Author: CODESM Support

7 Things to Consider Before Moving to a New Subdivision in Mission, TX

Posted on October 24, 2023 by CODESM Support - New Home Construction

Young couple examining blueprints of they new house.Moving house concept.

Moving to a new subdivision in Mission, Texas, is an exciting prospect and a decision that requires careful consideration. Choosing the right community to call home is not just about finding a house. It’s about finding a place that suits your lifestyle, needs, and aspirations. So, if you’re considering relocating to a new subdivision, you must plan your move well.

There are many amazing subdivisions with beautiful properties in Mission, TX. To choose the perfect place to call your new home, you must take several key aspects into account.

Today, we’ll delve into the seven crucial factors you should consider before moving to a new subdivision in Mission, TX.

Considerations Before Moving to a New Subdivision in Mission, TX

1. Location and Accessibility

The first and foremost factor to contemplate is the location of the subdivision. The location of your subdivision will affect many other aspects of your daily lifestyle. Consider your daily commute, accessibility to essential services, and proximity to your workplace. A prime location can make your life more convenient, ensuring you spend less time on the road and enjoy your new home more.

Here are some practical tips to help you evaluate this factor:

Determine the daily routes you’ll be taking to work, school, or other frequent destinations. Check for traffic patterns, congestion, and estimated peak-hour travel times.
Ensure that the subdivision is close to grocery stores, medical facilities, and other amenities that are important to you and your family. Access to these services can save you time and make it easy for you to manage daily supplies.
Research any upcoming infrastructure projects or road improvements that might affect your commute or accessibility in the future. Staying ahead of such changes can be advantageous.

For instance, Eldorado at Thousand Oaks provides convenient access to restaurants, shopping and retail establishments, recreational activities, Edinburg ISD newest schools, and hospitals.

2. Amenities and Facilities

Before committing to a new subdivision, you must evaluate the amenities and facilities it offers. For example, does it have a community pool, fitness center, parks, or walking trails? Such additional perks will enhance your quality of life and provide you with opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

It’s best to visit the subdivision and check their community center, pool, fitness center, parks, and other shared amenities. Observe their condition, cleanliness, and whether they align with your interests and needs.

You should also inquire about the community’s event calendar. Are there regular social gatherings, sports leagues, or fitness classes? Living in a subdivision with frequent social events will significantly boost your social and mental health. Apart from amenities and events, also explore the walking trails and parks in the area. Well-maintained green spaces can be an inviting feature, perfect for peaceful relaxation.

3. Schools and Education

If you have children or plan to start a family, then the quality of schools in the area is another factor you must consider. A neighborhood with excellent schools can greatly benefit your children’s education and development.

Start researching school ratings, test scores, and reviews for nearby institutions. This data can help you assess the academic quality and educational opportunities for your children.

Inquire about the availability of extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports programs at the local schools. A diverse range of options can foster your child’s growth and interests. Determine the distance between your prospective home and the schools your children would attend.

Shorter commutes can reduce stress and allow for more family time. And, of course, look into the fee structure of the best schools in the area so you can financially plan for your children’s education.

4. Safety and Security

The safety and security of your new neighborhood should be a top priority. Ensuring the safety of your surroundings will give you immense peace of mind. First of all, you can investigate the crime rates in the area.

Online crime maps and local police reports can provide insights into the safety of the neighborhood. Then, you can also connect with people living in and around the subdivision and inquire about general safety in the area.

Check the security measures of your subdivision thoroughly. Does it have street lighting, security patrols, or a neighborhood watch program? These elements should be standard practices in most reputed subdivisions.

For additional insights, you can attend community meetings or neighborhood events to understand the community’s vigilance and awareness of safety concerns.

5. Real Estate Market and Resale Potential

Your home is a significant investment, and the property values within the subdivision can directly impact your financial future. You should examine the property values in the subdivision and research the historical trends in the area. Have the rates been consistently increasing over the years? A stable or appreciating market is generally a good sign and indicates high resale potential in the future.

Further, you should consult local real estate experts or online resources to understand the current state of the local market. Consider the potential for home improvement and renovations in the subdivision. A neighborhood that encourages property upgrades can positively influence resale potential.

6. Community and Neighbors

A sense of belonging and community is essential for a fulfilling life. Attend local events and gatherings to interact with current residents. This lets you know your potential neighbors and the community culture. Spend time in the area during different times of the day and week. Spending some time in the area will allow you to observe the neighborhood’s dynamics and noise levels, giving you a better sense of what to expect. You can also join local online forums or social media groups to engage with residents, ask questions, gain insights, and connect with future neighbors.

7. Future Development and Planning

Lastly, take a look at the future development plans for the subdivision. Is new infrastructure, commercial centers, or public services possibly coming to the area? This can affect your property value and lifestyle in the long run.

Research municipal plans and zoning regulations for the area to gain more insights into future developments and any improvement plans. Inquire about any upcoming infrastructure projects in the region. New roads, public transportation, or recreational facilities can enhance your living experience. If available, review the subdivision’s master plan. This document outlines the long-term vision for the community, including any proposed changes or expansions.

With these considerations in mind, you can make an informed decision to find the perfect subdivision in Mission, TX subdivision, that will become the ideal place to call home.

That said, if you need help choosing the right subdivision in Mission, TX, we are happy to help. Contact us today to learn more.

Find the Perfect Custom Home Builder in Sharyland, TX

Posted on August 22, 2023 by CODESM Support - New Home Construction

Foreman or achitect engineer shows future house, office or store design plans and model to a young couple. Meeting at the construction office to talk about facade, interior decoration, home layout.

