Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category

When searching for your dream home, one crucial decision you’ll face is whether to choose a community with a homeowners association (HOA) or one without. Both options have advantages that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Paran Homes has new homes for sale in two communities in Dallas, GA: Pointe North, with an HOA, and High Shoals, without an HOA. Let’s explore the pros of each to help you determine which is the right fit for you.

Homes With an HOA: Pointe North Community

Choosing a home in an HOA community like Pointe North has several benefits designed to enhance your day-to-day life.

1. Maintained Aesthetics: One of the standout features of an HOA community is the consistent and well-maintained appearance. The HOA enforces guidelines for landscaping, exterior home appearance, and common areas, ensuring the community looks its best year-round. This uniformity can enhance property values and instill a sense of pride among residents. Those without an HOA are not exactly the “Wild Wild West,” as county and city ordinances will also require maintenance and upkeep on the property; the HOA provides a more cohesive appeal from curb to curb.
2. Amenities and Common Areas: Pointe North offers a range of amenities that add convenience and recreation to your daily life. From swimming pools and fitness centers to playgrounds and clubhouses, HOA communities often provide shared facilities that would be costly to maintain individually. These amenities promote a vibrant, active lifestyle and foster a strong sense of community.
3. Conflict Resolution: HOAs serve as mediators for neighbor disputes and community issues. They establish rules and regulations to address noise, parking, and property upkeep, creating a harmonious living environment. This structured approach alleviates tensions and promotes a peaceful neighborhood.

Homes Without an HOA: High Shoals Community

For homebuyers seeking more autonomy, High Shoals has new homes for sale in Dallas, GA without the oversight of an HOA.

1. Freedom and Flexibility: Living in a non-HOA community like High Shoals means you can make decisions about your property’s exterior without needing approval from an association. You can paint your house any color, plant a garden, or install your own backyard pool without restrictions. This flexibility allows homeowners to personalize their spaces to reflect their unique tastes and needs.
2. Lower Costs: Without the monthly or annual HOA fees, residents of High Shoals can enjoy savings related to amenities and services they may not use. These funds can be redirected towards home improvements, family activities, or personal savings. For budget-conscious buyers, this may be a huge selling point.
3. Independence: High Shoals residents enjoy the independence of living in a non-HOA community. While Paulding County still has regulatory rules on property maintenance & upkeep, there are no additional HOA regulations to follow, providing a more relaxed and informal atmosphere. This relaxed environment allows homeowners to customize their homes in ways that are unique to their own needs and tastes.

Finding Your Perfect Home in Dallas, GA

Whether you prefer the structure of an HOA community or the flexibility of a non-HOA neighborhood, Paran Homes offers new homes for sale in Dallas, GA, to suit your lifestyle preferences. Pointe North and High Shoals each provide unique benefits, ensuring you can find the ideal home for you and your family. Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our Dallas communities!

In 2024, the number of misconceptions about buying, selling, and owning a home has never been higher. Homebuilders and real estate agents have worked hard to debunk myths in recent years – for example, with current financing options, you don’t need a $20,000 downpayment to purchase a new home, and buying a townhome is no longer a depreciating asset. However, in the aftermath of the global pandemic and the local Georgia housing market increases, incorrect assumptions have been running rampant.

Here are three common myths about the 2024 real estate market in Georgia we at Paran Homes want to help clear the air about. As a new home shopper, you should know these as you enter the housing market.

Myth 1: The Housing Market Is Going to Crash

One of the most popular myths circulating about the 2024 housing market is the impending crash. According to Fannie Mae’s most recent Home Purchase Sentiment Index, consumer confidence with regard to buying a home is low, partially due to memories of the housing bubble from several years ago. It’s understandable why some prospective homebuyers may hold this belief, especially given the volatility in the market over the past few years. However, a closer examination reveals a more detailed scope of what’s actually going on.

Reality:

Just like how timing the stock market is ill-advised by financial experts and hedge fund managers, forecasting a housing market crash with certainty is nearly impossible. Various factors, such as economic indicators, interest rates, and housing supply, influence market trends and volatility. Currently, the majority of experts believe a housing market crash is unlikely in 2024 and the next several years based on current data.

“[There’s] just simply not enough supply. So the economics of supply and demand, if there’s a shortage, prices simply cannot crash.” – Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors

“The U.S. is currently between 2.3 million and 6.5 million units short of a healthy housing supply, according to Realtor.com. Even if something happened that caused a lot of homebuyers to drop out of the market, demand likely still couldn’t drop low enough to push prices down significantly.” (Business Insider)

In short, Supply is too far off from demand for there to be any significant crash in the coming years.

