When you begin your search for a house in a new home community, you may be wondering how best to evaluate a floor plan that a builder offers. In many of its communities, LGI Homes offers a number of flexible and modern floor plans, sometimes as many as six—how do you choose which one is right for you?

One of your first considerations should be space. In particular, how many bedrooms are right for you and your household? In the master-planned community of Sterling Lakes, LGI Homes offers a range of home sizes, from 3 – 5 bedrooms. Our most popular layout, with three bedrooms, can be found in three of our five models. Beyond sleeping space, remember that bedrooms can also serve a variety of functions: office, playroom, hobby room or library. A bedroom is a place where respite of all forms takes place, so take your relaxation and lifestyle into account when counting up bedrooms, too!

Next, you will want to consider how the bedrooms are arranged. Separated sleeping areas are flexible and comfortable, maximizing the privacy of each bedroom. In our single-story residences such as the Blanco and the Sabine (offered in a number of different LGI Homes communities), a split layout keeps the Master Bedroom in the back of the home, and places the two accessory rooms towards the front of the house. In both of these floor plans, the Master Bedroom enjoys proximity to the fully-fenced backyard, and is situated away from the noise of the street.

In our two-story homes, such as the San Marcos at Deer Creek in Fort Worth, the sleeping quarters are comfortably removed from the daily living areas and are located upstairs from the family room, dining room and kitchen. Removing the sleeping areas to the upstairs of the house means that the privacy of the bedrooms never has to be impeded by the more public areas of the home.

In the course of choosing a floor plan, you’ll also want to consider the traffic patterns, or flow of the home. How does the layout work for you and your lifestyle? For instance, are you looking for a kitchen that opens into a family room, such as in the Blanco? This sort of layout is great for younger families, where activities such as homework or play can occur alongside with meal preparation. Or perhaps you are an inveterate entertainer. In that case, you may prefer a layout such as that of the Driftwood, in which the kitchen is more proximate to the dining room. Are you somewhere in-between? The Colorado, with its open access to both the dining and family room may be the perfect choice.

Whichever way your family likes to live, we here at LGI Homes have created modern, functional floor plans that are right for you, and that are available now in communities across Texas. To learn more about LGI Homes or any of our communities, visit our website at LGIHomes.com, or stop by any of our sales offices, which are open seven days a week to serve you.

Why should I buy, instead of rent?

Answer: A home is an investment. When you rent, you write your monthly check and that money is gone forever. But when you own your home, you can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes. This will save you a lot each year, because the interest you pay will make up most of your monthly payment for most of the years of your mortgage. You can also deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. In addition, the value of your home may go up over the years. Finally, you’ll enjoy having something that’s all yours – a home where your own personal style will tell the world who you are.

How much money will I have to come up with to buy a home?

Answer: Well, that depends on a number of factors, including the cost of the house and the type of mortgage you get. In general, you need to come up with enough money to cover three costs: earnest money – the deposit you make on the home when you submit your offer, to prove to the seller that you are serious about wanting to buy the house; the down payment, a percentage of the cost of the home that you must pay when you go to settlement; and closing costs, the costs associated with processing the paperwork to buy a house.

The more money you can put into your down payment, the lower your mortgage payments will be. Some types of loans require 10-20% of the purchase price. That’s why many first-time homebuyers turn to FHA for help. FHA loans require only 3% down – and sometimes less.

Closing costs – which you will pay at settlement – average 3-4% of the price of your home. These costs cover various fees your lender charges and other processing expenses. When you apply for your loan, your lender will give you an estimate of the closing costs, so you won’t be caught by surprise.

How do I know if I can get a loan?

Answer: Use our simple mortgage calculators to see how much mortgage you could pay – that’s a good start.

In addition to the mortgage payment, what other costs do I need to consider?

Answer: Well, of course you’ll have your monthly utilities. In addition, you might have homeowner association dues. You’ll definitely have property taxes, and you also may have city or county taxes. Taxes normally are rolled into your mortgage payment. Again, your broker will be able to help you anticipate these costs.

So what will my mortgage cover?