The journey to the Sharyland home of your dreams isn’t one you should take alone. But not any partner will do. When you hire a custom home builder to help you bring your desired home to life, you need to do so with the confidence that they have the experience, skill and creativity necessary to do the job well. To help you find the perfect custom home builder in Sharyland, TX, we have put together this list of tips.

Think through your budget and needs first

Home builders in Sharyland tend to specialize in certain areas. For example, some only build high-end luxury homes while others work within smaller budgets. Some only build in certain subdivisions while others build on any lot. Some have more experience with certain styles than do others.

Before you start your search for the right building partner, you should have a clear idea of your own budget and design preferences. That way, you can make sure that the builder you select will fit within both. Here are some questions to consider to help you prepare:

How much financing do you have available?
How much in savings and other sources do you want to spend on your home?
What are must-have design features for your home?
Do you want to build in a particular style?
Do you want to build in a specific Sharyland subdivision?

In order to get answers to this question, you may need to consult with a lender, research housing styles and design options, and take time to think through exactly what you hope your home will look like.

Start looking early

Once you have an idea of what your budget and style looks like, you will want to begin your home builders search in the Sharyland area. Try not to wait too long to start this process. You want to give yourself plenty of time to research your options, talk with different companies and choose the perfect builder for your Sharyland residence. Time and attention will be your greatest friends in helping you identify the right company for your project.

Ask your community for references

Word of mouth references from people who have gone through the same process as you are invaluable. While you can (and should) create a long list of possibilities from online research (excluding any companies with generally negative reviews), you should also ask around your community for references as well.

This community could include family, friends, neighbors and individuals living in the same Sharyland area where you wish to build. It should also include experts like lenders and real estate agents- Who do they love and recommend and who do they think you should avoid? Use these conversations both to narrow down your list of candidates and to develop a list of businesses you definitely should avoid.

Look for a builder with the right specialty

As mentioned earlier, Sharyland home builders often have certain specialties regarding where and what they build. Try to determine what these specialties are and narrow your list down to those who have experience creating the type of home you want for yourself.

For example, do you have the budget and the tastes for a high-end luxury residence? Choose a builder who knows how to bring that kind of space to life. Are you hoping for a beautiful outdoor living area? Choose someone who makes it a habit to craft pools and patios and outdoor kitchens alongside stunning interiors.

Seek Sharyland home builders with experience

Everyone has to start somewhere, but you probably don’t want a builder to start their career with your dream home. As you narrow down your list of potential builders, consider how long they have been creating residences for their clients. In general, the more experience they have, the better. The more homes they have built, the more skill they have developed, the more problems they have encountered (And overcome) and the greater quality they can bring to your build.

Only consider licensed and insured candidates

You should require any builder you hire to be completely insured and licensed in the event of a mishap. This will save potential problems for you and for them in case their is an accident, loss or other problem during construction.

Check candidates’ portfolios and references

Once you narrow down your list to a few home builders in Sharyland, it is time to dig a little deeper. You can get more of a first hand look at the kind of work each builder completes by looking at their portfolio of completed projects and by talking to some of their clients.

When looking at their portfolios, ask yourself these questions:

Do their homes reflect the style you want?
What is the quality of the work they do?
What home features do they specialize in?
Where have they done most of their building?

When talking to past and current clients, here are some questions to ask:

Did you enjoy working with this builder?
Did they meet their deadlines?
Was the cost of the project in line with the estimate?
Was communication clear and responsive?
Were any problems or delays clearly explained to you and resolved promptly?
Was the project organized?
What were their strengths?
What were their weaknesses?
Would you choose this builder again?

Visit a building site

Visiting a construction site, if allowed by the builders you are considering, can help you get an up-close look at the company’s process and skills. When visiting the site, ask yourself these questions:

Is the site clean and organized?
Are there any obvious safety issues?
Are they using quality brands?
Is their work careful and high-quality?

Meet with the builder face-to-face

One of the best ways to determine if a custom home builder will be a good fit for your project is to meet them in person. This time together is a good opportunity to see if your personalities mesh and to get a feeling for how your interactions will go once the project begins. Make sure to bring a list of all your questions. Some areas you may want to address in your meeting are the following:

Experience
Style and design process
Estimating and financing process
Obstacles and delays
Timeline
Contact during project
Use of subcontractors
Materials used
Warranties

Once you have gleaned information on a number of builders, you can make your decision. If you choose the right builder, you will be in a position to enjoy a seamless, enjoyable and even FUN custom home building experience.

At Villa Homes, we focus on delivering quality and value, luxury and designs that fit your style. As leading home builders in Sharyland, let us walk with you through every step of the home building process so you end up with both our award-winning expertise and the home of your dreams.

10 Reasons to Choose Living in Magnolia Park Subdivision, Mission, TX

Posted on June 19, 2023 by CODESM Support - Magnolia subdivision

Mission may be a small Texas city nestled in the Rio Grande Valley, but it is growing rapidly and both population and job opportunities. Ranked one of the nation’s four best places to retire, and known for its affordability and family-friendly environment, it is no wonder that Mission is also one of the best places to discover exclusive luxury living for a great price.

One of the most in-demand neighborhoods in the city is Villa Homes’ Magnolia Park. This private, gated community is defined by spacious upscale homes and has lots to offer individuals and families alike. Here is a look at the top 10 reasons to choose Magnolia Park for your next home.

