Shaw Homes "Sitting On the Fence Can Hurt!" - New Homes Tulsa

Sitting on the fence can hurt!

We all saw mortgage rates bottom out this summer at rates around 3.4%, some even lower.  Everyone has said it’s going to happen, including us here at Shaw Homes.  One of the rare topics that most experts have agreed on is that interest rates are going to go up.  In an interview with Tulsa’s mortgage expert Don Conwell, we asked him about the low rates:  “As much as we’ve enjoyed insanely low rates, the economic path we took to get there certainly wasn’t worth it.  Especially when you consider the collateral damage that’s still affecting the country.” 

We whined about wanting 4.0% rates again.  Don said “Nobody anticipates 30 year rates below 4% again and I don’t think we want to see the economy or global conditions that would get us there”.  Hang with us to the end of this post for the good news!

In the early 1980’s, interest rates hit insane levels of around 18 and 19%.  In the early to mid 90’s interest rates were in the 9% range.  By 2002 we were seeing rates around 6%.    

We are now seeing rates begin their inevitable climb towards normalcy.  Where “normalcy” is going to be is up to debate, however many agree it will be in the area of 6.0%-7.0%.

Since the start of this summer season, rates have increased from that low of around 3.4% to upwards of 4.875%.  This doesn’t sound like a crazy increase, but let’s look at the impact on your monthly payment. 

For this example, let’s use a purchase price of $200,000.  With 10% down, that’s a mortgage loan of $180,000.

            At a rate of 3.4% over 30 years, the payment would be $798/mon.

·         10 years of interest = $54,661

·         30 years of interest = $107,735

At a rate of 4.875% over 30 years, the payment would be $953/mon.

·         10 years of interest = $80,165

·         30 years of interest = $162,927

The numbers above illustrate that just this year, the cost of waiting to buy a home as mortgage rates rise has cost potential buyers $25,504 in interest in the first 10 years alone, and $55,192 over 30 years.

Now for the good news:  Getting a mortgage now at 4.875% versus getting one at 6.875% means a monthly payment of $953 rather than $1182.  That’s a difference of $229 a month!

If you would like to have an informative and helpful discussion about mortgages, you can reach Don Conwell at AmeriPro Funding (918)505-5920.

Shaw Homes has been building new homes in Broken Arrow since 1985.  With new home communities located in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Claremore.  We also build homes on private land. 

To view new home floorplans, communities and more, spend some time checking out our website at www.ShawHomes.com.

Shaw Homes "Your Spring Lawn Starts In The Fall" - New Homes Tulsa

Fall Lawn Care Tips – Yes, this means now!

Your lawn needs attention.  With kids going back to school, organized sports starting up, and televised games taking over the tube, it’s hard to dedicate any time to grass.  If you are a homeowner that loves to have a green lawn, take these steps to insure that next spring your grass has a better chance of coming up the way you want it:

·         Feed it!  Feeding your grass in the fall will help build strong roots and protect it for the winter season.  Try using Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Lawn Fertilizer.  This is easy to do, and can be done when the grass is wet or dry.  You don’t even have to water it in!  Have weeds?  If your lawn has more than just grass growing in it, you may want to skip the normal fertilizer and go with a weed and feed product like Scotts® Super Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Weed And Feed.

·         Seed it!  Reseeding during the fall will help thicken your lawn and make it harder for weeds to take root.  If you don’t know what type of grass you have, take a good sample to your local store and let them tell you.  You may want to mix grass types so your grass greens faster in the spring, and stays green further into fall.

Share this article on your page to help green up your Friends lawns!

Shaw Homes has been building new homes in Broken Arrow since 1985.  With new home communities located in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Claremore.  We also build homes on private land. 

To view new home floorplans, communities and more, spend some time checking out our website at www.ShawHomes.com.

