So, you think you’re ready to find your new Lennar home in the Portland Metro and SW Washington area, but you still have some questions. Buying a home is kind of a big deal, so we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to help guide you through the homebuying process and make your path to homeownership a little smoother.

What’s the first step in the homebuying process?

For most, buying a home is one of the biggest investments they will make in their lifetime, so it’s absolutely important to research, plan financially and make a strategic game plan – all prior to touring the communities, models and floorplans.

How can I determine my affordability?

Lennar makes it easy to know exactly how much you can afford. Afterall, there’s nothing worse than falling in love with a home and then realizing it is out of your price range. Use Lennar’s home affordability calculator for a quick and easy estimate of your purchasing power. 

What if I want a more accurate impression?

For a more in-depth impression of your purchasing power, you can talk with a loan officer for pre-qualification. In as little as 15 minutes, you can get pre-qualified with the digital mortgage tool from Eagle Home Mortgage, Lennar’s affiliated lender.

What is pre-qualification?

Pre-qualification is the first step in the mortgage process. A lender will review your finances, which can include income, assets and debts. Afterwards, they will provide you with an estimate of how much money you may be able to borrow. A lender will pre-qualify you based on the information you provide them, so be sure everything is accurate and up to date.

What else can the lender help me with?

Lenders are a great source of information. Ask questions and take this opportunity to better understand how your financial history affects your purchasing power. Lenders can also help you figure out which components of your financial history you can improve and how to work on them.

What main factors influence my loan?

Three things – debt, credit score and down payment.

What’s the next step after pre-qualifying?

Pre-approval – this is a more in-depth review of your credit history and credit worthiness and is completed by an underwriter. This report will give you a more accurate idea of how big of a loan you can take out as well as what home price range you can afford. Once you’ve been pre-approved, you’ll receive a letter to present to a seller when you make an offer – this letter also shows you are a serious buyer with funds to complete a purchase.

Now what?

Get all your ducks in a row! Not just financially, but personally. Are you contemplating a new career? Family? Marriage? Kids? Ask yourself the important questions that will affect this big decision.

I have all my ducks in a row. Can I start my search now?

Yes! And with numerous communities across the Portland Metro Area, Lennar makes it easy to find a home to fall in love with. Whether you are looking for townhomes, single-family homes or a Next Gen® – The Home Within A Home®, they have something for everyone. Plus, Lennar offers great resources with Internet Sales Consultants and New Home Sales Consultants who can answer all your questions about a community, home, floorplan and much more.

Start your search today here!

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DISCLOSURE:

This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2020 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Eagle Home Mortgage, the Eagle logo, Next Gen, and the Next Gen logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. Date 06/20

The summer sun is peaking through our windows and the kids have finally completed their virtual learning but, with everyone still at home and temperatures rising, our electric bills are expected to soar. Fortunately, we’ve identified three easy tips to help you and your family save energy during the summer months. And, if you live in Lennar’s Broward communities, you’ll find that each home offers built-in features that allow you to have maximum control and enjoy long-term savings, with the push of a button.

1.Keep a close eye on your thermostat

Did you know that raising your thermostat above 72 degrees during the summer can do wonders for your wallet? All it takes is a bit of adjusting during the day, to reduce energy consumption costs, while still keeping your family cool and comfortable. Designed with this very detail in mind, Palomino Lake, a new townhome community in Davie, is just one of many Lennar communities that integrates our innovative Connected Home features into every home. This means you’ll have a smart thermostat at your fingertips, giving you the ability to program your settings from any location. So, you can bump up the temperature while you’re out and about, and then cool down your home before you even walk through the door.

energy saving tips Lennar

2. Give appliances a break

Treating yourself to a meal from your favorite restaurant is a great way to give your kitchen appliances a break during the summer. Not only will it save you time, but it will also lower your utility bills significantly. The Edge on 20th, Lennar’s newest townhome community in Fort Lauderdale, makes dining out and ordering in easy. Located only minutes away from Las Olas Boulevard, you’ll have access to all kinds of options, whether you’re in the mood for mouthwatering burgers or fresh seafood. And, on days when you decide to cook at home, Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® package ensures your new chef-inspired kitchen is well-equipped with energy efficient stainless steel appliances, so you’re always saving.

energy saving tips Lennar

4. Live a more eco-friendly lifestyle

Small changes can make a big difference, and it all starts with creating simple habits at home. Turn off your faucets and lights when they are not in use, unplug your electronics, or even schedule device-free time with the family. At Cascata at MiraLago, a lakefront community of estate homes in Parkland, new homes are wired (pun intended) for peace and relaxation. Open-concept floorplans and over-sized backyards offer plenty of free-flowing spaces, where families can come together to play board games, tell funny stories, and spend time outdoors – no Wi-Fi required!