Answer: Most loans have 4 parts: principal: the repayment of the amount you actually borrowed; interest: payment to the lender for the money you’ve borrowed; homeowners insurance: a monthly amount to insure the property against loss from fire, smoke, theft, and other hazards required by most lenders; and property taxes: the annual city/county taxes assessed on your property, divided by the number of mortgage payments you make in a year. Most loans are for 30 years, although 15 year loans are available, too. During the life of the loan, you’ll pay far more in interest than you will in principal – sometimes two or three times more! Because of the way loans are structured, in the first years you’ll be paying mostly interest in your monthly payments. In the final years, you’ll be paying mostly principal.

What do I need to take with me when I apply for a mortgage?

Answer: Good question! If you have everything with you when you visit your lender, you’ll save a good deal of time. You should have:

• social security numbers for both you and your spouse, if both of you are applying for the loan;
• copies of your checking and savings account statements for the past 6 months;
• evidence of any other assets like bonds or stocks;
• a recent paycheck stub detailing your earnings;
• a list of all credit card accounts and the approximate monthly amounts owed on each;
• a list of account numbers and balances due on outstanding loans, such as car loans;
• copies of your last 2 years’ income tax statements; and
• the name and address of someone who can verify your employment.

Depending on your lender, you may be asked for other information.

I know there are lots of types of mortgages – how do I know which one is best for me?

Answer: You’re right – there are many types of mortgages, and the more you know about them before you start, the better. Most people use a fixed-rate mortgage. In a fixed rate mortgage, your interest rate stays the same for the term of the mortgage, which normally is 30 years. The advantage of a fixed-rate mortgage is that you always know exactly how much your mortgage payment will be, and you can plan for it. There are several government mortgage programs,including the Veteran’s Administration’s programs and the Department of Agriculture’s programs. Most people have heard of FHA mortgages. FHA doesn’t actually make loans. Instead, it insures loans so that if buyers default for some reason, the lenders will get their money.

[Information provided by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  For addional information and answers to other frequently asked questions click here.]

How much do you spend on rent? If you are spending more than $700 a month, you could purchase your new home for less than you spend renting. Currently, payments are as low as $679 a month at all LGI Homes locations. Stop throwing your money away and get into your very own home.

LGI Homes features beautiful brick single family homes for No Money Down.  These three, four and five bedroom homes are only minutes from fantastic shopping, dining and outdoor recreation.  Some of the great features included in all new LGI Homes are brand new top of the line appliances, custom cabinetry, landscaping and more. 

Don’t throw away another penny on rent! Owning is easier than you think. Call or visit one of our beautiful new home communities today.  If you live in the Houston, San Antonio or DFW area LGI Homes has the perfect new home for you. 

Canyon Crossing – San Antonio, TX | Deer Creek – S Fort Worth, TX | Chisholm Springs – N Fort Worth, TX | Creekside Village – N Houston, TX | Sunrise Meadow – S Houston, TX

At LGI Homes we are actively acquiring and looking for sales representatives in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio. Construction and Administrative jobs are also available.

Since 2003, LGI Homes has become one of the fastest growing home builders in Texas and was recognized by Builder Magazine as the only builder in the United States to increase closing in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Recently LGI Homes was recently recognized as the best for Overall Quality for Houston New Homes.

Employee Benefits

• Health & Dental Insurance
• 401(K) Plan with Company Match
• Long & Short-term Disability Insurance
• Extensive Training Opportunities
• Vacation, Holiday, & Sick Pay
• New Home Discount

Jumpstart your sales career today! Apply online at Work ForLGIHomes.com

Now that summer has ended and the kids are back in School it is time to start thinking about the upcoming holiday season.  Where will you be spending the holidays this year?  How about in your very own brand new home. 

Deer Creek, South Fort Worth’s premiere community, located convenient to I-35W and I -20, is convenient to shopping, dining and entertainment the whole family can enjoy this holiday season and throughout the year.  Plus, during the summer months you and your family can take advantage of fun in the sun at the park and private community pool.

Purchase a new home today for as low as $679 a month and you could be living in your new home in as few as 30 days.  As a bonus Deer Creek has special financing options so you can move into your new home with NO MONEY DOWN.  Don’t forget, purchasing your new home before the end of the year allows for tax deductions on your 2010 income tax filing.  Plus mortgage interest rates are at a 52 year low, if you are in the market for a new home or are tired of renting now is the time to buy.

