Is it a good time to buy?

Is it a good time to buy?

I frequently get asked that question. I was asked the same question in 2006, 2007, 2008 as well. My answer has always remained the same…it depends. The question is more than a timing issue for most people. The fundamental question you need to answer first is “why do you want to buy now?” If you have a change in family size, change of employment, change in income, or if you are seeking a new neighborhood; then perhaps there has never been a better time to buy a new home. If you are merely “speculating” that today’s low prices mean a future equity bonanza then I would suggest investing in the stock market and staying where you are while you do some more research.

Homes are different than housing. Your home is more than an investment or wealth vehicle. It should be a stable environment from which you and your family can find refuge from the stresses of the outside world. A home is a sanctuary where you can live your life in pursuit of the “American Dream”…the home is not the “American Dream”. The freedom and pride of living in your own home is the dream. The home does not come furnished with good or bad “karma”…you bring yours with you when you move in.

I thought it might be helpful to look at this moment as an ideal time to do some research. If you are armed with the facts you can better determine whether it is a good time for YOU to buy. I have assembled some recent links from various sources. These links can help you sort out your goals, answer some questions and allay some of your fears.

At Lakewood Homes we want to help you buy your new home. We can help you gather the information you need…

>How to sell your current home in a challenging market
>How the new changes in mortgage lending will affect you
>How to improve your credit to take advantage of today’s phenomenal rates and prices
>What benefits are available to first time and re-entering home buyers
>How much home you can afford
>And more…

We can help you answer those questions. We look forward to assisting you as you answer the big question…

“Is it a good time to for you to buy?”

Check out these sites for some great info...

NY Times article on the new rules for homebuying (they look a lot like the old rules).

Homebuyer FAQ'S

How much home can you afford?

Monthly costs plus mortgage calculator

Monthly payment mortgage calculator

CNBC Spring Home buyer’s guide

CNBC's RealtyCheck Blog

Here is a snipet from CNBC this morning talking about the improving housing data...

Featured Home of the Week: The Richmond

Save over $40,000 on this home!
Originally priced at $246,000!

Now offered at $199,990!

A spacious two-story, 1,878 square foot home with three bedrooms and a loft, two-and-one-half baths, living room, dining room, and open family room that flows into the kitchen/breakfast area. This Richmond includes options such as a shower in the Master Bath with a double bowl vanity, a railing, and a full basement. Interior selections include stainless steel appliances, cherry cabinets in the Kitchen, and six panel white Colonist doors.

This home is currently under construction. The Richmond will be ready for an April move in date. We have provided the following video virtual tour of our Richmond showcase model to give you a sense of this beautiful floor plan. We have selected features for this home that are inspired by the showcase model.



For more information about this Richmond, give our sales center a call at (815) 267-8555 (homesite 209.1). You may also visit Lakewoodhomes.com to view the floorplan and learn more about our Country Homes.

Featured Home for Sale: Our Graham Showcase Model $250,000

Save over $100,000 on this home! Originally priced at $355,000!

Ever wanted to own a model home? Here is your chance to save over $100,000 on a professionally decorated showcase model home! The Graham model is available for purchase, and includes 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a lookout basement, and a 2-car garage. Interior selections include skylights in the baths, a box bay window and island in the Kitchen, a fireplace, upgraded carpet and padding throughout the whole house, hardwood floors, solid surface counters in the Kitchen and baths, ceramic floors in the baths, white Colonist doors and trim, and an Oak railing. Appliances include a dishwasher, range, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. Air conditioning and a humidifier are also included.

This home is one of our showcase models. Please take a look at our model home tour. Notice that all interior furnishings you see are included, such as the furniture, accessories, wall paper, window treatments, security system, media and sound system, TV, light fixtures, and all desks, chair rails, crown molding, and built-in shelving throughout the home. A fully sodded yard and professional landscaping is also included.



For more information on the Graham model, please call the sales office at (815) 439-5777 (homesite 121).

Featured Home: The Richmond

Save over $40,000 on this home! Originally priced at $238,000!

A spacious two-story, 1,878 square foot home with three bedrooms and a loft, two-and-one-half baths, living room, dining room, and open family room that flows into the kitchen/breakfast area.

This Richmond includes options such as a luxury bath option with shower in the Master Bath with a double bowl vanity, beautiful oak stair rails, and a spacious full basement. Interior selections have not been made yet, so as the new owner of this home, you will still be able to choose your home's color choices, such as flooring, cabinets, light fixtures, and appliances. If you would like to view our decorated Richmond model home for more design ideas...please follow this link: Richmond Country Home Model Tour

For more information about this Richmond or to make an appointment, give our sales center a call at (815)439-5777(Please refer to homesite 209.1).

Lakewood Homes earns 2008 AVID Award for Overall Customer Experience

Lakewood Homes has won the 2008 Avid Award that honors homebuilders nationwide who have demonstrated superior customer service and who have also received high referral ratings. The award is based on surveys of new home buyers across the nation and is presented by Professional Builder magazine.

The Avid Awards recognize select homebuilders that deliver the best customer service experience as measured through surveys of actual homebuyers. Only a few homebuilders qualify for this prestigious award. Lakewood won the Avid Award for homebuilders nationwide that delivered 500 or more new homes in 2007. Lakewood is currently building townhomes, single-family homes and attached single-family homes in five different communities throughout the Chicagoland area, with prices starting in the low $100s.

Lakewood Homes has won the 2008 Avid Award that honors homebuilders nationwide who have demonstrated superior customer service and who have also received high referral ratings. The award is based on surveys of new home buyers across the nation and is presented by Professional Builder magazine. The Avid Awards recognize select homebuilders that deliver the best customer service experience as measured through surveys of actual homebuyers. Only a few homebuilders qualify for this prestigious award. Lakewood won the Avid Award for homebuilders nationwide that delivered 500 or more new homes in 2007. Lakewood is currently building townhomes, single-family homes and attached single-family homes in five different communities throughout the Chicagoland area, with prices starting in the low $100s.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE AVID AWARD