For the last two weeks, we’ve taken you on a virtual tour of Beazer homes, showing you how and why new homes are more energy efficient than existing homes.

We’ve taken you behind the scenes to show you the energy saving features of our homes.  We’ve showed you energy bills from Beazer homeowners. We also helped you learn about the HERS index and how 100% of our homes meet the latest ENERGY STAR® certifications for new homes.

We haven’t been the only ones talking about energy efficiency over the past two weeks. We asked some of you to share the HERS scores of your Beazer homes on Facebook. One homeowner said her 3,000 square foot home scored a 64! Remember, standard new homes score around 100. Talk about great energy efficiency!

We also asked you to share some energy saving tips with other homeowners, and we got great responses including:

• Turning off power strips
• Unplugging electrical devices when not in use
• Regulating the temperature of your home’s hot water heater
• Opening windows instead of running the air conditioner to bring down the temperature of the house on hot days
• Setting programmable thermostats higher during the summer and lower during the winter during the times when no one is home

Just because this week is coming to an end doesn’t mean the conversation about energy efficiency has to stop. We’ll still post facts about home energy efficiency on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. Look for tips about energy efficient décor on our Pinterest page. Finally, you can read our blog to catch up on facts about energy efficiency you may have missed.

As always, we want to hear from you! What’s one fact you learned this week? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Tell Us What You Learned About Home Energy Efficiency appeared first on Beazer Homes Blog.

One way to ensure you’re getting the maximum performance out of your bulbs while minimizing energy use is to purchase ENERGY STAR® qualified light bulbs. ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs and fixtures meet energy-efficiency criteria established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Replacing daily bulbs that you use for three or more hours a day with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs) is an easy way to cut down on your energy bill and help the environment.

CFLs

At Beazer, we  include CFLs in all our ENERGY STAR certified homes. The quality and performance of CFLs has improved since households started using them in the 1980s. Today, CFLs are the most cost-effective and energy efficient option for homeowners. CFLs produce the same amount of light as traditional bulbs, but use 75% less heat and energy. They also last up to ten times longer.

LEDs

Although consumers don’t use LED lights as frequently as CFLs, LEDs are growing in popularity as they become more readily available. LEDs are more energy efficient than CFLs and last at least four times longer.  They last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, and use at least 75 percent less energy.

Because LEDs emit virtually no heat, they are cool to the touch.  According the U.S. Department of Energy, the rapid adoption of LED lighting in the next 20 years could:

• Deliver about $265 billion in energy savings
• Avoid the need to build 40 new power plants
• Reduce the electricity demand for lighting by 33% in 2027. ENERGY STAR has a list of qualified LED lights based on their Luminaire Lighting Program requirements.

Remember, even small improvements in lighting can add up over time. You don’t immediately have to replace every bulb in your home.  Instead, phase out less frequently used blubs by replacing them with ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs or LEDs when they burn out.

All energy efficient lighting isn’t the same. Just because a light bulb or fixture is energy efficient, doesn’t mean it is ENERGY STAR qualified.  Look for the blue ENERGY STAR label when you’re selecting lighting options.

When you’re personalizing your new Beazer home, you can choose from a range of ENERGY STAR qualified lighting options and fixtures from our Beazer Design Studio.

Progress Lighting is also one of our ENERGY STAR partners and has a selection of more than 200 eco-friendly lighting fixtures on their ENERGY STAR page.  You can read about their recently updated ENERGY STAR program and become familiar with some modern lighting terms in their Guide to Green Lighting.

The post No Surprise Here – Energy Efficient Lighting Helps Cut Household Energy Use appeared first on Beazer Homes Blog.

As June kicks off, and the summer months start to heat up, there’s no better time to talk about energy efficiency.

We build 100% of our homes to meet or exceed the latest ENERGY STAR® 3.0 certification criteria. Living in an ENERGY STAR certified Beazer home means you’re reducing energy consumption, and saving money on your energy bill.

Before moving into a Beazer home, a few of our homeowners didn’t know what it meant to live in an energy efficient home. In the video below, some of our homeowners share their pleasant surprise when they saw the money they saved on their first energy bill.

Over the next couple weeks, we’re breaking down how our homes save energy, and save you money. Think of it as your (virtual) behind-the-scenes tour to learning about how and why new homes are more energy efficient than existing homes.

Don’t forget – you can always visit us in person! Many of our divisions have great incentives going on through June 16. Get out and see our new, energy efficient homes.

We want to hear from you too!  In the comments, tell us the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words energy efficient.  

