500,000 mortgage only $2,350. 

By comparison, a few years ago when rates were around 6% (which at the time was a good rate, compared to previous rates), the same mortgage would carry a payment of $3,000.  Today’s rate saves $650 per month, which a savings of over 20% on the payment.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage is even lower at 3.16%, slightly up from 3.14% earlier in Feburary.

 

More testimonials from delighted Dreambuilder clients!

Monday, February 13th, 2012

Here are some great testimonials from our buyers on Dreambuilder Ten and Eleven, our houses in The Sanctuary.  Both closed in December and are enjoying life in their new custom homes!

“It was indeed a fortunate day for my husband and me when our Realtor called and said that she had learned of new construction in The Sanctuary.  My husband has some special needs and we thought if might be a good thing to become involved with the builder while construction was underway.  The first time we visited the site, Shawn Starr, the president of Dreambuilder, assured us that there was time to make any changes we might deem necessary.  Even without the desired adjustments, the house was already beyond our expectations.  It has all sorts of little extras — coffered and trayed ceilings, butler’s pantry, lots of crown moulding, beautiful granite countertops, stainless steel appliances — just to name a few.  The landscaping package was extensive with varied and mature plants.  Dreambuilder is certainly aptly named as it was a dream to work with, as well as having everything included one might dream of having in the finished product.  Nothing we asked of Shawn was too much trouble.  He worked hard to see that our every wish was fulfilled and to finish on time.  The whole experience has been a blessing.” – Jimmy and Sylvia Messinese, Dreambuilder Eleven

“Best home buying experience imaginable!  Shawn’s concept of home construction delivers the highest quality product in an interactive manner that allowed us to have our dream home.  Working with Shawn was nothing like my past experiences with new construction homes.  Shawn made it a stress free and fun experience that we actually enjoyed.  His imaginative, creative and stylish concepts blended together with our personal touches to deliver a dream home for our family.  I would recommend Shawn to anyone looking for a distinctive dream home without the normal stress associated with new home construction.” – Barry and Pam Taylor, Dreambuilder Ten

Dreambuilder adds Homestyler design tool to website

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Dreambuilder Custom Homes has added a free, fun, easy-to-use tool to its website called Homestyler.  The tool is from AutoDesk, the makers of AutoCad software which is used by most designers when blueprinting a project.

Homestyler allows you to design and draw out individual rooms or an entire home, note ideas, place furniture and select finishes.  It’s a great tool to jot down ideas.  You can even view your work in 3-D and share it with friends and family (or your favorite contractor!).

The Homestyler is available at www.yourdreambuilder.com under the ‘your dream’ link.  Click on ‘design your dream home,’ or go directly to the Homestyler tool right now.