Although these energy-saving tips are perfect for the summer, they are also great habits that can benefit you year-round, especially if you live in bright and sunny Florida. For families seeking a move-in ready home that is both beautiful and energy-efficient, call one of our Welcome Home Centers. We’d love to tell you all about our virtual home-buying experience and schedule a tour!

Lennar’s Welcome Home Centers in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are open by appointment only and are following the most current guidelines established by the CDC and the WHO. In-person appointments must be scheduled in advance.

With incredible interest rates available now, there’s never been a better time to make your move. And lucky for you, Lennar’s new community, Nauvoo Station in Queen Creek, AZ, is now selling and has four stunning model homes for you to tour!

This charming new community offers three collections of home designs to choose from, so families of every type can find their ideal home. Schedule an appointment online today and come explore a wide range of floorplan options and styles, including one design featuring an RV garage and Lennar’s distinctive Next Gen® – The Home Within A Home® – all outfitted with Everything’s Included® features that come at no extra cost.

“We encourage active home shoppers to schedule an appointment to visit Nauvoo Station to tour the model homes and envision their life within this incredible neighborhood set in a fantastic Queen Creek location,” said Alan Jones, Division President for Lennar Phoenix. “With a wide range of new home designs, all thoughtfully designed for how families live today, your new Lennar home won’t just complement your lifestyle, it will elevate it.”

Lennar Nauvoo Station

Explore Lennar’s new homes for sale in Queen Creek across three collections:

Plans showcase open layouts for entertaining, upscale kitchens, outdoor living areas, spacious secondary bedrooms and sophisticated owner’s suites. Select plans at Horizon and Destiny offer Lennar’s unique Next Gen® design, which was created for multigenerational living. With this plan you’ll discover two homes under one roof – a main home plus an attached private suite. The suite offers its own living area, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom. It’s ideal for moving in your aging parents, long-term guests or use the separate space as you see fit, such as a home office for working from home. 

Lennar Nauvoo Station

Additionally, through Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® program, the features and upgrades you want come included as standard. Enjoy stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, home automation, energy-efficient features and much more. Plus, with Lennar’s Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ home designs you get whole-home coverage with no dead spots, so you can stream better, work better and stay connected to everything and everyone.

Nauvoo Station residents will also have access to amenities right in their backyard, including a community park that offers a tot lot and picnic area. This community also puts you near popular attractions in the area, from fine dining, entertainment and outdoor recreation. Nauvoo Station is a wonderful place to put down roots and start your next chapter. 

Lennar Nauvoo Station

Nauvoo Station is located at 21352 E Domingo Rd in Queen Creek, Ariz. 85142. For more information, visit www.Lennar.com/Phoenix or call 800-864-1058.

Nauvoo Station is open by appointment only. To visit the community, please call 602-285-4663 or email LennarPhoenix@Lennar.com to schedule a time with one of Lennar’s New Home Consultants. Or, schedule a Self-Guided Tour online and tour the model homes completely on your own and at a time that works for you.

About Lennar Corporation 

Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. The Company builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title and closing services primarily for buyers of the Company’s homes and, through Lennar Mortgage Finance, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Lennar Ventures drives Lennar Corporation’s technology and innovation strategies.  For more information about Lennar, please visit www.lennar.com.

Summer is right around the corner, which means so is Father’s Day! Although you might not be able to do all your usual traditions this year, there are still plenty of creative ways you can celebrate the everyday hero in your life and show him how much you love and appreciate him. To help you plan for June 21st, we’ve put together a list of 5 fun Father’s Day activities you, dad and the whole family can enjoy to make dad’s special day one for the books.

Fire up the grill

With warmer weather here, it’s the best excuse for a BBQ with the family. Round up some charcoal and let dad do what he does best – fire up the grill. It’s also a great opportunity to take a few tips from dad on how to upgrade your grilling – all while sharing stories, eating mouth-watering food, enjoying the sun and creating memories that dad will cherish for years to come. 