Shaw Homes "Tulsa Parade of Homes 2013 - Shaw Homes Style" - New Homes Tulsa

Tulsa Parade of Homes 2013 – Shaw Homes Style

The 2013 Tulsa Parade of Homes begins Saturday June 15^th and runs thru Sunday June 23^rd. Open Hours are 1-7pm daily.  If you want the Best Incentive we have offered all year, then now is the time to come and get it! Our Parade of Homes Incentive starts today!

Shaw Homes will be offering a wide variety of styles to see this year.  We feel that Tulsa home buyers are ready for some new trends and styles of homes and don’t want to just see more of the same in the Tulsa Parade of Homes this year.  We have diligently listened to the thousands of customers that walked thru our model homes in the last year and asked them what they wanted to see in order to be able to meet the demands of the market.  We believe you will see the freshest architecture, most modern family floorplan layouts and the most current decorating styles in our homes this year.

Be sure to check out our “Midtown Comes to Broken Arrow” home for a great example of a home with a Pottery Barn flavor and a Young Urban Family design.  This one-of-a-kind home is sure to be the talk of this year’s Parade of Homes. Like our Facebook page to be the first to get all the info on our “Reveal” on this home June 14^th.

Whether you are just beginning your home search, getting ready to select a builder, or researching the latest home innovations, building materials, and decorating trends, this parade is for you!  Shaw Homes is featuring 9 New Homes in the Tulsa Parade of Homes this year.  All of our Tulsa Parade of Homes entries will be decorated and fully furnished.

Shaw Homes "Energy Efficiency 411 - Saving Money Buys More Home" - New Homes Tulsa

Energy Efficiency 411

Shaw Homes is continuously reviewing what steps we take and materials we use to make our homes more energy efficient than the competition.  One of the greatest advantages to new construction homes built by Shaw Homes is the cutting edge energy efficiency and the warranty we stand behind.

To best illustrate how important saving money on energy is, consider this:  Every $100/mon. you lower your monthly home ownership expenses equates to $20,000 in purchasing power.  In other words, if you moved into a new Shaw home that saved you $100/mon. on your total power bills, that means you could spend about an extra $20,000 on your new home without raising your monthly payment from your existing home (not taking into account any changes in interest/taxes/PMI/insurance).

Following is a partial list of energy features we use to help our new homeowners save money:

• ·         Low-E Argon filled vinyl-tilt, dual-pane energy efficient windows.
• ·         Owens Corning® R-32 blown-in-ceiling insulation and R-13 exterior wall batts with zero tolerance application.
• ·         All exterior doors, windows and penetrations are Dow energy sealed, energy efficient and weather sealed.  Insulated fiberglass entry door with continuous weather stripping protection.
• ·         Dupont® Tyvek house wrap for moisture vapor protection.
• ·         Carrier® 80% high efficiency gas furnace.
• ·         13 SEER Carrier high efficiency cooling equipment.
• ·         Zoned heating and cooling with 2 separate units on 2 story homes for extreme energy efficiency.
• ·         A.O. Smith® 50 gallon high efficiency gas water heater.
• ·         Warsbo® pex freeze tolerant plumbing.

Shaw Homes builds energy efficient homes in Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Claremore, and the surrounding Tulsa area.  Our homes come with a 2 year/10 year warranty package, showing our commitment to happy customers, and that we stand behind the homes we build.

Shaw Homes has been building new homes in Broken Arrow since 1985.  With new home communities located in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Claremore.  We also build homes on private land. 

To view new home floorplans, communities and more, spend some time checking out our website at www.ShawHomes.com.

Shaw Homes "Energy Efficiency 301 - Water Heater and Furnace" - New Homes Tulsa

Energy Efficiency 301 – Water Heater and Furnace

Insulating your water heater – As much as you enjoy a nice warm blanket during the winter, your water heater will pay you to wrap it up!  According to the ACEEE (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy), a fiberglass insulating blanket on a water heater that is in an unheated space can cut heat loss from your water heater by 25% to 40%, saving you 4%-9% on the average water-heating bill of $308.  A good water heater blanket runs about $30, and is easy to install.  Check with the manufacturer before installing one to make sure it’s right for your unit, and that you install it without blocking critical components.

