At first glance the concept of a luxury prefab home might seem like an oxymoron. How in the world can we associate luxury with prefabricated structures built with processes that would seem to value economy and simplicity over custom originality?

But let’s take a closer look. Ultimately isn’t luxury, whether we are referring to luxury prefabricated homes or a classic woman’s white blouse, synonymous with a language of elegance that often has less to do with the cost of base materials, individual components or assemblies than with the overall impact of the design? This is not to say that basic materials are irrelevant, just that creativity, regardless of that with which it is given to work, can rival effects achieved by the use of high-end materials.

Here is a case in point. We have all seen the glossy travel magazines featuring gorgeous villas in Bali or Phuket or other exotic locations in Southeast Asia. Very often the design of these houses employs a so-called open floor plan, which means fewer walls, as well as high ceilings supported by columns or minimal framing. The end result is a wonderful airy feel to these homes, where the line between inside and outside is blurred a little and one can feel close to the lush equatorial greenery which is such a big part of life in these latitudes. You can imagine walking across immaculate marble flooring while soft rain falls feet away from you, over early morning coffee.

Do you consider as you observed this luxuriant scene that the marble in the floor of the Bali villa was very likely sourced from a quarry on a nearby island for 1/20 the cost that one would pay for the same stone in New York City? Or that the thatched, conical roof was done by a local specialist for a price that would make you blush?

Villas such as this may or may not employ prefabricated construction techniques, but it might help us rethink what a luxury home is, prefab or not. The point is that in this case elegance was achieved not by sheer cost of materials, rather it was a functional simplicity that fit the landscape. Similarly, it’s easy to imagine homes that make use of prefabricated construction techniques which leave us as impressed by their overall design impact as do structures that employ materials and techniques that simply cost more. Certainly mobile homes or modular homes are not as irrevocably low-end as they used to be; it’s quite easy today to find builders of luxury prefab houses that are absolutely worthy of the term.

I would contend that, as people who have means are often very environmentally conscious, we can expect to find prefab techniques that use less in the way of volume of raw materials and also energy, to become more desirable over time. Architects should relish the chance to do much more with less, or at least less waste, extending especially to luxury prefab homes.

Tom Mullaly has always appreciated well-executed prefabricated structure design, and believes that applications for prefabricated construction will continue to grow, whether in designs emphasizing economy and functionality or gorgeous bali hotels with construction that elegantly incorporates green or environmentally-friendly elements.

Technorati Tags: luxury homes, luxury homes sale, luxury new homes

Home sellers find that exterior detailing, including copper weather vanes, copper planters, and Brass doorknockers provide eye-catching curb appeal that draws potential buyers. Copper weathervanes and other exterior details also add a touch of welcoming elegance and a perception of added value that can help keep sale prices high.

Even in a seller’s market, it’s important that any for-sale home stand out from other choices on a buyer’s list. “A buyer may visit several realtors and look at up to two-dozen properties in one day,” explains businessman Russell Cazeault. “That means it’s critical to make a good and lasting impression. Exterior detailing like copper weathervanes, copper wind chimes and copper planters are an affordable way for home owners to say ‘Welcome home’ to prospective buyers.”

Cazeault has been helping homes makes a good impression for 18 years. He is president of the Cape Cod Weathervane Company which offers a vast selection of decorative copper details and cooper accents for home exteriors. “Our traditional Cape Cod copper weathervanes are hand-crafted by master artisans with unsurpassed quality and attention to detail,” says Cazeault with pride.

The company also offers a line of nautical weathervanes and has recently added Cape Cod Address Plaques to its product line. Copper weather vanes, brass door knockers, and cast aluminum address plaques are “functional as well as artful,” says Cazeault. ‘This makes them an addition to the value of any home.

Command High Prices With 10 Low-Cost Fixes

Cazeault admits that copper weathervanes may not immediately spring to mind as an incentive for buyers. In fact, when it comes time to ready a home for sale, most owners grab their ladders and paint brushes, purchase lumber and tools, and make plans to do a little fixing up. Before long, “they’ve spent all their evenings and weekends and all their money making interior changes that may never be seen because the exterior wasn’t inviting,” explains Cazeault.

According to Cazeault, the best way to ‘grab eyeballs’ is with his Top Ten Quick Fixes To Improve Home Sale Prices. “These are things any homeowner can do that provides noticeable improvement. And each item takes no more than a few hours – many less than an hour.”