The post Go Behind the Scenes with Beazer Homes as We Showcase Energy Efficiency appeared first on Beazer Homes Blog.

Nick Peacock, Beazer’s Vice President of Lender Choices, answers your questions about shopping for a mortgage.

In this edition of “Ask Nick”, Nick explains when the new FHA changes kick-in, how much buyers typically need for a down payment, and lender “lock-in” periods.

Q: Tanya:  My question is regarding FHA’s upcoming change taking effect on June 3, 2013 that will no longer allow you to cancel MIP. Do you have to close on your loan before this date?

We are under contract to buy a Beazer home but will not be able to close until 90 days before the completion date of our new home, which will be sometime in October/November 2013. 

A:  Thank you for your question! The change in the ability to cancel the annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) is effective with new FHA case numbers issued on or after June 3^rd. As long as your lender has obtained your FHA case number prior to June 3rd, you will not be subject to this new rule.  You simply want to check with your lender to confirm that they have obtained your case number before June 3rd.

Q: Sandy: How much do I really need to have as a down payment? 

A:  It depends.  If you are eligible for VA financing or USDA financing, you could purchase a home with $0 down payment.  If you are not eligible for one of these programs, you may qualify for a conventional loan with as little as 3% down, or an FHA loan with 3.5% down.  For borrowers with excellent credit, and their own funds for the down payment, the conventional loan would probably be the best option.

Q: Jessica:  I recently went through the mortgage process and was a little confused by the following: When are rates “locked in” or are they? If we get quoted one rate when we sign the contract, what are the chances/risks of that rate changing before closing?

A: This is an excellent question, and the answer is not a short one!  In general, lenders quote rates that they can lock for 30, 45 or 60 days at no charge to the customer.   Beyond 60 days, there is generally a substantial cost associated with locking-in a rate.  Some lenders offer extended rate lock options, and these options often include float down provisions.

It’s best to look at an example-

Suppose today’s FHA rate is 3.25% – this is the rate the lender would offer you if you were locking in for 30 or 45 days.  If you need to protect your rate for 6 months, the lender may offer you a rate of 3.75%, with the option to float down (relock) at the current rates 30 days before closing.  There may be a fee (maybe 1% of the loan amount) associated with this extended rate lock.

This is just one potential example – each lender will have different pricing, and different options.  What you need to consider is that rates can change every day – and in volatile markets rates can move up very quickly.  A long term lock in option should be viewed as an insurance policy – you limit your exposure to an increase in rates, but to do so you will have to spend some money.  The other option is to let your rate float until you are within 60 or 45 days from closing, but if you choose this option you should watch rates carefully so you can take action if they start to creep up.

We’re always taking your questions!  You can email them to us at AskNick@beazer.com. Nick answers every question, so you’ll be sure to get a personal response. Every week, we’ll post some of the “Ask Nick” questions and answers on our blog, Facebook, and Google Plus.  Don’t forget to follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #AskNick.

* Beazer Homes is not acting as a mortgage broker or lender. Homebuyers should consult with a mortgage broker or lender of their choice regarding mortgage loans and mortgage loan qualification.  ©2013 Beazer Homes

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Beazer Homes Maryland won two merchandising awards! One for the Lexington model home in our Cherry Tree View community,  and one for the Farnham model home in our Beechtree community.

They also won a product award for the Vail model home in our community of Arora Hills.

Take a peek inside each model!

The Lexington at Cherry Tree View 

The Farnham at Beechtree

The Vail at Arora Hills 

The post Beazer Homes Maryland Division Wins Big at the Home Builder Association of Maryland Awards appeared first on Beazer Homes Blog.

Let’s start with the advantages of new. A recent survey among perspective homebuyers states that the following benefits are advantages of new homes over resale. If these are important to your clients, then you may want to recommend checking out new homes.

• Quality of Construction – A new home is built up to the most recent standards and codes. This means safer, healthier living. Your clients will know they are getting up-to-date, quality construction.
• Ability to personalize – Flooring, cabinets, countertops and more – these are all things the buyer will get to pick when they buy a newly constructed home and is ready when they move in.
• Flexible floorplan design – They can pick the floorplan and structural options that suits their lifestyle and living situation.  With a new home you don’t have to “make-do” on a less than ideal layout.
• Low cost of maintenance – new homes are just that…new. So instead of owners spending their time and money remodeling and fixing things up, they can move-in and know that it is complete to their liking.
• Energy Efficient – 100% of Beazer homes meet and exceed Energy Star’s latest standards. That equals lower operating costs than a typical resale, saving the owner money after move-in.
• More living space – New homes typically have larger rooms and open layouts compared to older homes.

