First-Time Buyers: Avoid These Common Mistakes

As the flowers start to bloom and the weather warms up, families start looking to buy new homes. Even for veteran buyers, the process can be stressful. But for first-time buyers, moving into new homes can feel like a long road with no end in sight.

Lancaster home builder Keystone Custom Homes has worked for more than 20 years with buyers looking to purchase their new homes. Keystone agents have seen all of the mistakes that new buyers routinely make, and they do their best to make sure they are avoided.

Here are just a few common mistakes by first-time buyers:

• Forgetting a budget. New buyers often just look at home prices without figuring out what is the highest payment they can afford. Making a budget ahead of home shopping will alleviate some of the monetary issues that come up during the process.
• Skipping the inspection. The home looks fine, right? But if a professional does not inspect the home, buyers could end up with a home that needs significant repairs.
• Waiting to get prequalified. It’s never too early to get prequalified. The process can take time, especially if there are errors or changes, and that can cost valuable house hunting time.

Keystone Custom Homes wants to help new buyers this spring by offering a special seminar. The free seminar will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Heritage Hotel at 500 Centerville Road in Lancaster.

Reservations are required. Call Jennifer Baxter at 717-464-9060 ext. 129 to reserve space. All attendees receive the book Automatic Millionaire by David Bach and a $50 gas card.

Visit www.keystonecustomhome.com to learn more about the seminar and search the single-family homes and townhomes Keystone Custom Homes builds in 44 counties across Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Smith Douglas Launches SDC Realty

Atlanta home builder Smith Douglas is proud to announce the launch of SDC Realty, a real estate brokerage that will handle the sales and marketing of Smith Douglas homes. The launch of SDC Realty follows a year of incredible growth for the home builder; in 2013 Smith Douglas Communities experienced 300 percent growth.

SDC Realty will exclusively represent Smith Douglas Communities’ new homes in Gwinnett, Hall, Cherokee, Paulding and Forsyth counties. Smith Douglas builds homes in more than 20 communities in and around metro Atlanta. The home builder has made its mark by constructing quality, affordable homes and offering the best in customer service. Their first-rate customer service will continue with SDC Realty with a knowledgeable sales team providing superior support and guidance to home buyers. That top level of customer satisfaction will be combined with the trust and expertise that has made Smith Douglas so successful and efficient. From 2011 to 2013, Smith Douglas experienced 1,000 percent growth and currently builds a new home in just 100 days.

In Gwinnett County, the Brynfield Townhomes are perfect for families looking to live in Suwanee with easy access to the Mall of Georgia, the Gwinnett Braves and other entertainment options. Amenities in this gated community include a pool and a playground. In Lawrenceville’s Gatewood Arbor community, residents love the spacious floor plans of homes that feature three to five bedrooms and up to three bathrooms. Roomy kitchens, large owner’s suites and spectacular finishes are just a few of the reasons so many buyers love Gatewood Arbor.

Learn more about all of the quality homes built by Smith Douglas by visiting www.smithdouglas.com. SDC Realty is seeking talented sales professionals; anyone interested in joining the SDC Realty team can visit www.realtybysdc.com.