Unparalleled Style

From the first impression as guests drive up, to the last detail in the bathrooms and closets, the homes in Magnolia Park boast a beautiful style. Designed to catch the eye and delight the senses, this elevated look incorporates modern lines and bright, clean colors while maintaining an inviting feel.

Magnolia Park should be the neighborhood of choice if you want to go beyond cookie cutter homes or dreary designs. Pick one of its 29 lots if you desire a unique style that both embraces and amazes you – And indulge your need for peaceful elegance.

Award-Winning Home Designs

Villa Homes has more than 20 years of experience combining luxury and value in homes throughout the RGV. As an award-winning builder, we bring our experience and craftsmanship to every home we build in Magnolia Park.

Don’t just build a home with a good builder. Create a home that matches your dreams with a builder who is among the best in the industry. We bring the same level of attention and dedication to excellence to your home that we do to every home that has won recognition for its beauty and quality.

Unique Homes

You deserve a space that fits your lifestyle, without compromising on luxury. At Magnolia Park, we offer you 10 custom master design plans from which to choose. These plans remove the complexity of creating your own floor plans, while ensuring that you receive the home that fits your needs.

Plus, with our master design plans, you can start enjoying your home sooner. The luxuries that make a house a home plus the opportunity to move into your home sooner – Magnolia Park offers you both!

Luxury and Value

Luxury and value are not at odds at Magnolia Park. We deliver the finest craftsmanship and luxury features at a great value per square foot. With home prices starting in the $300s, our homes are highly affordable and overflowing with beauty and quality. Here is some of what each of our homes has to offer you:

Spacious floor plans
Unmatched attention to detail
Impeccable craftsmanship
High-quality materials

At Magnolia Park, your dream home is also the home you can afford. Do not hesitate to take advantage of the possibilities.

Convenient Location

Magnolia Park promises you not only unmatched beauty but also the ultimate in convenient Mission living. This neighborhood sits just minutes from Expressway 83, giving you immediate access to all of the major RGV attractions.

In addition, this neighborhood is an easy drive from the area’s biggest attractions. Enjoy the possibilities of the Mission Event Center, for example, or attend a performance at the McAllen Convention Center. Entertainment and access are moments away from this special community.

Shopping and Dining

Whether you want to purchase groceries on your way home from work or enjoy a fancy date to celebrate a major event, Mission, and Magnolia Park, have what you need. This neighborhood is just minutes from a variety of stores, including grocery stores, retail chains and boutique destinations, and just a brief trip from some of the area’s most in-demand restaurants.

Find what you need, and what you want, close to a home that is everything you have ever dreamed of. All you have to do is choose Magnolia Park and Villa Homes.

Peace and Privacy

The best of both worlds is available at Magnolia Park – Proximity to the riches of the RGV and access to peaceful, private living. As a gated community, Magnolia Park is a quiet and safe haven. Here you can enjoy natural beauty, quiet streets and exclusive living away from unpleasant intrusions.

Serene living is an appealing feature to many individuals and families looking for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of life. Magnolia Park is the perfect place to relax after a long day at work, enjoy time with loved ones uninterrupted by noise and a space where you can indulge in natural beauty – All without giving up the convenience of being near the destinations you require.

Proximity to the Best Schools

For families with children, schools are often an area of intense consideration when moving. At Magnolia Park, you do not have to worry about the type of education your children will receive.

Located in the heart of Mission’s ISD, Magnolia Park offers easy access to a high-quality education. When you live here, you reside near the area’s newest schools, along with their talented teachers and modern resources.

Family-Friendly

Magnolia Park isn’t just beautifully built and situated. It is also welcoming to families and children of all ages. Here are some of the family-friendly attractions you can expect from this community:

Proximity to family-friendly entertainment at the McAllen Convention Center
Proximity to excellent schools
A quiet and safe neighborhood
Privacy and security

Exclusive

Finally, Magnolia Park is one of the most exclusive places to put down roots in Mission. With only 29 fast-selling lots available, this neighborhood isn’t large. Its intimate atmosphere, gated environment and in-demand lots make it a place where you can enjoy an upscale life within the budget you can afford.

If you are looking for a home in Mission, consider Magnolia Park. Exclusive, luxury living at a great price is waiting for you in one of our newest gated communities. Contact Villa Homes today to learn more and reserve your lot. This community won’t be available for long, so act quickly!

6 Things to Consider When Buying a Second Home

Posted on January 23, 2023 by CODESM Support - New Home Buying

Things to consider when buying a second home.

Buying a second home? Why? OR rather: Why not? Consider the following things when buying a second home.

The Reason

People invest in a second property for several reasons. It might be a holiday home or assisting your child who is getting married or starting to work soon after studying and might need his/her own place, making money by collecting rent, planning to profit as property values increase over the long term, claiming tax benefits to reduce taxable net income. Whatever the reason, examine the advantages and disadvantages to prevent you from falling into a debt trap that you cannot easily escape.

Advantages of owning a second home or multiple properties

As mentioned above, some advantages are that you can help your child, make money through rental income, buy a property that will increase in value, having a holiday home, and claiming tax benefits. The tax benefits of owning rental property can include deducting operating expenses, mortgage interest, and deductions of operating expenses. Many of these advantages can be optimized, for example, to grow a rental property portfolio. Multiple rental properties will increase rental income and net cash flow. The risk is reduced through portfolio diversification, and the additional cash flow can be used to purchase multiple properties over time. Over time, more rental properties can generate more overall net income and greater potential long-term return on investment.

