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If you're planning on buying a new home, the odds are very likely that you'll need to get financing to afford the purchase. Although some home buyers pay in cash, it's much more common for people to take out a mortgage when buying. Eighty-six percent of buyers financed their purchase in 2018, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Before you start the process of looking at homes for sale in Allen County, Indiana, it helps to know how the financing process works. Doing a bit of prep work will help you find and design the home of your dreams, without busting your budget. 

How Much Home Can You Afford to Buy?

The first thing to do when getting a loan to build a home is to figure out the price of a home that works with your budget. The general rule is to spend no more than 28% of your monthly income on all housing expenses, including your mortgage, property taxes, and utilities. If you earn $5,000 per month, you can afford to spend $1,400 on housing expenses, for example.

What does that look like in terms of the price of a home? To figure that out, you need to consider how much you can afford to put down upfront. Although having a 20% down payment means you'll avoid paying private mortgage insurance and can mean a lower interest rate, the average down payment is closer to 12% of the home's price, according to NAR. First-time buyers usually put down less, around 6%. 

Figuring out the exact home value you can afford can involve a lot of math, but fortunately, there are many mortgage payment and affordability calculators available that will handle crunching the numbers for you.

Getting Pre-Approved for a Home Loan

Another part of the process of getting a mortgage to buy a custom home is getting pre-approved for the loan. Mortgage pre-approval starts the loan application process. During it, a lender reviews your income, employment history, and credit history and lets you know the amount you are likely to be able to borrow as well as the interest rate you'll get.

You can use the pre-approval to make yourself a more attractive buyer to home builders and sellers. You can also use the pre-approval to get a sense of what you can afford to buy. 

Construction Loan vs. Mortgage

When building a custom home, it might be the case that you need to apply for a construction loan, rather than a traditional mortgage. Getting a mortgage depends on having a physical home to serve as collateral on the loan. Before the house is built, there's nothing to serve as collateral.

A construction loan can cover the cost of building the home only or it can convert to a mortgage once the building process is complete. Your lender can help you determine which type of loan will work best for your situation. 

If you're looking to buy a single-family home in Allen County, Indiana, and are interested in a custom home, Lancia Homes is here for you. We've been building custom homes since 1975 and can help you through the entire process, from designing the home to finding the financing that right for you. Contact us today to learn more.

You can achieve your dream home with the best custom home design in Fort Wayne, IN. If you want a modern masterpiece that leaves you feeling inspired and intrigued, then exploring your opportunities for a custom-built home is the way to go. Here are some of the main things you need to know about what makes a home into a design marvel.

Modern Personalized Floor Plan

Out of all the design masterpieces around the world, one thing they all have in common is an impressive personalized floor plan. It all comes down to the details in the drawing so that the best custom home designs can be brought to life. It’s important to make updates to the plan throughout the process so that you can get the house you really want. There may be a few drafts of custom luxury home designs, and this will allow you to monitor the progress and talk to your home builder if there’s something else you would like to see. Make sure you pay particular attention to the location of the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen. This is your opportunity to speak up about your preferences and where you want your bedroom to be located. If you take the time to think about this now, then you can ensure you will be absolutely thrilled with the finished product.

Excellent Exterior Materials

Custom home design plans also incorporate high-quality exterior materials, which will go a long way in boosting your new home to masterpiece status. There are a lot of different exterior materials to work with, and you can have your say on what you want the outside of your home to look like. Some of the more luxurious modern homes have sleek, smooth exteriors with stone, glass, and other materials that create an attractive, awe-inspiring appearance. Landscaping is also part of your home’s exterior. Luscious green lawns, beautiful swimming pools, and large patios are all aspects of a magnificent modern home that makes others stop and stare. If you want to impress your neighbors as well as your family and friends, then you should put some thought into the outside of your dream home.  

Incredible Interiors

Another part of designing a masterpiece home is deciding how you want the interior to look, and how you can create an effortless transition from outside to inside. Contemporary styles can set your family up for a luxurious lifestyle that keeps you happy for a long time to come. It’s a good idea to think about high vaulted ceilings, bespoke lighting fixtures, innovative kitchen design, and spacious layouts to make the inside of your home as remarkable as the outside. The overall layout of your dream home is key, but it’s also essential that you go over the smaller features that make your house whole. If your builder can follow through with dedicated attention to detail and superb amenities, then your dream home will live up to expectations.

When it comes time to design your dream home, you can count on Lancia Homes for custom luxury home plans in Fort Wayne, IN, to inspire you. Contact us today for the best quality homes custom-built with a personal touch.

When you're building a home from scratch, you need to be much more knowledgeable about the process than you do when you're simply choosing to purchase a home. Remember, when you choose to build a house, you're the one in control of what it will or won't have, so if there's anything that comes up in the process, you've got to make a tough decision. If there's something that your home building contractors in Fort Wayne, IN, can't put in your home, it's your responsibility to choose what's most important to you so that you truly get the home you desire.

In order to know what you want though, you've got to do your homework about the entire process of building a house. Of course, you'll want to find out who the best home builders in your area are, but there are many more details that go into choosing the right home builder for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind!

Budget, Budget, Budget

The number-one mistake you can make when building your own home is exceeding your budget, and the easiest way to  get that wrong is to fail to budget or to be less than honest with yourself about how much house you can really afford. Before you start to build a house, you should know exactly what you can afford to spend after you've bought the plot of land where you want to build. You should have enough available to cover your building costs, property taxes, and maintenance costs for at least a year, plus a little wiggle room.

Before you ever hire anyone to start building your house, you need to know your numbers inside and out. After all, how will you know if you're really getting great value for your money if you don't know the basic costs?

Decide What Matters

Working with home building contractors in Fort Wayne, IN, is a process, and during the process, it's likely that you'll run into issues with your ideal design. Maybe you've discovered that there isn't proper space for plumbing in an area where you wanted a bathroom, or you don't have the budget for having both a dream kitchen and a top-quality home theater. Your best option is to prioritize and decide what's most important to you, because the point of building a home is to get the things you want most.

Communicate and Verify

Once you know what you want and what you can afford, you need to interview builders and see if your visions match. Ideally, you should feel like a partner with your contractor, as you need to be on the same page to make your home a success. You'll also want to get testimonials from past clients, because they can be counted on to tell you the truth about your builder. If nobody has good things to say about your potential contractor, that's a major red flag.

When you're constructing a home from the ground up, it's vital to prepare yourself so that you know right away which one of the best building contractors in Fort Wayne, IN, you want designing and constructing your home. If you're ready to start the process, contact Lancia Homes and see if your vision fits what we've been able to do for our clients!

