Solo Homeownership on the Rise

Categories: Arizona, Florida, Resources & Tips, Texas Comments Off on Solo Homeownership on the Rise

As the first half of 2013 comes to an end, the number of singles purchasing homes is steadily on the rise, according to a study conducted by the National Association of Realtors. The study found that roughly a quarter of all home purchases being made today are by solo homeowners, which is a major shift from 2010 to 2012, when solo homeownership dropped by an unprecedented 7%. With solo homeownership becoming more and more common, now is a great time for you to jump on board and take the plunge into buying your own home!

The fact that solo homeownership is steadily rising can mostly be attributed to the improved state of the economy. People are able to find jobs more easily than in past years, allowing them to build their credit and financial histories in order to qualify for a mortgage. During the recession, most lenders tightened their standards for applicants, which made it nearly impossible for borrowers without dual incomes to qualify. While some lenders are still incredibly stingy about who they’ll lend to, it’s much easier in 2013 to qualify for a solo home loan than in was even just a year ago.

Single Woman Homebuyer

Home Prices are Still Low Enough for Buyers who are Single

While home prices are steadily recovering after the housing market crash, they’re still low enough for a single person to afford. For example, LGI Homes offers brand new houses in Texas, Arizona and Florida starting at just $629 – far less than average rent costs. For singles who are tired of throwing away upwards of $700 a month to rent a one bedroom apartment, buying a three, four or even five bedroom house for the same cost – or less – is highly appealing.

Interestingly enough, studies have shown that single women are purchasing homes nearly twice as often as single men. This can be seen as a highly important shift not only in the housing market, because just a few decades ago women were often barred from taking out a mortgage alone. The National Association of Realtors noted that most single female buyers were foregoing condos entirely and opting to buy single-family homes. Buying a home as a single can be seen as a huge investment in the future, because you’ll have built equity in your home and settled in before you’re ready to settle down and have children.

Singles who own their own homes enjoy the luxury of being able to do whatever they want. They can use extra rooms for offices or game rooms, paint the walls whatever color they desire and transform their entire home into a direct reflection of their personalities. Singles often pride themselves in their ability to own their own home without the assistance of anyone else.

If you’re interested in taking the plunge into home ownership by yourself, call us today to see how we can get you out of your rental and into the home of your dreams! We offer a wide variety of resources to help you get started on your path to homeownership, and we’ll be there to assist you every step of the way. From credit counseling to our no down payment option, buying a home by yourself could be easier than you think!

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Why LGI’s Homes Make Great Second Homes

Categories: Arizona, Florida, LGI Homes, Texas Comments Off on Why LGI’s Homes Make Great Second Homes

If you enjoy taking extended vacations, buying a second home could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. You’ll love having a retreat in a different location when you decide to travel, as well as a place to retire and enjoy your golden years when the day comes. Second homes are also a great investment since the housing market tends to rise over time. If you’re interested in purchasing a second home, there are a few reasons you should check out houses in LGI Homes’ communities.

Family Enjoying LGI Homes

Affordability – We’re known as the leading builder of affordable new homes in the nation, and since you’ll probably be paying on two mortgages when you buy a second home, you’re likely looking for the best deal possible. Our homes are priced lower than rent on most apartments, and a second home could be yours for as little as $629 a month! We also include thousands of dollars in upgrades in each of our homes at no extra cost to you, so truly, you’ll be hard pressed to find more for your money elsewhere.

Brand New Homes – When you’re juggling two mortgages, the last thing you want is to spend even more money on renovating or repairing your second home. All of our homes are brand new, so you’ll be the first person to ever live in your second home. We use only the highest quality materials in our construction, so you won’t have to worry about your new place being a fixer-upper upon move-in. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive warranty plan, so should you run into any problems during your warranty period, you won’t have to worry about taking on the repair costs.

