September 8th, 2010
People may be afraid to buy a home in times like these but if you’re brave enough to stray from the herd, you might be in for the home-buying opportunity of a lifetime. When the market starts improving, your negotiating power starts to diminish. If you’re qualified to buy a home now, the purchase makes sense for your situation and you’re prepared to live in that home for at least five years, then you might be headed for a great deal.
It’s not just the price of the home that will affect affordability; mortgage terms will also affect your monthly payments. These days, rates are very attractive for conforming loans. Rates on the popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a level not seen in decades; but low rates don’t mean lenders are handing out mortgages easily. You’ll need good credit, a substantial down payment and a willingness to document your income in order to qualify for those great rates.
Buying a newly built home incorporates all of the above and additionally allows a homeowner to take on a warranty for the home and the home’s appliances.
For more information on why now is a good time to buy, call your Liberty Homes consultant.
*Information from this blog entry was taken from www.marketwatch.com.
Tags: buying a home, interest rates, new home construction, when to buy
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August 25th, 2010
The US Department of Energy is currently providing funding to promote a consumer rebate program for qualified ENERGY STAR appliances. These rates have increased since the start of the program in April (see the Liberty Homes blog entry dated 4/21/10).
In the state of Pennsylvania, the NEW savings range from $250 - $1,000 on ENERGY STAR gas storage or tankless water heaters, oil or gas furnaces, and oil or gas boilers purchased after August 2, 2010. Those purchased between April 21, 2010 and August 1, 2010 will receive the prior savings of $100 - $500.
There are specific requirements for eligible products so before making a purchase, please confirm funding and requirements at www.paheatingrebates.com. As of August 24, 2010, 22% of the estimated rebate funds remain.
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August 11th, 2010
When choosing the right flooring for a bathroom, there’s plenty to keep in mind. Is your flooring impervious to water? Will it stain easily? Is it safe to walk across with wet feet?
Many people think that carpet isn’t a reasonable option for bathrooms. However, as long as your carpet is water, mildew and stain-resistant, it’s more than acceptable. Ceramic floor tile is another option. They differ from wall tiles in that they’re designed with more of a texture to prevent slippage. This type of flooring is durable and hygienic, but make sure that you pay close attention to the porosity rating; it’s critical in a bathroom to have something moisture-proof. Even hardwood floors can be viable in the bathroom if they’re finished to be water resistant; a few good coats of clear gloss sealant will keep it watertight.
When building your custom home or when remodeling your current bathroom, keep these ideas in mind. The Liberty Team would be more than willing to discuss any bathroom ideas or needs. Talk to a Liberty consultant today!
Tags: bathrooms, custom homes, flooring, remodeling
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July 14th, 2010
When building your new home, plan everything from start to finish with you in mind. Talk to your family and discuss what each of you want. If you have an eco-friendly edge, think about having energy-efficient updates. Also look at how you live and where you spend most of your time. Is it in the living room? Or outside? Make sure these spaces appease how you live now. With all these topics in mind, select a floor plan that most closely matches your ideal and your budget. This way your home is uniquely you and will be a great fit for years to come.
Talk to Liberty Homes about more planning ideas for your new home.
Tags: Floor Plans, new homes, Planning Ahead
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June 30th, 2010
Searching for family friendly events in the Poconos this 4th of July? Look no further.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is holding its annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks benefiting the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company on July 3rd from 7pm to 10pm. The rain date is July 4th. Entertainment includes an outdoor DJ, Uncle Sam Stilt Walker, Mark Clark’s “All American Magic Show,” and various food & craft vendors. A delicious Hickory Licks barbecue is planned. For more information, call (570) 421-7231.
There’s also Fourth of July Fireworks provided by Mount Airy Resort and Casino on July 4th. The fireworks will be set to music. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and arrive early to secure space. The fireworks display is free and open to the public; start time is 9:30pm. For more information, call (877) 682-4791.