***Buy quality welcome mats for all entry doors (This makes an unmistakable psychological impression.)

***Paint your front door (Cracked and peeling paint on a front door signals to a potential buyer that the house has not been well maintained.)

Changing the color of your front door is also an easy way to draw attention to your house, which is helpful when the For Sale sign goes up.

***Add a brass doorknocker (“A door knocker adds old-world warmth and charm to an entry,” observes Cazeault. “Brass door knockers can be a real conversation piece. The hardest part for most people is deciding which knocker to choose… In most cases they are torn between two or three different styles.

***Substitute copper rain chains for old downspouts (“Copper rain chains channel water from the gutter to the ground, but they’re much more attractive than a downspout,” “They can drain into a basin, a rock garden, or directly into the ground

***Replace old house numbers with a new colorful address plaque. (“Nothing ‘dates’ a home more than shabby numbers that have lost their sheen,” explains Cazeault.)

***Replace aging light fixtures with a copper lantern or brass onion lamp.

(“The inexpensive plastic fixtures that the builder let you have for a song may be functional, but they do little to enhance your homes appearance,” observes Cazeault. “A modest investment in a new brass light fixture can make a big difference in how your home is perceived)

***Add a cupola (The cupola experts at the Cape Cod Weathervane Company recommend that a cupola be 1 – 1 ݔ wide for every foot of roof line)

***Top it off with a copper weathervane. (“Standing high above your house silhouetted by the sky, an elegant copper weathervane adds timeless grace and gives your home that New England feel,”

***Consider outdoor art. Use barn stars or wall art to enhance large empty windowless walls on the back of a home, garage or shed.)

***Use copper urns and copper planters. (For the horticulturally challenged, try arrangements of silk and plastic flowers)

Easy To Mine Copper

Cazeault notes that consumers no longer have to chase down copper weathervanes and other exterior detailing items at local home stores or go through the sometimes frustrating process of having items delivered. “Online companies like The Cape Cod Weathervane Company frequently stock a larger selection of truly unique decorative copper than most brick-and-mortar stores,” says Cazeault. “And we offer free delivery,

by: Ruby Ann Stevens

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Technorati Tags: homes for sale, house appraisal, house market value, realestate

Buying foreclosure homes for sale is an uncharted territory for most of us. We need to have a comprehensive understanding of foreclosure homes for sale as these are now regular occurrences during these times of crisis. If we properly learn how to find the best buys in foreclosure homes for sale, this can be one of the best investment options for us in the uncertainty of the times. Foreclosure homes offer great opportunities to potential buyers by opening up choice selections of prime properties at amazingly low rates.

What are Foreclosure Homes for Sale

Foreclosure homes for sale are unique types of real estate properties that are not sold through agents or brokers. These are properties offered directly by the mortgage lenders with the intention of selling these foreclosure homes to other potential buyers and investors in order to raise money to prop up their liquidity.

Foreclosure homes are the real estate properties that a mortgage lender has taken over from their original homeowners who failed to make regular payments on a mortgage loan for an extended period of time.

These foreclosure homes are offered for sale through a public auction to interested homeowners and investors.

Who are Qualified to Buy Foreclosure Homes

Foreclosure homes for sale can be bought by any interested buyer or investor. The potential buyer won’t need the services of a broker or an agent in order to participate in an auction of foreclosure homes.

What is great about these foreclosure homes for sale is that the price tag is much lower than in the open real estate market. It is normal for you to find some foreclosure homes for sale being offered from 10% to 50% lower than it would normally fetch when sold in the open market or through an agent.

This very liberal feature in auctions for foreclosure homes for sale is predicated by the pressure on the mortgage lender to improve on their liquidity through successful auction of these real estate properties.

Many of these foreclosure homes are found in good locations, with practically no structural damages or defects. It is really a wonder why it stays in the hands of the mortgage lender over long periods with no apparent takers. The obvious reason for this is that the mortgage lenders are hesitant to invest more on these foreclosure homes for sale in the form of advertisements.

This is also the reason why foreclosure homes are not very popular among regular home buyers. Most of us don’t know where to look for them. Therefore, it is essential for wise buyers and investors to do their own research to find these prime foreclosure homes for sale.