You spend hours dreaming of a new home. In your mind’s eye, you see every detail—the way the sunlight streams in through the window in the dining nook and the gleam of your new stainless-steel appliances. You hang onto every word spoken by the hosts of your favorite interior design shows. Before you officially select your furnishings and finishes, however, you’ll need to choose a home style. If you’re not sure how to tell the difference between a Cape Cod and a Colonial, you’ve come to the right place. Read our short guide to the popular home styles trending in Fort Wayne, IN, this year.

The Charm of a Craftsman

The history of the Craftsman home goes back to the Arts and Crafts movement, which influenced home design during the early part of the 20^th century. You’ll know a Craftsman-style home by the focus placed on natural materials. Wood, brick, and stone are all primary features of this design style along with wide front porches and entryway pillars. Low-pitched rooflines are another telling feature as well as wide, overhanging eaves with exposed rafters. The Greene brothers made the Craftsman-style famous when they designed the Gamble House, a National Historic Landmark. Today’s savvy homebuyers find this style irresistible, and it’s growing more in popularity every year.

The Warm and Open Ranch

If you watched TV during the 1960s and ‘70s, you remember this home design. Many of the most popular TV families of the era lived in ranch-style homes. The ranch home originated in the Southwest and exploded in popularity during the post-WWII building boom. Ranch-style homes include single-story design, low rooflines, and open floor plans. These homes are easy to build and easy to customize, and returning soldiers on a budget made them popular. Later, home designers added sliding doors, back patios, full basements, and attached garages. In today’s custom home designs, you’ll find elements borrowed from several of the most popular ranch home styles including the suburban, California, raised, storybook, and split-level.

Home Styles Blur the Lines

The popular home styles of both the early and late 19^th century included ornate and often cluttered design details. Then came the modern architects of the early 20^th century with a whole new trend in home designs. Modern home styles feature spacious open floor plans, asymmetrical lines, and lots of large glass windows. There’s a notable lack of frills and a blurring of the lines between indoor and outdoor living.

More Home Styles to Choose From

While we’ve covered only three of the most popular home styles, when you choose custom home design in Fort Wayne, IN, you’ll discover an entire world of design styles. You won’t need to pick a favorite as you can bring certain elements from several different styles together and create a home unique to your personality and tastes. Let Lancia Homes in Fort Wayne tailor a homebuilding experience to you! Contact us today and let’s design your new home.

Building your own luxury home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not everyone gets to live in a house that is uniquely their own, so you’ll want to go through all the necessary steps to make sure it’s done right. Imagine the possibilities! Instead of moving into someone’s pre-built house, you can design precisely the luxury home you’ve always wanted, and whatever you build, it’ll all be brand new. Read on for a quick guide on how to come up with your own custom luxury home designs in Fort Wayne, IN,

Put It in Writing

You don’t have to have a degree in architecture to come up with new home plans. You don’t even have to have any special software. The best way to get started is to write it down. Sit down with your family and brainstorm ideas you want for your new home. Divide up your lot into the yard and different rooms, and then imagine the furniture and materials in the rooms. You’re just getting started, so don’t worry if you make mistakes. That’s why pencils have erasers.

Plan for the Future

If you’re going through the effort of creating the best custom home design in Fort Wayne, IN, for you and your family, you’re probably planning on living there for a long time. Think about all the possible living arrangements the future may have in store. Do you plan on having (more) children? Is it likely your parents or other family members might move in at some point? Perhaps you might be working from home in the near future. Make sure you have a room or rooms set aside to accommodate for whatever changes the future might have in store.

Think about Your Whole Property

You’ll want to maximize your custom home’s lot so that it’s as livable as possible. That means not only do you need to make plans for the bedrooms, kitchen, and other rooms, but you’ll have to consider your yard space as well. Do you want to plant a garden or provide for lawn space? Now’s the time to plan for that. If you want a swimming pool, you might have to sacrifice some home square footage. These are the kinds of choices you’ll need to make early in the process.

Prioritize

Now’s the time to fantasize about swimming pools, kitchen islands, and game rooms, but you’ll need to start making priorities as well. Whatever your budget is, you may not be able to have everything and every material you want, so you should decide now which options are extras and which are must-haves.

When you’re ready to move from planning to constructing your masterpiece, contact Lancia Homes. We’re experts at working with homeowners to come up with the best custom home design plans for Fort Wayne, IN.

Call an agent today at (704) 202-4161.

You’ve probably dreamt of what your future home will look like. Now that you’ve found the perfect lot, that dream home is even closer to becoming a reality. But, how do you translate your dreams into action? With the help of new home builders in Fort Wayne, IN, you can design your house from the ground up.

Define Your Vision

When you were shopping for land, you probably had a list of things you were looking for. Maybe it was a corner lot with breathtaking views, or perhaps it was a smaller lot that wouldn’t require much yard work. This is the same type of approach you should take when designing your home. Before doing anything else, write down exactly what you want your future home to be like. How will your home play a role in your family’s life? Do you plan on staying there as your family transitions through different phases? Do you like to entertain? Is outdoor space important to you? Defining your expectations makes it a lot easier to design your home and create a space that you’re completely satisfied with.

Must-Haves

As you define your vision, create two separate columns. One should contain all of the items that are must-haves, and the others should be placed on your wish list. As you begin thinking about your future home, you’ll realize that there are a few things that non-negotiable. Maybe you need a specific number of bathrooms or bedrooms. These items should be noted as must-haves. This means that no matter what, your home has to have these things. The other column should contain the items that you’d love to have but aren’t a deal-breaker. Sorting your wants from your needs will make it easier to stick to a budget and create a functional design.

Utilize Your Builder

The builder of your home has likely built thousands of homes before yours. They probably have a staff of professional designers, architects, and planners. Take advantage of their expertise and let them help you through the process. For example, they can help you choose a floor plan that includes all of your must-haves and that best utilizes the shape of your lot. They can also review your finish choices with you and recommend subtle changes that will make your home flow better. While you may have a good idea of what you want, your builder can provide a professional opinion and a different perspective.

Be Patient with the Process

When building a home, it’s important to be patient. Your builder will work closely with the city and the contractors to make sure that the correct permits are pulled and that inspections are completed as needed. It can take time for paperwork to be filed. While it may be frustrating, understand that it’s all part of the process. Before you know it, your home will be complete!

