Back
In 2007 the United States economy was in crisis. The housing crisis along with record high prices for gasoline had many Americans on the verge of financial disaster. Stock markets plunged, home values plummeted, while unemployment soared. The Federal Reserve’s target rate was 5.25 %( the interest rate that banks can borrow funds from the government or other institutions usually overnight). In an effort to help the economy stabilize the Fed lowered their rate to 0%. This action along with some other Federal Reserve bond purchases continued until 2015. During this time Americans enjoyed a long run of the lowest interest rates in our history. The stock market has fully recovered and in fact has almost doubled in value. Unemployment numbers are some of the lowest in the last 50 years. Let the good times roll.
The Federal Reserve acts as the central bank of the United States. The "Fed" was instantiated by congress and was put in place to stabilize and formalize the banking system within the country. The primary role of the Federal Reserve Bank is to implement monetary policy to keep a balance between steady economic growth and high levels of inflation.
In 2015 the Fed put in motion steps to keep the economy rolling while at the same time try to control future inflation. The bond purchase program reversal was started and the Federal Reserve’s target rate was slowly increased. Since 2015 the rate has been increased 8 times. In September of 2018 the Fed rate was increased .25% to its current level of 2.25%. Economist estimate that the increases will continue slowly in 2019.
Interest rates for most well qualified borrowers stayed below 5% for most of this year. The Federal Reserve hikes, strong economic numbers and a trade war with China have caused a recent surge in mortgage rates to a level of just over 5% for most borrowers. History tells us that today’s rates are still some of the lowest we have seen since the 1970s. Economist predict that the Fed is not finished with their increases and we will see more of the same slow increases in 2019.
How can you protect yourself from rising rates in 2019? The First State Bank offers a long term lock for new construction homes up to 270 days. Most lenders charge a 1% deposit or fee for this service. The First State Bank does not charge a fee for our long term lock. If rates are lower than your long term lock you are allowed to float down to the lower rate within 30 days of closing. This allows you to build your home without the worry of what your future payment will be.
Americans are enjoying a robust housing market. Values across the country have increased to pre-crisis levels. Baby boomers are building their retirement dream homes. Millennials are starting families and ready to own their own piece of the American Pie. Prospective home buyers that found themselves less than credit worthy 10 years ago have fully recovered and are re-entering the home buying market. Options for homeownership in Oklahoma range from rural to urban core for the first time in decades. 2108 and 2019 will continue to offer homeowners affordable mortgage options all with the conveniences of a modern paperless world. The good times are still rolling
This community located in Southwest OKC, off of Meridian between SW 119th and SW 134th, offers 1/2 acre homesites with several community ponds for fishing plus walking access to Southlakes Park. There are 2- 1 acre lots as well! The community is in the highly sought after Moore School district which includes one of the newest elementaries, South Lake Elementary.
Large 1/2 acre homesites with several community ponds for fishing, plus great walking access to Southlakes Park. This is a very active community with regular activites, such as Kids Fishing Derbies and Easter Egg Hunts.
Homes in this community start at 2700 square feet and up. You can choose from one of our floor plan to completely customize or bring us a plan that you have!
We have all made mistakes in the past and leaned from them. As a new or existing home owner we can all relate to the little things that can make a difference in a good or bad way. Let’s get to it.
When you walk in your new Landmark Fine Home with keys in hand, typically excitement is at a all time high. You are in awe of the beauty of every single detail that makes up your new place that you can now call home. There are a few things that normally do not cross your mind in that first step in the door. Here are a few questions many avoid asking during the Home Owner Orientation:
Note: Not all floors are made the same when it comes to finishes. Not all products out in the market work well on some floors.
So many of these answers can be found in your Guide to Home Ownership that you receive when you sign a contract with Landmark Fine Homes.
When we polled our team we asked them "What mistakes have your made in the past?"
Hear what Jerry, our CAD Operator, had to say:
"I lived in a home with wood floors and I wanted them to look shinny like a mirror. I bought a product at Lowes made for wood floors. I took it home and after I used it the floors looked amazing. I was very happy with the finish, so I decided to use the same product on my kitchen tile floors and wood furniture. After it dried, the tile floors and wood furniture looked as good as the wood floors, but after I started walking on the tile floor, ah oh! They started peeling off in patches. I tried franticly to clean them, trying to remove as much as I could, but it was too late! The solution was made for wood floors. It complete damaged the finish on my kitchen tile floors and it all had to be replaced. Costing more money. Now you are asking what about the furniture? Well it was damaged too, with foggy looking patches all over because the furniture had a different finish than the wood floors."
The lesson- If you have questions always ask what is recommended to clean your home and maintain the beauty of it. If you prefer to buy a product on your own, read the label, make sure that what you are using is made for the surface you are going to use it on. If you buy a product and you forget that it is not to be used for a specific surface, then label it. For example, “Use for Wood Floors ONLY”. Jerry would have loved that advice!
"If only I would have known that before using it on my kitchen tile floors"
If you took a poll around our office right now and asked, “What is your favorite season?”, the answer would be an overwhelming FALL!
There is so much going on around the OKC metro area for your family to enjoy.
Carrington Lakes in Norman is hosting their first ever Dog Costume Contest on October 20th from 11am-1pm. The response has been overwhelming! You put pets and costumes together and you know it will be a great time. We are hosting this in the community in honor of our New Model Home at 4220 Hackney Wick that is decked out with Pet Friendly features including a dog bath! You won't want to miss it.
If a dog costume contest isn't your thing- Be sure and check out this great website- Travel Ok.
Landmark Fine Homes believes in giving back. This year we are collecting school supplies for local schools and one of your favorite teachers at all our Model Homes.