Disadvantages of owning a second home or multiple properties

Initial investment in a second property requires significant capital with a required down payment of at least 20%. This can be done over time by saving cash flow and making additional mortgage payments on your current property to increase your equity. However, one should keep in mind that owning multiple rental property means increased expenses for maintenance, legal fees, property taxes and insurance, mortgage payment and interest if the property is financed. The rental income might not always cover the operating expenses, as a rental property might have a negative cash flow if you cannot find a tenant immediately or need to upgrade and replace heating or ventilation systems in the house.
You can have all intentions of managing the rental property’s maintenance, but this might become overwhelming, especially when the properties are not in the same city or state. There are solutions to assist like getting a professional, property management company to take care of the rental property at an additional cost.

6 Considerations to keep in mind

Consider the following carefully before venturing out on a second property.

The financial implications

Buying a second property will leave the homeowner with the full financial responsibility of a mortgage, insurance, maintenance, and any unforeseen costs like roof repairs or water damage. Therefore, prepare yourself in advance with the necessary funds and conditions before tying yourself to all obligations in obtaining a second property. Prepare a detailed budget with your current expenses and double that. Consider contingent expenses, such as the need for new appliances, or repairs.

Renting your second home

Collecting rent money is a way to cover the mortgage and expenses or subsidize your vacation home. Ensure that there is a need for rental property in the area where your second property is, or a demand for vacation rentals. Determine the possible rental income in an area for a long-term lease, and whether there are prospective tenants available. Make sure you can carry the cost on your own if you cannot guarantee a rental income. Also keep in mind all the laws you must adhere to in the specific neighborhood, city, or state – that could vary from place to place.
Cleaning services for vacation homes or when a tenant leaves the long term lease must be on your budget, as well as agent’s commission and general maintenance. If you buy a vacation home but have to rent it out more than the time you spend there to cover the costs, you should ask yourself if it wouldn’t be cheaper and hassle-free to rather rent a vacation home instead of being a landlord.

Travelling time

Whether you buy a second home as a vacation home or a long-term rental, keep in mind the time it will take you to travel there to oversee maintenance or go on vacation. Are you prepared to spend time and travel a long distance every year for a vacation to the same destination? Will a vacation home maybe compromise your ability to travel abroad or visit family and friends in other locations? If you like a familiar place for vacation, it makes sense to travel to the same place. Considering buying a second home as a long-term rental in the same city or state, where you know the laws, and it is easy to stay in touch with tenants and the upkeep of your property. Make sure that the second home is close to amenities like grocery stores and restaurants to still provide convenience as a second home.

Investment possibilities

Investment in property and return values are not necessarily guaranteed, and many factors in the global financial world can influence property values to plummet. Considering a second home must be done with full knowledge that it could take time to profit from this investment.

Taxes and Insurance

A second property will have the same expenses regarding taxes and insurance. There are taxes to be paid on rental income from a long-term lease. A vacation home, being rented for more than 14 days a year, is considered as a rental property and taxes are therefore due. And you cannot claim the mortgage interest tax deduction.
The insurance will cover the normal liabilities and could include regional climate dangers, depending on the location, but considerations you have to be mindful of.
Be sure to consult an experienced tax professional about possible liabilities and deductions when planning to buy a second home.

A second home mortgage

When you are still paying a mortgage but want to buy a second property, the banks will consider whether you can repay the first and second mortgage on your current income. Your credit report will be reviewed, your employment history, assets, and income. Consolidating high-interest debt into a lower payment, and using lower-interest products, will improve your financial picture.

In conclusion

Determine whether you are in a safe position to consider a second home by asking yourself the following questions:

Am I saving at least 15% of my current income for retirement?
Do I have at least six months’ expenses available as an emergency cash fund?
Am I out of credit card debt?
Do I have a college fund for my children?

If you can answer YES to most of these questions, familiarize yourself with what it will mean for you to be a landlord, do your financial planning and predictions, and contact us to help you find that suitable second home.

7 Must-Know Secrets For Designing Your Dream Home

Posted on December 13, 2022 by CODESM Support - New Home Construction

Building your dream home, what you need to know? Thankfully, custom build homes allow anyone to buy a budgeted dream home. Custom build homes in McAllen, Tx, are the perfect blend of the expertise of builders and your dream home layout.

Now that you are one step closer to designing your dream home with the help of custom home builders, how about a checklist that will help you plan perfectly?

Here are quick must-know secrets for designing your dream home.

7 Must-Know Secrets For Designing Your Dream Home

Choose the architectural style

Have you decided how your home should look from the exterior? There are various architectural styles in vogue. Your builder will most likely introduce you to the various architectural styles you can choose from.

However, little information will help you make a wise decision. You should know about the popular architectural style popular in Texas. The Spanish style is currently in trend in Texas. Well-established community home for sale in McAllen, Tx, are accommodating these styles, and you will find barrel tile roofs, stucco and stone exteriors, and large arches.

Keep the balance between liveable and stylist ideas

There should also be a right balance between stylish and liveable ideas. Though some ideas look appetizing to incorporate at first thought, not all are feasible enough to turn into reality.

For instance, a separate grilling space is a great idea but may not go with the area and the cost. Similarly, a separate spa and pool area is a great addition but makes you compromise with your front porch area or garden area.

It’s important to incorporate things keeping in mind the interests of the family members. You should also plan the location of the place similarly, be it sea-facing, friendly suburb, or proximity to the city.

Deliver and communicate your wishes well

You can get your custom-built villa homes constructed with expert advice from qualified builders. Once you have a rough idea of what you are looking for in your dream house, you can stay assured that your plans can be refined with expert advice from builders.