If you’ve found your lot and now you’re on the hunt for a new home contractor in Fort Wayne, IN, look no further than Lancia Homes. With functional floor plans and experienced designers, your dream home is closer than you may think! Learn more about the building process by visiting www.lanciahomes.com today.

You want to buy a single-family home for sale in Fort Wayne, IN. It has all the amenities you need, and its architecture reflects your personality, but there's one thing amiss. It doesn't feel welcoming. Don't worry! There's a simple way you can change it up.

Painting your front door is one of the easiest ways to refurbish your house's exterior. It's inexpensive; yet, it can effectively add value to your home and increase its curb appeal. Continue reading to learn some of the best colors you can apply to your entryway.

Warm Colors

Warm colors tend to make you think of things that radiate heat, like fire and sunlight. They draw viewers in.

• Red - This powerful, emotion-evoking hue signals a hospitable home. It represents adventure and optimism. It also sparks passion and encourages feelings of comfort and love. You can ask the best home builder you're working with to use light red if you want to convey joy and romance. Or, go for deep ruby for power and strength and burgundy for determination and leadership.
• Orange - The combination of red's energy and passion, and yellow's freshness and sunny vibes, orange means that you're a social butterfly, and you like to entertain guests. You may want yellow-orange to convey wisdom and prestige or red-orange for health and desire.
• Yellow - It's said that exposure to natural light can improve a person's happiness. So, it makes sense that the color of the sun can lift someone's mood. Yellow can spark enthusiasm and bring out confidence and optimism. It also elicits an increase in attention and energy. Muted lemon and a hint of honey are great choices if you want to show joy and freshness.

Cool Colors

Cool colors are used to describe hues that are soothing and calming in nature.

• Green - This calming color is pleasing to the eye and may represent a lot of things. Doors in this hue suggest that traditional values lay within your home. It may also mean that you're good with your finances, as the shade is affiliated with money. If you're going for this color, you may want dark green to signal prosperity and ambition or olive for harmony and peace.
• Blue - The color of the sky and ocean, blue may add a natural feel to your home. It promotes peace and serenity. You can choose dark blue to showcase trust and knowledge. Or, you may go for aqua and sky blue if you want to be reminded of the salty water of the sea or the clouds on a sunny day.
• Purple - This represents royalty, wealth, and power. Households with front doors in this shade are said to be comfortable in taking risks. They dream big and may even call themselves free spirits. If you're using this color, you may want darker shades to convey power and control or lighter variants for romance, softness, and nostalgia.

Neutral Colors

Neutral shades appear to be without color. They can be a contrast combination of dark and light. Choosing this scheme means that you're someone who doesn't like - or at least isn't ready - to make a bold statement. You want to play it safe.

• Black - This represents strength and formality. It implies discipline, independence, and self-control. It also screams sophistication and relaxation. You can paint your front door black if you want to evoke mystery, power, and authority.
• White - Associated with coolness and simplicity, white gives off an automatic feeling of perfection and purity. It also oozes a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. If you want to convey clarity, openness, and cleanliness, choose it.
• Gray - Known as the color between white and black, gray gives off a calm, conservative, sophisticated, and formal feel to a space. If you paint your door gray, it could mean that you prefer to compromise by giving both sides of an argument equal weight and consideration.

Have you chosen which shade you'll use? Get in touch with Lancia Homes today, and check out homes for sale in Fort Wayne, IN. Their team of experts is always available and ready to work with you in building your dream house.

Scheduling a home inspection and including an inspection contingency in your contract when you're buying a pre-existing home makes sense. You don't want to end up having to pay for extensive and expensive repairs soon after you become a homeowner. 

But if you're buying a new, custom home, should you still consider an inspection? All signs point to yes and reputable home builders in Fort Wayne, Indiana are likely to encourage you to get an inspection, even on a brand-new property. Here's what an inspector will look for and how they can help you protect your investment.

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is an observation of a house. During the process, an inspector looks for issues with the house's mechanical system, safety concerns, and potential health issues. They only examine things that are visible to the eye. An inspector might point out that the electrical outlets aren't grounded but they won't peek behind the wall to uncover frayed wires.

Some of the things an inspector will make note of during their inspection include:
●    The age and condition of the home's appliances.
●    The age and condition of the home's structure (such as the facade and roof).
●    Whether the home's systems meet code.
●    Potential safety concerns inside the home, such as raised ledges or a floor that slopes.
●    Signs of pest damage or infestation.
●    Water damage or plumbing issues.
●    Electrical issues.

Why Have a Home Inspection in a New Home?

While it's understandable that an older home is likely to have issues, such as potential water damage or an older roof, a new home shouldn't have those problems, right? 

Not so fast.  While the contractor who built your home put their best effort into it, there is still the chance for things to go wrong. The drywall might not be installed quite right, leading to cracks or structural issues from the start. A poorly installed roof is likely to wear out much more quickly than one that is properly installed.  

A home inspection lets you catch, and correct, those problems before you get to closing. You can work with the builder to make sure that any issues are fixed (and paid for) before it's too late.

Consider Two Inspections

If you're building a home from scratch, it can be worthwhile to consider scheduling two home inspections. Have the first take place before the walls of the house are closed off. That way, the inspector will be able to see any potential problems that will lurk behind the walls, such as poorly installed electrical wires or incorrect plumbing pipes.

Then, have an inspection again after the home is complete but before the sale is final. You'll have enough time to negotiate with the contractor to fix any issues that come up.

What to Do if the Inspection Brings Up Issues

What should you do if the home inspector reveals problems with the house? It depends on the severity of the issues. If there's a major problem with the roof, you'll most likely want to have it fixed before you finalize the purchase. 

If you're working with a real estate agent, they can provide advice to help you determine what's worth fixing and what's worth letting alone. They can also help you negotiate with the home builder to fix the problems you want to correct.

Your home is a major investment. Scheduling an inspection before you go through with the purchase is a smart move, no matter how new the house is. Lancia Homes has been building homes in Fort Wayne since 1975. To learn more about our building process and to get started on the home of your dreams, contact us today.

Homeownership is one of the most important goals in life. However, purchasing an existing home usually comes with some concessions. Maybe the layout is awkward due to an unprofessional remodel. The bedrooms are too small, there isn’t enough closet space, and you wanted more outdoor living spaces. For many people, it makes more sense to build a home from the ground up. There are two types of new home construction: production homes or custom homes. Either type starts with a consultation with the best home builders in Fort Wayne, IN, to help you decide which one is your best solution. 