Myth 2: Renting Is Always Cheaper Than Buying a House

The debate between renting and buying has begun to reach a new audience, with the inexperienced advocating that the benefits of renting far outweigh buying a home in 2024. What are those supposed benefits? Maintenance and repair are primarily cited, even though repair is covered by warranty on a new Paran Home, and both are covered with the purchase of a townhome.

Reality:

The decision between renting and buying depends on individual circumstances, including the house’s location, financial goals, and long-term plans. While renting has a perception of flexibility for those who want to move every 12 months and lower costs during the first year of the lease (no downpayment or closing costs, all maintenance covered), renting comes without the stability and gains in equity owning a home brings.

Significant rent increases have been in effect throughout the country for years, and those looking to solidify their budget find that paying a mortgage is better for their peace of mind. According to Apartment List, the national median rent is around $250 per month higher than it was three years ago. The national median rent increased by 0.5% in April 2024 alone, yet those with fixed-rate mortgages pay no increase in principal & interest payments on their homes. The longer they stay, the more equity they accumulate. The longer you stay in a rental, the more equity you have given to your landlord, as grateful as landlords can be.

In short: Potential homebuyers should carefully assess their situation before making a decision. Keep in mind that land is one of the few things they’re not making more of, and you would be much happier keeping the equity you’ve paid for vs. donating that equity over even 5 years to someone you may have never even met.

Myth 3: It’s Too Difficult to Get Financing in Today’s Market

While it’s true many of our parents bought their home before credit scoring existed, with no downpayment, or monetary credit from the housing equivalent of the “Cash for Clunkers” program, safe finance options are more abundant than ever in 2024.

Reality:

The “Sign & Drive” financing that contributed to the housing bubble collapse is long gone, but Paran Homes has never advocated for that type of loan for our homebuyers. FHA-insured mortgages are available today, which take the best parts of the older B-paper loans (easy qualify, easy terms, easy down payments) and marry them with safer quality standards that don’t overextend borrowers or homeowners. Other options like VA loans or USDA loans have included homebuyers from various tax brackets and financial situations, so purchasing in a new community from Paran Homes is very obtainable!

The Bottom Line

Home prices are determined by two things: supply and demand.

There is a lot of pent-up demand in the housing market right now that has been kept at bay because of the affordability problem. But as affordability improves, more people will move forward with their homebuying plans.

Don’t miss out on purchasing the home you want because you’re too busy timing the market. Talk to a Paran Homes agent today about your options and ask about our current promotions that can save you money on your investment. We can’t wait to welcome you home!

What does your daily life look like? For many working professionals in the U.S., commuting to work (or should we say battling traffic?) and being away from their families is common. After a long day of being with the world, your home should always allow you to be the person you want to be. Yes, a comfy couch covered in the warmth of mid-day sunlight or an aesthetically pleasing plant parent corner can elevate your living areas, but what about doing something new to the walls?

If you immediately cringed at the idea of smelling paint fumes in your house for weeks, we don’t blame you. However, we’re talking about all things wall art, from canvas paintings, tapestries, and even sculptures, and how adding these pieces can enhance your home’s appeal. Here are six steps from Paran Homes for choosing artwork for your new home.

“For me, art to a room is like punctuation to a sentence; it is that all-important ingredient, and without it, a space lacks the layers and attitude that a significant piece can bring.” – Interior Designer Tara Bernerd

Step 1: Crunch Your Budget Numbers

Before you start frolicking down the aisles of your local art surplus store, don’t forget to crunch your budget numbers. If you have significant funds, browse galleries or contact an artist whose work you admire to see what they have for sale. According to Investopedia, purchasing original artwork can be a wise investment.

Nevertheless, before buying expensive art, one must understand that rare art is valuable art. Do your research on the artist and the specific artwork, then check sites such as artfacts.net or eBay to get a representative sample for pricing. If you want a more cost-effective option, check out online shops like Society6, which features work from a wide selection of artists.

Step 2: Choose Your Favorite Artistic Style

It’s easy and convenient to say you’re “not picky” when it comes to art, but you deserve to have beautiful pieces adorning the walls of your home.

Look over the different sections by Google Arts & Culture and see which styles you are most interested in. Do you gravitate more towards Andy Warhol’s pop art style, or maybe you want to challenge your inner Picasso and hang some cubism pieces? Explore these popular styles and have fun being the art critic for a change!

Step 3: Take the Style of the Room into Account

If you aren’t trying to completely redo a room in your home, consider a simple revamp of the space. Before you purchase the new art, take some time to look at your walls (structure and spacing), furniture (clashing colors and style), and the existing theme or usage of the room.

Make sure the artwork you choose compliments the space or can serve as the room’s focal point. If you and your guests feel like the art detracts from everything else in the room, then the art isn’t serving its intended purpose and should be moved.