Location – We carefully choose the location of each of our communities, and our residents’ happiness is always our top priority. Our communities provide convenient access to major cities, as well as numerous attractions, shopping, dining and recreation opportunities. Currently, we’re located in Texas, Arizona and Florida, three of the most popular states for snowbirds. If you’re looking for a warm place to spend the winter, our communities are the place for you!

Amenities – Our neighborhoods are rich in amenities for you to enjoy during the time you spend in your second home. We build our communities with a family-friendly atmosphere in mind, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy! While every community offers something different, some of our most common amenities include walking trails, open space areas, neighborhood parks, playgrounds, basketball courts and swimming pools.

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Last Chance: Village of Decker Oaks is Filling Up Fast!

Categories: Texas, The Village of Decker Oaks, Tomball Comments Off on Last Chance: Village of Decker Oaks is Filling Up Fast!

UPDATE: SOLD OUT! Click here to view similar neighborhoods.

Village of Decker Oaks in Tomball, Texas

Village of Decker Oaks in Tomball, Texas

If you’ve had your eye on a home in the Village of Decker Oaks, now is the time to act because the neighborhood is about to sell out! Our available inventory is quickly filling in, and it’s no wonder why! Village of Decker Oaks is one of the best and most affordable new home communities in the Tomball area, and we’re sure you’ll love the many features and amenities we’ve included in every home in the neighborhood.

Situated in Montgomery County, Texas, the Village of Decker Oaks is the perfect place to call home. Whether your a newlywed looking to start a family or you’ve already got a few little ones running around, the community offers floor plans to fit every family size and lifestyle. Choose from a selection of three, four and five bedroom floor plans, all complete with utility rooms and two-car garages.

We include over $10,000 in state-of-the-art, luxury upgrades in every home in the neighborhood – all at no extra cost to you! You’ll love experimenting with new recipes in your kitchen that features quality appliances, granite counter tops and custom cabinets. Your children and pets will have ample room to roam around because all of our homes feature oversized lots, and you’ll rest easy allowing them outside to play in your new fully-fenced backyard. We strive to make the exteriors of our homes as beautiful as the interiors, so your new home will come complete with gorgeous front-yard landscaping you’ll love showing off when friends and family stop by to visit.

The Village of Decker Oaks provides quick and easy access to the city of Houston, so commuters will enjoy a quick drive to work without having to live in the traffic and noise of the city. Other nearby attractions include the Texas Renaissance Festival, Klein Memorial Park, Augusta Pines Golf Club, the George Mitchell Nature Preserve and a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities for the entire family to enjoy.

Don’t let the chance to live in this stunning, Tomball area community pass you by. Check out our available home inventory online or call LGI Homes today to see how we can help make your dreams of home ownership a reality. From our confidential credit counseling program to our no money down home loan option for qualified buyers, we can make the process of purchasing your first home in the Village of Decker Oaks convenient and easy.

Wilson McLain Plumbing strikes exclusive partnership with LGI Homes

Categories: LGI Homes, Texas Comments Off on Wilson McLain Plumbing strikes exclusive partnership with LGI Homes

DALLAS, Feb. 11, 2013 — North Texas regional plumbing company, Wilson McLain, has secured an exclusive agreement to provide residential plumbing services for hundreds of homes with The Woodlands-Texas based premier homebuilder, LGI Homes.

Wilson McLain Plumbing

Wilson McLain Plumbing
Click to visit wilsonmclain.com

Demand for new homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth market is at a high, with a 50% higher rate of home starts in the 4th quarter of 2012 than the same period last year. According to the Dallas Morning News (http://www.dallasnews.com/business/residential-real-estate/20130107-dallas-fort-worth-area-home-starts-spike-in-response-to-strong-sales.ece), builders started 4,549 homes in DFW, the largest fourth quarter start total in the DFW area in the past 5 years. In keeping with the surge of local new home building, LGI will build 2,000 homes across its regional subdivisions and over 400 homes in DFW in 2013 with the partnership of Wilson McLain Plumbing.

Wilson McLain Plumbing will support LGI Homes throughout the residential plumbing process, roughing in and finishing out LGI Homes new communities in Sanger, Anna, Royce City and Crowley.