Custom vs. Production Homes

Both custom and production builders create beautiful homes. Choosing which type of builder you prefer begins with deciding how many design and construction decisions you’re prepared to make. Generally, production home builders are higher volume builders who design and construct homes in a community, such as a subdivision. They have a selection of homes for you to choose from and offer a variety of options so that you can personalize the design to your needs. A custom builder designs a one-of-a-kind home built on a single lot. As the buyer, you make several important decisions about the layout, construction, and design.

Production Homes

For those seeking to curb costs on new home construction, it’s important to find an affordable home builder in Fort Wayne, IN, who is experienced with production homes. Because they build homes in planned communities and build large numbers of homes, they can purchase materials in volume, and that saves you money. Owners choose from a specific number of home designs, which many view as a convenient solution, especially if they are unfamiliar with the requirements of home construction. They have the option of choosing a design that meets their layout and square footage needs. But each design offers an array of personalization options, such as flooring, cabinets, fixtures, and exterior and interior colors. 

Custom Homes

For those who seek a home construction that specifically fits their needs, a custom home is a perfect solution. Custom homes are generally more costly than production homes. These homes range in size and offer unlimited design choices, so it’s important to determine a budget before you begin making decisions. Each customization increases the price of the construction. Plus, there may be land-related costs to consider, such as utilities, sewer lines, and a driveway. Ultimately, you, as the home buyer, can choose whatever features you need to create the perfect living space, and the new home builder will make it a reality. 

Finding the Right Home Builder

The quality of your new home depends on the builder you choose. Find the best home builder in Fort Wayne, IN, and your home will last a lifetime and beyond. Visit show homes or open houses of local builders. Inspect the materials used, as well as the homes’ layout and design features. We offer a variety of spacious floor plans in either one or two-story options. Visit our website to learn more about our spacious, unique home designs.

There’s so much for you to be excited about when working with a trusted, affordable home builder in Fort Wayne, IN. These professional builders will take your dream home vision and turn it into an amazing reality. But before they can break ground on this exciting project and build you the house you’ve always wanted, you need to work together to decide on a design. This is a huge decision for you as the design sets up the entire look and feel of your new home. There are really endless possibilities, but you can count on your home building contractors to provide expert guidance and assistance throughout this process. Here are a few major considerations that will help you decide on the best home design for your future residence.

Bedrooms

Getting your dream home design in order must start somewhere, and perhaps the number of bedrooms you need is a good beginning. After all, bedrooms make up a considerable chunk of your house, and you need to think realistically about how many bedrooms you need. Are you hoping to expand your family or eager to welcome guests to your home regularly? Is a three or four-bedroom house suitable for your household? It’s also important that you think about your preferences in terms of where the bedrooms are located. Do you like to have some separation between the Owner Suite and the other rooms, or do you prefer for them to all be on one level? It’s your dream home, and you have the chance to say what you want and need.

Bathrooms

Another aspect to think about is how many bathrooms you need in your new home. Some families are fine with one or two bathrooms, while others prefer an ensuite for every bedroom. If you talk to your home builders about your bathroom wish list, then they can give you some ideas about the possible layout and location of your bedrooms and bathrooms. This is also your chance to figure out what bathroom features are absolute must-haves for your new home. Do you want a deep sinking tub or a spacious shower in the Owner Suite bathroom? Those great design features can be incorporated into the designs and plans for your new home.

Kitchen and Living Space

When home building contractors start the planning process for your home, they will also want to know what your thoughts are on your kitchen and living room. Open plan living is in style, with an emphasis on light, airy spaces, but when it’s your dream home, it all comes down to your personal preference. Do you want a massive kitchen with plenty of countertop space, or do you care more about having a big living room that flows effortlessly into the rest of the house? What about outdoor access? Is that something you want to incorporate into your kitchen and living space too? If you can chat through these questions with your family and your building team, you will be more likely to get exactly what you want out of your brilliant building project.

If you’re ready to start the process of building your dream home, then it’s time to discuss the design with the best building contractor in Fort Wayne, IN. Known for exceptional custom-built homes with high-quality finishes, Lancia Homes can help you make your dream home design come true.

Many common household appliances run on either natural gas or electricity. If you’ve always had either gas or electric, you might be wondering if the grass is greener on the other side of the power source. When the time comes to purchase a new home or upgrade your appliances — and you think you’re ready for a change — you might have some questions about gas vs electric. Do appliances have the same functionality whether they’re gas or electric? Is electric heating cheaper than gas? Is one option more environmentally friendly? What about initial investment costs?

Deciding whether to use gas or electric in your home appliances is a big decision, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Below, we'll compare electric and gas appliances and the pros and cons of each.

Gas Appliances vs Electric Appliances

Natural gas is more versatile for in-home use than most people realize, while electric has been the staple for most appliances for the last several decades. Gas was around long before electric, and many appliances in almost every room throughout your home that can be powered by electric can also be powered by gas. Gas appliances tend to be cheaper to operate than electric appliances, but they also require a higher upfront investment. The most common appliances that people go back and forth on for gas and electric are:

• Clothes dryer – Dryers that use gas produce an abundance of heat and typically dry clothing fast as a result. Gas dryers are also better for your clothes! They tumble around the machine less, create fewer wrinkles, and give your clothing more longevity. Electric dryers have many different models and are cheaper upfront than gas. They’re low maintenance and easier to repair, and some have an added steam feature to aid in wrinkle reduction.
• Fireplace – Gas fireplaces with faux logs give the look and feel of an authentic fire, but without the mess and fuss. They’re hotter, more energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. Electric fireplaces don’t have the same ambiance and heating power as gas fireplaces. They are simpler and safer, which makes them a great option, especially in a smaller space.
• Water heater – Tankless gas water heaters heat up cold water as needed, whereas a gas water heater with a tank uses a burner. Gas water heaters warm water quickly and are cheaper to operate. An electric water heater is more efficient and heats water more evenly than gas and doesn't pose as much of a safety risk as gas.
• Furnace – A gas furnace is incredibly efficient and effective at heating your home. Not only does a gas furnace heat your room quickly, but it can also ventilate and humidify your home, too. An electric furnace is a cheaper investment upfront, runs more quietly than gas, and is safer — you don’t have to worry about gas leaking into your home with electric.

Gas vs Electric Ovens

The stove and oven is the appliance at the center of the gas vs electric debate, and it deserves its own category. The reason why the debate around gas vs electric ovens is so much more so than around the appliances listed above is that cooking with gas involves a different cooking style than cooking with electric.