The Annual American Freedom Festival will be on again this year in Dansbury Park of East Stroudsburg. Local non-profit groups, artists, businesses, and other institutions will have community displays. Rides for children will be present in addition to a wide selection of food vendors and live music throughout the day. The festival is July 4th from 2pm to 9pm. Fireworks begin at 9:15pm. Lawn chairs recommended. For more information, call (570) 421-8300.
Tags: family fun, fireworks, Fourth of July, Pocono
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June 16th, 2010
Follow these tips for an injury free home.
- Outlets in most houses can safely provide only 1,500 to 2,000 watts of power. A microwave draws up to 1,100 watts. If you have a microwave plugged into an outlet, it should be on its own.
- Clear your hallways by picking up toys that pets or children leave lying around. This will prevent trips in the night.
- Keep a fire extinguisher within reach of the oven in the kitchen and an additional extinguisher on all other floors.
- Swap real candles for flameless ones. The flameless candles have a flickering glow without the worry of house fires.
- Put a no slip mat on the tub floor and have something sturdy to grab for when you get in and out.
- Maintain three points of contact on a ladder at all times: both feet and one hand. Never wear sandals or flip flops when climbing a ladder. That’s an accident waiting to happen.
- Put a CO detector in the basement in addition to every floor of your home. Odorless CO leaks from fuel-burning appliances can cause serious problems.
Always clean the lint trap after every use of the dryer and keep loads small.
Tags: home, injury, safety, tips
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June 2nd, 2010
Many see the direct benefit of renovating a kitchen or bathroom but often overlook the basement. When a basement is finished, it adds usable space and can even increase a home’s dollar value by being counted into its official square footage. Whether it be a playroom, a family room, a bedroom, an office, or just a finished laundry and storage area, that added space can make a difference to your everyday life. Furthermore, having a finished basement eliminates the problem of a damp and moldy area. If you’ve had a water problem in the past, make sure the trouble area has been repaired and then finish the basement to prevent further mold, mildew, and water issues.
For more information on remodeling ideas, contact Liberty Homes.
Tags: basements, finished basement, home, remodeling, renovating
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May 19th, 2010
“R-value” is a term that measures the insulation properties of a material. For example, fiberglass insulation is measured by its R-value.
The energy efficiency of windows is measured by a “U-value.” Because windows are not insulators by design, they cannot be measured in R-values. However, windows obviously have insulating properties, so there needs to be a measurement that allows comparison of styles and window packages.
There is a relationship between R-values and U-values. Whereas the higher the R-value, the greater its insulating ability, the lower a U-value, the better that product’s insulating efficiency. To find a U-value, divide the number ‘1′ by the R-value. For example, an R-value of “4” is equal to a U-value of .25.
When planning an addition, building a new home, or replacing windows, be sure to consider placement as to southern exposure and room size as well as the energy efficiency of the windows. This will ensure your satisfaction and comfort when the job is done.
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May 5th, 2010
Why move to the Poconos? One of the attributes of the area is the abundance of fun for the family. Any free Saturday, take a look at one of these kid-friendly locations.
- Bushkill Falls – Bushkill Falls features eight waterfalls and will make your kids appreciate nature. Stop by the fudge shop or any of the nature and wildlife exhibits. Visit www.visitbushkillfalls.com for more information.
- Carrie’s Candy Kitchen and Pretzel Factory – Tons of candy and snacks available to satisfy your sweet and savory tooth. The two locations, one for the candy and one for the pretzels, are located near one another on 390.
- Claws and Paws Wild Animal Park – Unleash your inner animal when visiting this zoo in the woods. With over 120 species, this is a sure crowd pleaser especially with its petting zoo. For the opening schedule, see www.clawsnpaws.com.
Tags: Bushkill Falls, Carrie's Candy Kitchen, Carrie's Pretzel Factory, Claws N Paws, family fun, kid-friendly, poconos
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