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Home affordability continues to concern buyers in the market. However, the recent mortgage rate drop has significantly boosted home-buying power. The time to buy is NOW! Learn more in this Mortgage Professional America article by Steve Randall.
As 2018 ended, there was good news for housing affordability according to First American Financial.
The firm calculates that consumer house-buying power, which includes the impact of income and interest rate changes on single-family house prices, increased from the previous month as mortgage rates, which had been trending higher in 2018, declined.
“Mortgage rates in December fell 0.23 percentage points compared with the previous month and household income increased 0.4%,” said Mark Fleming, chief economist at First American. “The effect? A 3.1% increase in house-buying power, the largest monthly gain in more than five years.”
Based on the increased home-buying power, First American’s Real House Price Index shows a 2.4% decrease in prices in December and an 11.8% increase year-over-year.
Affordability boost
Housing affordability benefited from rising wages as well as the lower mortgage rates. Annual hourly wage growth increased by 3.5% year-over-year and the labor market’s record streak of job gains continued.
“In 2018, the increase in household income helped mitigate the impact of rising mortgage rates and the fast pace of unadjusted house price growth on affordability,” said Fleming. “Rising mortgage rates, which increased from 4.0-4.6% in 2018, reduced consumer house-buying power by nearly $31,000. The growth in household income, however, increased consumer house-buying power by $11,000. The overall net effect in 2018 of the affordability tug-of-war between increasing mortgage rates and income growth was a $19,000 decline in house-buying power, compared with December 2017.”
December shifted in favor of buyers and increased home-buying power by $10,000 on average.
“That means a home buyer with a 5% down payment and a mortgage rate of 4.6% saw their house-buying power increase from $354,500 to $364,500,” added Fleming. “The monthly increase in household income further increased house-buying power to $365,600. Overall, house-buying power increased by $11,100 in December compared with the previous month, the second largest monthly increase in house-buying power since the beginning of the millennium.”
Fort Collins, Colo. – March 2019 – Double your chances of finding your dream home with two Grand Openings happening on Saturday, March 9th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 10th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour new models from The Monarch Collection at Mosaic in Fort Collins and The Grand Collection at WildWing in Timnath, each showcasing a wide selection of ranch and two-story floorplans with extensive Everything’s Included® features. Plus, each community will have complimentary eats from 12 to 2 p.m. with The Comida Taco Truck and Espresso Affair Coffee Bar at Mosaic and Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs and Gigi’s Cupcakes at WildWing.
“We’re very excited to be Grand Opening new models at Mosaic and WildWing, both which present home shoppers with an incredible opportunity to purchase a brand-new, Everything’s Included® home in fantastic locations,” said Carrie Castilian, Director of Marketing for Lennar Colorado. “Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance, ranch-style home or a floorplan that’s designed for multigenerational living, both communities offer diverse and modern designs, so you can find a home that’s right for your lifestyle.”
Nestled in northern Colorado’s hub, Mosaic combines the best of urban living with all the amenities of a masterplanned, new home community. The Monarch Collection offers one ranch and six two-story floorplans starting from the $400,000s and ranging from approximately 1,815 to 2,612 square feet with two to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms. For true lakeside living, WildWing is located on the Timnath Reservoir. The Grand Collection offers five distinctive single-story floorplans starting from the low $500s and ranging from approximately 2,528 to 4,155 square feet including three to six bedrooms and two to four and one-half bathrooms.
New homes across both collections are designed for today’s lifestyles and boast contemporary design details throughout including open living areas for easy entertaining, gourmet kitchens, spacious secondary bedrooms for the kids, sophisticated master suites complete with a spa-inspired bathroom, covered outdoor spaces and flexible rooms per plan.
In addition, Lennar’s innovative Next Gen® – The Home Within A Home® design is available at both communities. Tailored for multigenerational living, the layout provides an attached private suite with its own living space including a separate entrance, living area, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom. It’s like having two homes under one roof and perfect for elderly parents, returning children, long-term guests or a home office.