While gas stoves and ovens offer a faster way to heat your food and the heat is easier to control because you can see the flame and adjust it, electric stoves are safer because there’s no open flame and free gas flowing into your home. Gas ovens cook with more heat and allow your food to retain more moisture than electric ovens do. This is ideal when you’re cooking certain foods such as meat. Because electric ovens cook with dry heat, they’re perfect for baking or making chips and other foods that don’t necessarily need moisture retention.

The debate between gas and electric may never be fully settled because there is no clear winner. Both have so many advantages, so it often comes down to a matter of taste, especially when it comes to your stove. If you’re looking for more energy efficiency, moisture retention in your air and food, and lower prices on your energy bill, gas is the way to go. If you’re looking for a safer option that has a lower upfront cost, eclectic is for you.

If you want more professional advice from an expert home-building team, contact Lancia Homes today.

Your kitchen countertop plays an integral role in your home; it’s the place where all your meals are prepped and served, and your countertop serves as the focal point of your kitchen. If you’re redesigning your countertops and deciding what material to use, there are a few things to keep in mind. While affordability and aesthetics are important when choosing the material for your counter design, the most important consideration is the durability of the material you choose.

With so many material and counter design options, it can be overwhelming, and we’ll go over the most popular choices below.

Most-Popular Kitchen Counter Design Materials

Beyond vinyl, laminate, or plastic countertops, the most popular materials for most kitchen counters are made using natural stone, tiles, and modern materials that are not only durable but beautiful to look at.

Granite Countertops

Granite is the most popular material used in kitchen counter design. Granite is formed by a combination of quartz, mica, and feldspar, which makes it extremely durable. On Mohs scale of hardness, granite rates between six and seven on a scale of one to 10. Granite is a popular counter design material because of its naturally occurring patterns and color combinations, clean and modern look, natural resistance to stains, scratches and damage, and its ability to handle extreme heat. It requires little maintenance, but it needs to be cleaned with a granite cleaner.

Quartz Countertops

Another popular choice in counter design material is quartz. A fun fact about quartz that surprises many people is that it’s artificial, unlike granite, which is pulled from the ground in slabs. Quartz is fabricated using a combination of ground quartz and resins, polymers, and differing pigments. It measures a seven in hardness and is incredibly durable. Quartz is a popular counter design option due to its versatility. Because it’s an engineered stone, there are limitless design and color options. Quartz is also a nonporous material and stain-resistant, but it does require special cleaning agents. A quartz kitchen island is a great way to utilize quartz in your kitchen.

Cambria Countertop

Cambria is a specific type of quartz countertop. It’s made from pure and natural quartz, binding agents, and pigments, which make it harder than both quartz and granite. Cambria colors mimic that of other natural stones in look and feel, but because the substance is harder than most other stones, it’s even more stain and scratch-resistant. This makes it the most durable choice in counter design materials. It’s also virtually maintenance-free! You just clean Cambria with soap and water.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a popular choice for counter design material because of its endurance, beauty, and elegance, and it's considered a high-end material. Marble is a much softer material, ranking at a four on Mohr’s hardness scale, which makes it a less desirable material if your kitchen sees a lot of action. It’s more porous, so it's susceptible to stains and requires sealing every year to prevent liquid absorption.

Granite Countertop Ideas

When designing your perfect countertops, granite is the perfect middle-of-the-road material to choose. Some ideas for granite counter design choices include:

1. Solid granite – Going with solid granite is a great counter design option for a smaller kitchen or one that has accents in other places, like the cabinets. Solid granite is a minimal and classic counter design choice.
2. Speckled granite – Speckled granite offers a wide variety of colors and textures and is a fun and bold accent to solid cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a large kitchen.
3. Honed granite finish – Granite comes in different finishes as well, and a honed finish has a matte appearance to it. This allows the granite to take on the appearance of other materials, too, such as soapstone. A honed finish provides a more muted look and can make your counter look less busy.
4. Glossy granite – The opposite of a honed finish is glossy. This finish creates a dramatic look and is also a great finish for a smaller space. The glossy finish refracts light, making the space appear bigger. Glossy finishes are less maintenance than their honed finished counterparts and are easier to clean.

Choosing the best counter design for your kitchen might feel daunting at first, but once you know the pros and cons of each material and which design look works best with your home and lifestyle, the process is much easier. If you’re ready to take on a kitchen counter design project, contact Lancia Homes today.

Every year, experts in color announce their chosen color of the year, which symbolizes and captures the current time. Color is used in everyday life to add character, depth, and meaning to the world around us. The color of the year is always influenced by cultural trends, design, and fashion houses. The color trends of the early 2000s were tans, nudes, whites, and shades of light blue and grey. The 2010s color trends were darker earthier tones like mustard yellow, olive green, and burgundy. During the pandemic, the colors that most people sought were warm and calming neutrals or bright and uplifting pinks and yellows. The 2022 color trends are starting to appear and are reflective of a society living in a post-pandemic world.

As the colors of the year are announced, it’s an exciting time to think creatively and find ways to incorporate that color trend and palette into your home design. Below, we’ll introduce you to the Pantone color of the year for 2022, show you fun ways to incorporate it into your living space, and look at 2022 color trends.

Meet the Pantone color of the year for 2022

The most anticipated color announcement every year comes from Pantone. Since 1963, Pantone has been the color matching system for the fashion and design industry and textile manufacturers alike, and it quite literally wrote the book on coloring matching and classifying. All previous Pantone colors of the year were selected from the existing Pantone color palette, but this year, Pantone decided to create its color from scratch to symbolize the change that the entire globe has undergone the last two years and to show the collective creativity that has blossomed during that time as well.

The Pantone color of the year for 2022 is Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri. Very Peri is part of the blue color family and has violet and red undertones. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, said, “The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer. Creating a new color for the first time in the history of our Pantone Color of the Year educational color program reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place.” Very Peri is a bright and fun color that provides a hopeful light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, and we think it’s going to be fun to add to your home décor.

Adding the Pantone color of the year for 2022 into Your Home Décor

If you want to add Very Peri into your home, there are a few ways that don’t involve painting, although we always encourage a fun accent wall if that’s what you prefer! Other ways to add Veri Peri and similar looks from the Pantone color palette include:

1. Getting vases that are complementary in color and can be placed in any room in your home
2. Buying a periwinkle throw blanket and pillows for your living room
3. Rotating in a set of periwinkle towels into your bathroom décor
4. Buying storage containers and stands that you can paint Veri Peri 
5. Hanging paintings and artwork that feature complementary colors
6. Incorporating periwinkle pots and pans or a teakettle into your kitchenware
7. Adding a statement sofa or loveseat in Veri Peri to any room in your home
8. Switching out an old lampshade for one in Veri Peri
9. Replacing an old floor runner with a Veri Peri runner to brighten up your entryway
10. Updating your bedding to add periwinkle sheets or throw pillows to any bedroom in your home

Other Colors to Look Out for in 2022

Even though Pantone is the leading company in color trends, Veri Peri might not be the color for you, and that’s all right! A few more notable companies also announced their own 2022 color of the year, and you can incorporate these into your home in the same ways listed above.

