Homes on the market are abundant and prices have never been more attractive…are you debating between buying a new home or used one?

New homes builder Shea Homes has 10 excellent reasons why buying a new home is a better value than purchasing a used home.

1. Purchasing Power
When you compare the competitive pricing for a new Shea home and prices of existing used houses of similar size, you’ll see your home buying dollar has greater power when buying a new home. Shea Homes offers excellent incentives and financing options to increase your home purchasing power. A home owner selling a used home can’t provide these incentives to the extent Shea Homes can.

2. Better Home Value
A new home generally appraises at a higher value than an existing used home. The typical home needs remodeling after 15 to 20 years. So, if you purchase a used home, you’re likely to have to remodel sooner to maintain and increase the homes value. If you buy a new home, you won’t need to remodel, and the home retains and even increases in value faster.

3. Your Home, Not Someone Else’s
With a new Shea home, you can be sure that no one else has ever cooked in your kitchen, and no one else has ever bathed in your tub. And being your home’s first and only occupant means you won’t be inheriting a previous owner’s problems. In fact, when you buy a new Shea home, you’re virtually assured of low maintenance living for several years.

There are 7 other reasons to consider buying a new home in lieu of a used one:

• Better home location
• Stress-free financing
• Peace of mind
• Better home design
• Save energy and money
• Better design choices
• Modern appliances

For more detail on the above comparison between new and used homes visit http://www.sheahomes.com/top-10-reasons-to-buy-new-shea-home.cfm.

Head to a New Home Filled With Sunshine

Florida, a.k.a. the Sunshine State, is quickly becoming one of the newest international resort destinations. From shopping bags to hiking backpacks, magic kingdoms to nature’s magic, your new home in the greater Orlando area has so much to offer that you won’t know where to begin.

Not far from your new home is downtown DeLand, a traditional southern town with lots of charm. A bit further out you will find Orlando’s burgeoning "Cultural Corridor” complete with the Grand Bohemian Gallery, the Orlando Museum of Art, the Harry P. Leu Gardens, Lake Eola Park, and more.

You’re also just a hop, skip and a jump from the fabulous shopping, sports, and culinary scene that is Orlando, where you can get a taste of everything from charming boutiques to a meal prepared by a celebrity chef.

Florida New Homes Builder

If it’s grabbing a show, you’ll always find just about anything to thrill or stretch you—rock concerts, theater, symphony and ballet. If you prefer an arena, there’s no shortage of sports in the home of the Orlando Magic and The Orlando Predators. And when it comes to family-friendly things to do with visiting kids and grandkids, you can’t beat Disney World, Sea World, Discovery Cove and CityWalk’s themed restaurants.

New Homes at Victoria Gardens by Shea Homes are divided into four collections: Garden (1,409-1,670 sf), Trellis (1,430-1,928 sf), Vineyard (1,820-2,496 sf) and Vineyard Estate (2,618-3,326 sf). The Garden and Trellis collections are modestly sized (and modestly priced) homes perfect for those looking for a cozy retreat for themselves, friends, and family. The Vineyard collection is slightly larger and ideal for those looking for the feel of a bigger space without the need for a 2,500+ sf home. Finally, the Vineyards Estate collection provides ample space combined with unique design targeted at those who require a larger floor plan.

Lastly, be sure to take advantage of a SPECIAL OFFER - For a limited time, get $25,000 in FREE options. Learn more by calling 866-342-2168.

New Homes Builder Supports Read With Your Child Program

Shea Homes builds homes, neighborhoods and communities and nothing is more important to these communities than the future success of today’s children. That’s why Shea Homes supports the Read With Your Child program... because it is helping to build a strong foundation for our entire nation’s future.

With forty million US adults unable to read a simple story to a child, Illiteracy is a nationwide crisis.

Experts have found that reading to your pre-schooler for just 15 minutes a day is the most important thing you can do to prepare your child for a positive future and help him/her succeed in life.

New Homes Builder

Helping your pre-schooler learn to read at home can be an important first step in solving this national problem. Reading stimulates language development and encourages original thinking. It also fosters a positive self-image for your child and provides them with the resources they will need to succeed in life.