Water heater temp – Check your water heater temperature setting and make sure that it is no higher than 125 degrees.  120 degrees is usually more than adequate for household water use, including showers and baths.  At 125 degrees you can still scald your skin.

Furnace health and your health –

·         When your air filters get dirty, your furnace will have to run more often to heat or cool your home.  The furnace is denied the volume of air necessary to push the required amount of hot air into the home.  With spring bringing dogs shedding their winter coats and high pollen count, your filters need far more attention than normal.  Add this task to your iPad, phone, or calendar to check your air filters every 30 days. 

·         DO NOT SKIMP ON AIR FILTERS!  When you are standing in the store looking at air filters and there is one for $7 and one for $16, the $7 filter seems like such a great deal.  It’s not.  The cheap air filters allow the pressure of your air system to pull more of the build-up on the filter into your system, causing both health problems and possible system failure down the road.

·         Have your system maintained twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.  Just like your car gets better gas mileage when it’s properly tuned, your HVAC will operate more efficiently when it’s properly maintained.  Also like your car, if problems are caught early, they usually cost far less to repair.  A local HVAC company you can call is Cartwright Heating and Cooling at (918)299-5161.

Shaw Homes uses water heaters that have a foam wrap inside the unit, making it energy efficient without you having to do anything other than setting the water temperature as low as you are comfortable with. 

Shaw Homes builds energy efficient homes in Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Claremore, and the surrounding Tulsa area.  Our homes come with a 2 year/10 year warranty package, showing our commitment to happy customers, and that we stand behind the homes we build.

Shaw Homes has been building new homes in Broken Arrow since 1985.  With new home communities located in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Claremore.  We also build homes on private land. 

To view new home floorplans, communities and more, spend some time checking out our website at www.ShawHomes.com.

Shaw Homes "Energy Efficiency 201 - Doors, Openings" - New Homes Tulsa

Energy Efficiency 201 – Doors, Openings

It certainly doesn’t feel like the hot weather is right around the corner, but it is.  Use this delayed spring cold spell to your advantage and find out where energy is leaving your home.  Any opening in a home that leads outside is a possible money thief.  As your furnace burns to keep you warm, openings like chimneys, exterior doors, and garage doors can keep it running longer by letting heat escape.  The same openings will have your air conditioner running longer during the summer.  Here are some tips to keep your heating and cooling bills lower regardless of what season it is:

·         Door seals – The favorite test for drafts is to carefully use a candle near any openings to see if the flame moves.  If you find a door that is allowing a draft in, you may need to replace the weather stripping around the door.  Often the seal is still solid except at the bottom of the door.  An easy remedy is to use a Draft Snake.  Draft Snakes are long cloth bags that are filled with rice or sand to conform to the door and floor, and you simply lay them at the base of the door to block the draft.

·         Fireplace openings – Anyone that has a fireplace in Oklahoma knows how loud the wind can sound inside the home.  An easy and efficient way to stop drafts from a fireplace, and keep your heat from flowing out of your chimney, is a Chimney Pillow, or Fireplace Plug.  This is basically an inflatable plug that comes in different shapes and sizes that will stop air from coming in or going out of your fireplace when not in use.  Visit this website for more detailed info.: http://www.batticdoor.com/fireplacedraftstopper.html

·         Garage door – Many home designs have a closet that is accessible from the garage that contains the water heater.  If the garage door is poorly sealed during the winter, your power/gas bill will be higher.  A simple inspection of your current doors seal around the edges, including the top and bottom, should tell you if it’s good or bad.  There are many easy ways to close the gaps, and we recommend a visit to your local hardware, Lowes, or Home Depot.  Use your cell phone and take pictures of the gaps and what surfaces are involved where they exist.  Show these pictures to your hardware helper to get the best remedy.