Best of all, the upgrades and features buyers want are included in a new Lennar home through their signature Everything’s Included® program. Enjoy high-quality cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, home automation technology
Interested home shoppers are encouraged to attend both Grand Opening events. Mosaic is located at 2903 Comet St in Fort Collins, CO 80524 and WildWing is located at 2962 Water View Street in Timnath, CO 80547. For more information, please visit www.Lennar.com/Colorado.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Hillsboro, Ore. – February 2019 – Coming soon to the amenity-rich Rosedale Parks masterplan in Hillsboro are three new Lennar collections that will offer home shoppers a great opportunity to own a brand-new, Everything’s Included® home just 14 miles from downtown Portland. Families of every type can find a home that will elevate their living and lifestyle with three collections to choose from showcasing modern townhomes, duplexes and single-family homes. The interest list for Rosedale Parks is now open and interested buyers are encouraged to sign up to receive up-to-date information on this community.
“Rosedale Parks will offer residents a unique living experience with a host of amenities right outside their new front door including a spectacular clubhouse with pool, a neighborhood park and plenty of open space to utilize,” said Sia Howe, Marketing Manager for Lennar Portland. “There’s no better setting for your dream home than the family-friendly City of Hillsboro boasting exciting entertainment and recreation, plus downtown Portland and all its offerings are just a short drive away.”
Lennar at Rosedale Parks offers three collections to choose from. The Trailside Collection offers beautiful townhomes starting in the high $300s with three designs to choose from ranging from approximately 1,520 to 1,716 square feet. The Meadows Collection offers charming duplexes starting from the high $300s with four designs to choose from ranging from approximately 1,145 to 2,094 square feet. The Canyon Collection offers stunning single-family homes from the low $600s with three designs to choose from ranging from approximately 2,387 to 3,422 square feet. Additionally, later this year Lennar will debut The Ridgeline Collection which will offer single-family homes starting in the high $300s with three designs to choose from ranging from approximately 1,638 to 2,088 square feet.
New homes showcase modern layouts including open-concept living areas, upscale kitchens, enviable master suites, spacious secondary bedrooms, covered patios and flexible spaces per plan. Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® also incorporates desirable features and upgrades as standard including stainless steel appliances, granite, and quartz countertops and energy-efficient items and more – all at no extra cost. The program now includes Lennar’s new Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home D
When you’re not enjoying the amenities at Rosedale Park, Hillsboro, Oregon’s fifth largest city, offers incredible recreation and entertainment. Explore over 1,500 acres of designated green spaces including the popular Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve and Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Hillsboro also offers family-friendly annual events throughout the year and downtown Hillsboro is only five miles away with plenty of entertainment and shopping. And if you love golfing, you can find nine courses just within a 10-minute drive. The surrounding area is also one of the best places to grow wine & offers many popular vineyards.
Prospective home shoppers may join the interest list here. For more information please visit www.LennarPortland.com or call 877-206-5560.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Sacramento, Calif. – March 2019 – Lennar Sacramento is excited to announce they will release their first phase of homes for sale at Silveroak at Vineyard Creek. Prospective new home shoppers are encouraged to visit the Bordeaux and Redwood at Vineyard Creek Welcome Home Centers to learn more about Silveroak. Home shoppers can save big with pre-model pricing and reserve their preferred homesite.
“This is a great opportunity for home shoppers to beat the crowds we expect to see during the busy spring season, save with pre-model pricing and reserve their dream home at Silveroak,” said Michelle Velky, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lennar Sacramento. “Silveroak is a brand-new community of single-family homes set in the desirable Vineyard Creek area of Sacramento. A great location for families, empty-nesters and busy professionals!”
Lennar offers a dynamic collection of four distinctive floor plans for sale at Silveroak. The residences offer approximately 1,438 to 2,185 square feet of living space with three to four bedrooms and three bathrooms. These modern designs also showcase popular details such as open-concept living areas, well-appointed kitchens
Every residence showcases Lennar’s innovative Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home D
Sales launch Saturday, March 3 out of the two Welcome Home Centers Lennar has at Vineyard Creek, Bordeaux located at 7489 Malva Rosa Way and Redwood at 9366 Sugar Bush Circle in Sacramento.
Visit www.lennar.com/sacramento or call 916-304-9711 to speak with a Internet Sales Consultant and learn more.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com
Located in Bucks County, this Lennar neighborhood offers easy access to everything!
Welcome to Hidden Meadows! This intimate new community highlights a prime location on the border of Perkasie Borough and Hilltown Township! Hidden Meadows features spacious single-family home designs located in the highly acclaimed Pennridge School District.