The high incidence of foreclosures that has been plaguing the real estate industry for a couple of years now has put to our consciousness the importance of foreclosure homes for sale. These prime properties are getting their fair share of attention from potential buyers and investors.

The rewards to your effort can be enormous as you can find prime foreclosure homes for sale at really bargain prices, as most mortgage lenders are pressured to dispose of these assets to avoid additional expenses on maintenance and upkeep of these properties that are still in their possession.

by: Otto Ruebsamen

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Technorati Tags: foreclosed home, homes for sale, houses foreclosure, properties foreclosure

As a rapidly growing community, there are always a good many Ashburn Virginia homes for sale. These can be found in over thirty different neighbourhoods that differ dramatically in size and makeup. It is therefore advised to put together a spread sheet that covers your wants and needs from a home and neighbourhood before seeking a home in Ashburn.

Ashburn Manor is a smaller community that one may look at when hunting for Ashburn VA homes for sale. Situated just South of Old-town and to the West of Ashburn Road, it is within walking distance of the Cedar Lane Elementary school and Ashburn Old-town.

Alexander’s Grove is also a small community where an Ashburn home for sale can be found. It consists of 138 single detached family homes and there are plans to construct two new two-lane roads to give the neighbourhood access to the future middle-school that is to come to the neighbourhood.

Ashbriar is a planned community where one may find Ashburn VA homes for sale. Based on a 50 acre plot of land, the community has 77 single family homes and 65 townhouses. The townhouse squares have several gazebos located in the centre and there is a multipurpose court for basketball, tennis etc. A walking path runs through the entire development.

A much bigger planned development where Ashburn homes for sale will certainly be found is Ashburn Farm. This master planned community is situated on 1274 acres of land and boasts 3792 residential units consisting of townhouses, detached homes and multi-family units. There are estimated to be over 10 000 people living in Ashburn farm.

Belmont Country Club is a beautiful gated community complete with a golf course and club house. The more luxurious Ashburn Virginia homes for sale are to be found here. However, one of the most popular and likely neighbourhoods would definitely be Ashburn Village which is one of the largest planned developments in Northern Virginia. Among other features, it is complete with six lakes, a recreation centre, 50 miles of jogging paths, commercial office space and over 5000 residences.

By: Mikal Jhonson

Technorati Tags: home for sale, homes, house listings, luxury homes, new homes

House prices had been at an all time high for the past few years thus locking out those who couldn?t afford the prices or those who simply thought prices were too high to justify a purchase. The recent drop in prices has presented an unprecedented opportunity with the number of high quality Reston Virginia homes for sale
Previously, purchasers needed to compromise on a lot of their preferences to obtain a terrific Great Falls, Virginia property. Those who were selling had all the power, so in the event that you stalled by trying to bargain or demanded that they concede to your desires, you were left empty-handed. Then they would just proceed to the next of many homebuyers in line.

Northern Virginia  has many successful businesses and it has a stunning surrounding but this has a price. If you are planning to buy a home in Virginia, you may face pricey estates. Reston Virginia homes for sale is a seldom example of housing prices as a result of the ongoing economic downturn. It is a perfect chance for you if you want to buy a home.

Anyone who is familiar with this area can tell you that waiting will not be wise. Once the rebound occurs housing prices will return to a level that is prohibitive to many homebuyers. In addition, several other advantages are at play for today?s homebuyer. With government incentives at an all time high and interest rates at an all time low now is the time to buy.

Between current prices and the incentives, owning a home are finally cheaper than renting.

Also, current interest rates are at a record low and this provides yet another advantage for buying. By locking in a low thirty year fixed rate you are assuring yourself an affordable payment until payoff. Rates are very unlikely to fall much further given their current low levels. If you wait for prices to decline a bit more you run the risk of rates rising and rates can cost you a lot more than saving a few thousand dollars on the purchase price of the home.

Due to the aforementioned factors, this is a prime to buy Reston Virginia homes for sale. If you are in a positive position in the negative economy, this is an ideal time for you to buy, and you should seize the chance. You can purchase a great home for yourself now and turn it into a great return on your investment in the future.

by:Robert Earl

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Technorati Tags: homes for sale, reston virginia homes, virginia apartments, virginia houses

If you’re looking at homes for sale you may think you don’t need to know much about selling a house. You‘d be wrong. Even in a buyer’s market, knowing what sellers are doing to make homes for sale more attractive will give you a leg up. Homes for sale in your market can look better or worse than they are- depending no the steps sellers take.