Here are the rules to get your favorite teacher nominated:
You can nominate the Teacher once per day
Nominations will end August 1st, 2018
To nominate them it is easy!
Or
All names will be entered into the drawing for the "Favorite Teacher"
We will draw the name of the winner LIVE on August 11th at one of our Community Events- "Donuts in the Drive" that will take place at our Model Homes.
The more you nominate the teacher the more chances they have to win!
You can drop the school supplies by at one of our Model Homes in The Reserve at Valencia, The Springs at Valencia, The Springs at Skyline Trails, The Preserve at Parkside, Carrington Lakes, The Springs at Greenleaf Trails, Little River Trails or Montoro Ridge.
Since the summer heat has kicked up several notches all we can think about is how to cool off! So if this heat has got you looking to do anything else beside mowing your yard- you are in luck!!
Our gated Springs Communities offer the ability to go enjoy life instead of being tied down maintaining your yard. Part of your HOA dues include yard maintenance as well as access to the Community Clubhouse with Fitness Center, Salt Water Pool and Community Pond. The Springs at Skyline Trails offers smaller square footage homes with upscale amenities. The homes won't break the bank either! They start in the $220's. Who can beat that?
The Springs Communities are located in Norman, Edmond and the Mustang/Yukon area. Each community was thoughtfully planned near local shopping, community parks, great schools and medical facilities. Although these communities are not aged restricted we have found that the empty nester is flocking to these communities. The ability to travel and leave your home knowing that it will be secure behind gates and your yard will be cared for is priceless. Not to mention- your neighbors will also have a watchful eye. Monthly Communities gatherings truly make the community a place where everyone can know your name! Did you know that each home can be completely customizable just like our larger homes? Moving walls, adding square footage or taking things away are easy changes that Landmark Fine Homes can handle. If you aren't into building, we have beautiful completed homes in each community ready for you.
Stop by one of our model homes in these communities before you miss out on some great homes.
The Springs at Greenleaf Trails- located off of Tecumseh just west of Porter in Norman
The Springs at Skyline Trails- located off of Reno just east of Garth Brooks in Mustang/Yukon area
The Springs at Valencia- located off of NW 178th between May and Penn in Edmond School District.
The Model Homes are open 1:00-6:00 Thursday- Monday or call us and let us know what works for you and we will meet you then!
What is better than a hot summer day, watermelon, family time and fireworks? Maybe finding that perfect place to watch a large fireworks display! There are so many celebrations or festivals that honor this great holiday throughout the great state of Oklahoma. Here are just a few we found that you might want to add to the calendar for tomorrow!
This festival is recognized by both CNN and USA Today as one of the Top 10 July 4th festivals in the nation and features Oklahoma's largest hometown 4th of July Parade. LibertyFest should be at the top of any Independence day to-do list. Show up for a watermelon feed, live entertainment and plenty of children's activities not to mention the HUGE fireworks show at the end of the night. If you are not into crowds, many of our communities in Edmond- The Springs at Valencia, The Reserve at Valencia or Cascata Falls- all have a great view of the show at the end of the night.
Many people recognize Moore as "Where all the tornado's go!'" This city is filled with so much more than that! Gather up the family and head to Buck Thomas Park to see why this community is so strong. The kids will love the giant sand pit and art tent while the adults will enjoy walking around seeing a car, truck and motorcycle show as well as vendor booths set up throughout the festival grounds. If carnival rides are your thing, this is the place to get your fix! The Preserve at Parkside hosted their own 4th of July parade last Friday night to kick of the holiday.
Yukon City Park is the place to be for a children's parade, crafts and plenty of games perfect for the little ones. The evening is filled with all things FREE! Watermelon, ice cream and live music will keep you entertained throughout the city's popular Chisholm Trail Park. Check out our community, The Springs at Skyline Trails, when you are in the area. It is the perfect place to sit by the community pool and watch the fireworks if you have spent the day at Freedom Fest and want to end the evening with family. This community has homes that are available and ready for you to call home!
These are only a few of the festivals we found. What are some of your favorites?
The great dilemma, "What do I get dad for Fathers Day?" The options are many, so why do most of us go pick up another tie, shirt, golf balls or fishing poles? Because its easy!!!
This year lets look for ideas for those special dads in our lives that they are going to remember forever. In our opinion, a new home is a GREAT gift for Dad! Those "Honey-Do" lists that have gotten out of control at your current home could be gone.
Pick a home in "The Springs Communities" and he will never have to mow the yard again.
If he likes fishing, most of our communities offer ponds.
Sports guy? Theatre Rooms where they can check out the latest sporting event are always a big draw for our customers.
Techie? No Problem! Have you seen our Alexa inspired home at 741 Villa Verde Drive?
If a new home is not on the list this year, check out these idea of things you can include in your Fathers Day Plans this year.
What are your plans this year?
Landmark Fine Homes newest "Springs Community" is completing construction and we couldn't be any happier!
The gates are up and the wall around the community is almost complete so we thought we would invite our friends from The Edmond Chamber of Commerce to do a community Ribbon Cutting! The event is scheduled on Monday, May 21 at 11:30 am. We will start the morning out with the ceremony and then take a tour around the recently completed clubhouse, fitness center, pool and community pond. Lunch will be served in The Clubhouse and you can register to win prizes!
We currently have 2 homes that are completed and ready for someone to call them HOME! Here is a sneak peak!
Spring is here, and Summer is right around the corner. Owning a home comes with maintenance just like having your oil changed in your car. Here are some items for you to check before the Spring/Summer season gets in full swing.
Landmark Fine Homes recommends getting your heat and air serviced at the change of seasons. Contact A-1 Heat and Air today to schedule an appointment
405-360-5545