With six beautifully designed floor plans finding the perfect home is easy at Deer Creek.  Call today to learn how to make your dream home a reality.

Deer Creek – 888-706-2166 ext 62 – www.lgihomes.com

In celebration of Memorial Day, LGI Homes is offering huge savings this Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only! Come out this weekend to a LGI Homes community and receive $5,000 off the purchase price of a new home at the LGI Homes Memorial Day Sale.

With mortgage interest rates at historic 52 year lows there has never been a better time to purchase a new home. LGI Homes has new homes available and ready for immediate move in. Purchase this weekend at the LGI Homes Memorial Day Sale and you could be moving into your brand new beautiful home in 30 days or less.

Call today to set your appointment to come see the great deals offered this weekend at the LGI Homes Memorial Day Sale.

Canyon Crossing – San Antonio, TX | Deer Creek – S Fort Worth, TX | Chisholm Springs – N Fort Worth, TX | Creekside Village – N Houston, TX | Sunrise Meadow – S Houston, TX

For the past 5 years, LGI Homes has been recognized by Builder Magazine as one of the top home builders in the United States.  Moving up 11 places from 2008, LGI Homes was recently ranked No. 57 on Builder Magazine’s 2009 Builder 100 List.  This list determined based on closings and is made up of both private and public builders.  LGI Homes continues to stand out year after year by providing quality homes at affordable prices to new homebuyers. 

LGI Homes features three, four and five bedroom floor plans with two bathrooms on over-sized lots. Every home comes with quality appliances, custom cabinets, a fenced backyard, front yard landscaping and a homeowner warranty.

In addition, all LGI Homes are built with thousands of dollars worth of upgrades already included at no extra cost to you in desirable locations that are perfect to fit the needs and desired lifestyle you dream for your family. 

Call or visit one of our beautiful LGI Homes communities today and see how you can own a new home for as little as $629* a month with no down payment required.

Canyon Crossing – San Antonio, TX | Deer Creek – S Fort Worth, TX | Chisholm Springs – N Fort Worth, TX | Creekside Village – N Houston, TX | Sunrise Meadow – S Houston, TX

Did you know the government is giving away $8,000 to all First Time Homebuyers who purchase a new home by April 30th? That is right the government will give you $8,000 to purchase a new home but this is your final weekend to buy. Time is running out! Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

If you are considering the purchase of a new home, the time to act is now!  LGI Homes has the perfect home available so you and your family can take advantage of this great opportunity. Make your appointment today to see the great new floor plans and upgrades we now offer in each and every one of our beautiful new homes.

As you can see there has never been a better time to buy a new home. Call today and you too can own a brand new home for as low as $629 a month with no down payment required. Call today and make your appointment to come out this weekend to take advantage of the $8,000 First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit before it expires on April 30, 2010.

Take these steps on the Spring Checklist provided by LGI Homes to keep your new home in tiptop shape and to freshen it up each Spring:

SPRING CHECKLIST

• Change Furnace Filter (Monthly)
• Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Clean Aerators on Faucets and Shower Heads
• Inspect Air-Conditioning Unit for Proper Operation
• Inspect Backsplash Caulking and Re-Caulk as Needed
• Inspect Shower and Tub Caulking and Re-Caulk as Needed
• Test GFCI receptacles
• Inspect Exterior Paint, Stain or Siding, Putty & Caulking
• Clean Fins on Outside AC Condensing Unit
• Check Drainage Swales for Proper Rain Water Flow
• Check for Evidence of Termites
• Inspect the Roof and Roof Vents
• Re-Seal Wood Fences

Time is running out. Don’t miss your last chance for the $8,000 home buyer tax credit. If you are considering the purchase of a new home, the time to act is now!

LGI Homes is the leader in affordable housing for First-Time Homebuyers.  With over 100 homes currently in inventory in the Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth areas, LGI Homes has the perfect home, move-in ready, so you can take advantage of this great opportunity.

You have a limited time to take advantage of this Tax Credit. Take the first step towards homeownership and visit one of the beautiful LGI Homes communities today. 

Don’t Miss Out!  Take advantage of this limited time offer.