With expert advice, you can devise a feasible floor plan, finalize home details with them, get your loan approved, and get your dream house constructed accordingly.

Take into consideration the possession year of your home. Ask about the flooring tiles and sanitary fittings. Will there be a false ceiling? What would the interiors look like and more?

Don’t forget to select the location based on the positioning

The positioning of the lot matters a lot. Is it east-facing, and will it receive plenty of sunlight? Is there proper ventilation and natural lighting in the rooms? Some owners do not want their houses to glow with sunshine all day long. For some, it does not matter if the rooms receive natural light as long as they are spacious and include a balcony.

Depending on your requirements, consider the house’s positioning along with square footage before finalizing the deal in Mission, Tx, or around McAllen.

Get a thorough idea of the layout and floor plan

Some common things to know in your floor plan are the size and number of rooms, the size of bathrooms, the space allotted to the living area, whether the kitchen is open and/or modular, whether it includes a master bedroom, and so on.

Not only these, but get into the details and ask about the type of sanitary fittings, roofing, balcony area, area for utility, and more. At the same time, you should be ready to compromise a bit regarding the layout. You can always adjust your interiors per the house’s layout, but not vice-versa. You can have a rough idea about how to place your seaters, TV console, and so on, and buy the same size accordingly.

Before buying the furniture, pre decide its location within the area committed to it, so you don’t end up stuffing your home with unnecessary things. We all have been in the position where we visit Ikea and want to buy almost everything. Make sure whatever you buy is appropriate enough to fit in without looking stuffed in.

Don’t go over your budget

The common mistake first-time buyers make in designing their dream home is a miss analysis of their budget. When settling your budget, getting a general estimate of monthly utilities and maintenance costs is important.

Consider the price of your property inclusive of these overhead expenses. The cost of electricity bills, gas, and water every month vanish a major portion of your income. Disregarding these in your budget will make your plan haywire.

Hire professionals

It is not actually a secret but a necessity to hire professionals. Although your inputs matter, and only you know how you want your home to look like, there is no way you can take care of all the processes from start to finish on your own. It is essential to seek professional help from construction companies, interior designers, architects, lenders, and lawyers to keep things streamlined from scratch.

Designing a home, although rewarding, can be daunting. And you don’t want to entangle yourself in stuff that others can take care of. Keep yourself free for other important matters that cannot be taken care of by others but you. Think floor tiles, tapestry, furnishing, and so on.

Your turn

Designing your dream home takes a significant amount of effort. Consider the above-mentioned secrets for designing your dream home. To explore homes for sale in McAllen, Tx, contact us today.

Here’s Why Building a New House Is Better Than Fixing an Old One

Posted on October 29, 2022 by CODESM Support - New Home Buying

When moving into a new home, you’ve got two options: either buy an existing old building and renovate it, or build a new one from scratch. While each undertaking has pros and cons, building a new home is advantageous in some aspects.

In this article, we will settle the build vs. buy house debate and explain why building a new house from the ground up is better than trying to renovate an old one.

Get the Perfect Home for Your Family

The first benefit of building a new home is getting the perfect house for your family.

When you’re renovating an existing house, you’re essentially working on top of a fixed model. There’s little room for creativity or moving things around. If you don’t like the position of a bathroom, you can’t do much about it. The same can be said about bedrooms, living room, and kitchen.

But when you’re building a new house, you’re in full control. You get to decide every aspect of the home. So, if you plan to expand your family, you dictate the number of bedrooms, floor plan, and overall design.

When it comes to design, you can adopt the latest trends for your home. For example, more and more homeowners are adopting an open floor design. Also, the trends suggest that curvier building elements are in more demand than straight-line elements. Metal roofs is another trend that seems to be catching on in 2022.

An existing home won’t offer you complete flexibility to overhaul the design. So, to build the perfect home, it’s best to design one from the ground up.

New Homes are More Energy Efficient

Home renovators may advocate that renovation costs less than construction, but newer buildings have an undeniable advantage. And that is they’re more energy efficient.

As buildings age, they lose their efficiency. The electrical wires and cables undergo loss in transmission (although small). The walls and ceiling don’t offer proper insulation. The air ducts are often leaky.

In general, old homes aren’t meant to be energy efficient.

When you’re building a new home, you can build it with efficiency in mind. Thus, over time, you’ll incur fewer utility costs.

One of the reasons why new homes McAllen are more efficient is because they use the latest technology. From wiring to roofing, you can install the most advanced components that were not available previously.

Another reason is the more efficient designs of the home. The home’s layout, which includes the flow and ductwork, can be optimized to make the floor plan more efficient.

Energy prices are usually higher in McAllen, Texas, and the rest of the state. Thus, finding the right homes for sale in McAllen, TX, that are energy efficient can make a difference.

Renovations May Actually Cost More (in some cases)

It’s typically considered that building a new home costs more than renovating. And that’s true for most cases, but not always. Under certain circumstances, you may spend more for renovation and still not get a home that meets your desires.

You first need to understand that there are different types of home makeovers. These are:

Restoration ‐ It’s the process of returning the building to its original condition. It mostly consists of minor and major repair work.
Renovation ‐ It’s the process of renewing an old building or outdated structure.
Remodeling ‐ It’s the process of changing the floor, room, or entire building.

Of the three, renovation is the cheapest (depending on the project’s scope). Next is restoration and then remodeling.

When you remodel an old house, you run into some expected costs. As a rule of thumb, the older the building, the more complex the remodeling project.

