By Zoe Atkinson Sales
Manager, KB Home South Bay Division
If
you are currently renting and think homeownership
is out of your reach, think again. Many people
think the dream of homeownership is just that-a
dream-because of misconceptions about the
home buying process.
In fact, home builders are making the home
buying process hassle free today with the
"one-stop" shopping concept. Designed
to simplify the home buying process, services
from financing to decorating can be found
under one roof.
Qualifying
for a home loan can be a big concern for many
people who think that owning a home of their
own is unrealistic. Often home shoppers feel
uncomfortable looking at homes if they aren't
sure they can afford them.
However, home builders are available to help
home shoppers determine their home buying
power. With a single phone call, home shoppers
can find out what they can afford in terms
of price range as well as monthly payments
and check the status of their credit as well
as request a copy of their credit report.
This process takes the guess-work out of the
home buying process.
Home
builders are a great source for information
on financing plans as many home builders work
in conjunction with a mortgage company. Instead
of fitting the buyer to the financing plan,
some builders and mortgage companies are looking
beyond traditional mortgages and are offering
creatively-designed programs to accommodate
many situations.
People have different financial backgrounds
and a variety of needs that come into play
when they begin to choose a home loan. Some
prefer a small down payment, while others
may want interest rates fixed for a certain
portion of the time they plan to live in their
new home. Home builders can help determine
the right financing program for each home
buyer.
After
a home shopper knows how much home they can
afford, and that there is a financing program
that will work for them, the next concern
is often finding a floorplan that will fit
their family's lifestyle needs.
Flexible
floorplans are the answer to this concern,
with some home builders offering literally
hundreds of options from which to choose.
Home buyers can personalize their home to
fit their own unique needs instead of settling
for something that's not quite what they wanted.
To complete the home buying process, New Home
Studios are the latest concept in "one-stop"
shopping. It's a place to discover the hundreds
of personalizing options available, as well
as a central setting for reviewing floorplans
and gathering information.
Don't let misconceptions stop you from the
enjoyment of home ownership. Help is out there
for anyone shopping for a new home-just ask!
About The Author
Zoe Atkinson is the sales manager for KB
Home's South Bay Division. KB Home is one
of America's largest homebuilders with domestic
operating divisions in California, Arizona,
Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas and
Florida. Kaufman & Broad S.A., the Company's
majority-owned subsidiary, is one of the
largest homebuilders in France. In fiscal
2001, the Company delivered homes to 24,868
families. It also operates a full-service
mortgage company. Founded in 1957, KB Home
is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New
York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol
"KBH." For a free prequalification
and credit report or for information about
KB Home'"s communities, call 1-888-KB-HOMES,
or visit www.kbhome.com.