• Gentle Olive by Minwax
• Satin Rolling Surf by Krylon
• Art and Craft by Dunn-Edwards
• October Mist by Benjamin Moore
• Aleutian by HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams

Pantone’s color of the year 2022, Very Peri, is sure to be a fun color to use on its own or to base a palette around. The use of color is an amazing way to add vibrancy and life to your home, especially if you’re creating a custom home design. For more tips and tricks or to speak with a member of Lancia Homes’ expert team, contact us today at (260) 489-4433.

Trends in many spaces — fashion, music, literature, and art — are constantly changing. Interior design is no exception; it has always been used to create calmness and peace, promote emotional wellbeing, and inspire both creativity and relaxation alike. It allows us to really set the tone for how our homes make us feel and reflects who we are to our guests.

The changing trends in home décor are often impacted and inspired by the state of the world around us. And because 2020 and 2021 saw massive changes in how we all live our lives and how much time we spend at home, the interior design trends of the last few years reflected that. With the new year officially in full swing, here are five trends we're leaving behind as we move into 2022.

We're Saying Goodbye to these Home Décor Trends from 2021

• Non-functional decorations. Fake plants and design pieces that serve no purpose are on the way out. Incorporate real plants to add life and vitality to your home. The number of houseplants you can get is endless and you can find some that are pet friendly, and black thumb resistant.
• All white. All white became popular due to the rise of the minimalist aesthetic. All white is clean, unifying, sleek, and chic, but the days of minimalism are coming to more of an end.
• Overly busy accent walls. Cluttered accent walls are also on the way out. Accent walls can be a fun addition to your home, but they need to be balanced. Recent years saw an influx of trinkets and memorabilia décor, which can be great when used well. But they can also look cluttered and disorganized.
• Brass and gold hardware. Gold and brass fixtures and cabinet hardware have been trending, but they can leave your home looking dated. As such, they're on the way out.
• Open concept. The last few years saw a big rise in open concept everything, from floor plans to cabinets. But having too many shelves in your kitchen creates a cluttered look. An open concept floor plan can also create a loud environment or a sense of limited privacy.

2022 Interior Design Trends

This year's new home décor trends aren't just trendy — they're focused on energizing your space. When discussing what the latest home décor trends will be, interior designer Timothy Corrigan told Vogue, “There is more and more research that shows the direct influence that our homes have, not only on our moods but our overall health and well-being.”

That sentiment is definitely reflected in the latest home décor trends. Here’s what you can look for in 2022:

1. Sustainability

The last decade saw a rise in cheaper goods that didn’t last long and needed to be thrown away after a few years. This year, though, there is a return to sustainability. Buying antique furniture, using materials that have been ethically sourced, and being mindful of the impact your design choices have on the planet all contribute to this big home décor trend this year.

2. Earthy tones

Browns, greens, blues. Tones that bring the outside inside are on trend this year. These can be subtle or bold, but either option is reminiscent of a calming outdoor environment.

3. Curved furnishings

Furniture that is curved, whether it’s your coffee table, bookshelf, or the back of the couch, is in for 2022. The angular line of curved furniture is softening and calming.

4. Pantone's 2022 color of the year

Very Peri and its color palette will be big in 2022. You can incorporate this blue family color into your home with accent pieces of furniture or an accent wall.

5. Multifunctional spaces

The last few years showed us that we can live with less. Creating a dual-purpose room in your home is huge this year. It can be an in-home office and fitness room, adding bookshelves and lounge chairs to bedrooms, or a wine room-dining room hybrid. Creating multifunctional spaces allows you to do more with your home.

The latest home décor trends are encouraging people to think more long-term, utilize more space in their homes, and incorporate earthy and natural elements into their interior design. The great thing about the trends of 2022 is that you can incorporate all of them into your personal style.

If you’re renovating your current home or interested in building a custom new home, contact Lancia Homes today. We can't wait to get started!

One of your home’s most important and underrated features is its lighting. Lighting serves as a major functional aspect of your home; you literally need it to see, but it also plays a role in decor and ambiance. Lighting is an aspect of design that doesn’t get as much coverage as it deserves, making it daunting to choose the right lighting for your new home or update the lighting in your existing home.

Just like any other creative industry, lighting trends come and go. But one trend that is always in style is modern lighting, and finding a modern light fixture that’s right for you and every room in your home is easier than ever. Below, we’ll cover the best trends and how to incorporate them into your home, dining room, and outdoor area.

Modern Light Fixtures

Modern light fixtures can be used in every room in your home and feature clarity, geometry, and sophistication. Clarity refers to the fact that modern lighting focuses on making rooms brighter. The geometry used in modern lighting is always perfect circles, cubes, squares, or polygons. The combination of both elements is what gives modern light fixtures their sophistication. Some examples of modern light fixtures include:

Chandeliers

A chandelier is a hanging light fixture that has multiple lamps and usually multiple tiers and is used for ambient lighting. No other light makes as much impact as a chandelier, and chandeliers are the perfect light fixtures for your dining room. Modern chandeliers utilize geometry to make a bold statement and can be used as an art piece.

Pendant Light

A pendant light shares characteristics with a chandelier in that it’s a hanging light fixture but only uses a single bulb. Pendant lights also make great light fixtures for your dining room and can also be used above kitchen countertops and in bathrooms. Modern pendant lights are chic and utilize geometric shapes.

Wall Sconce

A wall sconce is a light fixture that’s attached to the wall. It typically projects light upwards and downwards when used indoors. Modern wall sconces are minimal in their appearance and can be used in any and every room. They’re a good complement to hanging light fixtures and are great in hallways and entryways.

Flush Mount + Semi Flush Mount

Flush and semi-flush mounts are ceiling light fixtures that don’t hang down. Flush mounts are right against the ceiling itself, while the semi-flush variety has a short drop, typically just a few inches. These are great in bedrooms and rooms with low clearance. A modern flush mount will incorporate creative geometry, clean lines, and bright lighting.