Homes for Sale: Great Expectations Meet Buyer’s Expectations

While most everyone knows that buyers set the prices of homes for sale, this is a truth sellers often tend to forget. Your tour of homes for sale in your desired market is bound to uncover overpriced houses where hopeful owners set prices based on wishful thinking rather than reality. The good news for you? Typically, these are the listings that eventually show up under “Reduced Homes for Sale” banners. Most buyers suspect that a reduced price, or being on the market for a while, means that there is something wrong with a home. But often, the only problem was that it was overpriced in the first place. Keep an eye open for these reduced homes for sale; you can stumble upon a real bargain, as the owner gets less greedy and more desperate to sell.

Homes for Sale: First Impression

Informed sellers will make a real effort to give a good first impression. That’s why so many homes for sale have freshly paved driveways, just-planted flowers, and newly mulched flowerbeds. You do want to have a good first impression- but don’t be too swayed by it. Curbside appeal of homes for sale has nothing to do with the structural integrity and overall care of the home. On the other hand, a well-maintained gem may not shine if the owner wasn’t savvy enough to address those outer details. You job is to look at homes for sale with a critical eye: water damage, wood decay and mold are far more important than a fresh coat of paint.

Homes for Sale: Picture Perfect

The other thing to be aware of is how homes for sale are portrayed in those glossy real estate magazines you’re bound to pick up. Unless the seller is working with an experienced and wise realtor, cars in the driveway or junk in the yard may clutter the photos of homes for sale. Does this matter to you? It depends. The car in the photo doesn’t matter. It just tells you a novice was taking the picture. What about clutter in the yard? Well, it may tell you about how well homes in the area are maintained. But you won’t really know until you visit for yourself. Again, your job is to look beyond the picture the seller and his or her realtor are trying to paint in order to get the real picture. Visit other homes for sale in the same neighborhood to get an idea of comparable prices. Look closely at walls for signs of water or wood damage. Finally, remember to have an inspection done of any homes for sale you are seriously considering. It’s easy to plant a few flowers- but not so easy to replace damaged floorboards.

by: John Harris

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Technorati Tags: home buying advice, homes for sale, property buyers, selling house

Homes for sale by owners are an option that many people consider when selling their house. People try to choose this option due to many reasons and one of the main reasons is to save themselves from the high commission charged by the real estate agents. Ideally it means that the homes for sale by owners must be less expensive than the other houses for sale. The rate of the FSBO house is often 5 % cheaper than the rates offered by the real estate agents.

Looking for homes for sale by owners is not very easy task and acquires some extra effort as you cannot simply call an agent and tell about your specifications to find you the kind of house you’re looking for. By following the tips mentioned in this article you can certainly find homes for sale quite easily.

1. You must check the web site that features classifieds and ads like craiglist.org and other local websites that will help you know about different homes on sale for free. EBay is also an interesting option and would help you learn more about available property for sale.

2. You can also browse specialized sites that will offer you the ads by the owner. The Internet is flooded with official websites of real estate agents who post all the details of available property to the registered customers. You can refine your search by specifying zip code, city and number of rooms.

3. You can also find information about homes for sale in daily newspaper, especially on Sundays you will find an extra booklet delivered with the newspaper those details about sell and rent back property. If you are interested in any property you can get in contact with the owner and strike a deal.

4. you can also search for home for sales in your neighborhood by searching for the signboard that people place outside the property they are interested to sell. By putting in extra effort you will certainly be able to find a great property without paying any commission to a broker or a retailer.

5. Social network can be very helpful in making you learn about homes on sale. Your friends and your relatives can help gather more information about available properties. You can also search in for different social networking profiles like myspace or face book that are browsed by millions of people every day. And you will see people placing ads in such profiles to get good publicity and attract potential customers.

6. You can also check the multiple listing services as many of the homeowners d 1000 efinitely list their house on it.

All the above mentioned methods are really helpful in finding you different homes on sale in your area and outside. Although Internet is the most effective means but you can get a better deal if you try out all the above options. All you required is a little bit of time so that you are able to get your dream house without paying any commission to agents or brokers.

