Great Industry News you Won't read about in the papers!

Judging by all the news stories covering foreclosures and the tanking housing market you would think that 50% of homes are in foreclosure. AHHHH, but we all know that bad news sells.... does any one want to read that less than 4% of all mortgages in the US are in foreclosure? BORING! Who Cares? I believe that people want to hear the good news. They want to know that the biggest investment of their lifetime is still a secure, sound investment. If you want to know the truth...keep reading!

30% of all homes in the US are free and clear. That means that 30% of all homes in the US do not have a mortgage, they are totally paid for! Of the remaining 70% of homes that have a mortgage, 96.7% are NOT in foreclosure. This is astounding! Less than 4% of home owners who have a mortgage are having trouble paying. The news companies would have you believe that most Americans are in default. The truth is just the opposite.

Did you know that most of the foreclosures are in 3 states and two cities? California, Michigan and Florida, Las Vegas and Phoenix are where the bulk of foreclosures are happening. Nebraska's foreclosure rate is ranked near the bottom of the states...meaning we have one of the lowest foreclosure rates in the US.

Let's recap the good news: 30% of home owners own their home free and clear, of the remaining 70% of homeowners, 96.7% of mortgages are NOT in foreclosure. The majority of homeowners are paying their mortgage or do not owe on their home. Most of the foreclosures are in 3 states and 2 cities and Nebraska's foreclosure rate is one of the lowest in the US. :)

Looking at foreclosures? Read this first.

Are you considering a foreclosure? Their rock bottom prices may be enticing but watch out for the hidden costs hassles. The true sales price may be much higher than you thought! When you compare the foreclosed home to a brand new Hartland Home, it is easy to see why a brand new home just makes more sense.

Consider these items when looking at a foreclosed home:

1. Cost: The foreclosed home’s purchase price may be less in the beginning, but consider all the repairs and fix-up costs. Add the repair costs to the purchase price for the true price of the home.
2. Warranty: This home will have no warranties, you get it AS IS. Generally, a home that has gone into foreclosure wasn’t taken care of properly. The former residents knew they were moving and not going to pay for it, nor sell it, so they had no reason to properly care for it. TIP: Make sure you get a whole house inspection on any used home you buy.
   *Hartland Homes provides a 10 year warranty on all their homes and that is just 1 of many warranties we provide!
3. Health: Health hazards such as mold, pet dander, bug infestations or other items may be present in the foreclosed home.
4. Style: A foreclosed home comes AS IS; it may have out-dated styles, layout and colors.
5. Repairs: Repair costs cannot be rolled into your mortgage and must be paid for in addition to your house payment, utility bills and insurance.
6. Taxes: Just because you paid below market price doesn’t mean your property taxes will reflect that. Most likely you will be paying taxes, which are fully assessed, on the amount the home is worth, not the price you paid.
   *Did you know that when you build and purchase a Hartland Home, your taxes won’t be fully assessed for at least a year? That could save you over $1,800 your first year!
7. Choices: There are limited homes available for below market price and a complex bidding process which makes them hard to buy if you do find one you like!
   *Hartland Homes has over 25 different floor plans in 5 different communities and you get to choose your options and colors.

New Home Sales Sizzles!

March came in and went out like a LION and so did the new home sales for Hartland Homes. We have not had a month this strong since the Spring of 2006! What does this mean? People are tired of sitting on the fence and waiting for the "right time to buy". First-time homebuyers have discovered and are taking advantage of the $8000 tax credit. Home buyers recognize the incredible value Hartland Homes has to offer them.

Are you in the market to purchase a home? Are you a first-time home buyer? Then you are incredibly lucky! This year, when you purchase a home before December 1, 2009 you can claim an $8000 tax credit. If you have no tax liability, you will receive $8000 to spend or save however you please. What is not to love?

If you are looking for a home in the price range of $113,000 up to $250,000 that has a 10 year structural warranty, is energy efficient and built with high quality products, look no further than Hartland Homes.

What is holding you back? Are you worried about credit or down payment? Perhaps you are just worried about the whole process? At Hartland Homes we walk you through the entire process. We make it fun and easy to build a new home. We can help you get your credit up if it is too low and help you determine the best loan for you. There are several options to help with down payment, including a 100% rural loan option, a $15,000 down payment assistance program, and the impact fee rebate. (*must qualify for programs) Hartland Homes also pays your closing costs which saves you a minimum of $2500!

Call a Hartland Homes agent today for more information. 402-477-6668.