Outdoor Light Fixtures

Choosing the best outdoor light fixtures for your home is just as important, if not more so, than choosing your indoor lighting. While indoor lighting plays a role in ambiance, function, and tasks, the main priority of outdoor lighting is safety. The top five styles of outdoor light fixtures are:

1. Spotlights – Spotlights point in one direction and don’t move unless you manually move them. They’re mainly used to draw attention to plants, walls, art, or statues, and they draw attention to whatever they’re pointed at.
2. Floodlights – Floodlights illuminate large areas. They’re similar to spotlights because they point in one direction and don’t move, but they cover a wide area with more intensity.
3. Up/downlights – Up/downlights are spotlights with two bulbs; one that points up and one that points down. They’re typically placed on the exterior of your home near doors and windows, in your yard, or in between hedges.
4. Step lights – Step lights can either be a strip or rope of light and are placed alongside steps to illuminate the path and prevent falling.
5. String lighting – String lighting is very trendy right now. These can be hung in trees, bushes, along a railing, or over your back patio. They not only illuminate your yard but provide a nice ambiance as well.

Selecting the best lighting for your home is just one more thing to think about when building a new residence or renovating your current one. If you need help picking among the best modern light fixtures and other options, contact Lancia Homes today. We’ll help you find or design the perfect lighting for your home.

Moving can be a tricky thing to figure out, especially when it comes to large furniture pieces. After you've met with new home building contractors Fort Wayne, IN, and they've constructed your dream home, it's time to get started packing. One option is to hire a moving company and let them do all the work for you, but the far cheaper option is to do it yourself. There are a few things that you should know when it comes to moving furniture in order to protect yourself and your possessions. Even if you do hire a moving service, you should know some of these things as you may need to do some prep work for the movers.

Inventory

Take an inventory of all of the items and furniture you're moving. This is good to do regardless of how you're having your items moved. This will also help you to know what furniture can be prepared early on and what needs to wait until your actual move date.

Measurements

Take measurements of the doorways and hallways that your furniture needs to move through in both your old home and your new home. Your new homebuilder may be able to help you out with this one by providing you with measurements for the house without you having to go there yourself. These measurements will help you determine how your furniture is going to be able to move in and out of the two homes.

Equipment

The proper tools and equipment are essential to moving furniture. You will want a dolly and straps to help protect your back as you move large and heavy furniture. Some other equipment you may want includes packing fillers, such as air-filled bags, to protect any fragile furniture items, like glass tabletops. You'll likely need some standard tools so that you can disassemble your furniture to make it easier to transport through doorways and halls. For all of the pieces of disassembled furniture, make sure to have a bag, marker, and tape ready to label everything.

Disassembly

Start with disassembling your furniture. This means you need to remove the legs from your couches, take apart the pieces of your large bedframes, and separate tabletops from their bases. This is going to be one of the most time-consuming parts of packing, so it's best to get started on it as early as possible.

Management

Managing the items that are left from disassembling all of your furniture can be stressful because there are tons of screws to be maintained. Once you remove each screw, bolt, or leg, add them to a storage bag. Once all of the parts of one piece of furniture have been separated, seal the bag they're in, label it with the furniture it belongs to and how many pieces are in it. You may have multiple bags, so label those as well. For example, label a bag with "loveseat, 2 legs, bag 1 of 3," and you'll be sure to keep track of it all. Tape the bag to the furniture item if you can or store it in a box labeled for the correct room.

Loading

The last part of moving is loading the truck properly. Start by loading the heaviest and largest furniture and appliances first. This will prevent any complications during the drive from one house to the next and make it easier to fit more of your possessions onto the truck. You'll be able to fill the space more efficiently.

Your new home contractor in Fort Wayne, IN, has already built you the perfect home; you should make sure that your furniture makes it in perfect condition to match your new home's condition. Moving your furniture doesn't have to be stressful if you do it the right way. Your contractor's job is to build your dream home, and yours is to fill the new home with your furniture and decorations. See what kind of homes Lancia Homes can build for you online at https://www.lanciahomes.com/.

One of the most exciting moments in your life will be moving into your dream home. After putting in a considerable amount of time and money into your new home, you want to make sure you’re taking all the necessary steps to maintain it properly. This checklist from leading new home builders in Fort Wayne, IN, can give you more insight into what you need to do to maintain your beautiful custom-built home.

Put a Schedule in Place

One of the keys to taking good care of your home is establishing a routine for regular maintenance. You don’t want to let any cleaning or maintenance tasks to go unnoticed for too long, or it will all become a bit overwhelming. If you start by making a list of things you need to do weekly, monthly, and quarterly, then you will find you have a nice schedule to work with. Things such as taking out the trash and cleaning the countertops should be done at least weekly, while changing your heating and air-conditioning filters should happen anywhere from every 30 days to every 6 months depending on the type of filter you have.

Consider Curb Appeal

While the inside of your new home is undoubtedly important, so is the outside. Your new home contractor would always recommend that you pay attention to your home’s exterior and keep up with maintaining its curb appeal. How your home looks from the outside can give your street and neighborhood a real boost and help your property to fit in. That means you need to think about mowing the lawn, tending to flowers and plants, and arranging for exterior paint touch-ups when required.

Watch Out for Energy Leaks

Even after you move in and make your new house feel like your own, you still need to monitor your residence for anything that needs to be fixed. This includes sources of energy inefficiency, such as small cracks in your windows and doors that force your heating and air-conditioning systems to work harder for your household. While your home builder will do a fantastic job on your home, you need to expect that cracks may happen eventually. The sooner you catch these cracks, the sooner they can be repaired, and your energy bills can be kept as low as possible.

Establish Boundaries with Kids and Pets

As anyone with a pet or a young kid would know, it’s a good idea to have some boundaries in place for the house—especially if you’re living in a new home. You don’t want your precious residence to be overrun by dirty feet and rambunctious behavior, and that’s why you need to lay some ground rules. By establishing household chores and no-go zones for pets and kids, you can better maintain your home and protect your possessions and any easily damaged surfaces.

If you’re ready to start your journey to living in and maintaining an incredible new home, contact Lancia Homes, the most trusted new home contractors in Fort Wayne, IN. Lancia Homes is known for top-quality custom-built homes that set you up for a lifetime of happiness, and we can help you achieve the home you’ve always wanted. Call us at 260-489-4433 today.