Homes feature 2,315 to 3,089 sq. ft. of luxurious living space with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half bathrooms. Choose from five distinctive home designs that complement your every need. Thoughtfully designed layouts are perfect for entertaining and highlight high-end finishes throughout. As soon as you walk through the front door, you will find open concept living spaces, elegant kitchens and so much more.
Hidden Meadows offers plenty of open space nearby (perfect for picnics and sports!), as well as scenic walking trail that leads to Perkiomen Park. Centrally located in Bucks County, immediately west of Doylestown, Hidden Meadows offers quick access to the PA Turnpike, Northeast Extension and State Routes 309, 202, 313 and 611.
The area surrounding the community provides plentiful shopping, dining and amenities including the Central Bucks YMCA, Doylestown Country Club, Jericho National Golf Club, Ralph Stover Park, Tohickon Valley Park, Delaware River and Lake Galena.
The Hidden Meadows Welcome Home Center is located at 300 Hidden Meadows Drive in Perkasie, PA 18944. To learn more or to schedule an appointment call 609-349-8258 or visit https://bit.ly/2IPX4kG.
Sago Plantation and Wilderness Pointe
MYRTLE BEACH, SC – With seemingly endless miles of beaches, easy access to the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, and an array of entertainment, shopping, dining, and recreation, Myrtle Beach is more than a top vacation destination, it’s a beloved place to call home. As its beachfront buzzes with attractions like the giant Ferris Wheel and the annual Myrtle Beach Elvis Festival, this friendly beach community still effortlessly retains its laidback, small-town vibe.
Myrtle Beach’s popularity can make finding the right home a challenge. Fortunately, Lennar, the nation’s largest homebuilder, offers an array of Myrtle Beach communities to choose from. That means more high quality homes – with all of the features and finishes homebuyers want – like stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinetry, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, and HardiePlank® exteriors – included, at no additional cost.
Sago Plantation
If gated privacy, proximity to championship golf courses at Legends Golf + Resort, fine restaurants and world class shopping are on your wish list, then Sago Plantation is the Myrtle Beach community for you. Come see the brand new floorplans and model.
Sago Plantation’s one and two story homes range in size from 1,772 to 2,449 square feet, boast three to five bedrooms, and two to three and a half baths. Families will enjoy easy access to top area schools, including River Oaks Elementary, Ocean Bay Middle School, and Carolina Forest High School, as well as the peace of mind that comes with a gated community where kids can play freely and safely. Homes at Sago Plantation are priced from the $200s.
Plus, Lennar’s Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Design program keeps Sago Plantation residents connected and in control. In addition to consistent, reliable Wi-Fi coverage in every part of the home, it also provides a host of integrated automation and voice control features – including secure, keyless front doors, smart climate control, lighting, and wireless sound systems included in every home.
To learn more on how you can save up to $15,000 off select homes ready now or to tour our brand new model, please visit the Sago Plantation Welcome Home Center at 148 Sago Palm Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, or simply call 843-471-9814 or visit SagoPlantationSC.com for more information.
Wilderness Pointe in Prince Creek
For homebuyers seeking a community to match their beach lifestyle, welcome to Wilderness Pointe in charming Murrells Inlet. Perfectly positioned close to Marsh Walk’s legendary seafood restaurants and shopping, Wilderness Pointe also offers easy access to Myrtle Beach’s diverse mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Life at Wilderness Pointe includes an array of resort-style amenities, including access to the world-class golf course at Tournament Players Club, an Olympic-size pool, a children’s pool, lighted tennis courts, playground, nature trail, a covered pavilion with outdoor fireplace, walking and bicycling trails, horseshoes, bocce ball, pickle ball, and a half basketball court.
Homes at Wilderness Pointe reflect the laidback lifestyle of Murrells Inlet, offering unique floorplan designs with the “Raised Beach” concept. These homes offer elevator options and range in size from 1,955 to 2,577 square feet. These gracious three-bedroom, two bath homes boast coastal exteriors, some featuring metal roofs and Bahama shutters. Homes in Wilderness Point start in the mid $200.
For a tour of the model home and an array of quick move-in homes, please visit the Wilderness Pointe Welcome Home Center at 338 Splendor Circle Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Or you can simply call 843-471-9814 or visit lennarmyb.com for more information.
As the largest homebuilder in the U.S., Lennar makes home buying easy, and is proud to offer 11 communities in the Myrtle Beach area including, Murrells Inlet, North Myrtle Beach, Longs, and Little River.
Here’s how to make Valentine’s Day last all year long!