Step 4: Look Beyond Photographs and Portraits

Believe us. There is more to the art world than canvas paintings, prints, landscape photographs, and portraits. Your home can be decked out the way you want this year!

A fabric tapestry hung on a large wall might be perfect for your living room. How about including eye-catching macramé pieces for a unique corner in your bedroom? Other homeowners have branched out to include shelved figurines and sculptures, and some even paint detailed murals straight onto the walls! Whatever works for you and your family works for us.

Step 5: Triple-Check Your Measurements

Step five to choosing a piece of wall art is determining what kind of available space you have. To avoid hammering too many holes in the wall, now is the time to grab the tape measure!

We suggest purchasing a level and a beam detector to ensure you get precise measurements and don’t run into issues with what’s behind the walls. If this task seems daunting when in doubt, hire a handyperson or enlist the help of a detailed friend or family member to avoid mistakes!

“Be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really like is ever out of style.” – Billy Baldwin

Step 6: Consider the Durability of your Artwork

As much as we’d like it to, art doesn’t last forever. Photographs can fade in the sun, sculptures can become tarnished or chipped, and anything in the kitchen could end up with food stains.

When picking out art for your home, consider how long you want each piece to last, how durable it is, and if it can last for a few years where you’d like to display it. Knowing the best place to display artwork is a significant part of keeping the art’s value.

Oscar Wilde said it best, “Art imitates life.” What better way to celebrate that powerful statement than by living in a new home filled with art you love?

Call Paran Homes today to learn about our available homes with enough space to channel your inner artist! Our limited-time promotion is still active for spring; claim your Fresh Start now!

As we learn more about the impact of our surroundings on our overall health, the concept of home design for wellness has become popular with interior designers and homeowners alike. From incorporating natural elements and nurturing houseplant havens to optimizing open-concept layouts and energy-saving lighting, every aspect of your living environment plays a crucial role in how you feel each day. Let’s explore 3 tips for creating a healthy, eco-friendly home design for your living space.

Open-Concept Layouts for a Peaceful Home Life

The layout of your home affects your daily routines and interactions with the environment. Design your space to welcome guests into your home with inviting open-concept gathering areas, cozy nooks for relaxation, and functional zones for activities like reading, lounging, and playing games. Adding ergonomic furniture, plush textiles, and natural colors to your interior design will evoke warmth and comfort.

Smart Home Technology in the Home

Integrate smart home technology to make daily tasks easier and promote a sustainable lifestyle for your family. Look around your home and decide which area(s) could use more efficiency or safety. Installing a video doorbell allows you to monitor visitors and delivered packages. An automatic shut-off stove in the kitchen prevents fires and other cooking accidents. A voice-activated speaker can also order a takeout delivery on a busy day or call emergency services if you need assistance. You can also purchase an automatic pet feeder or video camera to ensure your furry family members are safe and sound when they’re home alone. Embracing more smart home technology is a step toward establishing a healthy, balanced home life.

Add Personality to Your Favorite Spaces

Enhance your living spaces with meaningful decor, special mementos, and inspiring artwork to create a cozy atmosphere. Weaving in personal touches like family photos, unique souvenirs, and captivating artwork brings more of your unique personality into your home. Plus, these design elements are great conversation starters for family and friends and give your items a place to be displayed instead of sitting in storage. Let your creativity shine with decor that tells your story and transforms your house into a home.

This year, create a home environment that promotes wellness by embracing open-concept design, sustainable materials, and sentimental artifacts, as well as incorporating smart home technology for security and peace of mind. At Paran Homes, we build communities that help new homeowners enhance the quality of their lives, one thoughtful design choice at a time. Contact us today for more information about our available new homes in metro Atlanta and current promotions!

Buying a new home is typically the most expensive purchase people make in their lives. The process can be arduous, but the beautiful hardwood floors, shiny granite countertops, and lush green backyards draw you in and make a lasting impression. However, that excitement can disappear if your chat with an agent about the cost of the home, homeowner’s association fees and property taxes doesn’t go as planned. Make the dream of homeownership from Paran Homes a reality in 2024 by being proactive instead of reactive. Learn why you should get pre-approved for a mortgage now!

‘Get Your Head in the Game’… the Real Estate Game, That is!

Interest rates have dropped in 2024, and now is the time to sign a contract for the home you’ve been eyeing.

“After rising to 7.79% in October—the 2023 high—mortgage rates have cooled markedly in recent weeks…”(Forbes) It is expected that “mortgage rates will continue to ease in 2024 as inflation improves and Fed rate cuts get closer…” (Realtor), dropping down to 6.5% on average this year.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage now offers insights into various mortgage options and helps you select the most suitable one. You can take the time to compare lenders and the types of loans they offer, such as conventional, government, fixed-rate, and more! With so much information out there, it’s better to get organized early and take advantage of the lower interest rates so you don’t pay more for your home later.