Since 2003, LGI Homes has been recognized as one of the fastest growing homebuilders in the Southwest with a dominant presence in the DFW, Houston, San Antonio and Phoenix markets. LGI Homes, coined the area’s “Affordable New Home Builder,” specializes in attractive new home communities for first-time home-buyers. LGI Homes’ signature is to create homes of top quality and value at an affordable price.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to be working with a high-caliber partner like LGI Homes,” says Tony Zarvou, CEO of Wilson McLain Plumbing. “LGI Homes’ attention to detail and attractive finished product is something we’re proud to be a part of.”

Zarvou is the new owner for Wilson McLain Plumbing. Under his leadership, the 14-year-old company has experienced more than 33% growth in the past 12 months, partly fueled by similar exclusive partnerships with notable home builders such as Historymaker Homes, Sienna Homes, Clarity Homes and Hamilton Homes, among others. No stranger to the home building and home improvement industry, Zarvou has an extensive leadership background, previously serving as Director of National Services for The Home Depot, and CEO of SP Carpet Pros.

The partnership between the two companies is a natural fit as Wilson McLain Plumbing excels in offering affordable, competitive pricing to homebuilders, high-quality plumbing expertise and outstanding customer service.

About Wilson McLain Plumbing

Wilson McLain Plumbing provides residential and commercial building and maintenance services to the North Texas area out of two locations, Denton and Irving. For additional information about Wilson McLain or to inquire about service, please contact them at (972) 573-5700, or visit http://www.wilsonmclain.com/.

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LGI Homes and Handicap Accessibility

Categories: Arizona, LGI Homes, Resources & Tips, Texas Comments Off on LGI Homes and Handicap Accessibility

Here at LGI Homes, we understand that all of our residents are unique and that everyone in our communities have their own distinct personalities and needs. That is why we strive to build homes that cater to everyone, so that all potential buyers who visit our offices can leave having fallen in love with a particular floor plan. This includes residents who either have disabilities themselves or family members with disabilities. While our company doesn’t specifically build houses to be handicap accessible, we do offer many different plans throughout our communities that offer the convenience you need.

These accessibility features include:

Wheelchair Accessible New Homes from LGI Homes

LGI Homes takes into consideration all potential occupants of their new homes, which is way all are made to wheelchair accessibility codes and guidelines.

Gradually Sloped Driveways – We have homes on various terrains, some of which feature driveways with a gentle slope. This is perfect for wheelchairs and walkers, as will be much easier to navigate than a steep driveway. Not only will this make it easier to get in and out of your home, it is much safer and poses fewer safety hazards.

Single-story Models – Many of our homes bring all of the conveniences and rooms together on one floor, eliminating the need for stairs. For residents who need wheelchairs, walkers or canes, this can make moving around the home easy and ensure you have full access to your home.

Stair-Less Front Entries – Most of our models have paved walk ways to the front door with no stairs. While some may have a step up into the house, a portable ramp can assist you without having to install a permanent ramp to have access to the front door.

Open Floor Plans – A great deal of our floor plans are very open, which makes moving around with a wheelchair or walker far easier than trying to get through tight hallways. Getting from the kitchen to the living room is a breeze, and your guests will love how welcoming and inviting an open floor plan feels when they visit.

To see how LGI Homes can help you obtain your dream home, visit one of our offices in the Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston or Pheonix areas.

Know Your Neighborhood: Presidential Glen

Categories: Austin, LGI Homes, Presidential Glen, Texas Comments Off on Know Your Neighborhood: Presidential Glen
Presidential Glen Community Attractions

Here at LGI Homes, we take pride in not only the quality and affordability of our homes, but also in the locations we select for building each of our communities. Each community location is chosen with you in mind, and we take every care to ensure our communities provide convenient access to some of the best restaurants, parks and attractions Texas has to offer. As part of a new series, we are showcasing some of these locations to help you become better acquainted with the area around you. Today, we are showcasing some of the best local attractions and businesses near our Presidential Glen community.