There you have it. Obviously, I could go on and on about why a new home would be better for your client. Once you get past price and location, these are the top reasons new construction should be considered during their home search.

Thanks for joining today. Be sure to join us for the next edition where we’ll discuss the buying process and how you make the sale.

The post Benefits of Selling New Homes – For Real Estate Agents appeared first on Beazer Homes Blog.

Nick Peacock, Beazer’s Vice President of Lender Choices, will answer your questions about shopping for a mortgage and comparing the information that you receive.

Nick has more than 27 years of experience in the mortgage industry. More importantly, he knows a lot more than the average Joe when it comes to navigating the mortgage waters. Nick is devoted to helping consumers understand our Mortgage Choices program, which encourages everyone to shop around for the home loan that best fits their needs.

We’re kicking off our first “Ask Nick!” with a few questions about the mortgage process from our own employees who are currently going through the home buying process. In this edition, Nick explains the differences between lenders, and the upcoming changes to FHA loans.

Q.  Sarah:  Do different lenders really make a difference – aren’t they all the same?  

A: They are definitely NOT all the same! They vary in terms of their loan programs, underwriting guidelines and processes.  While most lenders underwrite their loans according to agency (FHA, VA, FNMA, etc) guidelines, many have unique “overlays” that make it more difficult for a borrower to qualify.  For example, some lenders may offer FHA loans to borrowers with credit scores of 600, while others will not approve borrowers with scores below 640.   Rates and fees can also vary from one lender to another.  It definitely pays to talk with several lenders to find the one that is right for your personal circumstances and needs.

Q. Bonnie: Explain the new regulations on FHA loans that are coming up. Who qualifies? What are the advantages compared to a conventional mortgage?

 For example, we were able to get a conventional mortgage while only putting 3.5% down, but we had to pay mortgage insurance. What are the pros and cons to doing that?  

 A:  The major changes that have been made to the FHA loan program impact the cost and duration of the annual mortgage insurance.  After June 3^rd, FHA borrowers will be required to pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan, and at a rate of 1.35% – which is much higher than on a conventional loan.  While interest rates are generally lower on FHA loans, the higher mortgage insurance often will make them more expensive.  Borrowers with excellent credit will likely do much better with a conventional loan.

Now is the time to tell us what you want to know about mortgages. Not sure what APR is? Ever wonder why people shop around to find the best deal on a new car, but don’t shop around to find the best kind of mortgage? Did you know you CAN shop around for a mortgage?

Let’s hear from you!

We’re always taking your questions.  You can email them to us at AskNick@beazer.com. Nick answers every question, so you’ll be sure to get a personal response.

Even if you don’t have a specific question for Nick, you can still learn more about buying a mortgage. Every week, we’ll post some of the “Ask Nick” questions and answers on our blog, Facebook, and Google Plus.  Don’t forget to follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #AskNick.

We’re looking forward to your questions!

* Beazer Homes is not acting as a mortgage broker or lender. Homebuyers should consult with a mortgage broker or lender of their choice regarding mortgage loans and mortgage loan qualification.  ©2013 Beazer Homes

The post Mortgage Choices Presents: Ask Nick! appeared first on Beazer Homes Blog.

So you’ve decided to buy with Beazer and you’ve chosen a great community.  Now you’re ready to pick out a floor plan and find a home site.

Finding a new home and deciding on options for your new house  is exciting, but the process can be difficult without a little help.

When you walk into our sales center, a new homes counselor, or NHC, can help you pick out a floor plan. Whether you plan to have frequent visitors or want the master bedroom on the main floor, your NHC can help you identify the ideal home layout that works best for your lifestyle.

After you choose your floor plan, you and your NHC can visit a model home together to get a better sense of the features you can include in your newly constructed home.

Finding a Home site

You’ve got your floor plan, now it’s time to find your home site.  Working with the NHC, you can determine the elevation or exterior façade of your home.  Stacked stone, brick, vinyl siding and paint colors start to really make it feel like your home.  The exterior design of your home isn’t the only feature you can choose.  Other important things to think about when picking your lot are its proximity to the community’s clubhouse, community landscaping, and the view you’ll have once your home is complete.

Structural options
In addition to choosing the layout of your home, you can also personalize the structure of the rooms in your new house.  Whether you want to change a bedroom into an office or add a screen porch, our flexible floor plans also give you the option of personalizing your home’s design to fit your daily activities.