More and more, health experts are discovering that a healthy body and a healthy mind are closely interrelated. Shea Homes is dedicated to the well-being of your family, and believes a simple thing like reading to your child a few minutes a day can make a big, positive difference in his or her quality of life.

To learn more about Shea Home communities visit http://www.sheahomes.com/.

View Your New Home Virtually with Shea Homes

Technology is amazing...Imagine buying your next new home from the comfort of your current home!

Today's struggling economy is driving the use of innovative technologies in new home sales and marketing. A growing trend is the use of Virtual Model Home Tours to replace the use of expensive model home complexes in communities across America.

America's homebuilders are uncovering new ways to cost-effectively market new homes to a new price-sensitive homebuyer: Virtual model homes!

These highly-detailed 3D videos create the spatial experience of walking through a model home and visualizing every detail, before the home is even built. Though the price to create these tours is far less than their physical counterpart, high quality tours can easily cost $10,000 or more. "If you are going to replace the tactile experience of walking through a real model home with a virtual home, it had better be astoundingly realistic or you might have the reverse effect and turn off your prospective homebuyer," said Steve Ormonde, Co-founder of Focus 360, and the inventor of this technology.

The cost of this level of quality and detail has been out of reach of many homebuilders. This is why this week Focus 360 introduced a new more affordable "Value Line" that addresses this price/quality issue head-on. "The biggest obstacle to builders' use of virtual model homes in the past has been the price tag associated with high quality tours," said Ormonde. "Our goal is to provide builders with a solution that is not only more affordable, but one that provides the high quality needed to engage home shoppers and present a builder's product in the best possible light."

Can virtual model tour videos drive sales while decreasing a builder's investment in model homes? "Absolutely!" stated Adam Hieb, Director, Sales and Marketing for Shea Homes. "The days are gone when we could afford to put up multi-million dollar model complexes. Every new Shea home community is different but in general, our use of high quality virtual model tours will greatly reduce the number of model homes needed. Instead of four models for instance, we might be able to get away with one, with the remaining models represented in 3D virtual reality. In some lower profile communities, virtual tours may eliminate models completely - a sales office might suffice. And while we have used Focus 360 for many years for our bigger budget, high profile projects, we are excited that we can now afford them for all our projects."

For more information on Shea Homes visit www.SheaHomes.com.

Excerpts for this post provided by EarthTimes.Org. The full article can be viewed at http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/homebuilders-are-increasing-the-use,1087301.shtml

Green Homes are Red Hot!

New Homes Builder

According to Kevin Morrow of the National Association of Home Builders, green certifications of homes have jumped from 99 last year to at least 564 this year. "The interest in green building is driven by consumers. More people are doing it to save money on their heating bills," states Morrow in a recent USAToday article.

Shea Homes is a builder of new homes that are eco-friendly and energy-wise.

Whenever possible, Shea Homes uses certified wood products from sustainable forests, recyles construction materials and incorporates water-conserving appliances and fixtures into new homes in an effort to help reduce the carbon footprint of the home as well as benefit generations to come by helping reduce America's carbon footprint.

In addition, Shea Homes includes energy-saving insulation, energy-saving heating and air-conditioning systems, Energy Star appliances at most communities, efficient water heaters and dual pane windows with low-E glass.

To learn more about Shea Homes and their vision to help you live happier, safer and healthier lives, visit http://www.sheahomes.com/.

What To Look For in a New Home Builder

Most people don't build new homes often, so you really need the final product - your home - to be what you want it to be. Architects and interior designers agree that if you want to be happy with your new home you need to take time in the early stages of the building process.

Builders play a big part in those 'early stages' - they are the one's who are going to make what is down on paper a reality. They are the one's who provide the shell for everyone else to provide their services; without a builder you wouldn't need the electricians, plumbers and painters, nor would you have a home to live in!

When looking for a new home builder you will want someone who guarantees their work. In New Zealand you should check that the builder you employ is a Registered Master Builder. Only Registered Master Builder's can offer you the "Master Build New Homes or Alterations & Additions Guarantee", which covers a percentage of such things as loss of deposit or non completion (should this occur), as well as materials cover and a limited structural cover for up to 7 years. Having a guarantee in place will give you peace of mind.