If not properly planned, you could end up paying more for the renovation than building a house from the ground up.

At the end of the day, the satisfaction of bringing your vision to life prompts most people to build a home rather than renovate an existing one. Many of us grow up playing with self-assembly home model kits and imagining our home of the future. Constructing a home gives you a chance to fulfill that dream.

New House vs. Old House Pros and Cons

New House

Pros

Brand-new look and feel
Full control over design and layout
Requires no maintenance in the near future

Cons

Costs more
Can’t resell for more immediately

Old House

Pros

Costs less
Option to resell for more with remodeling immediately
Ideal for people who love vintage design

Cons

Prone to allergic contaminants
Lower energy efficiency
Requires constant maintenance work

Conclusion

You should always look to construct a new building wherever possible. To derive the maximum value from your investment, select the right city, whether McAllen or Mission, TX, and work with a suitable construction company. Talk with our professionals if you are in any home construction dilemma.

What to look for when building a Single-Family Home in McAllen

Posted on October 10, 2022 by CODESM Support - New Home Buying

Considering a new home? Moving to South Texas? Build or buy? Here are five reasons why you should build your own single-family home in southern Texas in McAllen.

Location

McAllen: the ideal place to build your family home in Southern Texas

McAllen is the largest city in the Hidalgo County of Texas, close to the Mexican Border. It ranks third in the nation for Best Places to Live for Quality of Life in the US-by-US News and World Report. McAllen is a unique city that is a major tourist, cultural and commercial center in this region. It offers you a pleasant climate, a city rich in historical and cultural sites, many outdoor activities, and a packed calendar full of exciting activities and events throughout the year. So, look no further and settle in McAllen!

There are 5 High Schools, 6 Middle Schools, and 21 Elementary Schools in the McAllen Independent School District. These are situated within proximity of McAllen, and getting your children to and from school will not be a burden.

All over McAllen, there are shopping plazas, malls, specialty boutiques, and retailers that will satisfy the need of any shopper. These cater for shopping for essential needs, as well as entertainment and relaxation for the whole family.

Medical Care

With 14 big medical centers in McAllen, there are medical help and experts available within reach.

Size and layout of your new home

Plan your luxury home for your own lifestyle

The best person to know your requirements for your ideal home is you – the owner! You will know your family’s needs and the size you need to plan for each family member. You can decide on the square footage per room, as well as the layout. Before venturing out on creating a new, comfortable home for your family, consider the layout of your home. Where would you like the central meeting place for the family? Close to the kitchen or maybe closer to the outdoor area? What type of floor plan will accommodate the weather in McAllen? Do you want an ensuite for the main bedroom? What else do you want to include?

All these aspects of your ideal home will be decided by you and your family. Once you know what you want, get into contact with an in-house architect to assist in building the home of your dreams.

The finishing touches and details

As the designer of your own home, you will be the one to choose faucets, floor-to-roof coverings, and all the additional extras you require in your ideal family home. The superior quality of your own family home is due to your own attention to detail in collaboration with the architect and builder.

Budget and Financing

The expenses to build your own home can be covered by a mortgage or construction loan.
Both vary based on the needs of the borrower. It gives the borrower the autonomy to decide what is needed and what the acceptable interest rate and installment would be, according to your own income. The borrower must apply and get pre-approved for a mortgage and compare interest rates before selecting a loan.

A construction loan

is shorter term, but higher interest rate. The construction loan is paid to the contractor, and not the borrower, as building milestones are achieved. This can be converted to a permanent mortgage or paid in full at completion.

A mortgage

is an application through a preferred lender where the applicant has to meet several requirements. Mortgage applications go through a rigorous underwriting process before reaching the closing phase.

Warranties and Inspection

As a house is most probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make, it is important to get warranties and inspections in writing before closing on your new home.

A builder warranty comes with the new home construction or a remodel. It covers items that are a permanent part of the construction, like concrete floors, plumbing, or electrical work.

A home warranty is a service contract that covers replacements and repairs on appliances or systems. It is up to the owner whether to buy a warranty or not.

Home Inspections are completed by a professional home inspector before closing on a house. This is for both a new construction home and when buying an existing house. The new construction house must be inspected to resolve any problems before taking occupancy of a house to ensure everything is in perfect working order in your dream home.

The advantage of building a new single-family home

When building your new home, the complete design and floor plan will be according to your family’s needs. And everything in that home will be brand new!

So, if you have made up your mind to build your dream home in McAllen, Villa Homes are here to help with every step.

Why It’s A Good Idea To Buy A New House In Sharyland, TX

Posted on May 17, 2022 by CODESM Support - New Home Buying

When it comes time to buy a home in the RGV, you have a number of safe, attractive, and family-friendly areas from which to choose. One of these areas is Sharyland. A tiny town located within the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area and overflowing with the safety, affordability, and appeal you need in your new place, Sharyland is a desirable spot for homebuyers. Here are a few reasons it is a good idea to buy a new house in Sharyland, TX.

Sharyland has a strong educational system.

One of the most important features of any location for home buying families is the quality of the schools near their new place. Families purchasing homes in Sharyland can buy with the confidence that their new home also gives them access to a superior school system within the RGV.

The Sharyland ISD consists of 12 schools, including 8 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools, and 2 high schools. The district’s performance makes it one of the area’s most desirable school districts.

All of the elementary schools have an A or B rating, and the district as a whole is ranked the 7th best place to teach in Texas, the 21st best district in Texas in quality of teachers, and the 22nd best district in Texas for athletes. With an average graduation rate of 98 percent, this school district promises a high-quality education for all students.