Our friends at Food & Wine reveal how to have a date night experience that you will not soon forget. So, cozy up in your new Lennar Tristate home and read on to learn how to make your significant other swoon!
Home is where the heart is
Not every great dinner has to involve reservations or even travel, especially if you feel like cooking. There’s plenty of recipes to pick from, but if, say, you plan on picking up a heart-shaped Le Creuset for the occasion, Food & Wine Test Kitchen manager Kelsey Youngman says that as far as dinners that will hold that vascular Valentine’s shape, savory bread pudding is the way to go.
If you’re more inspired by the acclaimed cinematic romance of Best Picture nominee Call Me By Your Name, you are all but obligated to whip up some Baked Stuffed Peaches with Saffron Zabaglione, because, well, you know why. And whatever you make, it’s easy to pair with homemade Red Sangria. Or, if you’d rather go all-in on a lovely wine, Round Pond’s “The Vow” Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural fit.
But let’s be real. If you really want to do something different, how can you not start with a full bouquet… of beef jerky? Yes, these beef jerky bouquets are available in both “flower” and “rose” varieties. Combine them with a box of See’s Candies (go heavy on the Scotchmallow Hearts) for a snack-fest to remember.
If you want to have a unique dinner outside the house, though, there’s no shortage of options. If you or your significant other are into small, square burgers, well, head to OpenTable right this second.
Alternatively, you can round up a crew of friends, stop by the mall, take a look around, and appreciate that you’re no longer a teenager when you to pick up some of Auntie Anne’s pretzels or Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
For those in Los Angeles, you could also lean all the way into one particular aspect of the holiday at Fig Restaurant. New Yorkers looking to go in the opposite direction, on the other hand, should head to the Harvey at The Williamsburg Hotel.
Read more tips here: https://www.foodandwine.com/holidays-events/unique-valentines-dinners
If you’re looking for something fun for your little one, then don’t miss The Spring Fling Toddler Fair in Sienna Planation. This free community event is on Saturday, March 2nd from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sienna Plantation Model Home Park on 9803 Cameron Way in Missouri City, TX 77459. The fair will have train rides, a pony carousel, a big top play band, photobooth, face painting, a wacky castle, food trucks, caterpillar crawl and so much more. Plus, kids will get to participate in an interactive sing-along with Radio Disney’s AndyRoo! Ages six or under are welcome. Also, families are invited to stop by the Lennar tent for special give-a-ways and to learn more about Lennar in Sienna Plantation.
Lennar builds the popular Brookstone collection of Everything’s Included® new homes in Sienna Plantation, which is recognized as the number-one selling community in Texas. Residents of Sienna Plantation enjoy of the many community amenities, with over 3,000 acres of dedicated parkland, recreation areas, lakes and green space, including hundreds of acres of parks, miles of walking trails, waterparks, a Golf Club, stables and more! Lennar in Sienna Plantation offers beautiful and affordable homes starting from the $270,000s. This popular Missouri City community offers top-notch schools with on-site elementary, middle and high school. A new Lennar model home will open in the Summer of 2019.
For information, please click here.
Visit www.lennar.com/sienna-plantation for more information on new homes by Lennar in Sienna Plantation. Also, follow Lennar Houston at www.facebook.com/Lennar.Houston.
About Lennar:
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
The community is now accepting VIP appointments.
Blue Ridge Estates by Lennar will feature stunning new estate homes designed for the way people really live today! Nestled in Upper Saucon Township, Blue Ridge Estates is part of the desirable Southern Lehigh School District.
The community will offer a limited number of residences that will feature ½ to 1.5-acre homesites, elegant finishes, decadent trim and finishing touches, open floor plans, gourmet kitchens, luxurious master suites and so much more. Plus, with Lennar’s Everything’s Included® program, every new home comes filled with a high level of upscale features that add style, value and efficiency to your new home at no additional costs.
Blue Ridge Estates is located near an abundance of shopping and recreation, such as The Promenade at Saucon Valley and nearby parks and walking trails. The low-maintenance community is also part of an HOA, so residents don’t have to worry about everyday common area maintenances such as landscaping, mowing or snow removal (See New Homes Consultant for details.)
Blue Ridge Estates is located at 4834 Blue Church Road in Coopersburg, PA 18036. Hours are by appointment.
To schedule a VIP appointment, call 609-349-8258 or visit https://bit.ly/2SToGdD.