Cafe 290
11011 U.S. 290
Manor, TX
(512) 278-8780
texascafe290.com
If you’re in the mood for a roadhouse-style burger, a plate of enchiladas or a slice of meringue pie, Cafe 290 has it all just three miles east of the Presidential Glen community. Serving up authentic Tex-Mex and home-style fare, Cafe 290 is some of the best food in the Manor area.
Austin County Flea Market
9500 U.S. 290
Austin, TX
(512) 928-2795
citymax.com.com/austin
Whether you’re looking to snag a deal or clear out the garage, the Austin County Flea Market provides the place to do it less than three miles from Presidential Glen. With over 300 vendor booths, live music on the weekends and concession stands, it’s the perfect place to grab lunch and spend the day with the family while scoring unbeatable prices on jewelery, antiques, collectibles, sporting goods, clothes and more.
Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course
9100 Farm to Market Road 3177
Austin, TX
(512) 272-4228
bluebonnethillgolf.com
Gold enthusiasts at Presidential Glen will love the five minute drive to Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course, a 328 bermuda green course with rolling hills and beautiful scenery. Residents just starting out in the sport can take advantage of lessons at Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course, and the course offers various memberships to help you save on your favorite pastime.
Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo
9100 Decker Lake Road
Austin, TX
(512) 919-3000
rodeoaustin.com
Presidential Glen residents don’t have to wait for the rodeo to come to town, because they live less than four miles from the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo is the 5th largest indoor rodeo regular season ProRodeo, and offer year-round entertainment to people in the Austin area.
Texas Natural Science Center
2400 Trinity Street
Austin, TX
(512) 471-1604
utexas.edu
Treat your kids to a day of knowledge and excitement by taking a trip to the nearby Texas Natural Science Center. Here they will discover fossilized dinosaurs, Texas wildlife, ancient gems and minerals and more. The Texas Natural Science Center is a great place to learn more about the history of Texas, and is sure to be fun for the whole family.
Austin Children’s Museum
201 Colorado Street
Austin, TX
(512) 472-2499
austinkids.org
Like the Texas Natural Science Center, learning is fun at the Austin Children’s Museum; a museum built entirely with children in mind. From a city building exhibit to the Tinker’s Workshop and design center, there is something for children of all ages to enjoy at the Austin Children’s Museum, just 10 miles from Presidential Glen.
Highland Mall
6001 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX
(512) 454-9656
highlandmall.com
Whatever your shopping needs may be, the Highland Mall is sure to have what you’re looking for. With dozens of retailers and restaurants, including Foot Locker, Aeropostale, Radio Shack and SweetFactory, the Highland Mall is your one-stop shop for school clothes, Christmas gifts and more just six miles from your home in Presidential Glen.

Now Selling New Homes at Woodland Creek in East Dallas

Categories: Dallas, LGI Homes, Texas, Woodland Creek Comments Off on Now Selling New Homes at Woodland Creek in East Dallas
East Texas New Home Community - Woodland Creek

Located just minutes from Lake Ray Hubbard, Woodland Creek is one of LGI Homes’ newest communities. During the Grand Opening, new homes are starting as low as $679 per month, making Woodland Creek one of the most affordable new home communities in the East Dallas area. Residents of Woodland Creek will enjoy peaceful country living with modern family friendly amenities, all within convenient commuting access to Dallas.

Woodland Creek will ultimately consist of 592 single family homes. Prospective buyers have the ability to choose from a wide variety of modern floor plans, including 3, 4 and 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes. Both single- and two-story floor plans are available, making it easy to find the perfect home to suit your family’s needs. All homes come complete with a 2-car garage and $10,000 worth of luxury, state-of-the-art upgrades included in the cost of the home, making our homes an unbeatable deal in terms of both price and quality. Upgrades include quality appliances, custom cabinetry, granite counter tops, brushed nickel hardware and fixtures, rounded corners, raised six-panel doors, vaulted ceilings, a fully fenced backyard, beautiful front yard landscaping, a utility room and LGI Homes homeowner warranty. LGI Homes offers one of the best warranty plans available, including a 10-year structural warranty, a 2-year mechanical warranty and a 1-year warranty on most other components.