1. Purchase the right brushes for the wall type and paint sheen.
2. Buy paint samples. Apply a small amount of paint to the wall & let it dry to make sure it’s the color you want.
3. Protect your furniture by removing it from the room or covering it with painter’s plastic.
4. Remove wall plates and switch plates.
5. Protect flooring and cover it with canvas drop cloths.
6. Purchase or rent enough ladders and scaffolding to reach all areas safely.
7. Patch holes in the walls and other imperfections.
8. Clean wall surfaces and baseboards (if applicable) so the paint adheres better.
9. Tape off baseboards, trim work, and ceilings to get a straight, even paint line.
10. Keep paint thinner or drop clothes handy for cleanup emergencies.

How is a new or significantly remodeled house financed before construction has begin? This is an important question when a buyer has purchased property but hasn't begun construction yet. Development costs are generally paid with something known as a construction loan. These (owner or builder loans) help cover most of the construction activities. Let's take a look at common questions about this financing option!

What is a Construction Loan?

(Owner and builder construction loans) are loans made through a lender, where the owner pays the loan payments and the lender releases money for the builder to spend on construction.

The loan is typically released in phases called draws, after the builder has reached each milestone according to a contract signed with the owner. This helps hold the builder accountable to the specific terms of the contract and its deadlines. Usually, interest is only collected from funds that have already been drawn, although this can vary.

These loans are a vital part of new construction because they allow the owner to finance a new house without needing the cash on hand. They can also be used for very large renovation projects.

What Do Construction Loans Cover?

They can cover the purchase of the land – if that has not already been addressed – all labor, all construction materials, and any related permits, fees, architectural designs, or similar requirements. The loan will also be used to pay any additional contractors and subcontractors, and typically holds reserves for contingencies and internet.

What are Rates Like for Construction Loans

They usually trend a percentage point or so about current mortgage rates. There's a bit more risk involved since there's no existing house to use for collateral. Individual rates for these loans will depend on the construction plan, credit scores, appraisals, and other factors. In this way, these (custom loans) are very similar to mortgages, but construction loan rates are almost always variable, not fixed.

What are Terms like For Construction Loans?

They tend to be very short compared to traditional mortgages. Many last only a year or two while the construction process is ongoing.

Of course, owners aren't always able to pay the loan off after only a few years. That's why many construction loans are what's known as construction-to-permanent, which means after construction is finished the loan is turned into a traditional mortgage complete with a longer life and regular monthly payments.

Are There (Construction Loan Closing Costs)

Yes. Closing costs represent the total of the fees necessary to process and complete the loan. They are typically a couple of percentage points of the total loan or the expected value of the house, which usually means they are several thousand dollars. Closing costs are often bundled up with loan payments, and can sometimes be covered as part of a special discount.

What is a (Single Close Construction Loan)?

This is a loan that's designed from the very beginning to be a construction-to-permanent loan. That means there is only a single closing process, and the loan is automatically switched over after construction is complete. This has a couple of advantages: It helps save time, avoids the necessity of new appraisals or underwriting, makes it easier to lock in rates, and helps save on closing costs.

When is the Down Payment Due for a New Construction Home?

The down payment is generally due at closing. For construction loans, closing occurs when construction is complete and ownership of the home is officially transferred, also around the time that single close loans transition to mortgages.

Many construction loans include a builder deposit as well. This helps protect the builder if the owner decides to walk away from a project. If the builder deposit is not used by the time of closing, it is typically used to pay a portion of the down payment instead.

Do I Need to Go Through a Bank to Get a Construction Loan?

It's not necessary for the owners themselves to contact a lender. (Home builders with in house financing) can partner with lenders and take care of the details to make the process even more streamlined. This also makes it easier to pass through stages like builder reviews and architectural reviews, since the lender already has a standing relationship with the building.

This type of builder finance typically begins with a pre-approval loan application and credit check for interested owners.

Do Construction Loans Cover the Design Process?

Not usually. Design is typically a separate process with its own fees, or has already been taken care of by developers.

To learn more about the home design and construction process, visit our services at Lancia Homes. You can browse our floor plans, use our web tools to design a home of your own, or learn what open houses we have that you can visit. We can also arrange for a Zoom meeting so you can ask more specific questions about our process.

Buying a home is part of the American dream, and if this is on your dream to-do list, then it’s time to look at homes for sale in Fort Wayne, IN. This is an exciting process, but it can be a bit overwhelming to look at all these different houses and decide on the right one for you. Paying for something as big as a new house is another story altogether. Even so, buying a new home is one of the best things you will do in your life, and you should expect a great experience in your very own house. You do want to be careful to avoid some of the most common mistake first-time homebuyers make. The smarter you are with your purchase, the more you can embrace your new residence and everything that comes with owning a home. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking at a home for sale so that you can avoid mistakes made by many other first-time buyers.

Overspending

The average cost of a home depends on where you’re looking and the condition of the home. Generally speaking, brand-new custom-built homes may cost more than existing, previously owned homes, but that’s not always the case, and you need to do your research. It’s quick and easy to jump online and take a look at the real estate market in your area. You want to be careful that you don’t overspend and buy a house you can’t afford in the long run. Otherwise, you may end up regretting your purchase if you break your budget and are left with a hefty mortgage that puts constant stress on your wallet. It’s important that you find a house that you love but can also afford.

Underestimating the Hidden Costs

Something else to think of is all the hidden costs associated with buying a home and homeownership. Often, first-time homebuyers only focus on the selling price of the home, and that’s what they imagine they’ll need to budget for. In reality, there are many more costs associated with buying and owning a home. There’s commission, mortgage insurance, real estate fees, homeowners’ association dues, and insurance costs. Then you have to pay to properly maintain your home and take care of any cleaning or repairs. While this is well worth it, you just need to be aware of how much you will need to save and budget for your new home. The smarter you are about money, the less stressful it will be as a first-time homebuyer.

Doubting Your Down Payment

Another common mistake made by first-time homebuyers is assuming that you need a 20% down payment. While having one-fifth of the purchase price is a traditional goal that helps you put a bigger dent in your mortgage, just because you don’t have a 20% down payment doesn’t mean you can’t buy a house. It depends on the mortgage lender, but there are many options out there to accommodate smaller down payments, such as 15%, 10%, or 5% of the purchase price. Typically, these smaller down payments require private mortgage lender’s insurance, so you just have to weigh up which option is best for you. It’s good to think about what you want your down payment to be, as you may be closer to your dream home than you realize.

When you’re ready to buy your first home and are looking at single- or multifamily homes for sale in Fort Wayne, IN, it’s in your best interest to contact the number one custom home builder in your area. Lancia Homes is known for quality homes with a personal touch, and our building experts will help you make the most of your experience. Contact us today.