Sharyland is a safe community.

Home should be a safe place where you can live and relax in confidence. In Sharyland, the surrounding areas of Mission and McAllen, safety is a priority, and these towns are known for their peaceful and secure neighborhoods.

You might be interested in 5 Reasons to Buy Property in Magnolia Park Subdivision.

In Mission, for example, the crime rate is 28 percent lower than the national average, and the violent crime rate is an extraordinary 60 percent lower than the national average. McAllen’s crime rate is also impressively low: 14 percent lower than the national average, and a violent crime rate that is a whopping 78 percent lower than the national average.

Buying a house in Sharyland means purchasing a residence in one of the safest places in the nation, where you can enjoy quiet, rewarding family life without fear that you will be the victim of a crime.

Sharyland is close to amenities.

Location counts for quite a bit when choosing a place to buy a new home, and Sharyland is very well situated. Near Mission and McAllen, Sharyland provides immediate access to the shopping, dining, and entertainment available in these desirable RGV locations. Discover all of the following within a short drive from Sharyland:

Mouth-watering BBQ and other delicious cuisine
National Butterfly Center
Parks and trails
World Birding Center
River tours
Breweries
Malls
Museums
Performing arts
Grocery stores
Doctors
Libraries

Sharyland has something to offer everyone, making it the perfect place to buy a new house and enjoy a high quality of life.

Sharyland housing is affordable.

Why buy a new house in Sharyland? Because this area is known for low-cost housing that puts beautiful spacious homes within the financial reach of many. The average cost of housing in the area is about half that of the national average, and more than 30 percent less than the average in Texas.

Expect to find beautiful, 3-bedroom homes for less than $200K, and explore more upscale housing that still doesn’t break $300K. If you choose to build in Sharyland with someone like Villa Homes, you can get a luxurious, quality home for a great value per square foot.

Ready to buy a new house in Sharyland, TX? Whether you buy or build, you are sure to find a satisfying life, and a beautiful home, in this hidden gem of the RGV. Contact us today to learn more about getting the perfect home in a great location.

How to Find a Quality Home Builder in RGV

Posted on April 1, 2022 by CODESM Support - New Home Construction

Whether you decide to build a new home from scratch or renovate your existing space, it goes without saying that it is an investment of a lifetime. For your home to turn out exactly as you imagined it, it is imperative that all the teams involved work with the utmost coordination.

However, in real-life scenarios, this coordination is likely to fail more frequently than anticipated. This is where a home builder comes into the scene. A home builder’s job is to function as a bridge between the homeowner and various subcontractors throughout the process to make it hassle-free.

Where Can You Find Home Builders?

There are a few different ways to find a home builder for your requirements. The most common practice is to find builders through local lenders of the respective area. Although local lenders are meant for your mortgage and loan purposes for the construction/ reconstruction of your home, local lenders can also provide genuine contacts for home builders due to their vast and reliable networking in this field.

It is recommended to consult with your local lender about the best home builders in the area. When looking in RGV lenders, Willowbend Mortgage, Bank of South Texas and Gold Financial are among the acclaimed local lenders who can guide you towards the best builder for your project. Many with home building dreams, such as you, have enumerated their positive experiences finding a home builder through the local lender’s network.

Similarly, area-specific realtors can also provide you with home builder contacts in your locality of interest, fit for your needs. There is also the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), where you can navigate to the local chapter for the area you aim to build your new home and find a complete list of qualified home builders who are members of the NAHB. Finally, ‘self-help is the best help,’ which may often be true while looking for a home builder. You can take to the internet and search for the perfect home builder per your customized requirements.

When Is the Right Time to Start Looking for a Home Builder?

The timing of hiring your home builder is very crucial. Experts recommend involving your home builder from a very early stage of the project, from conceiving the design to reducing the workload on the homeowners and ensuring efficient functioning of the entire project.

How Would Having the Home Builder Make a Difference?

Once onboard, the home builder then involves, manages, and coordinates the subcontractors and oversees the design and building code execution. Moreover, the builder also coordinates with the building inspectors and governing jurisdictions. The financial details that can become too cumbersome, such as preparing estimates of building costs, keeping track of expenses, as well as submitting payment requests to the banks, would also be professionally managed by the home builder.

Inspection of building materials also falls under a load of responsibilities of the home builder. Therefore, the service provided by a home builder is like a ‘one-stop solution’ to all the minute details that need to be thoroughly managed during home building.

Tips for Finding a Quality Home Builder for You

Given the magnitude of responsibilities that come under a home builder’s watch, it becomes essential to have the right home builder on your team.

Here are the qualities that make a reliable home builder, one that can ensure the perfect operation of your home construction-

Specialization in home projects: the builder must understand how a home building process works as it is fairly different and more detailed than home constructions with custom needs.
Track record: must possess a fair track record of building homes.
Authentic network: the subcontractors linked to the builder should have a genuine reputation in providing their respective services.

Things To Watch Out for While Finding a Home Builder

Despite being thorough with your search for a home builder, any of the following situations may arise-

Lack of a transparent contract with clauses that are not clear to you.
No insurance is provided with the contract.
A large sum of money is demanded before the initiation of the work itself.
Unverifiable references of previous projects (this is a big red flag!).
No certifications or proof of Insurance for Workers’ Compensation or General Liability.

Such situations must be taken into account, and the dependability of your home builder must be reassessed before moving ahead.