Game night

Does dad have a competitive side? Perfect for after dinner or when the sun goes down, get the whole family involved with a fun game night. Break out all his favorite snacks, drinks, board games and cards and let dad enjoy his special day right from the comfort of his home and surrounded by everyone he loves. You can also take the games virtually! With so many game apps available, you can schedule a time for dad to meet with his best buds virtually.

DIY together

From DIY projects that include building a bird’s nest for the yard, terrarium for his home office or simply some work around the house that he’s been procrastinating for too long, let dad show off his creative skills and teach you a thing or two. Plus, the end product can totally double as your Father’s Day gift – it’s a win-win!

Golfing

If your dad has a penchant for golf, taking him out for some tee time at his favorite golf course is a no-brainer. You can also get him a golf-related Father’s Day gift that he can use that day and level up his game. Just be sure to make a reservation ahead of time as most places will likely be busy because dad’s love golf!

Get outdoors

Some fun under the sun, fresh air and good exercise. Whether it’s a local trail, camping, a picnic packed with dad’s favorite lunch or simply visiting a park where you can throw the ball around – celebrate dad this year with his favorite outdoor activities. We’re sure he will appreciate getting out of the house and spending some quality time with his favorite people.

Life’s events often take us in a new direction we may not have been considering.  You may find yourself relocating for a job, creating more room for a growing family, or simply looking for a change of scenery.  With these opportunities come very important factors to take into consideration to make the best decision for you and your family.  It’s often easiest to determine location first and then consider renting or buying.

Often, the stage of life you’re in or your financial circumstances dictate what’s possible, and which option makes the most sense. But assuming you are in a position to buy, there are distinct advantages to going that route. Here are five of them.

1. When You Buy, You’re Building Equity

When you’re renting, you’re not building any equity—your landlord is. But when you own your home, you’re steadily building equity over time. Assuming you’ve bought into a thriving neighborhood, it’s an investment that will provide you with financial options in the future. Perhaps you’ll get a check when you sell your home down the road. Or maybe you’ll borrow against your home with an equity line. No matter what you do with your equity, for many people their home is their most sizeable asset, and an effective way to build wealth.

2. There’s a Potential for Tax Deductions

We’ll preface this benefit with a disclaimer: each person’s financial situation is unique, so it’s always important to consult your tax advisor. However, another allure for owning a townhome is the interest portion of your mortgage payment might be tax deductible if you qualify. This can lead to significant savings over time. On the other hand, your rent payment, unfortunately, is not tax deductible.

3. Fixed-Rate Mortgage Payments Never Go Up

If you’ve ever renewed a lease, you know exactly what happens when you get your new documents: you discover your rent payment has gone up again. But when you own a townhome with a fixed-rate mortgage, you never have to worry about your payments increasing. Taking away this uncertainty allows you to plan accordingly for the future, whether you’re looking to stash more money into savings or set it aside for a big purchase.

4. You’ll Enjoy the Pride of Ownership

While the previous advantages are more practical, there’s a more emotional benefit to home ownership, too. A sense of pride comes with owning your own place, especially if you’re a first-time homeowner. From creating your own sense of style to maintaining a small yard to owning a pet, buying gives you the freedom to create your own aesthetic, and build on it over time.

rent vs own

5. Modern Convenience and Peace of Mind

This last advantage applies when you’re buying a brand-new home, which provides additional perks. Our homes come with modern, eco-friendly features that contribute to the long-term health of the home and have less impact on the environment. Lennar’s new homes also come with warranties, which means you don’t have to worry about unexpected costs or stress when a problem arises. Plus, each home is filled with our Everything’s Included® features, including voice-activated Home Automation and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™  Home Designs.

The convenience and peace of mind that comes with a new home purchase is very appealing to many home buyers.

As we noted at the outset, each individual has their own unique set of circumstances, so when you’re deciding to buy or rent a variety of factors will impact your decision. But if you’re leaning towards buying, hopefully these five reasons will give you more confidence to take the leap.

If you’re considering the idea of purchasing your first home, we have a variety of options to choose from:

To learn more about any of these communities—or to schedule a self-guided tour—visit the links provided above or call 888-208-4141 to get more information.