By: Ron Harper1

Technorati Tags: home for sale, homes, house listings, luxury homes, new homes

When you’re looking for a new home, it’s almost like you’ve picked up a second job. And that’s the way it should be. The time it takes to really evaluate the homes for sale in your desired area is a good precursor for the financial investment you are about to make. There are two main steps in your process of finding appropriate homes for sale. The obvious first one is to locate them- not as simple as it sounds. The second step is to evaluate those homes for sale with a good set of criteria.

Locating Ideal Homes for Sale

The biggest problem isn’t locating homes for sale, it’s locating the right homes for sale. You know the methods- drive through neighborhoods, online MLS listings, work with a realtor, scan the classifieds, and stock up on real estate homes for sale magazines. The issue can be one of there being too many homes for sale to even know where to start. Hiring a realtor can give you another set of legs to eliminate stale and out of date listings and other inappropriate properties. But don’t think that hiring a realtor lets you off the hook completely. Even if you do choose to work with an agent, it will be in your best interest to always be on the look out for homes for sale on your own. Here’s why.

It’s in your realtor’s best interest to sell you the pricier home. Now honestly, a difference of a few thousands dollars may not make that big a difference in commission. But even the most honest realtor may not consider looking for deals below your stated price range of homes for sale. The other factor is that only you really know what you want in the homes for sale you see. You may have told your realtor that you really need 4 bedrooms. But once you see that sprawling lawn of an otherwise perfect 3/2, your priorities could change. So take advantage of a realtor to help you sort through the numerous homes for sale, but keep looking anyway.

Assessing the Homes for Sale

Maybe you know exactly what you want in the homes for sale that you tour. Or maybe you’re still trying to decide what your highest priorities are. Older house, lower cost- newer house, less maintenance? Since everyone’s priorities are different, one of the best tools for assessing homes for sale is to create your own evaluation form. Make it out by hand, or design a simple spreadsheet. But make a few copies of the form and take it with to assess the homes for sale you are interested in.

Items to include on your Homes for Sale Assessment Form:

• Structural and Maintenance concerns- Has the home been well maintained? Any signs of wood or water damage? Mold?

• Amenities- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen and storage requirements, yard care and size, extras like sunrooms, garages, sheds or pool

• Locale- Proximity to schools, stores, busy streets, your job, your family, type of neighborhood…

• Red flags- How does the property handle drainage? Are there dumps or industrial areas nearby? Dangerous traffic areas, crash zones, on-going construction?

Primarily knowing what you want and having a way to compare the homes for sale you visit will put you in a better position to make your final buying decision. In the process of buying a home, it is the most informed buyers who end up happy homeowners.

by: John Harris

Technorati Tags: condo homes, homes for sale, property management, real estates

It’s like this: You buy a house for a price, and they thrown in buyer’s remorse for free.

I’m not sure about you, but just within seconds of buying, say a pair of shoes or an ice cream, I regret the decision and wish I’d spent the money on something wiser (i.e., a book). Of course, I’m just being hard on myself.

But when we think about really big purchases, such as that dream house that cost you sweat and blood, that perfect real estate you’ve been searching for so long and which you thought was just fiction–when you think about it, then it’s perfectly normal to let “buyer’s remorse” set in you. After all, you want only the best home for you, and you want to be sure you made the best decision.

Even if you’ve planned ahead, visited a hundred homes to choose from, and created the most comprehensive pros and cons list, buyer’s remorse is sure to come. And it’s a healthy reaction. Doubt makes you double-check things, and that’s good because there might really be something awry about your new home you overlooked.

1. If the house reveals more repair issues than you’re willing to take on;

2. If there are problems with the deed;

3. If the house doesn’t appraise at a price at or above the contract;

4. If you’re short in finances;

Then your buyer’s remorse may be valid. If you can still legally back out of the contract, that’s fine. It just means the house wasn’t meant for you, and the search starts all over again.

But let’s put it this way too. Once you’ve eliminated all the possible culprits of your remorse, and decided the house is just fine and it’s just you–start falling in love with your house again. Remember all the good qualities that made you stand out in the first place. Then, consider all the laughs and milestones you and your family will share there. Sure, the uncertainty of newness is scary, but love and ice cream will get you through.

by Neoli Marcos

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Technorati Tags: buy a house, buy property, condo homes, homes for sale