With these tips on finding a home builder, you are now well-equipped to begin your journey in finding the best home builder for your home. Visit your nearest local lender to get started!

Checklist for First-Time Home Buyers

Posted on December 21, 2021 by CODESM Support - New Home Buying

Your first home is likely to be your largest financial investment to date. That fact, plus the lengthy, sometimes complex, process can make that purchase feel intimidating. However, with almost one-third of Texas homebuyers purchasing for the first time, you are not alone, and with this handy checklist and an experienced realtor/home builder on your side, you can pursue your first home with excitement and confidence.

Set your home buying budget.

Homes in the RGV are available in almost any price range, from multi-million dollar estates to quality homes that sit in the $200-300K range (Like many of our Villa homes). In order to narrow your search down to houses you can actually afford, you will need to evaluate your budget and come up with a monthly mortgage payment you can easily handle.

The best approach is to examine your financial health, including your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), monthly expenses, and credit score. The lower your DTI and the higher your credit score, the more likely you are to get favorable rates for your home loan (mortgage), and the higher your budget is likely to be.

To determine your DTI, simply divide your current debt payments per month by your current gross income. The resulting percentage is your DTI. To evaluate your credit score, request a credit report from one of the three main credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Once you know about how much you can afford, you can begin to evaluate which homes, whether buying or building, are within your budget.

Set aside a down payment.

Central to the home buying process is the down payment. This is the amount of money you pay toward the purchase price of your home. The remainder of the purchase price you will need to fund through a mortgage from a qualified lender.

The higher your down payment, the lower your mortgage, and the lower your monthly payments, will be. That means that if you can only afford a low monthly payment, but you want a more expensive home, you should save up a higher down payment.

Depending upon the type of mortgage you get, you may pay anywhere from 3-5 percent of the purchase price as a down payment.

However, if your down payment is less than 20 percent, you will need to be prepared to pay a monthly mortgage insurance premium that is required by most lenders. It is in your best financial interest to save up as much of a down payment as possible for your new home.

Get pre-approval from a lender.

You can start looking at homes without pre-approval from a lender, but doing so can make any offer you submit look less desirable to sellers and slow down the purchase process once you find the right home.

Instead, take the time to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking for a home. While this process is relatively straightforward, you should take the time to consider offers from multiple lenders in order to get the lowest interest rate and best loan terms.

You should also be prepared to submit specific pieces of paperwork to the lender. For example, you may need to submit proof of income, past tax returns, or other forms to help establish how much money you can borrow toward the purchase or building of your new home.

Find a real estate agent.

Your real estate agent, while also not necessary for house hunting, will also be an indispensable partner in your first home buying journey. This professional will be able to provide you with a wealth of services to make it easier to purchase your property as a first-time home buyer. These services can include the following:

Providing access to the most recent listings in your area.
Searching for homes that meet your preferences.
Negotiating with sellers to get you the best terms.
Guiding you throughout the home buying process.
Taking you on tours of potential properties.

With an experienced realtor on your side, you are more likely to find properties that fit your preferences and budget, navigate the closing process, and end up with a home you can be proud of.

Identify your perfect home.

The most enjoyable part of the home buying process for most people is house hunting. Your realtor will identify homes that meet your requirements and take you on tours through these properties to help you see if they are the right property for you.

You may need to see many properties, or you may find the right place after just one or two visits. Typically, however, home buying can take a little while, so settle in and enjoy discovering all of the features and neighborhoods you love until you find the right one for you.

Make an offer and negotiate.

Once you find that ideal property, it is time to make an offer. This is when you provide the seller with the price and terms you are willing to offer to purchase the home.

The seller can then accept or reject your offer or provide a counteroffer of their own, at which point you enter a period of negotiation. Your real estate agent can guide you through this process to help you and the seller reach terms that satisfy you both.

Once the offer is accepted and signed by you and the seller, you will put down what is called earnest money-A small amount of money that shows your interest in purchasing the property. If you choose not to buy the property, the earnest money remains with the seller. If you complete the purchase of the property, the earnest money goes toward your down payment.

Complete your home loan.

Once the seller accepts your offer, you begin the process of purchasing your home, and that means completing your home loan and purchasing homeowner’s insurance to protect your home against natural disasters and accidents.

Completing your home loan can be lengthy and involve a lot of paperwork, but your lender can guide you through it. However, at the end of the process, you will have the funding you need to buy your very first home!

Get a home appraisal and inspection.

While you are completing your home loan, you will also need to make sure that the property you wish to buy is in good shape. This means getting an appraisal, or estimate, of the home’s value and a home inspection to ensure that there are no major repairs that the owners should make before you complete the purchase of the home.

Your real estate agent will guide you through both of these processes. As long as your home appraises for as much as or more than what you are paying for it, and there are no major issues found in your home, you can go ahead and complete the purchase of your home.

Complete a final walkthrough.

Just before you close on your home, you will complete a final walk-through of the home. This process means going through the home with your real estate agent to ensure that any requested repairs and updates have been made and to make sure there are no issues that were missed earlier.

Close on your home.

As a first-time home buyer, closing on your first home can be one of the most exciting times of your life. While this meeting with the sellers, real estate agent, and possibly lawyers involves signing a great deal of paperwork, the end result is that you receive the keys to your very first home. That makes all the paperwork, conversations, loans, and work worth it!

You can always choose to build your first home instead of buying it. Here at Villa Homes, we work with many first-time homeowners to build the home of their dreams within their budgets and their preferences. We can even help you find the perfect property to build on. Contact us today to learn more about how to start the process of creating your very first home!