A good home builder will also have quality check processes in place, where an assigned person carries out checks at several critical stages of the building process, to ensure that any issues which arise during this time are dealt with effectively and cost efficiently, after all you want the service you are paying for to be a quality one!

Look for a new home builder that has a good reputation, I hear you asking "How will I know this?", first of all you should ask to see their work, it's most likely that they will be in the process of building a house when you ask, so arrange a time to see how good their work is or alternatively ask if there are any showhomes which they have built, available to view. Secondly, you could ask around friends and family to see if they can recommend anyone to you. Thirdly, if they have one, check out their website for things like client testimonials and information about the company itself.

If you have employed the services of a design & build type company they will most likely have a builder or building company which they use. This saves you time having to find one for yourself and also keeps everything simple for you, by providing you with all the services in one package.

When you are searching for a new home builder it's important to keep in mind that they will be building your home, the place where you go to relax and be secure. Look for a quality builder and you will get exactly that!

---

Article Provided By:

Paul Clarke is Managing Director of Landmark Homes, a multi award-winning residential home building company in New Zealand. Paul and his wife first started Landmark Homes in Tauranga 32 years ago and have built a reputation on honesty and quality in everything they do.

How to Choose a Home Builder

Buying a new home is a major decision. Choosing a good home builder is also very important. You will want someone who is established and can be trusted, someone has the knowledge and skills in constructing a new home, someone who can manage team of craftsmen skilled at building a quality house. It's very important that you develop a good relationship with your home builder.

When you look for a new home builder, there are several things that you need to consider.

First of all, you should always ask for references and check for qualification. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find good constructors. You can ask your friends, family and coworkers whether they have any good construction companies to recommend. Here are some questions to ask for a builder: Are you a professional builder or only a part-time constructor? How long have you been in this industry and what experience do you have? Can you give us references from your past clients? You can contact your local licensing board to make sure that builder is licensed. You can check with the Better Business Bureau to see whether any complaints have been made against that builder.

Also, you want to find a builder that constructs the type of homes that you want to built. Different builders have different areas of expertise. You should make sure that you have chosen one with the right expertise.

Besides, you should ask a constructor whether you can get a warranty with your new house. A warranty will help to protect your investment in your new home.

You should also ask what kinds of after-sales services they provide. Good builders always provide after-sales services that fix minor problems and they usually respond quickly to their clients' requests.

When you are ready to sign the contract, make sure to read the contract carefully to make sure it's detailed enough to cover everything.

Choosing the right home builder is crucial in building a new house. By following the right steps you can find a good builder that helps you to build your dream home.

---

Article provided by Brian Walker. Brian is a freelance Internet writer. You can find more articles on choosing and working with home builders on http://www.myfavoritebuilder.com.

New Home Buying Tips - 5 Must Haves!

Buying a home is never an easy task, but knowing what you're looking for (and what you're not looking for) can make the home-buying experience a lot less stressful.

Before you sit down to prioritize your wish list, we highly recommend looking for these 5 features in your new home. We realize some of the features might increase the cost of the home - but the potential resale
value will outweigh the initial costs, we assure you.

Here are 5 essential features to look for when purchasing a new home:

1. Ensuite Bathroom. New homes are being built so quickly with so many features that today's homeowners have become accustom to luxurious upgrades. Parents no longer want to share their bathroom with their children and children surely don't want to share a bathroom with their parents. Spend the extra cash and look for a home with an ensuite bathroom attached to the master bedroom. Trust us; you'll be happy that you did.

2. Energy-Efficient Appliances. If you're purchasing a new home - or even buying an older home - chances are you're going to need new appliances. If you're buying a new home from a homebuilder, make sure they offer energy efficient appliances. If they don't, it's worth negotiating this into the price of the home. Everyone is looking for energy efficient features in their homes. Not only will this increase the resale value of your home but it will also save you a ton of money in the meantime.

3. Hardwood Floors. Hardwood floors may add some additional costs when initially building a home but the upfront cost will outweigh alternatives, should you decide to rip out carpet and install hardwood a year or two down the road. Hardwood flooring (especially in dark tones) is extremely popular right now. Upgrading to dark hardwood floors is an essential investment for any new homeowner.