Don’t plan on starting from scratch?
You can still buy a Beazer home if you aren’t planning to build from the ground up. Homebuyers can walk into a new home sales center and choose from an available spec home in the community of their choice. This allows for a shorter time before moving in, but still allows you to pick out certain features like cabinetry, countertops, or flooring. Some communities even have move-in ready homes for those that need to get settled more quickly.

So whether you plan to go through the process of building a new house from scratch, or plan to choose an available spec, Beazer can help you find and design your ideal home.

Do you have any questions about our home-finding process? Let us know in the comments!

The post Step 1: Finding a New Home appeared first on Beazer Homes Blog.

After several difficult years, the housing market is on its way to recovery, and homebuyers are making their way back to real estate. However, a significant amount of homebuyers don’t know the basics of taking out a mortgage and aren’t prepared to take on what could be the biggest  purchase of their lives.

According to a survey by real estate website Zillow, nearly one- third of homebuyers do not understand how to secure the best possible home loan and rates, including shopping around to find the best mortgage.

Here’s some data from the survey:

• 34% of the first-time homebuyers who took the survey don’t know that it is possible to get a home loan with a down payment of less than 5%.
• 34% of the potential homebuyers polled don’t know what the term “annual percentage rate” means
• 26% of the homebuyers polled believe they are obligated to chose the loan with the same  lender that pre-approved them

“All too often, buyers focus on negotiating a lower home price and ignore the importance of finding the right loan. If a homebuyer can lower their interest rate by even half a percentage point, they can not only increase their purchasing power, but save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan,” said Erin Lantz, director of mortgages for Zillow.

“Buyers should always shop multiple lenders and compare rates and fees, and read lender reviews in order to find the best loan for their situation,” said Lantz.

If you’re looking for a Beazer home, you’re already taking the first step to finding the mortgage that is right for your lifestyle and expenses. At Beazer, we’ve created our Mortgage Choices program. Unlike builders who only supply one in-house lender, we give homebuyers the option to choose their own lender from a list of preferred lenders.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking you step-by-step through how to shop for a mortgage and compare lenders once you get the quotes. You’ll learn:

• Basic mortgage terms
• Difference between popular loans
• Questions to ask potential lenders when shopping

You’ll also get the chance to ask us some questions.  On May 22, we’re launching our “Ask Nick” Q&A on our Facebook page.  Nick Peacock, Beazer’s Vice President of Lender Choices, will answer your questions about finding the right mortgage. Nick’s experience in the mortgage industry is vast, and he knows way more than the average Joe trying to wade through the mortgage waters.

In the meantime, test your knowledge of mortgage basics with Zillow’s online interactive quiz. After the quiz, you’ll receive a score and a list of resources to learn more about the mortgage process.

What questions do you have about finding a loan program? If you’re already a homeowner, what did you compare when you shopped for a loan? Let us know in the comments.

The post Mortgage Choices Presents: How to Shop for a Mortgage appeared first on Beazer Homes Blog.

A mortgage loan is one of the most expensive financial commitments you will ever make. Before you begin to shop around and compare mortgages, you need to do some prep work. Here’s a short list of what you need to know before you shop for a mortgage.

Check Your Credit

A lender is going to start with your credit score, so you should start by knowing exactly what is on your credit report before going to get a mortgage.

Request a free copy of your credit report from all three reporting bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.  Be prepared to go over each document looking for any errors or charges that don’t look like they belong. Don’t forget to look for smaller errors as well, such as incorrect credit limits, small bills that were reported late, or bill balances higher than they really are.

Determine How Much You Can Afford

After reviewing your credit report, evaluate your personal finances. If you haven’t already, create a budget to estimate the costs you currently have. This will give you an idea of the additional monies you have to put towards a new mortgage, insurance, and property taxes.

You’ll also want to account for monthly maintenance fees and possible homeowners association dues (HOA). Make sure to add in other monthly expenses such as utilities and even non-house related expenses such as car insurance and credit card bills. Plan ahead the best you can to make sure you have the full view of expenses and will be able to maintain the monthly payments for several years, leaving room for emergencies.

Know Who You’re Working With

Before you review your personal finances with a broker or lender, learn some basic banking and mortgage terms such as annual percentage rate and up front mortgage premium. Getting familiar with these terms will be a useful starting point for knowing what kind of questions you need to ask when you visit a lender.

Buying a house can be complicated, but going in with your eyes open will make you feel confident and secure with the next steps. Spend some time preparing your finances and learning about the process, and you can cut down on a lot of confusion down the road.

Do you have any tips for preparing to buy a home? Let us know in the comments.

The post Get Your Mortgage Ducks in a Row: What you need to know before you shop for a mortgage appeared first on Beazer Homes Blog.