Along with its close proximity to DFW’s finest shopping, dining and golf, this beautifully planned community features many amenities that will appeal to residents of all ages. Once you pass through the carefully crafted stone entryway, you will find that Woodland Creek is within walking distance of some of the best schools in East Dallas, making the community an excellent choice for family’s with school-aged children. There is a community pool to help keep you cool in the summer heat, a neighborhood playground and a family park for neighborhood get-togethers. The community has both greenbelt areas and walking trails for nature enthusiasts to enjoy.

With LGI Homes No Money Down Option, you will find it is less expensive to move into your dream home in the Woodland Creek community than it is to move into an apartment. If you are looking at new homes in the East Dallas area you owe it to yourself to take a look at Woodland Creek where LGI Homes’ exceptional quality, affordable pricing, and unbeatable customer service make this the perfect place for you and your family!

Now Open: Stewart’s Forest in North Houston Offers Unmatched Quality and Prices

Categories: Houston, LGI Homes, Stewart's Lake, Texas Comments Off on Now Open: Stewart’s Forest in North Houston Offers Unmatched Quality and Prices
Stewart's Forest North Houston Community

Conveniently located near The Woodlands, Stewart’s Forest is one of LGI Homes’ newest communities. With homes starting as low as $799 per month, Stewart’s Forest is one of the most affordable new home communities in the North Houston area. Residents of the Stewart’s Forest community will enjoy top-notch recreation with a family friendly atmosphere, and will rest easy in some of the highest quality houses in the state.

Prospective residents at Stewart’s Forest have the ability to choose from a wide variety of modern floor plans, including 3 and 4 bedroom homes. Both single- and two-story floor plans are available, making it easy to find the perfect home to suit your family’s needs. All homes come complete with a 2-car garage and $15,000 worth of luxury, state-of-the-art upgrades included in the cost of the home, making our homes an unbeatable deal in terms of both price and quality. Upgrades include quality appliances (including a brand new refrigerator), custom cabinetry, granite counter tops, brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze hardware and fixtures, rounded corners, raised six-panel doors, vaulted ceilings, a fully fenced backyard, beautiful front yard landscaping, a utility room and LGI Homes homeowner warranty. LGI Homes offers one of the best warranty plans available, including a 10-year structural warranty, a 2-year mechanical warranty and a 1-year warranty on most other components.

When it comes to recreation and amenities, few communities in the North Houston area can compete with what Stewart’s Forest has to offer. The community has a neighborhood playground and family park for residents to host get togethers, as well as a community pool to help you cool off in the hot summer heat. Nature enthusiasts will love the greenbelt areas and walking trails spread throughout the community, and families with school-aged children will be happy to know that Stewart’s Forest provides convenient access to some of the best schools in the county. With close proximity to The Woodlands Mall, Lake Conroe, and everything North Houston has to offer, Stewart’s Forest is the perfect place to call home.

With LGI Homes No Money Down Option, you will find it is less expensive to move into your dream home in Stewart’s Forest community than it is to move into an apartment. If you are looking at new homes in the North Houston area you owe it to yourself to take a look at Stewart’s Forest, where LGI Homes’ exceptional quality, affordable pricing, and unbeatable customer service make this the perfect place for you and your family!

Gone Fishing in Houston’s Sunrise Meadow – Safety & Success Tips

Categories: Houston, Resources & Tips, Sunrise Meadow, Texas Comments Off on Gone Fishing in Houston’s Sunrise Meadow – Safety & Success Tips
Sunrise Meadow's Private Lake - Houston, TX

Residents in one of our communities—Sunrise Meadow in Southwest Houston—are blessed to have a private fishing lake as one of their stellar neighborhood amenities, and they’re in prime time to enjoy these lakes as spring and summer bloom. In Sunrise Meadow (as in all of our communities) LGI Homes has held true to its mission of creating beautiful, functional family-friendly neighborhoods stocked with opportunities for healthful and recreational enjoyment. And we know that these amenities are even better when a lazy day of fishing with family and friends is just a short walk away from the house.