Touring a model home or speaking to a seller with your pre-approval in hand convinces them that you are committed to the process of being a homeowner. Sellers often favor pre-approved buyers, which signifies seriousness and financial readiness to purchase. Don’t waste time window-shopping your new home when you can purchase confidently!

In the United States, having good credit has been a marker of good financial literacy for the last few decades. For many home purchases using a loan, a high credit score is required to get the best interest rate and approval odds. Pre-approval may uncover credit issues or errors that can be addressed before the actual purchase process. Getting your pre-approval completed before touring model homes or speaking with a real estate agent can save time if your credit score is too low and needs improvement.

Buying a new home is a lot like playing a game of chess. An unexpected appraisal amount may cause you to rethink your winning strategy, and a home inspection can cause a blockade and derail your move-in plans. Having mortgage pre-approval strengthens your negotiation power when making an offer on a property. It gives you more knowledge to make the right move and avoid blunders by accepting a less favorable loan. With Marc Chillion and Paran Homes, homeownership is the endgame for 2024!

From your boss requesting overtime at work, your kids needing to be picked up from school, and your dog feigning a long walk, you’re busier than ever this year. Pre-approval streamlines the closing process, reducing the chances of delays. Buying a new house is a lengthy process, but getting pre-approved cuts down on wasted time and unexpected news. Take your time back this year and move into your new home faster and more efficiently.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Today!

Getting pre-approval for a mortgage now can save you time and money later! Contact Marc Chillion today for pre-approval options and information on new construction communities in Atlanta, GA from Paran Homes!

Now that the holiday season has ended, it’s time to welcome the new year into your home by incorporating more neutral decor! 2024 design trends stipulate that this time of year is about muted shades and soothing patterns. Seasonal scents and plush linens also bring warmth and an inviting ambiance into your home. At Paran Homes, we’re excited to build high-quality, new single-family homes in Georgia and offer our homeowners helpful tips to design their new house into the home they’ve always dreamed of.

Use a Neutral Color Palette for Your Decor

To make your new home stand out this year, incorporate rich colors like terracotta, navy, lavender, or eucalyptus into your decor and lighting. Typical neutral colors like beige, taupe, gray, cream, brown, black, and white complement primary and secondary hues can also be used to create a seamless look. Pops of calming colors give your design style an edge and ensure your home is welcoming for your family and friends.

Incorporate a Variety of Seasonal Scents

There is no better feeling than opening your front door after a long day and smelling the fresh scents brewing in your diffuser and wafting around your home. Distinctive scents like cinnamon, pine, eucalyptus, and bergamot evoke a winter ambiance and bring the natural fragrance of the outdoors into your house. Using a diffuser is also safer than burning candles or incense. It can add a unique visual element with rotating colorful lights and puffs of white vapor and even simulate musical notes or songs versus a typical wall plugin.

Opt for Comfortable Linens and a Cozy Appeal

Snuggling with plush blankets, faux fur throws, and soft cushions is a must-do during the winter season, and integrating these elements into your home invokes warmth and comfort. Take inventory of the rooms in your home where you typically relax and try to add more cozy items. A fuzzy beige or oatmeal-colored rug, chunky knitted throw blanket, and collection of hand-woven brown baskets will make any area a delight to spend time in.

Add Dimension and Light With Mirrors

A thoughtfully placed mirror can make a small room look almost double its size because of the illusion of additional space! Consider adding this popular visual element to your home to wow your guests. Creating perceived space also helps to reflect natural light and bring in a homely, comforting glow.

Flex Your Green Thumb Indoors

It’s true; you can still have a vibrant indoor plant nursery in the year’s cold months. The winter is a great time to be innovative and experimental with your plant displays. Shop for seasonal flowers like pansies, amaryllis, or winter roses to bring natural beauty indoors. Don’t forget to place your other fall plants near the window or under a grow light so they can get as much sun as possible and stay alive through the winter. Slow down on watering and fertilizing, and don’t hesitate to prune the pots for any dead or decaying stems and leaves.

Bonus Tip: Your Pets Want to Snuggle Too!

Your furry friends may tote their natural coats for warmth, but burrowing in warm pillows and making biscuits on fuzzy blankets is their favorite pastime in the winter. Besides integrating neutral linens, consider making their spaces more winter-themed, too! Place a large pet bed in the corner by the fireplace for your dog, drape a blanket on your cat tree stand, and add neutral-colored crocheted toys to your rabbits’ playpen to do the trick!

Make this the year you’re excited to spend more time indoors with winter designs that provide comfort, impress your family and friends, and add extra personality to your home. For more helpful tips and ideas for new homeowners, check out our Instagram! Happy New Year from Paran Homes!