Shaw Homes builds energy efficient homes in Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Claremore, and the surrounding Tulsa area.  Our homes come with a 2 year/10 year warranty package, showing that we stand behind the homes we build.

Shaw Homes has been building new homes in Broken Arrow since 1985.  With new home communities located in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Claremore.  We also build homes on private land. 

To view new home floorplans, communities and more, spend some time checking out our website at www.ShawHomes.com.

Shaw Homes "Energy Efficiency 101 - Windows" - New Homes Tulsa

Energy Efficiency 101 - Windows

Now more than ever it’s important to pay attention to where your money is going.  With hotter temperatures on the horizon, we will focus on summer conditions.  Trying to cool your home when it’s not properly sealed from the outside elements can add up to thousands of dollars over time.  Shaw Homes are built with dual pane insulated windows and won’t require any of these steps:

• Inspect the inside and outside edges of each window to determine the condition of the caulk.  With high summer heat the caulk will age more rapidly.  Look for cracks and gaps.  If you find a lot of them, it’s time to re-caulk.
• Window Insulation Kit – 3M.  Using double sided tape, a thin sheet of plastic is stretched over the window and attached around the window frame, then it’s tightened using a hair dryer.  This method is effective and cheap and easy to apply.
• Foam Weather Stripping – This product is great for sealing gaps in both windows and doors.  Fairly easy to apply, however the adhesive has a chance of damaging paint when being removed.

Shaw Homes has been building new homes in Broken Arrow since 1985.  With new home communities located in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Claremore.  We also build homes on private land. 

To view new home floorplans, communities and more, spend some time checking out our website at www.ShawHomes.com.

Downsize Your Payment by Getting a Bigger New Home

We are literally having people come into our models right now and buying a bigger new home and having a lower payment than they had on their 20 year old home.
You might be as sick of hearing about "All time lowest interest rates" as we are sicking of saying it, but nonetheless it is truly mind-blowing how much house you can buy for every dollar of monthly payment right now.  Last year when we were saying "Low interest rates" we meant 4.5%, but today we mean 3.25%.  So you might be asking what that equates to in regards to purchasing power, so we ran the numbers for you.
If you were going to buy a $250,000 home one year ago, your payment on an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment your monthly PITI payment would have been $1,800.77.  If you were going to buy that same home today with the exact same down payment, then the PITI payment would be $1,628.32.  That is an overall difference of $172.45 per month.

Or... another way of looking at it is that you can buy a $277,331 home today for the same payment as you could buy a $250,000 home last year at this time.  Combine that with that fact that the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors just reported that the average days on market to sell a home in November 2012 was 47 days and it makes now as good a time as any to get a new home in Tulsa. 

New Home in Brookwood of Jenks

This Wyndham home that we built in Jenks features a custom ceiling treatment and built in bookshelves flanking the fireplace.  This was one of the first homes that we built in Brookwood of Jenks, a new home community in Jenks.  This gated new home community features walking and biking trails, a community playground and pavilion area as well as a large common area.

Custom Ceiling Treatment

  The location of Brookwood of Jenks is on the north side of 111th just west of Elm.  Shaw Homes is building one and two story new homes ranging from 2000-4000 square feet in this community.  Our model home is located at the entrance of the community on the left hand side.  The model's floorplan is our Crescent II+ plan which has a flare of contemporary with a focus on clean lines and woman-centered design.
At Shaw Homes we strive to have the freshest plans that attend to the needs and wants of today's new home buyer.  We re-build our model homes every 2-3 years to incorporate the freshest trends in design and functionality of what today's family needs.  Let's face it, people live differently then they did 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago, and the new home industry needs to change with it.  If you would like to join one of our New Home Model Tours that we offer 3 times a week, please feel free to contact our Online Concierge.