So residents and prospective buyers, beware: the call of the angler life is a hard one to shy away from. You may be a fishing fanatic before you know it, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and the fun of family time spent together, all within the bounds of your own neighborhood! Should you decide to give lake fishing a try, here are some tips for safety and success:

 Be sure the whole family is prepared for time in the sun. Use sunscreen, pack plenty of water, and when on shore, keep an eye out for small children coming too close to the water.

 Get the right materials. Nothing is more frustrating (especially to children) than going out fishing, and never getting a bite. Find out ahead of time the types of fish with which the lake is stocked, and choose the right bait, weights/bobbers and line for those fish. If you’re unsure, personnel at a sports store or bait shop should be able to lead you in the right direction.

 Choose the right time of day. Throughout the year, you’ll find that fish are responsive to the changes in the seasons—storms, sun, heat, wind and temperature—so fishermen have to be responsive as well. You’ll find copious amounts of information online that cover the best times to go fishing.

 Go over the safety rules. While a simple and relatively-easy pastime, fishing still requires a presence of mind and adherence to basic safety rules. If fishing from a boat, ensure that everyone in the party wears a life jacket. Go over procedures with children on what to do should an emergency happen on the water. Review casting safety (looking around and behind you when you cast, and letting others know you’re about to throw), and, if you’re fishing from shore, review rules about getting near or into the water.

 Have fun! It’s not everyone that is able to enjoy the relaxation and quality time that fishing engenders, right within their own neighborhood. This is one amenity that can be enjoyed by the whole family, throughout the seasons, for years to come. Sit back with your fishing rod in hand, enjoy the scenic beauty, and thank your lucky stars that you’ve made an LGI Homes community your home!

For Just $773 per Month You Can Own a New 3-bed Home in San Antonio

Categories: LGI Homes, San Antonio, Texas Comments Off on For Just $773 per Month You Can Own a New 3-bed Home in San Antonio

Brand new LGI Homes’ house for sale in San Antonio, Texas with 3 beds and 2 baths.

Plan Name: Trinity

Community: Luckey Ranch (San Antonio, TX)

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Garage: 2-car

Price: $773/month.

Home highlights: Formal dining room, Private master suite, Convenient walk-thru utility room

Floorplan features: The Trinity floorplan is a single-family home offering just over 1,400 square feet. Maximizing privacy and flow, there are two bedrooms at the front of the home enjoying a distinct space away from the master bedroom suite, which is located in the rear of the house. This stunning owner’s refuge features a large walk-in closet, ensuite master bath with garden tub, and a separate shower. The kitchen includes a new refrigerator and quality appliances, custom cabinets with quality brushed nickel fixtures and more. The two-car garage offers easy home entrance with a walk-through utility room leading right into the kitchen—putting away the groceries after a day of shopping is suddenly so much easier! The Trinity floorplan by LGI Homes is perfect for new home buyers, with prices starting at just $773 per month.

About Luckey Ranch: Luckey Ranch in San Antonio, Texas hits the mark again as a premium new home community by LGI Homes. Amenities at the community include a 30-acre, two-million dollar Recreation Center (to be constructed), a fishing lake, boat storage, kayak boat launch, soccer field, baseball field, full sports basketball court, children’s playground, picnicking area with gazebo and smoker and BBQ, and walking trails. Affordable homes are just one benefit of Luckey Ranch; the community is conveniently located just minutes from San Antonio for shopping, entertainment, dining, and employment opportunities. The Toyota plant, Lackland AFB Air Force Base and Sea World are also close by. Retirees, couples, and families alike will enjoy the larger living spaces, open areas, and very affordable brand new homes found in this amazing new homes community.