4. An "Extra" Family Room. If you're moving into a new home with your family (or even with just one other person), an additional family room is a necessity. To save your relationship, you and your partner (and your kids) are going to need their own space. An extra family room allows an escape so that you don't have to spend every waking moment side-by-side with the people you live with. Also, if you want to watch different things on TV, nothing is forcing you to watch the only thing that's on in the one family room.

5. A deck. An outdoor haven is one of the best features of any home. If you're purchasing a brand new home, chances are you might not be able to include a deck in your plan. The good news is that you'll probably be able to add a deck right after your house is complete. Looking at the plan of your home (especially the back yard) to make sure that the layout suits an outdoor deck or patio is a great thing to consider during the home-buying process.

---

Article Contrubuted by Ariella_Selene

How to Choose the Right Home Builder

Few decisions are as important as buying a new home. This is why you should exercise the utmost caution when choosing a home builder. Of course, you'll want to choose a trustworthy builder with an established reputation, and the know how to construct a quality home. Your home is a big investment, both financially and emotionally, so you want to make sure to hire someone that will do the job right.

So, how do you go about choosing the right builder? There are several factors that you should evaluate before deciding on a builder. Here are some things to think about in making your choice:

First, you will want to make sure that the builder you choose has a solid reputation and excellent references. Choosing a home builder is a huge decision, so randomly picking someone from the phone book is not an option. After all, just because a builder is licensed and bonded does not mean the quality of their work can be trusted. Instead, look to family, friends, or coworkers for a reference. If you can't get a personal reference, go with a builder that has a good reputation in your community.

Once you've identified one or more possible home builders, prepare a short list of questions to ask when you call. Some things can be researched online, depending on the size of the company. Things you'll want to know are how long the company's been in business, what type of industry experience it possesses, and whether the company is a full-time professional constructor or only a part-time builder. Finally, make sure to check that the company meets all licensing and bonding requirements in your area, and check with the local branch of the Better Business Bureau to find out of there are any complaints against the builder by former clients.

When you're interviewing the builder and researching their expertise, you'll also want to find out their area of specialization. How much time does the builder devote to residential construction? What types of custom homes do they build? You'll want to make sure the builder's expertise matches the vision that you have for your new home.

Lastly, you'll want to know what type of warranty or post-sale services are provided by the builder. While you might imagine that you won't experience problems with your new home that necessitate the use of a warranty, sadly this isn't always the case. Things can and do go wrong with new homes. Of course, choosing a builder carefully will minimize the risk of problems, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Remember that a builder that offers an excellent warranty and after-sale service is a builder that is confident in the quality of its work. This is just another indicator of the quality of the builder you choose.

Take the time to do your homework when it comes to choosing a home builder. This extra time and effort will pay off in the long run, and you'll have a home that you can be proud to own to show for it.

---

Article contributed by Luke_Lansing.

New Homes Blog Portal

New Homes

Announcing Full listing at: http://www.new-homes-real-estate.com

Arizona New Homes

Arizona New Homes

New Homes in Arizona - Phoenix New Homes - Buckeye New Homes, Chandler AZ New Homes, New Homes in Maricopa, Queen Creek New Homes, New Homes in Gilbert AZ, New Arizona Homes.

New Homes Communities built by Shea Homes, the nations largest private home builder providing 5-Star Builder Services include: Value, Quality, Financing, Customer Service and Caring.

Learn Why Shea Homes is the nations best new home builder.

New Homes

New Homes Builder Shea Homes has launched a new blog at http://www.new-homes-real-estate.com which supplies quick access to communities, new homes, new home development information and more.

New Homes Builder Shea Homes

Shea Homes is the largest privately held new home builder in the United States.  Shea Homes since 1881 builds in California, Arizona, Washington, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.

"Shea Homes provides VALUE in their new homes" stated Chris Fialkowski of Netfinity, Inc. a strategic partner of Shea Homes.  "Shea Homes focus on value at all levels of the home buying process, since I have worked with them I have been impressed at the attention to detail and the importance of Shea Homes Value." Stated Chris Fialkowski.

Shea Homes builds in over 150 cities throughout the seven new home development States.  This includes all regions of California, North Carolina and more.  For a full listing of new homes from Shea Homes, visit us today at http://www.sheahomes.com